Cruckbarn is a sophisticated barn stay for 2-5 guests where you can stargaze and get close to nature outdoors or get cosy indoors playing vinyl and letting time slow down. It would be a wonderful winter getaway this year. It is a popular place within our directory so it's good to think ahead to book a break here. Here is what the owners say about it...
A browse through our guest book here at Cruckbarn is perhaps the best way to get a feel for our largely undiscovered retreat in northern Herefordshire. 'We cooked over the open fire most nights, listening to the owls and watching satellites and shooting stars'; 'Has been nice to just escape the madness of the city and enjoy the quietness of this place'; 'Amazing to wake up in and feel the calm'; 'We have particularly enjoyed the silence'; 'Pretty much the only sounds you can hear are from the sheep and local wildlife'; 'won't forget waking to the sound of bird song and deer in the woods'; 'a perfect retreat from our working lives'; 'It's been great to slow life down a little'.
Mortimer country - home to The Marches - has a population density of just 20 people per square km. That's lower than the density of the least populated English borough (Eden in Cumbria, at 24/km2) and compares dramatically with the London Borough of Islington, at more than 15,000/km2.
Cruckbarn sits in its own 14 acres of woodland and field, and is surrounded by hundreds of acres more - most of it ancient woodland. Nature is literally on its doorstep. It has no telly, and practically the only source of nearby light pollution that might affect the pitch dark or dramatic night skies would come from the accommodation itself - if
you don't turn the lights off. Or from the camp fire outside. The local village, just under 1km away is out of sight at the bottom of the hill, while none of the other 4 properties within a kilometre of the property are likely to contribute much light, given they are not even audible, much less visible, from Cruckbarn. The moon can sometimes seem blinding - although it can give light to the fantastic views that are normally the preserve of the day. On a still night, it can be a challenge to hear a man-made sound. A rustle in the woods might indicate some deer movement. Or perhaps just a foraging hedgehog. You can even expect to hear the beat of a bat's wings.
Inside the barn prepare to be awe-struck at the stunning interior. The traditional oak beams that dominate the vaulted roof of the open plan living space give the property a feeling of quiet strength whilst the underfloor heating and woodburning stove keep it warm and cosy even when snow is falling. The country style design is welcoming whilst the many windows let in lots of natural light and also the feeling of letting the outside in. Offering many eco-friendly pluses including a ground source heat-pump for the hot water and as many logs as you want for the log burner and fire-pit this property also offers luxuries too. A gorgeous hand-crafted kitchen has all the mod cons you could need!
Sleeping up to 5 people, this barn has an impressive master bedroom on a
mezzanine level plus a second room with double and single beds, thus suiting a family or 2 couples. Outside you can enjoy toasting marshmallows on the camp fire or simple lie back and star gaze. During the day explore the land, taking time to breathe in the fresh countryside air and listen to the birds. With a village pub and shop just 1 mile away you are close to civilization at the same time as being far away from it.
The attractive town of Ludlow with its medieval ruined castle offers local farmers markets to explore as well as beautiful Georgian houses to admire. Why not enjoy a drink or a meal riverside before taking a stroll through the beautiful Whitcliffe Nature Reserve.
Book your winter stay in this wonderful location after checking the availability here. Or get in there first for Summer 2020.