Introduction

The old-world village of Eardisland in which Hollyhocks resides is widely considered the prettiest in the whole of Herefordshire. 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 - their red rose paintings still displayed in the dining room today. The 1920s saw The Twinings Tea family take ownership of the house following a fire in the great hall during Victorian times; they laid the parquet floor for their daughter’s wedding and it doesn’t take much to conjure up visions of guests dancing the night away in beaded flapper dresses, cream tuxedos and fedora hats.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

On the ground floor sits a king-size double bedroom along with a separate shower room and WC. Accessed via a quintessentially steep cottage staircase (which may not be suitable for the less able), the master bedroom has a super king-size bed and leads through to the twin room. Across the landing sits the family bathroom with WC and cast iron rolltop bath– perfect for indulgent soaks following the day's country frolics.

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. If you hear a little squeal from the garden shed, it will probably be the collection of linen deck chairs, cushions and lawn games crying to put to use on those balmy English summer days. The owners also grant fishing rights for professional fisherfolk, who just need to show their licences to the friendly housekeeper next door. Whittle away afternoons picnicking on dainty sandwiches and playing Pooh Sticks on the riverbank.

For Relaxation

Chic, designer household items make country living a breeze at Hollyhocks. Pour a Nespresso coffee to enjoy with some artisan bread from the community-run local shop and devour with lashings of Damson jam within the enchanted garden setting. Spend afternoons nosing the shelves of Hay-on-Wye’s famous old bookshops or ogling at the gorgeous homeware on offer at Bailey’s in Ross-on-Wye. 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. 

Practicalities

There is parking for three cars. Children should be supervised by the river. The vintage-industrial style kitchen features a Range cooker, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine and two fridge-freezers. 

The Riverside Inn Recommended by the owners, this traditional, 16th Century dog-friendly pub is set deep in the heart of the Herefordshire countryside, serving up mouth-watering home-grown food sourced from its own kitchen garden. Authentic and atmospheric, food at this quintessential country inn will appease the most discerning of guests.

Berrington Hall Escape with the family to this neo-classical mansion nestled in verdant landscaped gardens and flaunting elegant interiors. Spot fish in the 14-acre private lake, stroll along the Georgian pathways and relish in one of Hereford's famous orchards. Here you can also take to the skies on a hot air balloon ride and enjoy the sights of the Brecon Beacons and winding River Wye from the air.

Hay-On-Wye Head to nearby Hay-On-Wye to nose the shelves of the town's famous old bookshops and sweep through compelling reads tucked away in the nooks of this charming book-selling terrain. From Biography and Law to Pets and Philosophy, you can discover rare volumes, timeless texts and special editions of all sorts in the three stories of Richard Booth’s – where you can also refuel on good coffee and delicious cake.

Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre Home to one of the finest collections of owls in Europe, Small Breeds Farm and Owl Centre wraps up tiny bundles of the world’s cutest animals to delight little ones and grown-ups too! Pack a picnic for a family day out and spend time in the company of miniature (and sometimes mischievous) animals as they reside in their snug Herefordshire homes.