Guests say
Croft Lodge Studio offers a truly unique and tranquil retreat, blending modern design with historic charm in a peaceful countryside setting. Guests consistently praise the fascinating architecture, beautiful surroundings, and welcoming hosts. The property is described as exceptionally comfortable, well-equipped, and immaculately presented, with thoughtful touches throughout. The location is ideal for exploring local walks, woodlands, and nearby towns, making it perfect for a relaxing getaway. Visitors and their pets feel right at home, and many express a strong desire to return.
Guests repeatedly mention the property being very clean and well presented, with no negative comments regarding cleanliness.
The setting is described as idyllic, peaceful, and perfect for walks, with easy access to local amenities and nearby towns.
Reviewers highlight the comfortable beds, cosy fires, under-floor heating, and inviting atmosphere, making it feel like a true home from home.
Guests praise the excellent facilities, including a well-equipped kitchen, modern amenities, spacious lounge, and entertainment options such as books, CDs, and a sound system.
Hosts are frequently described as thoughtful and welcoming, with mentions of welcome packs and special touches. While gifts such as treats and welcome packs are noted, please be aware 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 (8)
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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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Ailsa
What a beautiful, unique stay this cottage is. We absolutely loved the blend of modern and traditional, the cottage has been restored to an exceptional standard, set in a beautiful quiet area.The hosts David and Kate went above and beyond, providing a welcome pack at rally short notice. There was also a PDF with all the information required for your stay. The property was very clean and well presented, we arrived to the two fires being lit so it was lovely and cosy. There's a large array of interesting books available to read and look over. There is nothing I could fault about this property, I will definitely be back. My two dogs adored the garden and how cosy the property is. You will it regret your stay at Croft Lodge Studio, it truly is magical.
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Maggie & Alan Davis
Croft Lodge Studio is delightful and unique. We loved the modern design blended with the old and conserved. What a treat. What a find. The Studio is warm and inviting in such a peaceful setting. The main lounge is spacious and comfortable. We mainly chose to sit, chat, read, admire the original art and stare at the ever-changing ancient oak from the massive window. The ‘snug’ is a cosy retreat with interesting books and an eclectic CD collection. For those that like their ‘tech’, there is good WiFi with a large TV and impressive sound system. Our labrador felt truly welcomed and found the under-floor heating perfect. We all enjoyed the plentiful, varied walks from the door. You quickly forget you are staying in a holiday let. Instead, you feel you are guests in a home that showcases its own history in an inspiring and sustainable way and with quiet precision. It was a perfect holiday and we look forward to our next stay.