Ridgeway Farmhouse at Ragley Estate, Alcester - sleeps 8 guests in 4 bedrooms

Lying within a private gated drive, Ridgeway Farmhouse sits in the heart of Shakespeare country with wonderful views in all directions and in the distance, peeping through the trees, a glimpse of Ragley Hall, the stately home on whose grounds the farmhouse resides.

The large windows and generously proportioned rooms combine with clean lines and a neutral colour scheme to create a light and stylish home that has a peaceful and calm air about it, and plenty of room for all. The ground floor is the perfect sociable gathering space with a large dining room, huge living room with cosy sofas, a wood-burning stove and double doors to the garden. Upstairs four spacious bedrooms including a master with an ensuite, and a private balcony, offer comfortable sanctuaries at the end of a busy day. Throughout the house, large picture windows put the view front and centre stage.

Ridgeway Farmhouse sits within a large wraparound garden. Roses border the front wall along with a large blackberry bush, which come autumn is laden with luscious dark fruit, just ripe for picking or perhaps turning into a pie! Meandering around the side, you'll find two Adirondack chairs perfectly placed so you can lounge in the sunshine, G&T in hand watching the birds of prey soar overhead, and then to the rear, a large lawn where a cantilevered parasol casts shade over the outside dining table and chairs, and a wood-fired hot tub where you can relax in the warm water and soak in the view to your hearts' content.

*2 well-behaved dogs are permitted at the cottage for an additional fee. The pet fee is NOT included in your booking fee. A request for an additional fee per pet will be sent to you after you have placed your booking. Your pet fee must be paid for before your arrival date.

*Please make yourself aware of the hot tub rules and hours of use. An additional fee applies, and it must be requested at the time of booking. 

Ground Floor

The front door opens into a useful entrance porch with stone flooring, coat hooks and a large wicker umbrella stand.

Cloakroom:
Tucked under the stairs is a handy ground-floor cloakroom with a toilet and hand basin. There is also a door from the cloakroom to the boiler cupboard.

Dining Room:
Forming the central hub of the house, the spacious dining room features a stunning wooden, pedestal table surrounded by leather chairs to seat eight comfortably. A large window spans the width of the room overlooking the garden and fields beyond. It's a light and airy room that suits everything from lazy breakfasts and Sunday lunches to sociable evening meals.

Living Room:
With a huge picture window to the front, a window to the side and French doors to the garden, the living room is a light and bright, welcoming space, where you'll definitely want to spend some downtime. Two large oatmeal sink-in sofas sit at right angles to the wood-burning stove, whilst a 55" Smart TV affords everything needed in the entertainment stakes. Marble-topped lamp tables provide handy spaces for drinks and resting books, and a pretty armchair is thoughtfully placed by the doors, creating a cosy nook where you can curl up with a good book or just contemplate life as you soak up the countryside views. There's a covered patio just beyond the French doors.

Kitchen:
The well-equipped kitchen is practical and functional with all the equipment needed for a self-catering stay. There's an eye-level electric oven and grill, induction hob, dishwasher, microwave, and a fridge-freezer along with plenty of cupboard space.

Utility Room:
This really useful space houses a washing machine and a tumble dryer, along with the iron and ironing board, it's also an ideal place to dry off damp doggies after countryside rambles. The utility room leads to an inner hallway with a door to the garage and the outside.

First Floor

Stairs lead to the spacious first-floor landing and four delightful bedrooms.

Bedroom One:
Chances are there may be a little debate over who gets this room. A wall of glass leads to a private balcony, the king-size bed is perfectly positioned so you can wake up to the glorious countryside beyond. Finished in shades of pale grey, with pops of colour from cushions and the bedside rugs, this is a peaceful and calming retreat. Plenty of storage comes in the form of two large three-drawer bedside tables, a large ottoman at the foot of the bed and a four-drawer chest of drawers, topped with a pair of table lamps and a large mirror. Wall hooks with wooden hangers ensure there is somewhere to hang clothes too.

Ensuite:
The spacious ensuite has a large, frosted window to the front allowing in plenty of natural light, a step-in shower cubicle, double-ended bath, and a toilet, bidet and hand basin. There's also a large well-lit mirror and a shaver socket.

Bedroom Two:
This lovely room is another spacious bedroom with twin beds which can be made into a super-king on request. The large picture window, framed by floor-length curtains showcases the ever-present view. Night console tables, with reading lamps, stand on either side of the bed, and there's a wide three-drawer chest of drawers and wall hooks with wooden hangers for storage.

Bedroom Three:
With corner-aspect windows, the view from this room takes in the quintessentially English panorama of an old oak tree standing tall and statuesque in the centre of fields. The grey upholstered double bed faces the rear window, pale limed oak bedside tables stand on either side and there's a dark blue chest of drawers and wall hooks with hangers for storage.

Bedroom Four:
Last, but by no means least, the fourth bedroom is another double, this time with windows to the front and side. Wall hooks with hangers and a five-drawer chest offer plenty of storage whilst bedside tables with reading lamps are placed on either side of the bed.

Family Bathroom:
The spacious family bathroom features a bath with a shower over it, a toilet, a handbasin with a magnifying mirror and a light with a shaver socket above it. The frosted window ensures there is plenty of natural light.

Outside

Ridgeway Farmhouse is blessed with a fabulously large garden which wraps around the house. Roses, creepers, and blackberry bushes clamber across the front wall, and as the lawn curves around the side of the house, the wire fence is shrouded by a hedgerow. The garden to the rear is edged by a low hedge and has plenty of space for picnics and garden games, to one side lies an eight-seater wood-fired hot tub. There's also a large wooden dining table to seat eight and a large sun parasol for alfresco dining. Ridgeway has parking for four cars on the private drive.

* Additional fee of £89 for use of the hot tub per stay.

This cottage offers its guests a spa tub, barbecue grills, and a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

This Alcester cottage is smoke free.