The Hunting Lodge at Ragley Estate - sleeps 16 guests in 7 bedrooms

About

As you pull onto the expansive gravel drive there is a pleasing sense of arrival and the anticipation of staying somewhere rather special, for The Hunting Lodge at Ragley Estate is Grade II listed and dates to the 16th century. Many original features remain giving it bags of character and charm, but this delightful house also boasts all the creature comforts needed to put fun and relaxation centre stage. Step inside and you'll find flagstone floors, huge windows, with meadow views at every turn, ancient beams, and open fires. The huge dining room table is the place for convivial meals by firelight, whilst two living rooms offer space to relax and be sociable or simply curl up with a good book and enjoy some quiet time. The games room, with a pool table and, for footie fans, a table football set, provides endless competitive entertainment. Two ground floor bedrooms offer flexible living arrangements, whilst on the first floor, there are five further bedrooms, three of which have ensuite bathrooms, and a family bathroom with a gorgeous clawfoot bathtub. Outside you will find a space as delightful as the ones inside. A whimsical swing hangs from a mature tree in the front garden, and when you wander through the wrought iron gate on the side of the house, the full scale of the far-reaching views hits you. Rolling fields and tree-clad hills form the backdrop for two and a half acres of garden, which is yours to enjoy. Spread a picnic blanket in the old orchard and listen to the birds, let the children run free making magic and adventures in the playhouse or just head for the hot tub and relax amongst the bubbles. There is parking for up to 8 cars on the private driveway. Ground Floor Entrance Hall: The covered porch shelters the old wooden front door, which opens into the original entrance hall. Old timbers form the ceiling and there's a high-sided bench, where you can perch to take off shoes and boots, a smoked glass light fitting and a console table with a large mirror hanging over it. From the entrance hall, you can go left into the second of two living rooms and the main living area of the house. Alternatively, there are four steps on the right which lead to the games room, a boot room, and one of the ground floor bedrooms. Snug/Living Room: With two large comfy sofas, lots of floor space and an open fire this is an ideal room to allocate for children as a playroom, and there are plenty of games and books on the shelves beside the fire. It's also a great space for a little quiet time, where you can light the fire and curl up on the sofa beneath the huge window with a good book. Reading lamps ensure there is plenty of light, and occasional tables mean there is always somewhere to rest a drink. Living Room: The main living room features three sofas set around the feature stone fireplace. There's a large Smart TV and multi-pane windows looking out to the rear garden beyond. Gather here for evening drinks whilst little ones play next door. Inner Hall: Linking the two parts of the house, the inner hall boasts the same original flagstones seen throughout, there's a door to the rear garden and the staircase to the first floor. Dining Room: With flagstone floors, ancient oak beams lining the walls and marching across the ceiling, plus a huge fireplace with a wood-burning stove, the dining room is atmospheric and filled with character. Lay the long table and gather your nearest and dearest together for wonderful meals. Bedroom Six: This ground floor bedroom is a pretty twin room (can be a king-size bed on request) overlooking the rear garden. A large rug on the flagstones adds splashes of colour to the pale greys and neutral tones of the room and the original beams add character and charm. There are bedside tables with reading lamps and a double wardrobe and a four-drawer chest of drawers for storage. Please note whilst there is a ground floor cloakroom through the kitchen, guests staying in the room should be aware the main family bathroom is on the first floor. Kitchen: Filled with character, the kitchen is packed with original features including flagstone floors, exposed beams, and there's even a cream AGA tucked into the old fireplace. Everything else is 21st century however including a range cooker with ceramic hob, two dishwashers, a microwave, and a freestanding fridge-freezer. There's plenty of crockery and glasses, plus enough pots and pans to cook up a feast. There's a door to the front garden and a ground floor cloakroom with a W.C and hand basin. Games Room: If you turn left and walk up four steps from the main entrance hall you'll find the games room. With a pool table, including balls and cues, and a table football set, there's plenty to keep you entertained, this is also where you'll find a selection of outdoor games. There's a TV mounted on the wall and at the far end a utility area with a washing machine, tumble dryer, iron, and ironing