The all-weather tennis court, ready for action and designed to precede a well-deserved gin and tonic, might not be the best thing in the garden. That’s because The Hyde comes with a 2km narrow-gauge steam railway, complete with station. All aboard for family fun that includes tunnels, bridges, turntables and a viaduct.
With a one-mile drive through the estate, the grounds ramble forever. You can, too, along walking trails that take in pheasant and guinea fowl, explore the mini hedge maze and stomp the wooded areas. Children will be entertained with bikes, football goals and playtime in the Wendy house.
As if that wasn’t enough, in the neighbouring field, you’ll discover two private lakes, perfect for wild swimming, kayaking and private fly-fishing. Long day? Unwind with dinner and drinks on the south-facing terrace and a long dip in the hot tub. Why would you want to leave?
English Heritage and the deft hand of craftsmanship have created a wonderfully restored world of wonky ceilings, beams, inglenooks and flagstone floors. In front of roaring flames, you’ve got big spaces amid the medieval magic in which to host that long-overdue get together or simply slip apart for a recharge.
The garden’s a delight and the light-filled conservatory sucks it in. Thirteenth century this may be, but dashes of modern comfort mean you never lose out on luxury. Get together for evening games in the L-shaped sitting room or scroll through Sky in the TV room with the doors open to the south-facing garden terrace.
Having a railway on site is impressive, but so is hosting an award-winning restaurant. The chefs at Native come with a wonderful foodie pedigree and values based around sustainability and local sourcing, not least from the kitchen garden. Alternatively, call up the pros from A to Zest for special celebrations, drop-offs or a fully catered break.
Dab hand in the kitchen? This one comes comprehensively kitted out, with a range cooker, separate wine fridge and two dishwashers. Eat out on the south-facing terrace with the pheasants and guinea fowl wandering the lawns, or beneath the beams in the 20-seat dining room with logs alight in the inglenook fireplace.
Tuck in to takeaways from Pukka Pizzas, Efe’s Kebabs, and Teme Street fish and chips. Pop into The Spotty Dog for afternoon teas and picnic bags. At The Peacock Inn, the head chef is French, giving the English dishes a continental twist. Get your laughing gear around prime Herefordshire beef fillet with Dauphinoise potatoes.
Consider Bahar for a five-star Indian experience, Pembroke House for chicken in Stilton sauce, or head to the Med at Unwined Bar and Bistro for brunch, tapas and charcuterie, accompanied by world wines, Spanish lager and cocktails. For Michelin-Guide magnificence, consider The Baiting House or Kilpeck Inn.
The ten bedrooms here across the house and cottage are bursting with beamy beauty. Surrounded only by lakes and woodland, you’ll slip into a sleep you know you’re going to relish.
In the main house, bedroom one is a double en-suite, as is bedroom two, which also offers a rolltop bath and separate WC. En-suite bedroom three provides a kingsize that can be split into twins and bedroom four is a kingsize with en-suite shower room. Bedroom five offers twin beds and bedroom six a kingsize or twins.
In the cottage, bedrooms one and two are double en-suites, while bedroom three is a twin or double en-suite. Bedroom four is another en-suite, with twin beds.
Gone are the days when the only way to view a house was solely by way of poring over flat and sometimes confusing floor plans. With the emergence of 360-degree video we have an exciting new way of being introduced to the layout of a house.
With a few clicks you can be leisurely making your way through living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, kitchens and bathrooms – the whole house in all its beauty waiting for you to step on in for an effortless and insightful virtual tour.
There’s a lot to get right when you choose a holiday for kids. But The Hyde does everything beautifully, even keeping the suspense going with a one-mile journey down the drive on arrival. If these are the grounds, how big can the house be? Plenty big. In fact, with room for 20 in the house and cottage, you can bring home with you.
You don’t even need to pack a cot – you’ve got two travel cots available, with linen provided, plus two high chairs. Inside, there’s plenty of space for exploring, large-scale games of hide-and-seek, and just being together. That includes two dogs, by the way, so don’t forget your furry friends.
By day, the garden and grounds offer plenty of diversions for the curious mind. Walk the dog through the woodland trails and find the lakes. Wild-swim or kayak with a grown-up. Discover the Wendy house and treehouse. Get lost in the mini-maze or play croquet, cricket or football on the lawns.
Come between March and October for the best time to ride the narrow-gauge steam railway (we need to book a driver). All aboard at the station, then follow the 2km track around the estate that includes tunnels, bridges, turntables and a viaduct. Wrap up the day with Sky TV or with toys, books, and DVDs.
