Established in 2017, Bolthole Retreats markets and lets some of the finest luxury holiday properties throughout the Cotswolds, taking in the counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, South Warwickshire and Worcestershire and parts of Wiltshire and Bath and northeast Somerset in the south. We have an ever-growing portfolio of beautiful homes, from cosy cottages that sleep two through to large properties that can accommodate up to 18 guests. We pride ourselves on the quality and location of our properties, offering our guests the perfect home-away-from-home experience in these beautiful areas of the UK.

This oh-so romantic, castellated gatehouse with huge gates resembling a portcullis when closed, allows you to be king (or queen) of your own castle, just for a little while. Standing guard at one of the private entrances to the Kentchurch Estate, and sleeping up to six guests, and two of your four legged friends, this charming reverse living escape gives the opportunity to stay somewhere really rather special. Step inside you’ll find 3 bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area that spans the top floor. After a day of exploring retire to the roof terrace for sunset drinks and soak up the glorious views, beyond the garden border is Wales. Pass through the huge gates and you’re in your very own private sanctuary. The ground floor of the gatehouse is home to 3 bedrooms, each with its own en-suite. Ascend the steep wooden stairs and you’ll find the open-plan kitchen, dining and living space stretching across the top floor. The wood-burning stove makes this a cosy hideaway during the cooler weather, but when the sun shines, the icing on the cake is the private roof terrace complete with glorious rural views. It’s a fabulous hideaway atop your own castle and particularly lovely as dusk falls. The thoughtful refurbishment and interior design of this atmospheric building retains original beams and windows and ensures the character and charm have been allowed to shine. Lower Lodge Gatehouse sits within its own private grounds, an enclosed garden with a terrace, outside furniture and a charcoal barbecue ensures there is plenty of space to relax. Beyond the parking area is a private lane track through the Kentchurch Estate, which guests are welcome to wander at their leisure. 2 well-behaved dogs are welcome for an additional fee per pet. A culvert runs along one side of the garden, during wet weather this will have water in it. Children must be supervised. The stairs to the 1st floor are very steep and care is needed

Kentchurch Court is regarded as one of the most important historical houses in Herefordshire, it’s Grade I listed and dates back to the 14th century. Lower Lodge Gate House sits on the beautiful Kentchurch Estate, itself home to a deer park which can trace its roots back to when the Knights Templar owned the land. The estate-owned Bridge Inn is just a short stroll along the lane, making for an easy and relaxed evening out. Get your fill of castles, explore the thriving towns of Ross on Wye and Abergavenny or head to the nearby Brecon Beacons for superb outdoor activities in the outstanding beauty of the national park. Farm shops, delis, and shopping: The towns of Abergavenny, Hereford, Ross and Hay-on-Wye all offer a fabulous range of independent shops and boutiques to explore. All three also have weekly markets with an array of arts and crafts and local produce on display and the market in Hay-on-Wye has been trading for more than 700 years. Cafes, pubs, and restaurants: The Bridge Inn, Kentchurch – local, estate-owned pub on the river (0.1 miles) Under the Nut Tree, Kentchurch – unique dining experience with local produce prepared over the barbecue. Weekend dinners and occasional Sunday lunches from March to Christmas. Booking only (1 mile) The Temple Bar Inn, Ewyas Harold – charming local inn with a warm welcome, wood-burning fire and sunny courtyard. Open for lunch and dinner (3 miles) The Walnut Tree Inn – Michelin-starred restaurant set in the rolling Welsh hills near Abergavenny (14 miles) Walks: This area is wonderful walking country with miles and miles of country lanes to explore, the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons are also within easy reach. Visitors are welcome to walk through the Kentchurch Estate, there is a private track from the parking area of the gatehouse. From the nearby Bri