Greenlands Barn 1 of 10 561027-833601-2000106-20220607
VisitEngland Assessment Services
Self-Catering Visit Report
Summary
STAR RATING
DESIGNATOR
QUALITY SCORE
????
Self-Catering
91%
Gold Award
VISIT DATE
VISIT TYPE
07 June 2022
Day Assessment
CONTACT
Mrs Carol Williams Proprietor
Following this year’s assessment, Greenlands Barn retains a Four Star Self Catering rating. The property sits extremely highly in the rating with commendable scoring throughout. The Gold Award id also reconfirmed for another year and recognises the high quality and attention to detail noted throughout. The visit and debrief was carried out with Mr and Mrs Williams, the owners, who are both very happy to retain the rating and award. Since the last visit new bone china crockery has been purchased and is excellent quality. The WIFI has been improved with Fibre Optic hopefully soon to be installed. Externally the gardens present extremely well, the pond has been refurbished and a new garden arbour added for guests to sit at and admire the tranquil gardens and wildlife. Moving forward Carol is keen to have the curtains replaced in the living area. The owners remain extremely keen to increase bookings, this was discussed at length and suggestions given on the visit and within the report, their online presence needs to be increased and recommendations were given. Suggestions also include looking at marketing in The Lady and RSPB/Bird Watcher magazines. VRBO was also discussed as it is believed potential guests can enquire only through this platform. The barn continues to present extremely well with the gardens presenting excellently. Continual hard work and investment from the caring owners, maintains and improves the high standards thus ensuring guests a great experience.
Greenlands Barn Lamberts Lane, EARLS COLNE, Essex, CO6 2LE
Greenlands Barn 2 of 10 561027-833601-2000106-20220607
Quality Rating
How the Overall Quality Rating is Achieved When VisitEngland assessors visit your property, they will evaluate and give a quality score to all aspects of the accommodation and service.
The total of all these scores establishes an overall percentage score for quality.
Based on this score, establishments will be given an overall quality rating on a scale of One to Five Stars, based on the chart below, as long as all minimum entry requirements for the star rating are met.
1 STAR
2 STAR
3 STAR
4 STAR
5 STAR
34% – 47%
48% – 59%
60% – 74%
75% – 86%
87%-100%
There are five levels of quality ranging from One to Five Stars. To obtain a higher star rating a progressively higher quality and range of services and physical facilities should be provided across all areas with particular emphasis in the following five key areas:
BEDROOMS
1 STAR
2 STAR
3 STAR
4 STAR
5 STAR
34% – 47%
48% – 59%
60% – 74%
75% – 86%
87%-100%
BATHROOMS
1 STAR
2 STAR
3 STAR
4 STAR
5 STAR
34% – 47%
48% – 59%
60% – 74%
75% – 86%
87%-100%
CLEANLINESS
1 STAR
2 STAR
3 STAR
4 STAR
5 STAR
60% – 64%
65% – 69%
70% – 79%
80% – 89%
90%-100%
PUBLIC AREAS
1 STAR
2 STAR
3 STAR
4 STAR
5 STAR
34% – 47%
48% – 59%
60% – 74%
75% – 86%
87%-100%
KITCHENS
1 STAR
2 STAR
3 STAR
4 STAR
5 STAR
34% – 47%
48% – 59%
60% – 74%
75% – 86%
87%-100%
Greenlands Barn 3 of 10 561027-833601-2000106-20220607
Greenlands Barn
91%
4 Star
SCORE
PERCENTAGE
RATING
Exterior
15
100%
Appearance of Buildings/Kerb Appeal
5
Grounds/Gardens/Parking
5
Privacy/Peace & Quiet
5
Cleanliness
20
100%
5 Star
Bedrooms
5
Bathrooms
5
Living/Dining Areas
5
Kitchen
5
Management & Efficiency
14
93%
Pre-arrival Information
4
Welcome & Arrival Procedure
5
In-unit Guest Info & Personal Touches
5
Public Areas
23
92%
5 Star
Decoration
5
Flooring
5
Furniture/Furnishings/Fittings
5
Lighting/Heating/Ventilation
4
Space/Comfort/Ease of use
4
Bedrooms
31
88%
5 Star
Decoration
4
Flooring
5
Furniture/Furnishings/Fittings
4
Lighting/Heating/Ventilation
5
Beds
5
Bedding & Bed Linen
5
Space/Comfort/Ease of use
3
Bathrooms
22
88%
5 Star
Decoration
5
Flooring
5
Furniture/Fittings/Sanitaryware
4
Lighting/Heating/Ventilation
5
Space/Comfort/Ease of use
3
Kitchen
35
87%
5 Star
Decoration
4
Flooring
4
Furniture/Furnishings/Fittings
4
Lighting/Heating/Ventilation
5
Electrical & Gas Equipment
4
Crockery/Cutlery/Glassware
5
Kitchenware/Pans/Utensils
4
Space/Comfort/Ease of use
5
Greenlands Barn 4 of 10 561027-833601-2000106-20220607
Exterior
The property presents extremely well from the road with clear signage. The property is situated in the stunning Essex countryside. Attractive and beautifully kept gardens surround the barn. Outdoor furniture is available for guest use. Extremely well maintained blocked paved driveway to one side of the barn. A peaceful location ideal for relaxing or exploring the local area.
Cleanliness
High standards of cleanliness creating a positive impression for arriving guests and a credit to all involved. High and low level ledges and fittings dust and cobweb free throughout with comparable attention to detail also evident to furniture, soft furnishings and lighting/heating fittings. Mixed flooring thoroughly vacuumed to skirtings and in to corners, care also taken around bases of bathroom fittings and kitchen units. Sanitary ware clean and bright, glazed surfaces and chrome fittings polished to a shine; grouting and silicon sealant also presenting to a high standard. Kitchen units clean and attention evident to drawer and cupboard interiors. White goods, tableware and cookware also demonstrating attention to detail.
Management & Efficiency
The owners manage all bookings personally, sending thorough property details and terms and conditions to guests prior to arrival. Guests are always welcomed on arrival and a tour of the barn given and facilities explained. The owners live close by and are always on hand should assistance be required. An excellent welcome pack includes hot beverage making items, homemade cake and bread, fruit juice and butter. Guest information is comprehensive and well presented and includes local leaflets and information. Many personal touches noted including Sky TV, books and games.
Public Areas
The open plan lounge and dining area is extremely well decorated. Exposed beams and an attractive fireplace adds to the character and charm. Space is utilised well to maximise comfort with the high ceilings giving a sense of additional space. Thick carpet continues to present excellently and is beautifully maintained. Furnishings and furniture are very well coordinated and of a very high standard. The dining set and attractive sofa and chairs are very comfortable and extremely well looked after. Excellent natural and well placed artificial lighting. Controllable central heating is effective.
Bedrooms
The bedroom continues to present very well. Space is slightly limited, however the room is completely practical with furniture well placed. Carpet is in excellent condition and beautifully laid. Large built in wardrobe provides ample storage space. The room feels light and airy, with new excellent spot lighting and thermostatically controlled radiators. Pillows, firm mattress and a new topper are all very well protected. Well laundered high quality linen and attractive cushions and throws dress the bed.
Bathrooms
The bathroom is in excellent decorative order with fully tiled walls presenting as new. Practical flooring continues to be very well maintained. Modern sanitary ware and tiled surround presents extremely well with sealant and grouting immaculate. Spotlighting and task lighting is extremely well placed. Large controllable towel rail and extraction seems in very good working order. High quality towels and toiletries are provided for guests. A good amount of space for guest use.
Greenlands Barn 5 of 10 561027-833601-2000106-20220607
Kitchen
The kitchen presents extremely well and has been very well designed to provide ample surface and floor space. Flotex style flooring is well maintained with no marks or stains, however, replacement planned here. Wooden storage units and drawers provide guests with ample storage space. Stainless steels pans, equipment and utensils are of a very high quality and range. Excellent spot lighting, central heating and an extractor fan is noted. Crockery, tableware and glassware is of very good quantity and quality. With excellent quality English Bone China crockery added this year. All appliances seem in very good working order.
Units Seen
Greenlands Barn, kindly shown by David and Carol.
Website Feedback
When carrying out a general Google search on a laptop for self catering barns near Earls Colne, Greenlands Barn appears on the first page within the business listings, suggest linking your website to your business listing. Carol and David are keen to improve their online visibility. VRBO could be considered as this way potential guests can enquire, rather than book.. Also update your free business listing. Add ‘Call’ and ‘Website’. The map positioning also requires amending as discussed. Website reviewed www.greenlandsfarm.co.uk The website is mobile compatible. The attractive website is easy to navigate and with very good use of photos and clear property descriptions that reflect the style of accommodation. Good information on the local area also present. The ‘VisitEngland’ logos are well positioned as are the contact details and tariff. Suggest offering a menu feature to help remove all the tabs from the top. Both the Access Statement and Accessibility Guide noted on the website, both reading very well and easy to locate. Facebook page is active, however strongly suggest updating more often. It is recommended, if not already done so, to provide updated photos and text by logging in to the customer portal (Access details emailed separately to allow this) or email details to visitenglandassessmentservices@aamediagroup.co.uk to enable your establishment listing to be populated correctly on the New VisitEngland website
Potential for Improvement
My main point would be to improve on your occupancy levels. If and when you are looking to increase the rating to 5 Star, recommendations include – Replacing the kitchen floor would help increase scores as discussed, look at hard flooring Karndean is recommended. When replacing saucepans, brands such as Judge, Pro cook, Stellar and Le Creuset. A Smart TV could also be considered at this level, this said Sky TV is provided.
Greenlands Barn 6 of 10 561027-833601-2000106-20220607
Highlights
Beautifully presented barn in the heart of countryside. Exceptional levels of cleanliness. Very high quality furnishings. Well presented gardens. Caring owners who continually invest to ensure very high standards are met and guests are made to feel welcome and relaxed.
Greenlands Barn 7 of 10 561027-833601-2000106-20220607
Minimum Entry Requirements
For a rating to be awarded by VisitEngland, a property must meet all Minimum Entry Requirements and any additional requirements appropriate for the star rating level.
Name
Greenlands Barn
Standard
Self-Catering
Designator
House
Rating
4 Star Gold Award
At the time of our visit, all of the Minimum Entry Requirements and Additional requirements/Key
Requirements were provided.