We discover the ultimate luxury countryside staycation at a neo-gothic mansion just 90 minutes from Birmingham

Location-wise, this rural haven in Pudleston - near Leominster - takes the crown; especially if like us, you’re always on the hunt for a perfect country retreat which is convenient to get to and offers a pleasantly undemanding journey. 

Lakes Edge at neo-gothic mansion Pudleston Court in Herefordshire really is the ultimate luxury country staycation. After exiting the M5, we navigate our way down picturesque winding lanes for 30 minutes before passing the estate’s enchanting Grade II listed pink sandstone Gatehouse Lodges - Adam & Eve and a 12th century chocolate-box church with an oak-shingled spire. 

Part of the 200 acre country estate’s allure comes from the scarcely populated village of Pudleston and the rest from the estate’s 50 acres of private parkland. The restored stately home was built for coal baron Elias Chadwick in 1846 by Liverpool architect J.T. Brearley and is now a beautiful home for the current owners with the property’s former staff quarters and Gatehouse transformed into luxury holiday cottages.

What to expect at the cottages at Lakes Edge at Pudleston Court in Herefordshire

You’re totally spoilt for choice on where to stay with two ultra chic lodges inside a former gatehouse (Adam & Eve) and two 18th century cottages sleeping eight and six (Butlers and The Gaggles and which can be combined for larger group stays).

Two spacious, high-tech barns come with underfloor heating and one with its own indoor heated pool and are perfect for larger gatherings with family and friends and especially for those celebrating milestone events like birthdays, anniversaries and pre-wedding celebrations or memorable Christmas and New Year’s Eve holidays.

The Barn accommodates up to 12 in six bedrooms and Poachers Barn can host six. All the kitchens in the cottages come with Bosch appliances and flatscreen Samsung smart TVs preloaded with Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC Iplayer are in every living room and all bedrooms too. 

Get a bespoke headline round-up, as well as breaking updates, when you sign up to BirminghamWorld’s free emails

All of the cottages come with at least one (if not two) master king sized bedrooms in soothing neutral toned colour palettes, cloud-like mattresses on beds that can be easily converted into twins and are adorned with crisp Egyptian cotton linens and countrified cushions.

En-suite and separate shower / bathrooms are filled with overhead rain showers and feature roomy tubs for soaking and thick fluffy towels. On top of the acres of surrounding nature, all nine holiday cottages comes with private gardens for hosting memorable BBQ’s and lazy lunches.

Most importantly, here’s where you’ll also find your own bubbling hot tubs (set at 40 degrees and housed within large wooden gazebos to protect you from the elements) with multiple massage jet combinations and flashy mood lighting.

Some larger properties - like Butler’s Cottage - also come with additional barrel saunas. Naturally, you’ll spend all your early evenings soaking up the bubbles and gazing out into the star-filled skies. With zero light pollution, making out the constellations will fast become a favourite pastime too.

While finding a million reasons to stay holed up inside the swanky confines of your abode is easy, venturing out is a must simply because of how much else the estate offers. Maps provided in welcome packs encourage you to take gentle hikes around the serene private grounds, flower-filled meadows and tranquil woods where you’ll find hidden lakes and dreamy waterfalls.

Seemingly endless paths will lead you past ancient trees and cute nooks to secret duck houses and magical fairy swings which are perfect for memorable selfies. Fairy lights sparkle in the trees along the gravel front drive casting an ethereal glow every night with the enchantment reaching its peak during Christmas, when Pudleston Court's own mini illuminations infuse the surroundings with an array of colour making a festive visit truly something truly special. Lakes Edge at Pudleston in Herefordshire is more than just a just five-star bolthole; it’s one of the most idyllic British getaways imaginable.

Four things to love at Lakes Edge at Pudleston Court in Herefordshire

1. Every property guarantees weather-proof fun with either its own bath-temperature swimming pool or hot tub and wooden barrel sauna combo tacked on. Indoor pools have heated floors, relaxing daybeds, and private changing rooms and the pool at Gaggles can be booked for private use for every cottage (except The Barn which has its own pool).
2. The service here is like that at any luxury five star with generous welcome hampers filled with fruit, artisan chocolates and cakes and local farm produce packed neatly into fridges for you ahead of your arrival so you don’t have to worry about breakfast the next day.
3. On-site cooking lessons, archery and picnics can be easily arranged as well as private in-cottage chefs to come and cater for celebrations and private dinners
4. Families will adore the mini adventure playground featuring swings, slides and secret climbing walls.

How to book your stay at Lakes Edge at Pudleston Court in Herefordshire

Book your stay for cottages sleeping 2-12 direct with Lakes Edge at Pudleston Court, Pudleston, Leominster HR6 0QY or via email at [email protected] and phone: 01568 760537. Find out more on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook