With amazing Pride events taking place all across the UK this summer, eviivo are joining in the celebration by highlighting some of the wonderful gay-owned properties we work with. Pride is a time to shine for those in the LGBTQ+ community, and the couples behind these lovely properties all deserve their moment in the spotlight at this time more than any other.
Brightham House, Malborough, Devon
Multi award-winning Brightham House (VisitEngland Excellence In England Bronze Award 2022; AA Unique B&B of the Year; Visit Devon Tourism Awards winner) is located near Salcombe on Devon’s beautiful south coast. The property, a labour of love for owners Scott and Alistair, merges design with the couple’s passion for travel and the destinations they’ve visited together. Decor is eclectic (a huge helter skelter painted on the exterior sets the tone), all carried off with playfulness and panache, and the 8 chic rooms have a retro, vintage feel. Gourmet breakfasts are served in the light-filled orangery dining room, and guests are encouraged to enjoy the well-stocked bar, wood-fired hot tub and beautiful courtyard garden with comfy sofas.
There’s a gym and fitness area and space for bikes, paddleboards and surfboards for guests who can tear themselves away from the characterful interiors to make the most of the surrounding coast and countryside. E-bikes can be hired to help tackle any troublesome hills while navigating the country lanes and exploring secluded coves.
Plas Tan-Yr-Allt, Tremadog, Gwynedd
Steeped in history, Plas Tan-Yr-Allt Historic Country House was the Regency home of entrepreneur William Alexander Madocks, whose feats of civil engineering opened up the North Wales slate mining industry and after whom the village of Tremadog and neighbouring town of Porthmadog are named. The fascinating history of ‘The Plas’ takes in a wealth of literary and musical figures: English romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley completed his epic poem Queen Mab while living here from 1812-13 and E.F. Benson, creator of the eccentric Mapp & Lucia novels, and his older brother Arthur, author of the words to the rousing ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ were regular visitors; both brothers were gay.
Hosts Howard and Mark took over the 3-bedroom property in 2015 and offer a stylish taste of award-winning country house living, including serving afternoon tea in the drawing room or on the veranda, overlooking manicured lawns and surrounded by over 40 acres of ancient woodlands. Guests can take in stunning views to the Glaslyn Estuary and watch the narrow gauge steam trains of the Ffestiniog Railway puffing past on Madock’s causeway, known as ‘The Cob.’
27 Brighton, East Sussex
This beautiful boutique guest house just off Brighton’s seafront takes its inspiration from the city’s Regency heritage. Its 5 elegantly furnished rooms exude sophistication with antiques and quirky touches, and views over the courtyard garden or to the sea from the large bay windows.
Owners Antony and John swapped running a guest house in South Africa for the cosmopolitan charms of Brighton in 2021 and haven’t looked back. “We love it here” says Antony. “Our location is perfect, away from the hustle and bustle but close to the beach, restaurants and bars. Our guests love it too, and we try to spoil them from the moment they arrive with thoughtful little extras like John’s freshly baked cakes.” The attention to detail pays off, with their property consistently rated one of the best in the city.
Faraway Follies, Llandegla, Denbighshire
Rustic and secluded, the sustainability-driven Faraway Follies is run by creative couple Jenny and Margaret, who have lived here together for 45 years and also run their own food business selling patés and relishes around the world. These delightfully quirky lodges in North Wales, each with its own wood burner and wood-fired hot tub fed from a mountain spring, offer peace and quiet for all.
Jenny, a trained crystal therapist says “we want our guests to reset, renew and recharge when they stay here, and really get away from the stresses of everyday life. They all comment on feeling relaxed and completely refreshed when they leave our little haven of tranquility.”
Choose from the Copse Camp treehouse and gypsy caravan, the Dog House (a converted kennel!) or Owl Lodge, once a garage and game larder at this former shooting lodge set in beautiful countryside on the edge of a grouse moor.
The Molly House, Blackpool, Lancashire
Paul and Craig have been the proud owners of The Molly House in Blackpool for over 18 years, and they provide quality, stylish accommodation in relaxed surroundings. Close to the Tower, North Pier, Winter Gardens and the promenade, their B&B is in the heart of Blackpool’s thriving gay quarter, just moments away from lively bars, clubs and the famous Funny Girl’s burlesque drag cabaret show. And if the pleasures of the town get too much, guests can head out of town for a spot of cruising, by pre-booking a boat excursion on the picturesque Lancaster Canal (subject to numbers; transport and weather conditions permitting). Those who prefer their cruising more in-house can check out their new cellar men-only space and monthly themed events.
“We’re open to all,” says Paul, “whether gay or straight, young or old, and simply want everyone to feel comfortable, be themselves, and have an absolutely fantastic time here in Blackpool.”
Image: 27 Brighton