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Orchard Barn stands uniquely around a private sheltered, walled, lawned
courtyard, with attractive old sandstone pillars. Three ground floor bedrooms
benefit from quick access to it for the enjoyment of a leisurely sunny morning.
Kitchen facilities, dining and sitting areas
Orchard Barn has under floor heating throughout. The oak beamed kitchen is
spacious with a large oak central island with bar stools, perfect for enjoying
breakfast, snacks or a sociable drink. This well-equipped kitchen has a 5 ringed
gas hob, extractor hood and a circular sink for food preparation. There is also
a large fridge, freezer, quiet dishwasher, double sink and electric double oven
with hob. Ample crockery, cutlery and serving dishes are supplied.
The open plan marble tiled floor extends into the dining hall, where there is
plenty of space for up to 16 people to enjoy a meal in lovely surroundings. The
dining room is brightly lit by two sets of glazed oak doors, opening out onto a
terrace and courtyard on one side, and the patio and lawn on the other. It has a
part vaulted ceiling and heavy oak beams. There is a sitting area with 2 large
sofas to one side. The wood burner provides a cosy atmosphere and there is a CD
player for relaxing.
Five curved, illuminated steps lead down to another sitting area with cosy
lighting, sofas, wide screen digital free view TV, DVD player, charming slit
windows and lower patio door.
Other areas and bedrooms
From the kitchen pass down three wide oak steps to the light, airy entrance
hall, cloak room with WC and basin, utility room with automatic washing machine
and tumble dryer room, and sunny stone pillared passage to an en-suite bedroom.
This spacious bedroom - the “Courtyard Bedroom” - has a king-sized bed,
large windows, old stone pillars and a glazed door overlooking the courtyard
patio and lawn. There is a stunning and spacious en-suite marble tiled bathroom
with freestanding bath, two basins, WC and large shower area.
Two further ground floor bedrooms can be reached via the lower sitting room. One
- “Wren’s Nest” has slit windows, a double bed, shower room with WC and
basin. The other - “Robin’s Nest” has twin beds and a bathroom with a
bath with shower attachment over, WC and basin. A fourth bedroom - the “Tower
Bedroom” is reached from the dining/sitting area via curved illuminated
stairs to the first floor. This impressive private, curtained part-galleried,
bedroom has a vaulted ceiling, slit windows, an owl hole window, oak floor, a
king size bed and a single bed. It also boasts a unique cylindrical en-suite
shower room with WC and basin. Bedroom 5 - “Mistletoe” and 6 - “Apple
Orchard”, also on the first floor, can be reached via a second illuminated
curved staircase from the dining area. “Mistletoe” has single twin beds,
oak beams, and shower room with WC and basin. “Apple Orchard” has 3
single beds, a large window looking West over the orchard, an en-suite shower
room with WC and basin. Both bedrooms have oak floors.
The garden and outdoor facilities:
This 18th Century barn stands in a secluded position facing open countryside.
Orchard Barn has its own drive, is situated on the edge of an old cider orchard
and is surrounded by fields where cows graze in summer. It has beautiful far
reaching views of the neighbouring border castle - Pembridge Castle, the Welsh
Mountains and sunsets which can be enjoyed in rural piece and quiet. Take
advantage of the long warm sunny evenings by sitting and relaxing under the
apple trees - where mistletoe grows - at one side of the large garden and watch
buzzards, skylarks and other wildlife. A stunning landscaped patio stretches
around three sides of the barn, from which alfresco dining can be enjoyed. Wide
steps open on to a large lawn where outdoor games can be played. There is a BBQ
area and plenty of seating from which to take advantage of the sun throughout
the day. The garden is fenced and has ample parking area within the boundary,
plus outdoor space, unsecured, for bicycle storage.
Local Activities
There is plenty to do in this area of great landscape value including walks from
the door, castles to explore and the Welsh Border only 1 mile away. The Royal
Forest of Dean and Symonds Yat Rock on the River Wye are 8 miles away and offer:
walks, rock climbing, cycling and canoeing. Local published walks include: The
Hereford Way, The Three Castles Way, The Wye Valley Walk and The Offa’s Dyke
Trail, which make Orchard Barn an excellent base for a party of walking friends.
On the Black Mountains there is climbing, pony trekking, gliding and water
sports, including canoeing, on the River Wye. There are 20 golf courses in the
area and, near Ross-on-Wye, there is hot air ballooning. Coarse fishing is
available locally. There is an outdoor pursuits centre which will arrange tailor
made activities at your prior request, including collection from the door. Also,
4 miles away from Orchard Barn, there is another outdoor activities centre.
Or if your interests are less active, there are local wines to taste, good local
food producers, award winning restaurants and food festivals to visit. There are
bookshops and literary and music festivals to visit, Cathedrals and Abbeys to
view, and attractive local gardens in which to wander. Groups of artists staying
will find plenty to do both on the farm and locally.
General information
Weekend breaks start on a Friday. Week breaks are from Friday to Friday, and
mid-week breaks start on a Monday.
Duvets with linen and towels are included.
Heating oil for under floor heating and hot water is included.
The first basket of logs for the wood burner is included. Additional logs are
available locally.
Outside caterers can deliver a meal to your door. Pre-order your shopping from
Waitrose in Monmouth ready for your arrival and we will put the chilled and
frozen food away for you. Please remember to give the name of “Orchard Barn”
when making your order.
A DVD library, books and board games are available.
Pets: Up to three well behaved pets allowed at £20 each,
please ensure that pets are not left unattended either inside Orchard Barn or in
the garden - free range hens run on the farm. Guests are welcome to bring a pet
basket/cage. Please clear up after your pet.
Child Facilities: 2 travel cots and 2 high chairs are
available by arrangement. Cot bedding is not included. Please note that the
terrace and patio of the Barn have steps and that the wall bordering the large
lawn has a low rope and post barrier and flower bed - toddlers beware.
Smoking: No smoking in the building.
Nearest Shops/Supermarkets: Waitrose in Monmouth, 6 miles.
Petrol and groceries at Broad Oak Garage - 1/4 mile. Post Office, newspapers and
groceries at St. Weonards - 3 miles.
Nearest Pubs/Bar/Restaurant: The Bell Inn at Skenfrith,
award winning food and ales - 2 miles; the Red Lion at Peterstow, family meals -
5 miles; The Walnut Tree near Abergavenny for famous Italian style food - 10
miles; The Lough Pool, Sellack, award winning food using local ingredients - 6
miles; The Axe & Cleaver, Harwood End, good country cooking - 6 miles; The Stone
Mill, Rockfield, very good meals and pleasant surroundings - 7 miles; The Bridge
at Wilton, Ross-on-Wye, award winning chef using local ingredients - 8 miles;
Glewstone Court near Ross-on-Wye, informal, elegant and good dining - 5 miles;
The Crown at Whitebrook, Michelin Star restaurant - 11 miles.
Nearest Bus Route: 1.5 miles for Monmouth (15 minutes) or
Hereford (25 minutes)
Tel 01981 580248
www.orchardbarnholidays.co.uk
Herefordshire self catering holiday cottages