The Woodhouse - Ledbury and Bromyard, Herefordshire, England

SELF-CATERING HOLIDAY OF THE YEAR  2009 ENJOY ENGLAND AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE - English Tourism's Highest Accolade

2010 Sunday Times 100 Cool Cottages

Heart of England Self-Catering Holiday of the Year 2008. Set amongst the apple orchards for which Herefordshire is famous, The Woodhouse is one of the oldest domestic properties in the area.  It has been lovingly and painstakingly restored using traditional materials and techniques. Furnished with antiques and dramatic fabrics to reflect its medieval past, it is the perfect place to host a special occasion.

Sleeping 8, there are two double bedrooms and a separate family suite of two rooms. All rooms are ensuite. A small snug downstairs can be used as an extra bedroom if required. The Solar bedroom  contains a medieval-style hanging bed (king-size) with dramatic hangings to enclose the bed fully and pavilion-style wardrobes. An antique chest and chest-of-drawers complete the storage available. The en-suite bathroom has a separate shower, two washbasins and medieval-inspired tiles. The Family Suite has two adjoining rooms, one with a stunning king-size four-poster bed with silk-lined hangings and a single bed, and one with another single bed and the bath and shower room. The moat room overlooks the waters of the moat and has a half-tester bed with an en-suite shower room.

Downstairs you will find a fitted hand-made oak kitchen, designed specifically for the room with replica medieval encaustic-tiled floor. Appliances to make your holiday easier include an Aga, and Miele fridge, freezer, dishwasher, microwave, washing machine and tumble dryer. Separate larder. The dining room is perfect for your family reunion and can seat up to 16. The antique table, a Jacobean court cupboard and large fireplace in what was originally the Great Hall provide a wonderful backdrop for a banquet. The sitting room contains two comfortable Knole sofas, a leather armchair and silk-upholstered antique chair. Focus of the room is the woodburning stove, for which all logs are provided free, but in Summer, the oriel window overlooking the moat provides beautiful views of the waterlilies, flag irises and rushes.