Make yourself at home
Stay at Rowden Abbey Exclusive Hire
When you book Rowden Abbey for exclusive hire, this Grade II listed Arts & Crafts country house and its 30 acres of private grounds are yours to enjoy.
With 11 bedrooms accommodating up to 22 guests, it’s the perfect setting for family gatherings, retreats, and milestone celebrations.
As a historic listed house, Rowden Abbey retains much of its original character. There are seven shared bathrooms and additional WCs, but limited en-suites.
All bedrooms are on the upper floors, and while this preserves the Abbey’s authenticity, accessibility is restricted for those with limited mobility.
This balance of heritage and comfort makes Rowden Abbey a unique place to stay: rich with period details, yet welcoming and flexible for groups of all kinds.
Relax & Recharge
Rowden Abbey is a place to slow down and savour time together. Gather the family in the oak-panelled drawing room, curl up with a book by the fire, or let the children make the snug their own hideaway.
The heart of the house is the large kitchen, perfect for cooking, entertaining, and sharing meals that spill out onto the south terrace. From here, summer days flow easily into barbecues overlooking the croquet lawn, where laughter and games continue late into the evening.
This is a house designed for togetherness — a place to unplug, reconnect, and create memories that last far beyond your stay.
Historic Elegance
Every corner of Rowden Abbey reflects the warmth and artistry of its Victorian past. Built in 1881, the house still carries the spirit of the Arts & Crafts movement, with design details that create a sense of timeless charm.
William Morris wallpapers and fabrics add rich texture and colour, while carved panelling, stained glass windows, and stone fireplaces reveal the craftsmanship of a bygone age. The oak-panelled entrance hall welcomes you with character, the dining room glows around its grand fireplace, and the drawing room ceiling is adorned with delicate moulded plasterwork.
Here, history is not just preserved — it’s part of the atmosphere that makes every stay feel special.
Key Features
- Dogs welcome (max. 3).
- Barbecue and outdoor furniture for relaxed summer dining on the terrace.
- Warming open fires and wood burners for cosy winter evenings
- Enchanting library filled with books, perfect for quiet reading or relaxing with friends.
- Private chef available by arrangement, for celebratory dinners or seasonal menus.
- Endless walks around the Abbey’s gardens, woodland, medieval lake and river (children must be supervised near water).
- Easy access to walking routes in the Herefordshire countryside.
- Central location – within 30 minutes’ drive of Worcester, Hereford, Malvern, Ludlow, and Ledbury.
Facilities
- Grand dining room with seating for up to 22 guests — perfect for family suppers and celebrations.
- Two fully equipped kitchens, ideal for self-catering or private chef experiences.
- Free broadband/Wi-Fi throughout the house.
- TV and board games for evenings together.
- Croquet sets are available for use on the lawn.
- Laundry room with washing machine, tumble dryer, and steamers.
- Bathroom toiletries are provided in each of the seven shared bath/shower rooms.
- Three additional WCs across the house for convenience.
- Towels and linen provided.
Household Essentials
To make your stay easy from the moment you arrive, we provide a starter supply of:
- Washing-up liquid & dishwasher tablets
- Bin bags
- Toilet rolls
- Basic cleaning items
(Guests may wish to bring extra supplies for longer stays.)
Optional Additions
Enhance your stay with experiences and services that make life easier and more memorable:
- Private Chef Dining – We can introduce you to our recommended chef, Josh, who offers bespoke dining experiences. Bookings are made directly with him.
- Cider Tasting & Tours – Explore the award-winning Little Pomona Cidery with a guided tour and tasting flight.
- Private Garden Tours – Enjoy a behind-the-scenes visit to the renowned Stocktonbury Gardens, arranged exclusively for our guests.
- Pre-Arrival Shopping Service – If you pre-order a supermarket delivery for the day before your arrival, we’ll receive it and put everything away so your holiday begins the moment you step through the door.
Testimonials
A Perfect Retreat! Rowden Abbey is simply breathtaking. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the stunning scenery and immaculate gardens. The views from our rooms were nothing short of exceptional. Our accommodation was pure luxury. The room was beautifully decorated and spotlessly clean.
But what truly sets Rowden Abbey apart is its host, Charlie. Her warmth and kindness made us feel instantly at home. Charlie went above and beyond to ensure our stay was unforgettable. We cannot recommend Rowden Abbey highly enough
J. Grant
Grays
I booked Rowden for my 50th Birthday weekend. The location is spectacular and the house is out of this world. Charlie was amazing especially when we had some minor hiccups but she was fantastic.
I also hired Private Chef Joshua who cooked us a fabulous 3 Course Meal on the Saturday evening and Breakfast next morning.
I would highly recommend to anyone who is looking to celebrate a special occasion.
B. Costello-McCrae
Norwich
We hired the whole house for a party of friends and their kids.
The house is fantastic. Full of character with a fascinating history.
Would highly recommend and we will definitely be booking again!
J. Puttock
Exeter
We stayed for an "old fashioned" Christmas as a large group of 14 adults. It's a truly wonderful historic house, but with all modern amenities, for a family celebration or holiday.
Plenty of bathrooms & toilets. With many good socialising areas. Fantastic log burners & fires, as well as central heating.
We never dined out once as the kitchen is great with everything you need.
Contact with Charlie and the owner was fantastic from beginning to end. Very responsive if needed. Would definitely return!
J. Bentley
York
