The Rockhouse Retreat

www.therockhouseretreat.co.uk 

 'One of the most thought provoking designs we've seen on the show yet' 

- Kevin McCloud, Grand Designs.

The Rockhouse Retreat is a unique luxury cave retreat, hand sculpted from a Triassic sandstone escarpment near the Wyre Forest in rural Worcestershire. Set in 3 acres of woodland on the banks of Honey Brook, the site as been used as a dwelling for numerous periods for over 700 years. When the site was last deserted in 1962 it reverted back to its 'natural state' - until it was painstakingly and sympathetically refurbished in 2014/5 'almost single handedly' by enthusiast and owner Angelo Mastropietro.

Over time the cave has been adapted by its occupants; currently featuring vaulted ceilings, an inglenook fireplace, shelving and ornamental nooks which are thought to have been added around 300 years ago. According to a geological survey the Triassic sandstone rock is around 250,000,000 years old and in each of the five rooms original pick axe marks can be identified. Experts in the field who have collectively examined over forty rock houses described the site as 'the best (example) we've seen'.

Angelo first came across the site near Kidderminster when he sheltered there during a rain storm in 1999. Years later, following a long stint living in Australia running his own company he became ill with MS and returned to the UK, making this a career break project. 

Angelo, who excavated around 70 tonnes of stone during the project, said, 'After visiting the cave I fell in love with the place and wanted to turn it into a romantic retreat. My family comes from Italy where there is a tradition of cave dwellings and ironically our surname Mastropietro translates into 'master of the stone'. I was not particularly daunted by the idea of carving a home out of rock – I felt emotionally attached to the project from the start.'

As much a sculpture as it is a dwelling, The Rockhouse Retreat has been carefully planned out. Stylishly decorated, it features creature comforts such as underfloor heating and clever ambient lighting for a nurturing and natural ambience. The UK's first contemporary rock house, this is an authentic cave home and secluded retreat, offering a peaceful haven where guests feel miles from civilisation. Come to for a short romantic escape, a creative or healthy retreat, or book it for a team building or corporate away day. There are also plans to offer Paleo living workshops and group yoga and wellness retreats.

Specifications of the retreat:

• Living and dining area with natural light and original features
• 1 bedroom with king size bed and wood fire
• Walk-in 'rain forest' shower
• Under-floor heated shower/dressing room
• Fully fitted kitchen with 'Everhot' 3 oven range and induction hob 
• Fridge and microwave
• Large furnished terrace and fire pit
• Wi-Fi, music docking station
• Soft ambient LED mood lighting throughout
• 3 acres of private woodland with meandering brook
• Sweeping hillside views
• Complimentary homemade bottle of 'Rockhouse Red' wine
• Nespresso machine
• Outdoor hot shower
• Outdoor kitchen terrace with gas BBQ

Press contact: Sarah Garbett - romantic@therockhouseretreat.co.uk

Bookings via the website: www.therockhouseretreat.co.uk

Watch the episode Grand Designs: https://www.youtube.com

ENDS