Our Story

Geoff and I feel very privileged to call Sutton Baynham Farm our home.  We have lived here for well over three decades, surrounded by the rolling wooded hills of the Forest of Dean, and we still think it is a very special place.

Forest Barns has grown from that love of the countryside.  What began as a collection of traditional farm buildings has been carefully restored and converted into a private hamlet of luxury self-catering cottages, created for guests who want comfort, character, space and time together.

Today, Forest Barns includes five individual cottages, each with its own private hot tub, together with shared spaces for family gatherings, celebrations, retreats and wedding stays. Guests can book a single cottage for a peaceful countryside break, or reserve a larger part of the hamlet for a special occasion.

Owner-Led, Personal Hospitality

Forest Barns is owner-led, and we are involved in the business day to day. If you make an enquiry or booking, there is every chance you will speak with me directly. Together with our small, trusted team, we work hard to create a warm, comfortable and memorable holiday experience for every guest.

Our guests often tell us that Forest Barns feels like a retreat from busy lives. That matters to us. We want guests to arrive, breathe out, settle in and feel that everything has been thought through with care.

From the cottages and hot tubs to the gardens, linen, welcome touches, children’s facilities, dog-friendly arrangements and local advice, our aim is to make Forest Barns feel both luxurious and genuinely welcoming.

A Special Place in the Forest of Dean

Sutton Baynham Farm sits at the head of a valley, surrounded by wooded hills and countryside views. The Forest of Dean, Wye Valley and Gloucestershire countryside are all part of the experience here, with walks, cycling, wildlife, river days, gardens, castles, market towns and country pubs within easy reach.

Although Forest Barns feels peaceful and tucked away, it is also a practical base for family holidays, romantic escapes, multi-generational gatherings, celebrations, retreats and exclusive-use wedding stays.

Caring for the Countryside

Geoff and I both come from farming and countryside backgrounds, so looking after this place matters deeply to us. With five grandchildren, we also feel strongly about doing what we can to reduce our environmental impact and protect this beautiful area for the future.

Over the years, we have invested in a range of practical eco-initiatives to help reduce both our own and our guests’ carbon footprint, while keeping the cottages warm, comfortable and enjoyable throughout the year.

These include:

• Electric vehicle charging available on site
• A biomass boiler using local woodchip to provide heating and hot water for much of the site
• Hot water systems supporting the cottages and private hot tubs
• Rainwater harvesting, used for most WC flushing and for our in-house laundry
• Soft 400-thread-count bed linen, laundered on site
• Heat-pump tumble dryers for greater laundry efficiency
• LED lighting across the site
• Guest recycling facilities
• Ongoing insulation improvements to help retain heat in the cottages
• Compost and suitable food-waste collection, with some scraps going to our chickens, who return the favour with eggs when available

We have also retained backup systems where needed, because comfort and reliability are important for our guests, especially during colder months.

Book Direct with Lynda and Geoff

When you book directly with Forest Barns, you are booking with us, the owners. We know every cottage, bedroom layout, access route, hot tub, garden and group-stay option, so we can help you choose the right cottage or arrangement for your stay.

Whether you are planning a romantic break for two, a family holiday, a group gathering, a celebration or a wedding weekend, we are happy to guide you towards the most suitable option.

Ready to check your dates?

Use our live booking calendar to check availability and prices across all Forest Barns cottages and group stays.

Check Availability & Prices

Ready to check your dates?
Use our live booking calendar to check availability and prices across all Forest Barns cottages and group stays.

Check Availability & Prices

Geoff and I look forward to welcoming you to Forest Barns.

Proud members of Premier Cottages...

Premier Cottages is not a holidays agency.  It is a collective of independent holiday cottage owners with more award-winning luxury cottages than any other UK holiday website. All Premier member properties have officially gained four or five star status, so when you book with Premier Cottages, you know you’re booking quality. Put simply, excellence is what they do best.

Whether you use the Book Now buttons on the Premier Cottages website, or click through to the owner’s own website, you are booking direct with us, the owners, and there are NO booking fees or hidden charges.