Romantic Jacobean half timbered cottage hidden in the heart of the ancient Wyre Forest, on the edge of a medieval royal deer park. Protected by a turbulent geology, the tranquil landscape has changed little over the last 1000 years. Historic little market towns are still sprinkled though the idyllic rural landscape. Close to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a World Heritage Site, and a Slow City. The space Manor Holding is a Grade II Listed, half timbered, Jacobean cottage farmhouse on a neolithic ridgeway, in the scattered hamlet of Kingswood, so named after the royal forest of Wyre in whose centre it stands, adjacent the National Nature Reserve of the same name. Traces of a fortified Iron Age promontory settlement can be seen in a nearby field, and those of a lost medieval town within the surrounding forest. Rustic seclusion is the characteristic that strikes most people first about the cottage, as it is located 100m off a rough forest drove road track (max recommended speed 10mph), half a kilometre from the nearest country lane. Once here visitors immediately notice the old world charm of the crooked timber frame, leaning walls and low ceilings. The cottage is naturally warm and full of sunlight, this being enhanced by white painted walls, pale terracotta ground floor and invisible under-floor heating. It is south facing with an enclosed, sheltered and landscaped front garden. The cottage has two bedrooms and bathroom on the first floor, and 3 rooms plus hall, downstairs. It has been restored using appropriate materials such as earth daub, lime plaster and green oak, to regain much of it’s original character, and has an inglenook and old stone bread oven (not in current use). The farm yard, terminus of the drive, is on the north side of the cottage. It is surrounded by a ruined stone and brick pig sty, a small converted barn (The Byre), a high hedge bank, a stone outhouse undergoing renovation and a stone scullery leading off the east gable of the cottage. The 'Wyre Forest Cottage' and Byre can be rented either together or separately, but each is priced separately on our website. Manor Holding stands in 5 acres of wild flower meadows and ancient orchards, part of an 11th century deer park within the forest; and rich in archaeology and wildlife including occasional visits by herds of fallow deer. The Wyre Forest is about 35 sq ml of ancient mixed species woodland standing astride the scenic River Severn, south of Ironbridge Gorge. The beautiful countryside around it, much of it classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ("South Shropshire National Landscape"), is rich in historic settlements and other places of interest. The forest is laced with long and short distance rambling, cycling, and horse riding trails; connecting right to the door of the cottage. Manor Holding stands on the 109ml Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark Way where it enters the Wyre Forest National Nature Reserve, leading to Sustrans’ 230ml (370km) National Cycle Route 45 (Mercian Way), and the 203ml (327km) Sabrina Bridleway, both of which it links to close by in the forest, among other named trails. The Forest, much of it designated "National Nature Reserve/Ancient Woodland", also contains an extensive Site of Special Scientific Interest, including the two ancient orchards beside the cottage. Pets welcome, host to confirm rates. Guest access The cottage is accessible with ambulant disability, while the Byre has ground floor accomodation and wet room. Manor Holding has 2ha (5.5 acres) of wild-flower meadows and ancient orchards available to guests as well as an enclosed private garden, with paved seating areas, lawns and flower beds each with a different character. While the forest and surrounding countryside are laced with a huge network of off-road foot, cycle and bridle trails. NB. Please keep dogs under control and well away from grazing sheep. Other things to note Prices for extras, including pets, provided on request by phone or email. Detailed guidance in the form of "Useful Information" leaflets are provided for each unit together with instructions for operating any equipment provided. Directions to site are included with your host's personal booking confirmation.