Lower Lodge Gatehouse at Kentchurch
This oh-so-romantic, castellated gatehouse with huge gates resembling a portcullis when closed, allows you to be king (or queen) of your very own castle, just for a little while. Standing guard at one of the private entrances to the Kentchurch Estate, and sleeping up to six guests, plus two of your four-legged friends, this charming reverse living escape gives the opportunity to stay somewhere really rather special. Step inside you’ll find three bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom and a delightful open-plan kitchen, living and dining area that spans the top floor. After a day of exploring retire to the roof terrace for sunset drinks and soak up the glorious views; beyond the garden border is Wales. There is also a pub within a few moments stroll.
Overview
Leafy lanes wind through the beautiful Herefordshire countryside to the very edge of the county and there, lying quite literally on the Welsh border, is the utterly lovely Lower Lodge, a 19th-century gatehouse on the magnificent Kentchurch Estate. It’s the perfect spot for a countryside escape.
Pass through the huge gates and you’re in your very own private sanctuary. The ground floor of the gatehouse is now home to three gorgeous bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. Ascend the steep wooden stairs, which will make you feel a little like Rapunzel, and you’ll find the open-plan kitchen, dining and living space stretching across the top floor. The wood-burning stove makes this a cosy hideaway during the cooler weather, but when the sun shines, the icing on the cake is the private roof terrace complete with glorious rural views. It’s a fabulous hideaway atop your own castle and particularly lovely as dusk falls. The thoughtful refurbishment and interior design of this atmospheric building retains original beams and windows and ensures the character and charm have been allowed to shine.
Lower Lodge Gatehouse sits within its own private grounds, an enclosed garden with a terrace, outside furniture and a charcoal barbecue ensures there is plenty of space to relax. Beyond the parking area is a private lane track through the Kentchurch Estate, which guests are welcome to wander at their leisure.
Ground Floor
Under the gatehouse arch are two entrances. One leads to bedroom three, the other door takes you to two further bedrooms and the stairs to the first floor.Bedroom Three:
Three stone steps lead you into this simple but elegant super-king size bedroom. Chalk white walls, and timber cladding which opens to reveal the wardrobe are highlighted by a vibrant orange velvet headboard and drapes, which frame the original windows. There’s a wall-mounted Smart TV, charger pads by the side of the bed, and underfloor heating throughout to keep things warm and cosy.
En-suite:
Green and white tiles add a splash of colour to the en-suite which features a walk-in shower with both a rainfall shower and a handheld shower head, WC, and hand basin. There’s a large, lit wall mirror, shaver point and storage beneath the hand basin.
Across the covered entrance three shallow stone steps lead into the second wing.
Bedroom Two:
Boasting the same vibrant colour scheme as bedroom three, this lovely room has a king-size bed which can be two small twins on request. Storage, including hanging space and shelves, can be found behind the door.
En-suite:
Frosted sliding doors reveal a stylish en-suite with a walk-in shower, WC, and hand basin. There is a large, well-lit mirror and shaver points.
Bedroom One:
Lying at the end of the hall, this spacious bedroom has a super-king bed with a fabulous emerald, green velvet headboard, and wardrobe storage within the timber-clad rear wall. There are charger pads by each side of the bed in case you forget your own. A dressing area with windows on both sides leads to the en-suite.
En-suite:
Beautifully finished with green and white tiles, this en-suite features a large walk-in shower and a deep, soaking bathtub that sits under the window, it’s the perfect place for long bubble-filled soaks after a day of exploring. There’s also a WC and hand basin, a large wall mirror and shaving points.
First Floor
Steep wooden stairs lead up to the first floor.Kitchen-Living Area:
Stretching across the top of the gatehouse, the open-plan living space is filled with light and is a warm and social area with everything needed for a self-catering stay. The well-appointed kitchen includes a full oven and hob, fridge-freezer, and dishwasher and hidden away there’s also a washing machine and tumble dryer. A comfy corner sofa sits in front of the wood-burning stove, along with two chairs and a wall-mounted Smart TV. The antique dining table and chairs create a lovely place for relaxed meals, or if the weather is kind head out to the roof terrace.
Roof Terrace:
This private space features a wooden dining table and chairs and wonderful views over the surrounding countryside.
Outside
The huge portcullis-style gates can be closed fully, and the entrance leads to a parking area with plenty of space for several cars. Beyond this is a woodland track through the Kentchurch Estate. A metal gate leads into the gatehouse garden, which is enclosed. The large lawn is perfect for garden games, and the little wooden bridge across the culvert takes you to a little private bench, a lovely spot to read. Crossing the river over the stone bridge, you find yourself in Wales. The sunny terrace features a large outdoor sofa and low table which just invite you to relax with a drink in the sunshine. There’s also a charcoal barbecue.Facilities
Indoor
Bedroom One - Super-king
Bedroom Two - King-size (can Be A Twin On Req)
Bedroom Three - Super-king
3 Bathrooms - En-suites
Fire - Logs Are Provided For An Initial Fire (1st October - 31st March)
Oven
Hob
Microwave
Toaster
Fridge
Freezer
Dishwasher
Dining Table - Seats 6
Washing Machine
Tumble Dryer
Iron
WiFi *Please Note That Speeds Are For Guidance Only And Are Not Guaranteed - 100-199 Mbps
TV - Smart X 4
Travel Cot (cot Linen Not Provided)
Highchair
Stair Gates - Fixed At The Top Of The Stairs
Outdoor
Dog Friendly - 2 Well-behaved Dogs Are Welcome For An Additional Fee
Garden - Fully Enclosed
Outdoor Dining Area
BBQ - Charcoal - Please Provide Your Own Charcoal
Parking - Private Parking For 3 Vehicles On The Drive
EV Charger - Available On Request For An Additional Fee Of £0.66 Per KWh
On your Doorstep
Cafes, pubs, and restaurants:
- The Bridge Inn, Kentchurch – local, estate-owned pub on the river (0.1 miles)
- Under the Nut Tree, Kentchurch – a unique dining experience with local produce prepared over the barbecue. Weekend dinners and occasional Sunday lunches from March to Christmas. Booking is recommended (1 mile)
- The Angel Inn, Grosmont – a traditional, family-run pub in a pretty village with real ales and good food. Bookings are recommended if you want to dine (1.5 miles)
- The Temple Bar Inn, Ewyas Harold – a charming local inn with a warm welcome, wood-burning fire and sunny courtyard. Open for lunch and dinner (3 miles)
- The Walnut Tree Inn – Michelin-starred restaurant set in the rolling Welsh hills near Abergavenny (14 miles)
Walks: This area offers superb walking with miles and miles of country lanes to explore, and the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons are also within easy reach. Visitors are welcome to walk through the Kentchurch Estate, there is a private track from the parking area of the gatehouse. From the nearby Bridge Inn, there is a walk up Garway Hill, the round trip is around 7.5 miles, and the views are spectacular. Other walks on your doorstep include Kilpeck to Abbey Dore and Abbey Dore to Peterchurch.
Places to Visit:
- Kentchurch Court – a magnificent estate that has been in the Lucas-Scudamore family for almost 1,000 years. The beautiful gardens are open to visitors (0.1 miles)
- Grosmont Castle – castle ruins, one of the ‘three castles of Gwent’ built by the Normans (1.5 miles)
- Skenfirth Castle – remains of a 13th-century castle on the banks of the River Monnow (5.5 miles)
- Monmouth – a thriving town in the beautiful Wye Valley, the UK’s first Bee town, with a 13th-century gatehouse and wealth of independent shops (11 miles)
- Ross-on-Wye – a market town on the River Wye, with myriad local attractions including gardens, castles, vineyards, and riverside walks (13 miles)
- Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains – a stunning national park of sandstone peaks with waterfalls, castles, and a superb range of outdoor activities (15 miles)
Travel:
- Train - Abergavenny and Hereford railway stations (15 and 14 miles) have services to London Paddington, Cardiff, and the north of England
- Taxi - Blue Line Taxi
Points of Note
This property has a check-in time of 16:00 and a check-out time of 10:00
- Book with us to get exclusive discounts to top attractions and experiences.
- 2 well-behaved dogs are permitted at the cottage for an additional fee.
- A culvert runs along one side of the garden, during wet weather this will have water in it. Parents should ensure children are supervised.
- The stairs to the first floor are very steep and care is needed when ascending and descending.
- There is a CCTV camera facing the front gate entrance.
- Please note, if you would like bedroom three to be arranged as a twin, please clarify this on the booking form.
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The Location
Kentchurch Court is regarded as one of the most important historical houses in Herefordshire, it’s Grade I listed and dates back to the 14th century. Lower Lodge Gate House sits on the beautiful Kentchurch Estate, itself home to a deer park which can trace its roots back to when the Knights Templar owned the land. The estate-owned Bridge Inn is just a short stroll along the lane, making for an easy and relaxed evening out. Get your fill of castles, explore the thriving towns of Hay on Wye, Ross on Wye and Abergavenny or head to the nearby Brecon Beacons for superb outdoor activities in the outstanding beauty of the national park.
And relax..
Why book with us
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best price
Book your holiday home directly with us for the best possible price. Because we work exclusively with our owners; we guarantee you won’t find our properties cheaper elsewhere.
2.
Guaranteed
best price
Book your holiday home directly with us for the best possible price. Because we work exclusively with our owners; we guarantee you won’t find our properties cheaper elsewhere.
3.
Guaranteed
best price
Book your holiday home directly with us for the best possible price. Because we work exclusively with our owners; we guarantee you won’t find our properties cheaper elsewhere.
Read our reviews
Good location, uniqueness, design, cleanliness and relaxing.
Jamie
Unique property, lovely weekend away
Lovely property, unique and very well looked after. Enough space for the 6 of us. Garden was perfect for the dogs, a good size and properly secure. Location was good for what we wanted it for. The little welcome basket was a surprise and was very good quality.
Charlotte Gough
Lovely property, unique and very well looked after. Enough space for the 6 of us. Garden was perfect for the dogs, a good size and properly secure. Location was good for what we wanted it for. The little welcome basket was a surprise and was very good quality.
Charlotte
Very nice place
Lovely place, upstairs patio and views excellent. Stairs are not for the unfit!
Showers need looking at as water gets everywhere and a seat in the main bedroom shower would be useful.
Grass needed cutting - not good for boules or croquet !
Overall very nice but needs a few tweaks and additions (such as a coffee pod machine).
David Stead
Magical weekend
With two other couples the house provided a magical setting for a fantastic weekend. The accommodation and garden were wonderful. Dining on the battlements & barbecuing under the stars. Walks in the surrounding countryside are just lovely, including to the gardens for the main house and over to the amazing ‘Under the nut tree’ and great Sunday lunch at Angel Inn. An unforgettable stay!
Catherine Dennison
A haven in the hereford countryside
Delightfully stylish and colourful, we loved the Gatehouse. Very long steep steps up to the first floor, but we were up for the challenge! Comfortable large beds; well equipped kitchen and bathrooms; Gorgeous views; sitting on the first floor outdoor terrace was a delight. Good location, 2 miles from the A road into Hereford. It was a wonderful base for the 3 choirs festival. Welcoming, attentive housekeeper. Lovely walks from the door and beautiful area, with great pubs etc
Caroline Streets
With two other couples the house provided a magical setting for a fantastic weekend. The accommodation and garden were wonderful. Dining on the battlements & barbecuing under the stars. Walks in the surrounding countryside are just lovely, including to the gardens for the main house and over to the amazing ‘Under the nut tree’ and great Sunday lunch at Angel Inn. An unforgettable stay!
Catherine
Four best friends had the best weekend
Such a delicious location for four best friends to have a weekend away. Although we live within five minutes of each other, we always make time to have a weekend away together without kids, dogs or partners. The Lower Lodge is beautiful, in such an amazing location, we couldn't have booked a better place for our 'J' cocktails!
Clare Hails
Such a delicious location for four best friends to have a weekend away. Although we live within five minutes of each other, we always make time to have a weekend away together without kids, dogs or partners. The Lower Lodge is beautiful, in such an amazing location, we couldn't have booked a better place for our 'J' cocktails!
Clare
A calm art retreat away!
Us three ladies wanted a place to laugh, walk and paint. Where better than this wonderful oasis within nature. Pub nearby, walking outside the door, everything else a drive.
Inside was beautiful, our own en-suite bedrooms and great outside areas to eat and drink.
Only thing worth noting are the steep stairs up to living area. I was ok, but my two older friends slightly struggled. But don’t let those stop you, keep you fit!
Well worth a visit
Jane Wharton
We had a wonderful Easter weekend here with our family, visiting relatives in nearby Grosmont. Beautiful place and beautiful location. We had our Sunday roast on the lovely balcony and watched the sun go down in some very peaceful surroundings. Would highly recommend staying here.
Charlie
Cosy and beautiful location
Such a lovely and unique place. The place came with everything needed and was warm and cosy. The grounds were beautiful and we had clear nights so perfect for stargazing. The location was great and provided a good hub for visiting local towns. Helen checked in with us to make sure everything was ok with our stay and on hand should we need anything. Would 100% recommend and would love to go back.
Shauna Haslewood
Such a lovely and unique place. The place came with everything needed and was warm and cosy. The grounds were beautiful and we had clear nights so perfect for stargazing. The location was great and provided a good hub for visiting local towns. The housekeeper checked in with us to make sure everything was ok with our stay and on hand should we need anything. Would 100% recommend and would love to go back.
Shauna
Wonderful bolthole
We had a lovely weekend staying at this gorgeous and unique property. It was cosy and in a quiet and beautiful location.
Joanna Martin
We had a lovely weekend staying at this gorgeous and unique property. It was cosy and in a quiet and beautiful location.
Joanna
We had such a lovely time here, the area is beautiful and lots of nice walks. The accommodation was everything we thought and more! Would love to come back again. Helen was a great host and really responsive.
Charlotte
New Year Break
We had a fabulous time at the Gatehouse. Helen the housekeeper was amazing, nothing was too much trouble and she provided lots of interesting info about wild swimming in the area.
The Gatehouse itself was stunning, an amazing building. We arrived on a foggy evening but the house was lit up like a beacon.
The Bridge Inn pub is just around the corner and was so lovely and welcoming after our long walks. Food was lovely, traditional pub food.
Everything you need for the perfect rural escape!
Sarah Cann
We had a fabulous time at the Gatehouse. The housekeeper was amazing, nothing was too much trouble and she provided lots of interesting info about wild swimming in the area. The Gatehouse itself was stunning, an amazing building. We arrived on a foggy evening but the house was lit up like a beacon.
The Bridge Inn pub is just around the corner and was so lovely and welcoming after our long walks. The food was lovely, traditional pub food. Everything you need for the perfect rural escape!
Sarah
We loved the grounds that this property was located on. We were able to take daily walks through beautiful fields and gardens! There are no negatives to our stay at the Lower Lodge - we absolutely loved it!
Lynda
Fairytale Stay
Firstly, what a beautiful property. Upon driving up to this property you are met with the huge gates and grand building. The car park is secure and large enough to turn around big vehicles. Inside the rooms were very clean with large high beds. Upstairs the living space is clean and tidy. The views out of every window is different but still as beautiful wherever you look. We enjoyed looking out of the kitchen window and watching the sheep graze on the hill. The garden is large and secure with a bridge and a stream.
We enjoyed walking down the private track each morning with the dog which leads to Kentchurch Court and we did enjoy a walk around the court gardens on one of the days (they have an honesty box for you to pay) we didn’t see a single person it was so peaceful. Inside the property you really do have everything you need including a cupboard door full of seasonings and spices, the most you usually get is salt and pepper. There is a lot nearby. We went to the bridge inn for dinner one evening (portions were massive). I also recommend ‘under the nut tree’ which is 5/10 mins down the road. It was the most amazing experience and atmosphere. There’s wild swimming nearby. Also a forge, we had pre booked knife making which was excellent. Just over the bridge is wales. The only thing which would have made our stay better is if we had booked for longer. The property cleaner was also welcoming and on hand if we needed anything. All in all I would recommend the property and the company a million times over
Lisa Purdy
Girls weekend
The accommodation and setting was absolutely gorgeous. Really exciting place for our annual girlie getaway. Lovely welcome pack too. Only issues was no matches were left to light the open fire. Heating downstairs was set at 16.5 on a couple of the thermostats and 18 degrees on a couple of the others. Plus the bathroom towel rails were stone cold. We sent a message regarding this issue and although we received a response to how adjusting the temperature this didn’t work. We managed to pickup a lighter from the local pub so we could at least light the fire for the 2nd night which was lovely feature.
Guest
Great location, fantastic accommodation and helpful owner and housekeeper
Great location, fantastic accommodation and helpful owner and housekeeper
The only thing to be wary of is the long steep flight of stairs.
Lynda Griffin
Weekend Away With Friends
Fabulous place with comfortable beds and a well equipped kitchen. Kitchen, lounge and parapet up a long flight of stairs but it was worth the climb and the parapet was lovely to sit out on with great views of the surrounding countryside. The welcome pack was a nice touch and well received! We all loved staying at Lower Lodge.
Julie Carty
Stay at Lower Lodge Gatehouse
Great relaxing weekend away, staying somewhere unique. Finish of property to a high standard. Owners responsive to any queries. The stairs are steep in the tower and this in mentioned in the info about the property. Lovely part of the country to stay in, you do need a car to get around. Really enjoyed visiting Kentchurch Gardens- part of the estate.
Guest
A short break in a wonderful Bolthole
We had a lovely short break with 3 couples. The rooms were all comfortable with quality bed linen and top notch cleanliness (plenty of hot water too!). The kitchen was superbly equipped, a lovely touch having a hot tap. We also loved the amazing spice cupboard!
A warning, as have others, the stairs are very steep and not really suitable for little ones.
Juliet Ness
Fabulous property
Best property we have stayed in - 3 couples and we all loved it - felt like we were in a castle x great view from the terrace where we had a bbq x would highly recommend x
Jo Gunter
Special place
This is a gorgeous property in a peaceful and beautiful location. The three double, en-suite bedrooms are all lovely and the lounge area and outside balcony on the first floor are great for relaxing. The kitchen had everything we needed and the larder was generously stocked with essential items which was much appreciated. We were attending a wedding locally so didn’t have too much time to explore the area or have as much time at the property as we would have liked. We need a return visit!
Audrey Kane
An unusual property in a lovely location
An interesting building with a great roof terrace off the living/kitchen area and a pleasant garden and outside seating area overlooking fields. The Gatehouse was spotless and well equipped/presented. Bedroom one was particularly spacious with a lovely bathroom. Easy contact with the Housekeeper (by text) who was friendly and helpful. Safe and easy off road parking. Lovely walks from the property. A friendly village pub 'The Bridge Inn', a few minutes walk down the road, did good food. We just had a really lovely, peaceful, relaxing weekend!
Guest
One not to be missed
Just had a wonderful stay at the Lower Gatehouse with friends. Loved the quirkiness of the building. All bedrooms on the ground floor were super comfortable, with exceptional bedding. Showers were powerful and no issues with hot water. You can tell this is a well thought out property.
Quite steep stairs up to the living/dining area which also opens out to a lovely balcony to eat out. This whole area became the social hub of the weekend where we could sit and relax and watch the cooks. Well stocked kitchen including lots of spices and herbs and all the basics you need. Also had good supply of dishwasher tablets and cleaning products which is always a bonus. The kitchen had everything we needed for cooking a full roast on the Sunday. The pub just a stones throw away was very welcome and we had dinner in the Angel Inn in Grosmont. Although it is marked as 1.5 miles it is uphill in parts and getting home in the dark along that road could be dangerous.Walking the grounds was lovely including the gardens and nursery with very reasonably priced plants for sale. I can thoroughly recommend this property...absolutely fabulous in so many ways.
Berny Dear
Lovely place but very steep stairs!
The place is really lovely.
Bedrooms really nice with lovely linen and comfy beds.
Lounge and kitchen and balcony all great spaces.
However the steep stairs were really steep! One or two of our party found them a bit difficult and it would have been better with a toilet upstairs in the ‘living ‘area. I know it is mentioned in the details but we didn’t really notice it (our fault) - maybe a picture would be better?
The property is lovely but we wouldn’t have rented it if we had realised how steep the stairs were.
Karen Watts
Great location in a unique place
We had a lovely short break with friends in the Gatehouse. It was warm and well equipped with the added bonus of a pub a few steps away. The owner happily allowed us a tour of the gardens and gave us a short history of Kentchurch Court and their plans for the future. We would love to return when the new cottages are complete. I recommend a visit to Abergavenny for independent shops.
I gave a lower score for cleanliness as none of the bins had been emptied prior to our stay and the oven and pans had been left unwashed. This did not impact on our enjoyment as we soon sorted it ourselves.
Susan Espley
Excellent stay
We had a fantastic stay to celebrate our son’s 30th birthday. He’s always loved history and the outdoors so the property and the area were both perfect. The ‘castle’ was very well equipped and extremely comfortable and we appreciated the little touches that helped us to feel at home straight away.
Overall, it was even better than expected but don’t underestimate the warning about the steep stairs!
Guest
Relaxing Stay
Wonderful property, plenty of walks nearby. Stairs leading up are a little daunting but adds to the character of the property. Friendly pub just 2 minutes walk down the road. Garden is enclosed although very small dogs would need to be supervised, was fine for our miniature schnauzer. Balcony is dog and child safe, lots of birds of prey can be spotted from it. Bedrooms are splendid with big comfy beds.
John Severn
A great place to stay for rural winter walks and good pubs
We (3 couples ) had a great stay at the Gatehouse over New Year.The bedrooms all with stylish en-suite bathrooms/shower rooms were very comfortable with luxurious beds and linen.The steep stairs up to the living room kept us fit ! We would definitely return as there is so much to do in the area.
Jill Robinson
REVIEW
We enjoyed our stay, it is in a lovely location and the property is interesting, comfortable and well equipped.
Despite not having any tools for the woodburner, the housekeeper was responsive and resolved it for us.
I would suggest more tea towels to be made available to dry dishes and a kettle for those that prefer a kettle, the hot water tap did not reach boiling point.
The smallest room has a blind, but the outside lights stay on all night, which made the room light.
Would definitely recommend it.
Guest
Fantastic short stay in a fantastic location
Epic property in an epic location - very comfortable with everything you could wish for. Communication excellent and Taryn (housekeeper) was incredibly helpful when we managed to lock ourselves out. Highly recommend
Steve O'Neill
A super stay
Great place to stay, super refurbishment, all mod cons and lovely decor. Would definitely consider a visit again,
Rob Parkin
Create Memories
Experiences designed to make your stay unforgettable
We have curated not only a portfolio of properties, but also a portfolio of experiences we recommend everyone try the next time they visit the Cotswolds and surrounding counties. This selection of ours is constantly growing as we discover more hidden gems and local stars. Many of the experiences are incredibly popular, and we encourage booking in advance because these little extras can turn your everyday holiday into a fantastic, fond memory, one you aren’t soon to forget.
