THE WOODHOUSE, a Grade II* Listed semi-moated medieval hall-house, dating from the 1430s, has been lovingly and painstakingly restored using traditional methods and materials including Herefordshire oak, wattle and daub, lime mortar, limewash and casein paint.

Considered to be of particular architectural importance, it is mentioned in N Pevsner’s Buildings of England, The Royal Commission on Historic Monuments for East Herefordshire and in The Book of Ledbury by Joe Hillaby. It can also be found on English Heritage’s Images of England website, in the archives of the Observer (see Living a Restoration Drama Feb 2004) and was included in a BBC Radio 4 Open Country programme on Herefordshire.

Original beams and rich fabrics bring to life The Woodhouse’s medieval past. Underfloor heating throughout the house, the traditional cream Aga and wood-burning stove ensure that your stay will be a comfortable one. Leaded windows, using restoration glass (some with small paintings on them taken from medieval sources) filter softly coloured light from outside to play on the stone flagged floor which is covered with rugs. Antiques and pictures add to the atmosphere.

A digital TV, DVD/video player, CD player (with a selection of DVDs, videos and CDs) a radio and games are provided for your enjoyment on dark nights in front of a roaring fire. Sit and watch the heron through the oriel window or walk out through the Gothic arched doorway onto the terrace where you can see the moorhens on the moat bringing up their family among the water lilies. Different times of the year bring different spectacles, from the snowdrops and massed daffodils in spring to damsel and dragon flies, flag irises and roses in summer, rose hips, apples, pears, damsons and other fruits in autumn to woodpeckers and robins in winter. There is always something to see.

SUMPTUOUS BEDROOMS

The Solar has a stunning king size medieval-style hanging bed with the elaborate hangings suspended from the timbers in the open roof. An antique chest of drawers and oak mule chest are provided for your clothes and wardrobe space can be found in specially designed medieval-style pavilions. An en-suite bathroom with separate shower and double washbasins set in marble has heraldic tiles showing jousting.

The Family Suite has two adjoining rooms. The Hall bedroom is a triple with a crimson silk-lined four-poster bed and a single bed. The adjoining room has a single bed and bathroom.

The Moat bedroom, overlooking the carp-filled waters of the moat, has another king size double with a medieval-style tester bed and en-suite shower room.

Downstairs, the hall leads to a loo and small snug. This contains a single bed and can be used as a bedroom. It also houses another TV/DVD player.

The kitchen, like the rest of the property, is unique, the cupboards, made from Herefordshire oak, having been designed to echo the architectural features of the house and show quatrefoils and Gothic arches. The worktop is solid oak while the floor is made up of hand-made encaustic tiles based on a medieval pavement in Worcester Cathedral.

If you enjoy cooking, we have an Aga with Aga cookery book and pans, but also an electric oven and two gas hobs, one four ring and one two ring. The kitchen is well-equipped and includes a microwave, toaster, kettle, cafetiere and food processor amongst other things. A fridge and large freezer with a separate larder provide plenty of space for food storage, particularly useful if you are planning a special occasion meal or garden party.

If the cook enjoys company, there is a window seat in the bay window and a settle. The antique French oak refectory table happily seats eight, as will the dining table next door. This “cup and cover” design English oak table can be added to and the dining room will accommodate 16 to dine together. There is, of course, enough crockery, cutlery and glassware for that number . We stock local award-winning wines, ciders, perries and

beers for you to sample during your stay.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

The Woodhouse is the perfect place to organise your special reunion, anniversary, wedding reception or other celebration. Hire it on its own or book it as part of a short break along with Barn Croft and/or The Wainhouse to arrange an unforgettable treat for your friends and family.

A garden marquee is available on request and we do have a barn which can be used for small ceilidhs and Summer garden parties.*

The terrace is the perfect place for a small number of musicians to serenade guests as the music floats across the waters of the moat. Catering can be arranged; perhaps you would like a chef to come in and cater for a dinner party, a cold buffet or canapés for a garden party or wedding reception.

* >must be booked in conjunction with Barn Croft.