An idyllic cottage for two, dog-friendly and nestled in the grounds of a 16th century manor house in the Forest of Dean, complete with an al fresco hot tub and soothing views across the River Severn.
  • Sleeps: 2
  • Bedroom: 1
  • Bathroom: 1
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights

Featured in The Guardian’s 10 Romantic UK Getaways article, The Lavendrye Barn is exquisitely secluded in the grounds of Hayes Manor, a 16th century manor house in the Forest of Dean, for a luxurious stay that compels blissful relaxation from beginning to end.

Your timeless, magical surroundings are formed from whispering ancient woodland, with a wildflower meadow and walled garden showcasing superlative views over lush fields, all the way out to the River Severn and Cotswold Hills beyond.

Even your journey to the romantic retreat (your dogs are very welcome to stay, too) will be steeped in rural loveliness, as you make your way along the tree-canopied country lane past the occasional grazing deer and curious neighbouring sheep. And once you’ve arrived, prepare to fall headlong in love.

Inside, each soft-toned, instantly welcoming room is worthy of a high-end style magazine, with butter-soft cushions and fabrics, detail-rich accessories, and a mesmerising blend of period features with sleek mod-cons.

By evening, curl up by the log fire, as you cradle a glass of wine and get lost in deep, dreamy conversation. The vaulted kitchen is ready and waiting to help you prepare all kinds of sumptuous feasts, with high-end appliances and a Nespresso machine to charge your mornings.

Meanwhile, the mezzanine bedroom is delicately crafted from oak and glass, to inspire sound nights of slumber in a cosy bed dressed with high thread-count, hotel-quality Egyptian cotton linen.

Prefer unwinding in the open air? You’ll find the walled garden bursting with heady, vibrant flowers that make a mesmerising backdrop to morning coffee… or perhaps the contents of an indulgent breakfast hamper, delivered right to your door. There’s a firepit, barbecue and pizza oven, too – ideal for lazy suppers devoured by sunset.

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At a glance

  • An idyllic cottage for two, set in the grounds of a 16th century manor house in the Forest of Dean.
  • The cottage is dog-friendly.
  • Full self-contained facilities include a well-equipped kitchen and a modern, ground-floor shower room.
  • You’ll be provided with fresh milk and eggs from the resident hens – and why not treat yourselves to an indulgent breakfast hamper, too?
  • The Ofuro hot tub can be pre-warmed for your arrival, and is ideal for sunset soaks with picture-perfect views to the River Severn.
  • Relax in the walled, flower-filled garden, an idyllic backdrop to morning coffee or sunset suppers cooked al fresco.
  • Walking trails lead straight from the door, and there are plenty of pubs, shops, and attractions in the local area.

Features

  • Adults Only
  • Dog Friendly
  • Hot Tubs

Facilities

Living space with log burner and basket of kindling, logs, and firelighters, Smart TV with Netflix, Bluetooth speaker, selection of books and board games, well-equipped kitchen with dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer, induction hob, electric oven, Nespresso machine and pods, Clipper tea, welcome hamper with fresh milk and eggs, all cleaning products provided. Ground-floor shower room with luxury toiletries and Egyptian cotton towels, flannels, and bath robes. Mezzanine bedroom with hotel-quality Egyptian cotton linen, hairdryer. Outside: wood-fired Ofuro hot tub with bubbles, jets and LED lights, firepit, pizza oven, barbecue, seating area, secure bike storage, private off-road parking.

Local activities

Walking, cycling, picnic spots, local pubs, restaurants, independent shops, theme parks, historic sites

More information

You’ll also have the opportunity to bathe in the wood-fired, LED-lit Ofuro hot tub, perfectly positioned for you to catch the moon’s slow ascent over the shimmering river. The tub can even be pre-heated for your arrival, so you won’t have to wait to enjoy that irresistibly warming soak.

Leaving the Lavendrye Barn’s calming embrace will be difficult, but if you can manage it, there’s a wealth of delight to be discovered just outside the door. Pack a picnic and take a leisurely hike through routes adorned with wildlife, or tackle the world-class mountain bike trails close by (there’s secure bike storage at the barn).

If you’d rather let someone else do the holiday catering, there’s plenty of choice, from hearty pub meals to gourmet restaurants that specialise in fresh, seasonal local produce. Why not work up a healthy appetite with a thrilling session at Go Ape! or Puzzlewood first?

There are plenty more options to help while away your holiday time, from wandering through the ruins of Tintern Abbey, to learning about the forest at Dean Heritage Centre, in a stay to revive your senses and restore your soul.

Things to note

Well-behaved dogs are welcome to stay, but please check the property website for essential pre-booking information. Free doggy day care can be arranged with the owners if needed. An EV charger is available, charged per usage – please bring your own cable.

Where you'll be staying

Lydney, Gloucestershire

What the guests of The Lavendrye Barn say

“My husband and I stayed at The Lavendrye Barn with our dog Luna for 2 nights to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary. The whole experience was amazing! Not only is the barn enchanting with beautifully thought through interior choices but the outdoors is also gorgeous, with a hot tub overlooking the River Severn. Our host Sarah was delightful and fired up the hot tub for us so it would be ready on arrival. So many little touches to make our stay special, including a lovely welcome hamper for us and for Luna! Thank you for a gorgeous couple of days. My husband and I have stayed in many places over the years and we always rank our stay on how special the experience was for us. The Lavendrye Barn has been placed in 2nd place only to a penthouse on the Gold Coast in Australia. If you’re lucky enough to get to stay here, you won’t be disappointed.”

“A truly stunning Retreat of a place. We came for R and R and that’s exactly what we received. Sarah goes the extra mile for guests. She hunted down and booked in-house massages at a moments notice and was so warm and welcoming. Sarah arrived daily to heat the hot tub and nothing was too much for her as a host. The barn itself is so quant, cosy and beautiful. Think high end luxury in qualified resting (if rest and rejuvenation had a qualification this place would be A*)! it’s a haven all on its own. Bird song, green fields surrounding you, peace, tranquility and beauty. I know I’m heading home rested, decompressed and ready to face my week of work. Thank you so much for creating this stunning space. And thank you for being so gracious and knowing when to step in and when to step back. Wonderful kind hosts.”

“We recently had the pleasure of staying at the Lavendrye Barn. From the moment we arrived our experience was outstanding. The accommodation itself was beautifully decorated and in keeping with the building, it was impeccably clean, and full of lovely touches, like our welcome hamper for both us and our dogs, fresh flowers and fluffy bath robes. The highlight of our stay was the exclusive use of the hot tub which has to have one of the best views in England, stretching down to the Severn estuary. But for us what truly set this place apart was our host Sarah, who was always available to answer any questions and offer recommendations for walks etc. It was sad to leave but we shall return! We’re already recommending to all of our friends!”

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