Stone Lodge ~
A Whole Estate to Explore in
your ‘back garden’!
Combermere Estate lies on the Cheshire/Shropshire
border and features a 143 acre lake, the largest in private ownership in
Cheshire, and a total of 1,000 rolling acres. The medieval Cistercian
Combermere Abbey is set in the heart of the Estate and was founded in 1133 by
Hugh de Malbanc, Lord of Nantwich. It once had 22 monks in residence. During the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536
by Henry VIII, most of the monastic buildings were destroyed leaving only the
Abbot’s Hall and in 1820 it was re-designed as a gothic mansion.
Famous occupants of Combermere Abbey include
Elizabeth, Empress of Austria; William of Orange, Dr. Johnson and Mrs Thrale
and Sir Stapleton Cotton, a brilliant General, who fought under Wellington at
the Battle of Salamanca. The present occupants are Sarah Callander Beckett,
who inherited the estate from her great grandfather, Sir Kenneth Crossley Bt,
and her husband, Peter.
The North Wing of the Abbey is currently
undergoing major restoration, following the successful enabling development award
in 2013. The project will see the
complete repair of the wing and transformation into a separate dwelling which
will be offered as the bridal suite for wedding couples. The restoration is
expected to complete in 2016.
In 1994, the restored 1837 Stables were opened as
luxury holiday cottages and have since won awards and acclaim for their high
standards. In 2011 the number of cottages was increased from 7 to 10, with the
addition of three new stylish and contemporary cottages. The business was
awarded a Gold Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme and was Highly
Commended at the inaugural Hudson’s Heritage Awards for their ‘Best
Accommodation’ category.
‘Stone
Lodge’, our Gothic-inspired hideaway is one of so many wonderful places, yet
what sets this pretty detached cottage apart from the rest lies beyond the
comfort of its stylish interiors, its own secluded damson orchard and sunny
south-facing terrace - in fact the unique appeal and magic of this place starts
perhaps a mile away from its front door………
A
gatehouse to one of England’s most beautiful privately-owned historic estates,
Combermere Abbey, Stone Lodge is set on the verdant borders of Shropshire and
Cheshire. The C12th Abbey today is a family home, with its extensive grounds
open occasionally to the public, and to play host to exclusive weddings, which
take place within the formal walled gardens. Often cottage guests, free to
explore these magnificent surroundings as part of their stay, have them all to
themselves.
Largely
untouched for centuries, the landscaped parklands surround a huge glacial mere,
where walk ways following ancient ‘rides’ and woodlands are a haven of flora
and fauna. Bird song abounds and the land surrounding the mere gives rise to
wetland species such as grebe, kingfisher, heron,
egret, cormorant, swans, ducks and geese, as well as the usual field and
woodland birds. Frequently spotted mammals include hare, rabbit, mink, vole,
dormice, squirrels, badger and foxes.
The
Pleasure Gardens are found down by the mere, with swathes of native flowers
studding the wooded paths under a canopy of Wellingtonia, Swamp Cypress and the
aptly-named Tree of Heaven.
Garden
lovers will adore the five and a half acres of Victorian Walled Gardens, which embrace
the estate’s more formal landscaping. Highlights include The Geometric Garden,
The Rose Garden, where many varieties have ecclesiastic names as a nod to their
setting, abundant herbaceous borders and right in the heart of the walled
gardens, the world’s only Fruit Tree Maze, a labyrinth of espaliered fruit
trees, including apples, pears, redcurrants and gooseberries, truly a marvel to
behold.
The
maze was created by two gentlemen, Randoll Coate who had worked on some of the
world’s most inspirational mazes and labyrinths, and whose expertise had been
sought by many historic sites the world over, including the Vatican and San
Georgio in Venice. At Combermere, Coate worked in tandem with fruit tree
specialist, Bert Davis, giving rise to this unique planting medium and adding
intrigue to the mythical symbolism within its design, such as the ‘Apple of the
Eye’.
With
this diversity of habitat, the sensory impact of these tranquil spaces and
gardens restores one’s wellbeing and makes for a pleasurable. Have freedom to walk,
amble, twitch, pause, stare, smell, languish and explore the most wonderful of
natural surroundings.
Those
with canine friends will particularly enjoy strolls through the woods and
parklands where dogs can roam freely (we politely request leads for the more
formal garden areas) There are also miles of public footpaths which cross the fields,
leading to nearby villages.
Plan
a natural and restorative retreat this summer at our beautiful estate. Stone
Lodge is one of a collection of charming, deluxe cottages, set apart from the
rest at the entrance to the estate and the others are the converted stables and
coach house.
Book
to stay midweek before the end of June and receive a 20% discount making a 3
night midweek stay only £360 (based on Stone Lodge and other cottages sleeping
up to 4). A flat year-round pricing structure* ensures fabulous value all year
long (*exc. Christmas and New Year)
Optional
extras include locally-prepared ready meals, breakfast hampers, wines, spa
treatments and the like. Make sure to sample the delicious local pub food at
nearby Combermere Arms, just across
from Stone Lodge. Bikes are available to borrow on site, as well as tennis
rackets and balls. With so much to do and explore you can even give the car a
rest too.
For
those wishing to venture out, some of England’s most beautiful public gardens
are waiting to be discovered only a short drive away – these include Arley
Hall, Cholmondeley Castle, Wollerton Old Hall Garden, Bluebell Cottage Gardens,
Dorothy Clive Gardens and Ness Botanic Gardens.
A
warm welcome awaits at Combermere Abbey this summer.
Winner of Visit
England ‘Self-Catering Holiday Provider of the Year, 2013’
For bookings contact: Ashleigh Taylor
01948 660345
Combermere Abbey,
Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 4 AJ
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