Guests say
Croft Lodge Studio offers a truly unique and memorable stay, blending striking modern design with preserved historic features in a tranquil countryside setting. Guests consistently praise the fascinating architecture, peaceful surroundings, and abundance of walks nearby. The property is described as exceptionally cosy, well-equipped, and immaculately presented, with welcoming and attentive hosts. Many guests highlight the thoughtful touches and warm atmosphere, making it feel like a home away from home. The cottage is also dog-friendly, with beautiful gardens and immediate access to nature, ensuring a relaxing and refreshing retreat.
Multiple reviews mention the property being very clean and well presented, with no negative comments regarding cleanliness.
Guests consistently praise the peaceful, idyllic setting, proximity to woodland walks, National Trust land, and nearby towns, making it ideal for relaxation and exploration.
Reviewers highlight the cottage's cosiness, comfortable beds, underfloor heating, and inviting living spaces, with several noting how quickly they felt at home.
The property is described as extremely well-equipped, with modern amenities, professional kitchen equipment, good WiFi, impressive sound system, and plentiful books and art. No maintenance issues are mentioned.
Guests frequently mention the hosts' warm welcome, helpfulness, and thoughtful touches such as welcome packs and fires being lit on arrival. While gifts and treats are mentioned, please note these are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
This is an award winning architect designed house, winner of an riba prize and the Architects Journal Small Projects award. It is an 18th century ruined cottage, enclosed in a new highly insulated corrugated iron skin. The house is surrounded by 1,450 acres of National Trust land, all with public access..
Ground Floor:
Living room: Smart TV, Sound System, Woodburner
Dining room.
Kitchen: Electric Oven, Electric Hob, Microwave, Air Fryer, Fridge (Small Freezer Compartment), Fridge (Small Freezer Compartment), Dishwasher
Living room 2: Woodburner
First Floor:
Bedroom 1: Galleried, Double (4ft 6in) Bed
Bedroom 2: Double (4ft 6in) Bed
Wet Room: Shower, Toilet.
Underfloor heating (not electric), electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Initial fuel for wood burners included, remainder available locally. Back garden with sitting-out area and garden furniture. Grounds with sitting-out area and garden furniture (shared with owner). Electric car charging point (by prior arrangement). Private parking for 2 cars. No smoking. Please note: No children under 10 years old.. Croft Lodge Studio, an award winning architect designed house (riba)
Croft Lodge Studio is a very unusual building. It is a listed 18th century ruined cottage wrapped in a new highly insulated corrugated iron shell. The ruin has not been renovated in any way. It is preserved within a warm comfortable modern envelope so that the ruin can be enjoyed as it was found, keeping the oak structure, the dead ivy, birds nest, the cobwebs and the dust!
The building won a Royal Institute of British Architects award and the Architecture Journal’s Small Projects prize both in 2017. It has been published worldwide and has been exhibited at the Design Museum in London as one of the outstanding designs in the world of 2017. Featured in the Design Museum’s "Waste Age" exhibition in September 2021, it can be seen on YouTube with Kirsten Dirksen’s film attracting nearly half a million views.
Croft Lodge Studio has its own private garden and sits within the grounds of Croft Lodge. This property also includes a bluebell wood, adjacent to the Studio, with art works by German artist Ottmar Horl and khbt and a wildflower meadow that guests are welcome to use.
The house is surrounded by land owned by the National Trust. To the West is the Croft Castle Estate, famous for is ancient trees, its 17th Century manor house, the fish Pool Valley and iron age fort. To the East, Bircher Common is an area of open grassland and mixed woodland, with far reaching views towards the Malvern Hills in the East and to the Bannau Brycheiniog in the West. This totals an area of 600 hectares (1,480 acres) and has public access.
The Studio is perfectly located for walking, cycling, birdwatching, wild swimming and many other outdoor pursuits. The 30m Mortimer Trail from Kington to Ludlow passes along the top of the Common. A horse could be accommodated by special arrangement.
Nearby the market towns of Ludlow and Leominster are known for their medieval buildings, Hereford Cathedral is home to the Mappa Mundi and Hay on Wye is famous for its literary festival and second hand book shops.
The studio is an exceptional, peaceful rural escape.
Free WiFi
No children under 10 years old.
There are low ceilings, doors and/or beams within the property.
Suitable for up to 3 pets
Reviews (10)
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Paul Vidal
A very characterful cottage, with lots of charm in a lovely location. David, our host, was very helpful and on hand for any questions. We would certainly recommend it highly as a delightful retreat with the towns of Ludlow and Hay on Wye nearby for days out.
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Owen
We had a fantastic bank holiday weekend stay at Croft Lodge Studio - a real architectural gem in a beautiful location. Really nice to meet David the owner who popped round on our first morning there too. We loved our time here both out enjoying the National Trust countryside and towns nearby, and relaxing in the house, which as well as being fascinating architecturally was also extremely cosy and well-equipped.
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Flora
We absolutely loved our stay at Croft Lodge Studio. The building itself is incredible - it really is fascinating to see what David and Kate have created. Both log burners had been lit for our arrival, along with a generous amount of supplies, even including hot cros buns and cream eggs for Easter Sunday. The surrounding woods and National Trust land were brilliant for both us and the dogs. The property itself is incredible - we spent the majority of our time in the main living room by the beautiful huge window and felt guilty not to spend more time in the cosy snug. Amazing property and fantastic hosts, thank you again for having us. Wed love to return.