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Review 1954: Aspen House, Stable Cottage

www.aspenhouse.net

Recommended. Review by egret from NJ

studio cottage in village near Ross-on-Wye, Heart of England

When

July 2005, 5 nights

Location

Studio apartment for 2 in a newly-converted stable. Everything you need - kitchen, bath, closet space, table, chairs, and a very comfortable bed. Also, the use of the large gardens area and the common room in the adjacent B & B guest house.

Stable Cottage is located adjacent to Aspen House B & B, in the quiet village of Hoarwithy, in the county of Herefordshire. This village is on the River Wye, approximately midway between Hereford and Ross-on-Wye, on the border of the "Golden Valley" area of Wales. You will need a car, and the road into the village is narrow in places, but you will be rewarded upon arrival.

The hosts are wonderful, mellow, and very tuned in to all the nearby suppliers of organic, locally-produced food. The River Wye is across the street, making this a great location for canoeists, fishermen, or walkers/ramblers. Lots of excellent maps and local information is available. A very peaceful location but still a good base for daytrips.

Nearby Amenities

Although there are grocery stores in Ross-on-Wye or Hereford, we bought excellent local provisions from the kitchen of our "Slow Food"-savvy hosts Sally and Rob, from nearby farm shops, or from several small shops in Ross-on-Wye that featured artisan or organic food and drink. Across the road from Aspen House is a newly re-furbished pub, the New Harp Inn. Several others are located within a mile or two. I cannot say enough about the quality of the food ingredients available locally. Try the single variety apple juices like "Worcester Pearmain," taste the local cheeses like "Stinking Bishop," or buy fresh eggs and local sausages for your breakfast. You will eat well here!

The House/Apartment

The apartment is a studio, with high, wood-beamed ceilings, and a separate kitchenette and bathroom. It was a perfect getaway for two. The bed was comfortable and couch, TV, and table and chairs are there, too.

Garden

The garden is a series of differing garden "rooms" ascending the hill behind the house. Here you will find a terrace for reading or outdoor dining, herbs and vegetables, formal beds, grassy areas, and at the top a little table and chairs in dappled shade, with a fine view of Hoarwithy’s pretty Italianate church.

Furnishings/Cleanliness/Living Areas

Furnishings are new, as the renovation was just completed in May 2005. The studio is spotless and pleasantly serene. Reading lamps are by both sides of the bed, which is always important for us. There are three windows and high ceilings, so the studio is light and gets nice cross-breezes, too.

Kitchen

Compact, new, with cooktop but no oven. Everything you would need, otherwise, including tea kettle, crockery, glasses, pans, utensils, etc.

Problems or Bonuses

The hosts were the bonus. Sally worked for many years in the tourism industry and knows much about Herefordshire and the surrounding counties and towns of England and Wales. There is a wealth of things to do in the area. Rob is a wonderful writer whose online Aspen House Diary keeps us entertained from afar. Evening meals are also available, with advance notice, in the Main House. Aspen House recently became registered as a "Les Routiers" establishment. Rob and Sally care passionately about their rural environment and the livelihood of the food producers in their community.

Do you recommend this vacation rental to others?

Absolutely. For us this is the best countryside vacation. Stylish accommodation, peace and quiet, easy access for day trips, and hosts with encyclopedic knowledge of quality local food producers Price for a week in Stable Cottage is 265 Pounds Sterling (under $500).

Things to do in this area

Canoe the River Wye. Many walking/rambling paths in the area. Kilpeck Church, Symond’s Yat, the Forest of Dean, Ludlow Castle, the giant Yew at Much Marcle, Goodrich Castle, Abbey Dore, Hereford Cathedral and the Mappa Mundi, the Golden Valley of Wales, Abergavenny, Ross-on-Wye, Black-and-White village trail, are all nearby.

This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com.

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