The Sculptor´s Gardens
Leominster, Herefordshire, UK
The story of this curious riverside retreat begins in the roaring twenties when it was home to the Twinings Tea family. A place where afternoon teas would turn into flamboyant flapper parties daily, and villagers would come and go like moths among the topiary gardens and champagne towers. A century on, the estate has passed from the hands of a sculptor to the present owner, who opens the doors to those in search of a luxury self-catering country escape.
Introduction
Set in the village of Eardisland near Leominster and the England-Wales border, you'll find this sprawling self-catering retreat within Herefordshire's pastoral landscape of ancient orchards and stately homes. Comprised of two properties settled on the banks of the River Arrow, The Sculptor's Gardens is every inch enchanting. To one side sits half-timbered Tudor longhouse Hollyhocks, a haven of vintage style. To the other, with its wisteria-clad façade, is Atelier Rose: graceful, romantic, and refined. With space aplenty to gather together, these sprawling properties also afford quite corners to enjoy a little me time. Drawn-out picnics under the dappled light of the fruit trees are wholeheartedly encouraged.
Inside
In a sensitive restoration of a family home, many happy months were spent sourcing furnishings that would be in-keeping with the history of these historic homes. A narrow sewing table made a children's desk and an old wooden tea chest has become a bedside table. Hand-carved headboards nod to faraway connections to India, while the large wooden windows look over gardens fashioned by a green-fingered former owner, who spent long summer days pruning the topiary into perfect pyramids. Original flagstone floors and exposed beams hark back to the days of Henry VI, whose knight's are believed to have stayed - their red rose paintings still displayed on the walls to this day.
Outside
Like a modern-day wonderland, there is eccentricity around every corner; from the oversized luxury tin spa bath to the surreal sculptures and enchanted secret gardens. Let warm months tempt croquet on the lawn (grandparents versus children), or set up camp on the banks of the river to enjoy private fishing rights. For an adventure, start the Black and White Trail from the old market town of Leominster just a mile away. The 40-mile circular route leads west through a rich landscape of distant hills, hop yards and orchards, taking walkers through England's prettiest black and white villages. Pick apples to make homemade sauce and gather all for roast pork in the banquet hall, fire roaring.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 18 guests (16 adults and 2 children)
From £5,750 per week, £4,550 per short break - Bedrooms and bathroomsThe main house has four double bedrooms and one quadruple bedroom: the first has an en suite bathroom, while bedrooms two and three share a shower room, and four and five share a family bathroom. There are two downstairs WCs. In the cottage is one ground floor double bedroom with king-size bed and one first floor double with super king-size bed that leads through to a twin bedroom. The family bathroom with roll-top bath is on the first floor, in addition to the ground floor shower room.
View bedrooms - FeaturesWilliam Holland spa baths, outdoor kitchen, tree house, cinema room, games room with pool table
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children and babies are very welcome. Two cots and two highchairs are available on request
- PracticalitiesThe Sculptor´s Gardens are on a quiet road with parking for at least six cars. The kitchen in the main house has a double Beko oven, five-ring electric hob, dishwasher and Nespresso coffee machine, plus a scullery with dishwasher, washing machine, dryer and fridge-freezer. The cottage kitchen features a Range cooker, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, two fridge-freezers and Nespresso coffee machine. Please note, due to the character of Hollyhocks, the quintessential cottage staircase is steep and the original doorframes are low in some areas. Children should be supervised by the river and spa bath at all times.
- Homestay includesA welcome hamper of Ludlow Farm produce, damson gin liqueur, luxury hot chocolate and homemade cookies, Cowshed Spa toiletries, fluffy bathrobes, luxury bed linen and towels, croquet sets, children´s books, board games, badminton set, football nets and balls, logs and kindling to get you started, dog biscuits and bowls...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
- Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay. Details are shared through our house book on confirming your booking.
- Eco-friendlyEco-friendly spa bath system
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsView floor plan
Prices & Availability
Leominster
Close to the Welsh border in the heart of Herefordshire´s rolling hills, the ancient market town of Leominster invites visitors to explore medieval architecture and picturesque walking trails - that´s if you can tear yourself away from the gleaming antique shops.
Getting there
- On the map The Sculptor's Gardens are set in the village of Eardisland, just west of Leominster in Herefordshire.
- By car The house is approximately three and a half hours by car from London, and about two hours from Bristol.
- By train The journey time from London Paddington to Leominster via Newport is around three hours by train, followed by a 15-minute taxi ride.
- By plane Birmingham Airport is an hour and a half by car, while London Heathrow is around three hours.
From the owner
“The privacy of the garden along with the central village location gives our home a very special feeling. Whether it´s relaxing on the lawns drinking Pimms, enjoying a game of croquet, or watching the snow falling from the spa bath, we hope guests experience as many magical memories here as we have.”
Both Hollyhocks and Atelier Rose are brimming with treasured memories that have accumulated over generations of ownership by tea-brewers, sculptors, fizz-sippers, and gardeners. Many a real Dickensian Christmas has been had here, playing games around roaring log fires, and the number of drawn-out evenings playing cricket on the lawn as the sun sets are, by now, uncountable.
One of our favourite features is the Georgian Camilla conservatory. This was previously used as an outside seating area, but it has been updated with a spa bath that now stands proudly centre stage. Relaxing as a family in this area is a real treat. Architecturally, the properties are a real mix of different timelines, but our favourite room is the double aspect front bedroom - a wonderful place to hide away and get lost in a good book.
If you're looking for a home with a celebratory feel, that still has all the hallmarks of laidback luxury, this is it.
The Pare Family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Leominster with an insider’s perspective.
To Eat
The Cross Inn, Eardisland
For a lazy Sunday family roast or a night sampling ales from local suppliers, this pub on Eardisland’s black and white walking trail offers a warm village welcome. Stop in during a country hike and enjoy a seasonal home-cooked dish too.
To Do
Hergest Ridge, Kington
Get your heart pumping with this stunning hike from Kington, crossing the border into Powys along the Hergest Ridge. The route follows part of Offa´s Dyke Trail, affording beautiful scenery along the way.
To See
Canwood Art Gallery & Sculpture Park
Visit Canwood, Herefordshire´s leading contemporary art gallery and sculpture park. Whether you are a seasoned culture vulture or simply looking to admire the talent, the gallery and park provide a wonderful day out.
To Do
Cycling
Entwined with picturesque trails, cycling is a beautiful way to explore Leominster. Drover Cycles have a large variety of bikes, from expert road bikes to family-friendly e-bikes, that can be delivered to and collected from the house.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
We have had the most relaxing stay ever at The Sculptor´s Gardens! The proprieties are so beautiful and the interiors just stunning - the attention to detail is fantastic. Plus, the fairytale village of Eardisland is idyllic and so pretty. Thank you.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
Snow white
Country Homes & Interiors
December 2024The UK´s cosiest boltholes for Christmas
The Times
December 2024Natural beauty
25 Beautiful Homes
December 202425 of the best autumn getaways
The Times
November 2024Good manors
Condé Nast Traveller
November 2024Ways to improve your life—from our experts
The Times
October 2024The UK´s most relaxing riverside stays
The Times
October 2024At one with nature
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2024
Collections > Dog-Friendly Escapes > UK > Herefordshire > Leominster > The Sculptor´s Gardens
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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
