The Manor House - Eardisland, Herefordshire, England

At the rear of the house is the largest section of garden with a dovecote (not accessible from the property), hot tub, large paved terrace with 2 barbecues, tables and chairs to seat 30+, parasols and pretty borders with traditional English country garden shrubs and flowers. The laundry room is accessed from this section of the garden, and as well as industrial sized washing machines and tumble driers there is also a second fridge-freezer for guests use. Guests are welcome to use the washing and drying equipment, and detergents are supplied. To the side of the house is the 'crocus lawn' which is reputed to contain 10,000 crocus bulbs, and which is a truly spectacular sight in the spring. The front section of garden is bordered by the River Arrow and is also where you will find the games barn which contains table tennis, football, pool and air hockey tables. Some refurbishment of the barn is scheduled for 2008. Please note that this property is in the centre of a peaceful village and has near neighbours. It is therefore not an appropriate house if you wish to play amplified music and/or host loud/late-night parties. We request that guests respect our neighbours right to peace and quiet at all times, but particularly early in the morning and late in the evening. However it is the perfect place for you if you want peace and quiet in a truly stunning home-from-home in a pretty, quintessentially English village. The Black and White Trail was developed as a means of encouraging visitors to take a closer look at the beautiful countryside and villages between Leominster and Kingston in north-west Herefordshire. The trail is characterised by the large number of timbered and half-timbered houses in the area - some of them dating back to medieval times. Visit the dovecote, a Grade II listed building which has recently been restored and which houses an exhibition about the village. Eardisland Parish Church and St Mary the Virgin dates back to the 14th century and regularly holds exhibitions and flower festivals. There are 2 public houses directly opposite the house - The White Swan Inn and The Cross Inn - both of which serve freshly cooked food. In addition the local tea rooms are open 7 days a week. The Manor House is around 5 miles from Leominster, 15 miles from Hereford and 10 miles from the Welsh and Shropshire borders. Please contact me if you would like information about local ativities, caterers, domestic staff, murder-mystery weekends, children's entertainment or a close-up magician to wow your party! Weekend breaks are available at £2,500 for 2 nights and £3,000 for 3 nights. Please ask about special rates for December and January weekends (excluding Christmas and New Year, which are charged at £6,000 per week). The nearby historic market town of Ludlow has been referred to as 'the perfect historic town'. It has a castle, over 500 listed buildings and still retains its medieval street layout. It hosts an annual 3-day food festival and a weekly producer's market, offering local cheeses, fish, meat, poultry, game, fruit and vegetables. Also known as Britain's food capital, it boasts more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere in Britain outside London. Take a walk along Offa's Dyke, spend the day shopping in Hay-on-Wye, Shrewsbury or Worcester, or view mappa Mundi at Hereford Cathedral. Nearby Burton Court houses an extensive colletion of European and Oriental costumes, and has a history dating back to the Domesday Book. Oxford, the Cotswolds and Shakespeare's Stratford-on-Avon can all be reached within 2 hours. Comments from the Guest Book: 'Absolutely fantastic house. Beautifully renovated and furnished. An amazing time was had by all and we hope to be back very soon to be ladies and gents of the Manor again!' 'This old house was the perfect setting for close family and special friends to share the celebrations. we will all remember with great pleasure the Manor House at Eardisland (what a pretty village). A great communal kitchen for preparing meals. Everything perfect'. 'What a lovely home, and so well stocked. Good karma and vibes! Happy memories for all who were here.' 'This was a fantastic venue for a big gathering - I have a weeks worth of wonderful memories. It's so easy staying here, all you have to do is relax.' 'Superb house - just the best we've ever stayed in. Some lovely touches - gorgeous towels, soaps, shampoos, cookery books etc to really make us feel at home. Thank you so much.'Deposit of 25% with balance payable 6 weeks before the holiday begins. Base price for up 22 persons normally, but at the moment we can offer a stay within Government guidelines.