Aspen House

Hoarwithy, nr Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR2 6QP
Telephone: 01432 840353
Les Routiers B and B of the year for Wales and the Marches 2005

Sally Dean and Rob Elliott

E-mail Establishment

welcome to aspen house

"A bit like being in a very private hotel with outstanding food and a very warm welcome."

With its green credentials and real food ethos, Aspen House is more than just another B&B . . .

Founded on the desire for excellence, Aspen House, a Les Routiers award winner, has far more to offer than simply a room for the night. Those who come to stay look upon it as one of England's best kept secrets. Aspen House, situated in the heart of the stunning Herefordshire countryside away from the stresses of modern day life, is a tranquil haven where real food, locally sourced and organic, takes centre stage.

Originally a farmhouse built in 1725, Aspen House has been lovingly restored into an award winning, 4-bedroomed, environmentally friendly, rural retreat that offers just that little bit more, from hand-made organic soaps in the en-suite bathrooms to a fine selection of fairtrade teas and coffees in your room.

"Best B&B ever."

Give yourself some time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, relax with a book or take a leisurely stroll down to the meandering river. And to help you wind down, treat yourself to a relaxing Indian Head massage.

At Aspen House, we are passionate about food, and consequently we go to great lengths to ensure that everything we prepare contains the finest of ingredients sourced directly from local producers, growers and independent shops. Taste is paramount and as members of the Slow Food movement, we cook everything from scratch using only the freshest of ingredients. Today, inbued as it is with our passion for real food, Aspen House is seen by many as a "food desination".

"The eggs I shall dream about until the next time."

All of the above applies to the Aspen House breakfast. With an ever-growing fan club, it is seen by many as 'alternative therapy for the jaded palate' . . . Aspen House is a true foodie haven - once discovered, never forgotten. Take a look at our private dining page on our website if you would like to know more about our ethos on food and the Slow Food movement.

"So good we doubled our stay."

Experience the ultimate in dining out, by dining in at Aspen house with friends or family. Enjoy the intimacy of our small, well-run dining room that can cater for up to eight people. Relax in the knowledge that you don't have to drive home but can stay in one of our four well-appointed and highly comfortable rooms.

"We discovered Aspen House by chance - what luck!"

Take a culinary journey and experience the flavours of Polish cuisine, part of our personal heritage. Whatever the reason for your visit, we promise you won't be disappointed - let us awaken your senses and offer you the ultimate private dining experience, with real food using the very best of seasonal, local and organic produce.

"A wonderful retreat, with fine food and attentive hosts."

We care about the environment, the countryside and rural welfare. As a consequence we have gone to great lengths to ensure that we minimise our carbon footprint, using energy saving light bulbs, composting, recycling and using only environmentally and ecologically sound cleaning products. We source and buy local, seasonal organic and fair trade products, and our garden is recognised as a sanctuary for wildlife.With its green credentials and commitment to excellence, Aspen House is the perfect getaway for anyone looking for just that little bit more. As to location, the village of Hoarwithy is just four miles from Ross-on-Wye, and Aspen House is an ideal base to unwind, relax and explore. More details can be found on our walking and outdoor pursuit's page on our website.For the comfort of all our guests, both Aspen House and Stable Cottage are smoke-free zones.

about aspen house

Originally a farmhouse, Aspen House was built in the early 1700s using the local red sandstone much in evidence in this part of the county. It is now reborn as a guest house with a difference. Its atmosphere is wonderfully relaxing, its rooms are very comfortable and it has been modernised sympathetically to bring you 21st century standards without compromising its 18th century origins.

The house has full central heating and each radiator has its own thermostat. All the bedrooms have en-suite facilities, which include baths with a shower option, and the usual extras of TV, hair dryer, kettle and cups, as well as organic and fair trade teas and coffee.

The first floor has a lovely comfortable lounge, with double doors opening onto a decked area overlooking the garden. TV/DVD, radio and CD player are there for your use, as well as a lot of local information and an interesting choice of books to dip into. For the walkers amongst you, there are local OS maps and walking routes, including those that take you via some excellent local watering holes. Literally a stone's throw from the nearest public footpath, Aspen House is also an ideal base to explore this part of Herefordshire.

During your stay at Aspen House, feel free to enjoy the garden. Like all gardens, it is a 'project'. We spend time in it when we can, improving it all the time, and we have developed some secluded little spots where you can just relax, unwind, read a book or just enjoy the birdsong all around you.

stable cottage

If you prefer self-catering, we can now offer you the fully renovated, Stable Cottage, the perfect rural retreat for two. You can even let us take the strain by eating in at Aspen House for breakfast. Please check dining room availability at the time of booking.

Converted from the old stable block, Stable Cottage is a cosy retreat for two. Refurbished to the highest standards, it is an elegant ground floor studio apartment with a mellow calming feel to it.

It also had a previous life as a cider mill, and we discovered evidence of this once refurbishment commenced. For the historically minded amongst you, we can tell you that the original millstone was moved to Carey, just up the road from us, and still stands outside the local pub there, The Cottage of Content.

Stable Cottage is perfect for a short break for two. With Hoarwithy being so accessible and centrally placed for exploration, the choice is yours as to which direction to set off in, either on foot, on the bus, by bike or in the car.

If you want a break from self catering, there is a great choice of foodie havens to be found locally. The Cottage of Content, the Lough Pool Inn within a 2-mile radius of us, and the New Harp Inn is just across the road.

7 night break £314 short break (minimum 3 nights) from£156

Location

Hoarwithy is ideally placed for exploration. In a quietly beautiful part of Herefordshire, it has a 'middle-of-nowhere' feel without being too remote. Easily accessible and only five miles from the M50, it is nonetheless part of a rural scene that has changed little over the centuries. You can step out of our front door and within minutes be in the depths of glorious unspoilt countryside. Being keen on walking ourselves, we understand the needs of walkers. We provide everything from maps to drying facilities, whether you are self catering or staying at Aspen House.

Alternatively, if you want to widen your horizons by taking a car, picturesque Ross-on-Wye is only four miles away. A ten-mile radius will open up everything from the historic cathedral city of Hereford to the awesome Wye gorge at Symonds Yat and to Monmouth, the gateway to Wales and the Forest of Dean. Around every bend in the road, the understated beauty of this county will show itself in vistas of rolling hills, pastures, woodland and winding rivers. We have heard Herefordshire described as a 'soft' county. The accolade sounds Irish and indeed, taking in the view from the top of Garway Hill, you could be forgiven for making the comparison as you drink in the atmosphere of these mellow borderlands.

We could go on, but there is no substitute for the real experience. So, step out of the fast lane and into ours. Come to Aspen House for that total relaxation experience. Unwind, recharge your batteries and, above all, just enjoy your stay with us.

Getting to Aspen House is straightforward. Hoarwithy is just off the A49 Ross-on-Wye to Hereford road. Here are some directions to help you.

From Ross-on-Wye
The A49 to Hereford is signposted off its junction with the A40 just west of Ross. From the roundabout, take the second turning on the right, signposted Hoarwithy. Follow the road for about 4 miles to Hoarwithy. Aspen House is on your left on the first road junction in the village opposite the New Harp Inn. There is ample parking at the back of the house.

From Hereford
Take the A49 Ross-on-Wye road out of Hereford. After passing through the village of Much Birch (about 6 miles from Hereford) you will see a signpost directing you to Hoarwithy to your left along Laskett Lane. It is 2 miles from there to Hoarwithy, and you will find Aspen House on your right at the T-junction, opposite the New Harp Inn. There is a large parking area at the back of the house.

Why not visit the Aspen House home page?