Old Bakehouse

Why you'll love staying here

Old Bakehouse is a beautiful 16th-century half-timbered cottage, thoughtfully converted into a holiday retreat while retaining a wealth of original features. Set in the west wing of Wythall Manor House yet fully self-contained, it sits within a vineyard in one of Herefordshire’s most idyllic locations.

The main living space is open plan, with timber beams, exposed stonework, leaded windows and the original bread oven all offering a tangible sense of the cottage’s history. The kitchen, though compact, is well equipped, and with a generous welcome hamper of local produce, the designated cook will feel right at home preparing delicious meals to be enjoyed at the adjoining farmhouse-style dining table.

In the sitting area, an eclectic mix of vintage furniture, soft furnishings, prints, and decorative pieces lends the cottage its unmistakable country charm. There’s ample space for the whole family to unwind in the evenings after a day exploring the local area.

Both bedrooms are peaceful sanctuaries with sloping ceilings, exposed beams, and comfortable beds dressed in crisp white linen, all guaranteeing a restful night’s sleep. Come morning, guests are gently woken by birdsong or the soft bleating of sheep grazing in the surrounding fields.

Wythall Estate has been in the same family since 1520 and has produced wine since 2014. In addition to its award-winning vineyards, the grounds have a large freshwater lake, woodland, and beautifully tended gardens, with numerous quiet spots to sit and watch the wildlife including badgers, deer, owls, and red kites, all of which have been recorded on the estate.

Guests are welcome to join vineyard tours to learn about vine management, from planting and pruning through to harvesting the grape varieties selected specifically for the English climate. Following the tour, the owner of Wythall Manor will be delighted to host a tutored wine-tasting session, and estate wines are available to purchase to enjoy during your stay or take home as a memento.

Nearby Ross-on-Wye is a historic market town with an appealing mix of independent shops, cosy cafés, and traditional pubs. Be sure to visit the Market House, a 17th-century building that stands as a symbol of the town’s heritage. Inside, you’ll find a gallery showcasing high-quality arts and crafts by local makers, while weekly markets offer everything from fresh produce, seafood, cheese and baked goods to plants, flowers, clothing, street food and artisan gifts, a tradition that has endured for centuries. The Thomas Blake Memorial Garden, created in honour of a generous local benefactor, is a well-kept terraced garden with steps leading down to a riverside pub on the banks of the Wye.

The river itself offers endless opportunities for lovers of the outdoors. Numerous cycling and walking trails follow its course, or you can hire a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard and drift along, keeping an eye out for wildlife such as swans, geese, herons and kingfishers. A visit to Symonds Yat, one of the most iconic and beautiful spots in the Wye Valley, rewards you with incredible views across the landscape and several excellent locations for wild swimming.

Ross-on-Wye also sits on Herefordshire’s Southern Cider Circuit, a 59-mile loop taking in ancient apple and pear orchards and some of the region’s finest cider makers. Along the way, a stop in Ledbury is highly recommended. The town is celebrated for its wonderfully preserved timber-framed buildings, cobbled lanes, and narrow alleyways lined with independent boutiques. Don’t miss the Painted Room at One Church Street, where exceptional Tudor wall paintings offer a fascinating insight into the town’s history.

Being close to the Welsh border, The Old Bakehouse is only a short drive from the stunning Brecon Beacons. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of outdoor pursuits, including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and abseiling. The Four Waterfalls circular trail is a particular highlight, taking in four spectacular cascades through lush woodland, with the chance to walk behind the gushing water.