The Clock House
THE APPLE LOFT
Booking Enquiry
THE APPLE LOFT
Overview and History
The Apple Loft holiday let is the first accommodation that we offer for rental within the Garden House Estate. A self contained annex to the main Garden House, it offers three bedroom luxury accommodation for up to six people.
The Apple Loft was created from one of the original outbuildings that stood in
the grounds of
Firgrove House, a large 18th
century country house which is understood to have had expansive and impressive gardens. The Apple Loft was originally used for the storage of the harvested fruits from the orchards within the grounds of the estate. Built in the local traditional manner using flint with lime mortar within a wooden frame, the original structure is thought to be well over 200 years old. In the latter part of the 20th century as the Firgrove Estate was 'broken up', land within the original grounds and gardens was sold off and the first conversion of this outbuilding into a residence took place in the 1970's. The property was extended in subsequent years and ultimately became the Garden House as it is today, the Apple Loft however, please excuse the pun, remains the 'core' of the property.
Many of the original features are visible, indeed the flint and lime mortar walls are made a feature in the entrance hall, and the original oak beams are a prominent feature of the Master Suite. In maintaining a traditional theme the property has exposed oak floors and oak wall paneling in the lounge and dining room, the hand made oak doors are a particular feature throughout. In renovating the property we have tried to incorporate period features along with the benefit of modern innovations.
The Apple Loft has a spacious lounge and a separate dining room, with French doors onto the patio area. The compact but well equipped kitchen/utility enables you to self cater as much as you would like during your stay, alternatively you can take advantage of the many fine restaurants and 'eateries' that the local area has to offer (please see the Eating Out page). There are two downstairs bedrooms, one double and one fitted with bunk beds (the Sky bunks are full size single beds and offer great comfort even for larger adults). The family bathroom is located between the two downstairs bedrooms and has a walk in shower as well as a feature 'slipper' bath, for those who prefer to 'soak'. The downstairs is completed with a separate cloakroom adjacent to the lounge and dining room. Upstairs is the luxury Master Suite with many period features, including a four poster bed. The large bedroom is complemented by an 'en suite' which again has both a shower and 'slipper' bath.
In addition to the television in the lounge all of the bedrooms are fitted with televisions, Wi-Fi is also fitted to the property*.The double bedrooms are equipped with hairdryers, and bathrobes are provided for the comfort of all adult guests during their stay.
*Given the thickness of some of the original walls the signal strength struggles in certain areas.
We have set out below details and images of the Apple Loft which hopefully give you a good insight into the property but if you require any more information please contact us.
On arrival
On arrival at the main gate please call Tina or Paul on (+44) 07703 255763 and we will let you in.
Entrance to the property is through the substantive electric wrought iron gates to the Garden House, which open onto the dwarf walled pebble driveway as it curves the 100 yards or so to the property. There is parking for up to three vehicles to the front of the Apple Loft which is to the left side of the main property. There is a 5 mph speed limit in the grounds.
The stable door main entrance to the holiday let leads you into the vaulted hallway with access off to the lounge, dining room and kitchen. From the hall a corridor leads to the downstairs bedrooms and a feature staircase leads up to the master suite.
The Lounge
The triple aspect to the lounge makes it a very light room, with views to the front lawn and the grounds of the estate. Traditional and modern features are blended to give a comfortable area in which to relax.
The Dining room
Situated adjacent to the kitchen for easy serving, this is a lovely feature room with oak wall paneling and period features. French doors lead onto the patio in case you prefer 'al fresco' dining. The oak dining table seats six comfortably, an additional high chair and/or children's dining chair are available for younger guests.
The Kitchen/Utility
The kitchen is a compact but well equipped space with a linked utility area. Incorporating all you need to self cater, including a dishwasher and full size fridge/freezer, the utility space also has a washing machine. The utility opens onto the rear courtyard and it also offers a side entrance to the property which is useful if you are returning with wet/muddy kids, clothes,boots, bikes or dogs. It also offers a storage area for bikes and equipment.
The Master Suite
On the first floor and converted from what originally was the apple loft, the Master Suite is a wonderful space. With original beams a prominent feature the suite has windows on all sides and large skylights which give lots of natural light, albeit all are fitted with blinds for when you don't want the daylight. The four poster bed rightly takes center stage but there are other attractions to this large room. The adjacent 'en suite' has a Burlington suite fitted with all of the period features including a slipper bath.
The Double bedroom
Another room naturally well lit, a comfortable bed with double wardrobe and plenty of drawer space, the bedroom offers all that you need for a pleasant stay.
The Third Bedroom
The third bedroom is fitted with 'Sky' bunk beds, these are full size single beds and whilst great fun for children, they are more than comfortable for adults, furthermore the bed height arrangement makes for easy access for all all ages. The bedroom is fitted with plenty of drawer space and a television.
The Family Bathroom
The Family Bathroom is luxuriously appointed with Burlington period fitments. The slipper bath is a centerpiece a great place for a soak and to relax those aching muscles after a day's activities.
The Entrance Hall and Cloakroom
The Entrance Hall has a vaulted ceiling with exposed beams, the wood paneling on the walls complements the exposed flint feature wall. The downstairs cloakroom once again is fitted with period Burlington fixtures.
Outside
To the rear of the property there is an L shaped courtyard with a table and chairs, the courtyard is a real morning suntrap, a great place to enjoy breakfast.
At the front of the property is a paved patio area with an outside dining table and chairs, beyond the parking area there is the large front lawn which also forms part of the holiday let, this gives plenty of space for children to play outdoors. *
* We would ask you to please respect that the area beyond the boundary of the lawn is not part of the Apple Loft holiday let.
