Historic Summerhouse on Private Country Estate

This unique 17th c. gothic Tower has recently been faithfully restored to its former glory as a romantic Summerhouse. Set in it's own beautiful Victorian Walled Garden on the private Homme House estate, it enjoys spectacular views of the Malvern Hills. The space The Summerhouse is a Grade I listed 17th century stone garden building - a unique and romantic overnight stay suited to adventurous guests who will enjoy stepping back in time to experience a simpler way of life for a night or two, surrounded by nature. There is a ground floor bedroom with four poster bed and upper living room accessed via a stone spiral staircase, with a wood burning stove and beautiful views over the Walled Garden and surrounding countryside. Bathroom The bathroom is located in a separate building c. 20 metres away from the Summerhouse. The bathroom has modern plumbing and electrics and includes a wet room with drencher shower, basin and loo, as well as an outside sink for washing up. Portable battery lanterns are provided for night trips to the bathroom. Heating The thick stone walls and leaded windows keep the Summerhouse much cooler than modern houses. There is an electric heater in the bedroom and a wood burning stove in the first floor living space (firewood is provided). The bathroom has a gas fired combi boiler for heating. Hot water bottles and extra blankets are provided. Electricity There are electric lights and a shaver socket in the bathroom. There are electric lights, an electric heater and an electric kettle in the ground floor of the Summerhouse, along with some additional plug points. There is no electricity in the upper living space, or on the stairs - 3 x re-chargeable portable battery lanterns are provided. Unfortunately our insurance does not allow for the use of real candles anywhere inside the Summerhouse. Catering There is a small outdoor fridge available for guests' use. A continental breakfast and tea/coffee making facilities are provided. There is no hob or microwave. Guests are welcome to use our outdoor firebowl which is situated on a patio on the south facing wall of the Walled Garden along with a teak table and chairs. The firebowl has a grill on top so it is possible to use it as a BBQ if the weather allows (firewood is provided). It can be quite tricky to cook successfully over wood so back-up catering options are recommended! For guests planning to eat out during their stay it is important to check opening times and to pre-book. Many pubs and supermarkets will be closed on Sunday evenings. The Building The Summerhouse is a small building, with the upper living space and the lower bedroom both c. 3m in diameter so it’s best to travel light as there is little space for large suitcases inside! There is a steep stone spiral staircase between the downstairs bedroom and upper living space (and no handrail) so the Summerhouse is not suitable for very elderly or very young guests. The Summerhouse has very fragile walls and windows so guests need to take extra care of the building when staying here. Wildlife The Summerhouse is surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodland and guests may be lucky enough to see foxes, hares, hedgehogs and deer during their stay. However, there will also be less popular wildlife around and, as an unsealed building, the Summerhouse may be visited by bats, spiders, woodlice and flying insects. Garden Summerhouse guests are welcome to enjoy the 2 acre walled garden, with herbaceous borders, orchard and wild flower meadow (June-July). There is likely to be gardening taking place during your stay but the gardener does try to limit noisy activities to the middle of the day as much as possible. WiFi There is no wifi at the Summerhouse, but there should be good phone signal coverage. We encourage guests to enjoy switching off from the world! Guest access Guests have access to the Summerhouse, its bathroom and the 2 acre Walled Garden which has many beautiful spots to sit out when the weather is fine. From mid-May to mid-July the wild flower meadow is in full bloom. Guests are also welcome to walk through the Estate's private 200 acre historic parkland to visit the centre of Much Marcle village (c. 25min walk). Guests do not have access to the main estate house or it's private garden Other things to note Homme House is a 200 acre working Estate, with activity during the working week.