The Dovecote

Redmarley, Gloucestershire

The Dovecote at Pauntley Court is an enchanting house in which to stay. Poet Laureate, John Masefield described Pauntley Court as Ôa place of great beauty and strangenessÕ. 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.

Enjoy relaxing and rejuvenating massage treatments in The Blissful Bower, a shepherd's hut transformed into a peaceful sanctuary, click here for a list of treatments available.

If you want to come with friends, why not also book Elinor Fettiplace next door which sleeps two.