04 Jun 2015
The success of a short break for most relies upon a welcome departure from the hum-drum of everyday life, chance to escape, switch off all devices, to relax and restore…… we're spoilt for choice with an array of UK escapes, all at the click of a button; pretty cottages, chalet-style lodges, painted gypsy caravans, eco-friendly yurts, tree houses and more besides, beckon us.
'Stone Lodge', our Gothic-inspired hideaway is one of so many wonderful places, yet what sets this pretty detached cottage apart from the rest lies beyond the comfort of its stylish interiors, its own secluded damson orchard and sunny south-facing terrace - in fact the unique appeal and magic of this place starts perhaps a mile away from its front door………
A gatehouse to one of England's most beautiful privately-owned historic estates, Combermere Abbey, Stone Lodge is set on the verdant borders of Shropshire and Cheshire. The C12th Abbey today is a family home, with its extensive grounds open occasionally to the public, and to play host to exclusive weddings, which take place within the formal walled gardens. Often cottage guests, free to explore these magnificent surroundings as part of their stay, have them all to themselves.
Largely untouched for centuries, the landscaped parklands surround a huge glacial mere, where walk ways following ancient 'rides' and woodlands are a haven of flora and fauna. Bird song abounds and the land surrounding the mere gives rise to wetland species such as grebe, kingfisher, heron, egret, cormorant, swans, ducks and geese, as well as the usual field and woodland birds. Frequently spotted mammals include hare, rabbit, mink, vole, dormice, squirrels, badger and foxes.
The Pleasure Gardens are found down by the mere, with swathes of native flowers studding the wooded paths under a canopy of Wellingtonia, Swamp Cypress and the aptly-named Tree of Heaven.
Garden lovers will adore the five and a half acres of Victorian Walled Gardens, which embrace the estate's more formal landscaping. Highlights include The Geometric Garden, The Rose Garden, where many varieties have ecclesiastic names as a nod to their setting, abundant herbaceous borders and right in the heart of the walled gardens, the world's only Fruit Tree Maze, a labyrinth of espaliered fruit trees, including apples, pears, redcurrants and gooseberries, truly a marvel to behold.
The maze was created by two gentlemen, Randoll Coate who had worked on some of the world's most inspirational mazes and labyrinths, and whose expertise had been sought by many historic sites the world over, including the Vatican and San Georgio in Venice. At Combermere, Coate worked in tandem with fruit tree specialist, Bert Davis, giving rise to this unique planting medium and adding intrigue to the mythical symbolism within its design, such as the 'Apple of the Eye'.
With this diversity of habitat, the sensory impact of these tranquil spaces and gardens restores one's wellbeing and makes for a pleasurable. Have freedom to walk, amble, twitch, pause, stare, smell, languish and explore the most wonderful of natural surroundings.
Those with canine friends will particularly enjoy strolls through the woods and parklands where dogs can roam freely (we politely request leads for the more formal garden areas) There are also miles of public footpaths which cross the fields, leading to nearby villages.
Plan a natural and restorative retreat this summer at our beautiful estate. Stone Lodge is one of a collection of charming, deluxe cottages, set apart from the rest at the entrance to the estate and the others are the converted stables and coach house.
Book to stay midweek before the end of June and receive a 20% discount making a 3 night midweek stay only £360 (based on Stone Lodge and other cottages sleeping up to 4). A flat year-round pricing structure* ensures fabulous value all year long (*exc. Christmas and New Year)
Optional extras include locally-prepared ready meals, breakfast hampers, wines, spa treatments and the like. Make sure to sample the delicious local pub food at nearby Combermere Arms, just
across from Stone Lodge. Bikes are available to borrow on site, as well as tennis rackets and balls. With so much to do and explore you can even give the car a rest too.
For those wishing to venture out, some of England's most beautiful public gardens are waiting to be discovered only a short drive away – these include Arley Hall, Cholmondeley Castle, Wollerton Old Hall Garden, Bluebell Cottage Gardens, Dorothy Clive Gardens and Ness Botanic Gardens.
A warm welcome awaits at Combermere Abbey this summer.
Winner of Visit England 'Self-Catering Holiday Provider of the Year, 2013'
For bookings contact: Ashleigh Taylor
www.stonelodgeatcombermere.co.uk
cottages@combermereabbey.co.uk
01948 660345
Combermere Abbey, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 4 AJ
twitter.com/combermereabbey.co.uk
facebook.com/combermereabbey
For press information contact:
Sarah Proctor – 07808 586 512 or 01904 488422
ENDS
