Hollyhocks
Leominster, Herefordshire, UK
Wend through Herefordshire’s patchwork countryside to find Hollyhocks nestled on the banks of the river Arrow. Tucked away in the fairy-tale village of Eardisland, the cottage’s Tudor timber-frame hints at what's inside. The chalky vintage style, irregular lines and polished parquet floor dating back to the Roaring 20s combine to create a one charmingly curious nest you'll never want to depart.
Introduction
Steeped in history, this luxury self-catering cottage was built before the last battle of The War of The Roses in 1461 and is believed to be the last resting place for Henry VI's knights. In fact, their red rose paintings are still displayed in the dining room today. The 1920s saw The Twinings Tea family take ownership of the house; they laid the parquet floor in the great hall for their daughter’s wedding. It doesn’t take much to conjure up romantically nostalgic visions of guests dancing the night away in beaded flapper dresses and cream tuxedos.
Inside
Chic, designer household items make country living a breeze at Hollyhocks, a gorgeous three-bedroom cottage. Pour a Nespresso coffee to enjoy with some artisan bread from the community-run local shop and gather around the dining table, overlooked by thick wooden beams. Later on, with little ones cosied-up in the snug, grown-ups will love to spend evenings basking in the warmth of the crackling open fire in the old great hall or plugging some jazz into the Harman-Kardon speakers to enjoy some Great Gatsby-style revelry.
Outside
The raised lawn was designed so that parents can happily supervise children playing from the comfort of the sumptuous interiors. Venture across the road from the cottage to discover your extended garden which occupies an exclusive spot along the river. Neatly awaiting in the garden shed, a collection of linen deck chairs, cushions and lawn games will be the perfect companions on those balmy English summer days. Whittle away afternoons picnicking on the riverbank or nosy the shelves of Hay-on-Wye’s famous old bookshops.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 6 guests (ideally 4 adults and 2 children)
From £1,250 per week, £950 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 2 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsOne ground floor double bedroom with king-size bed, one first floor double bedroom with super king-size bed, and one first floor twin bedroom. The family bathroom with cast iron roll-top bath is also on the first floor, in addition to a ground floor shower room.
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Day: Friday or MondayArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyBabes-in-arms and children are very welcome. One cot is available, with ample space on the landing, and one highchair is available on request. Please note that children should be supervised by the river.
- PracticalitiesThere is parking for three cars. The vintage industrial-style kitchen features a range cooker, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, two fridge-freezers and a Nespresso coffee machine.
- Homestay includesLuxury welcome hamper, 4K 49" Sony Bravia TV with Blu-ray DVD player and Google Play, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speaker, iPad, WiFi internet, gas barbecue, botanical toiletries, croquet set, linen, towels, logs and kindling to get you startedHouse book - your property and destination guideDiscover more little luxuries
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsCheck mobile signalRecommend to a friend
Prices & Availability
Leominster
This pretty medieval market town sits in prime walking territory, on the borders of Shropshire and Herefordshire encompassed by flowing rivers. Come here to hike, fish, shop or just enjoy the surrounds.
Getting there
- On the Map Hollyhocks sits in the pretty village of Eardisland near Leominster and Hay in Herefordshire.
- By Car Hollyhocks is approximately three hours and 45 minutes from London.
- By Train Hereford train station is 15 miles away.
- By Air Cardiff and Bristol airports are both one and a half hour's away by car.
From the owner
“Hollyhocks is set in an idyllic location on the banks of the river Arrow that meanders through Eardisland, one of the most picturesque villages in the UK. We had our own wedding reception in the great hall and it holds a truly magical place in our hearts.”
Our family acquired the house in the 1990's and it has gone under extensive renovations and transformations since then. Hollyhocks used to be the home of my grandmother who lived for a long time in India, which is also where her husband was born. We have used family background as inspiration for the interior decoration, along with our own love for vintage furniture.
Looking back, the house has an extensive history and was originally built before the last battle of The War of The Roses at Mortimer’s Cross in 1461. It is believed that Hollyhocks is the last resting place for knights that fought for the throne for Henry VI. To this day you can still see their red roses (used as a symbol to show their affiliation with the king) painted in the dining area.
In the 1920’s the Twinings Tea Family pulled out some of the original beams and put in a parquet floor to give them the perfect space for the wedding of their daughter and other dances held that year! For us, the original parquet floor still conjures up the ‘Roaring 20s’ whenever we step inside. We hope the house provides you with the inspiration for you to create your own long-lasting, special memories here!
The Hoda Family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Leominster with an insider’s perspective.
To Eat
The Oak, Wigmore
The Oak Wigmore is a beautifully restored 16th century coaching inn. They serve fresh innovative seasonal food and a range of local ales. Many of the pub´s dishes are based around foraging and the use of wild, local flavours.
To Do
Hergest Ridge
Get your heart pumping with this stunning hike from Kington, crossing the border into Powys along the Hergest Ridge. The route follows part of Offa´s Dyke Trail, affording beautiful scenery along the way.
To See
Canwood Art Gallery & Sculpture Park
Visit Canwood, Herefordshire´s leading contemporary art gallery and sculpture park. Whether you are a seasoned culture vulture or simply looking to admire the talent, the gallery and park provide a wonderful day out.
To Do
Hay-on-Wye
Famous for its Literary Festival, the town also has the largest concentration of second hand book shops in the UK. If you are a book worm or just fancy a new read this is the place to go.
Guest Testimonials
I have never walked into a property and thought that I wouldn´t change a thing, but I did just that when I saw Hollyhocks. It is perfect. Well done to the owners, the aesthetics of the house are just sensational. Thank you!
We had a lovely stay at Hollyhocks, the mixture of history and modern conveniences were a terrific combination. Our hosts were wonderful and made us feel very welcome, and there was a warm personal touch throughout which was great. The house is beautifully furnished and equipped and there were many generous supplies. The location of Hollyhocks in the beautiful village of Eardisland is hard to beat!
A perfect break. The house is a joy and there is so much to see - the Long Walk at Croft Castle is a must! Thank you and we do hope to come back.
What a beautiful house. We have had a wonderful week and it has gone by far too quickly. Hay-on-Wye is beautiful and we discovered great food at Booth Bookshop. Thank you for all the lovely goodies.
We had a lovely stay, such a unique, historic house. Our break here was very relaxing and restorative and just as we´d have hoped.
Eardisland surely must be one of the prettiest English villages. We just loved sitting in deckchairs on the riverside watching the dragonflies in the reeds, friendly chats with the locals and delicious ice creams from the village shop in the old dovecote. The house is so atmospheric sleeping under the Tudor beams and being immersed in so much history and then having the whole of Herefordshire on the doorstep to explore was just exceptional.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Hollyhocks and Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
You can now stay in this charming Tudor cottage once owned by the Twinings family
Country Living
March 2018
Ancient & Modern
Country Living Modern Rustic
February 2018
The 20 Best UK Cottages to Cosy up in this Winter
The Independent
December 2019
How to Make the Most Out of your Holiday Let
The Telegraph
November 2019
Last-Minute Christmas Holidays in 2019
The Times
November 2019Best Country Cottages and Forest Cabins
The Times
October 2019Wild Nights: Where to Stay in the Woods
The Times
October 2019House Proud
The Telegraph
October 2019
Luxury Self-Catering Cottages > UK > Herefordshire > Hollyhocks
Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please ask our team.
