The Dovecote at Pauntley Court is an enchanting house in which to stay. Poet Laureate, John Masefield described Pauntley Court as ‘a place of great beauty and strangeness'. Dating back to 1300s, the Dovecote has kept its original features and has been converted into a beautiful two double bedroom house, perfectly balanced by keeping the natural rustic features of the building without losing any of the high quality modern conveniences one would expect. Pauntley Court is steeped in history with it being the birthplace of Dick Whittington, who travelled from Pauntley to become Lord Mayor of London four times over, and The Dovecote soaks up the magical atmosphere that pervades this small estate.
The Dovecote has access to the main formal gardens at Pauntley Court which guests are welcome to enjoy. There is a charming walled garden with a statue of Pan at its centre and also a cloister garden planted with pleached hornbeams and two deep herbaceous borders. The sunken garden has an ornamental pond surrounded by beds of tulips, alliums and roses, bordered by box and lovely oak balustrading created by a local craftsman. Quinces and medlars help to enhance the Elizabethan feel. At the back of the main house is the ruin garden, where foundations of a great house planned by the Somerset family, have been planted in yew. The garden uses stone and local bricks in an artistic manner, which might provide owners of gardens with inspiration, and which ensure even in winter the garden has an elegant bone structure.
The Dovecote is located in the heart of the Gloucestershire countryside within easy reach of the market towns of Newent and Ledbury, the spa towns of Malvern and Cheltenham and the cathedral cities of Gloucester and Hereford, and Tewkesbury Abbey. The village of Pauntley is close to the Cotswolds, and yet gives you access to some wonderful walking areas including the Malvern Hills.
If you want to come with friends, why not also book Elinor Fettiplace next door which sleeps two.
This holiday at a glance
Sleeps four guests.
Two en-suite Super King double bedrooms (both 6' beds can be converted to 3' singles on request).
Private garden with seating area and barbeque.
Access to the main formal gardens at Pauntley Court.
Two hybrid bicycles (men's and ladies') available for guest use.
Guests are welcome to use the hard surface tennis court in the grounds of Pauntley Court.
Massage and beauty treatments can be provided on-site by a qualified therapist.
Children over 12 years welcome.
Sorry, no pets.
Parking space by the main house.
WiFi.
Minimum three night stay.
Additional features
Wood burning stove.
Free standing electric cooker, small fridge, dishwasher.
Large freezer, washing machine and tumble dryer in nearby outbuilding.
Nespresso coffee machine.
Television with sound bar and sub-woofer in sitting room.
Television with Freeview in both bedrooms.
Blu-ray player, DVD player, Bluetooth CD player, two digital radios.
Garden table and chairs.
Barbecue.
Attractions and nearby amenities
The grounds surrounding Pauntley Court are perfect for leisurely walks. Start at The Dovecote and follow the ‘Poets Walk' down to the lake and River Leadon.
Elinor Fettiplace is within easy reach of the market towns of Newent and Ledbury, where you will find a selection of shops and supermarkets to stock up on everything needed for your stay.
There are some excellent pubs and restaurants nearby including The Butchers Arms in Eldersfield (advance booking is advised at this Michelin starred pub), Welland's The Inn at Welland, The Royal Exchange at Hartpury and the Kilcot Inn in Newent.
Both the Forest of Dean and Symonds Yat in the Wye Valley are only a short 30 minutes' drive away.
Eastnor Castle situated at the foot of the Malvern Hills is surrounded by a deer park, lake and arboretum.
Have an English wine tasting tour at the Three Choirs Vineyard in nearby Newent.
The International Centre for Birds of Prey is the World's oldest dedicated Bird of Prey Centre and has over 250 species including owls, eagles, hawks and vultures.
Fascinating medieval architecture is waiting to be discovered at Hereford and Gloucester Cathedrals and Tewkesbury Abbey.
