Danby Lodge - a house that sleeps 14 guests in 7 bedrooms
4.5
Excellent(13 Reviews)Cottage in Forest of Dean
14 guests · 7 bedrooms · 4 baths
Reasons to book
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
Includes essentialsGarden, Pool, Pets allowed and more
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental
About this cottage rental
The lodge enjoys stunning scenery and views in a tranquil, and private setting, away from roads and surrounded by wildlife and forest walks. The property is surrounded by dry stone walls and fences with electric gates at the entrance for privacy and security. Facilities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, a log fire situated within a huge stone fireplace, as well as patio areas for al-fresco dining. A gas barbeque is available for use by guests and the house has ample parking facilities.
The grounds contain a mix of mature gardens, wild areas, and private woodland, including a pond, a walled garden containing a carp pond, a greenhouse containing various herbs and vegetables, which visitors can enjoy in summer, and a kitchen garden containing raised herb beds. The nearest neighbouring house is around a mile distant through the forest, so guests can be assured of complete privacy and quietness during their stay at the house.
The house contains a total of six bedrooms, four of which contain Super King size beds, one contains a King size, and one a double (in a smaller attic room with low eaves). One of the double bedrooms has a "Zip and Link" bed which can be split into two singles if this is preferable. There is also a (double-sized) sofa bed in the library. Three bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms. The main bathroom enjoys a large bath and a walk-in marble tiled shower with a Phillipe Starck designer shower and tapware. Most of the beds in the house are Super Kingsize (for more details see below) and are made up of Egyptian cotton linen, duck feather duvets, toppers, and pillows. We provide hand and bath towels for guests.
The house also has a TV Room containing a 60-inch Ultra High Definition Smart TV with Satellite Channels and a high-quality sound system with ample DVDs and CDs for use by guests. Downstairs, there is also a dining Hall containing a Refectory table and a large stone fireplace, a reading room (Snug room), and a further small library room, adjacent to one of the en-suite bedrooms, which can be used as a child's bedroom if required. Please note that the bed in this room is a (double) sofa bed.
Danby Lodge is full of character and historical features, including a huge stone inglenook fireplace, wooden panelling, and thick stone walls. The house is furnished with a mix of modern and antique furniture to match the immense character of this magnificent house. One of the bedrooms is accessed via a hidden "priest hole" - a door masquerading as a bookcase. It is a fantastic place for a family holiday or a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
There is a badminton net and racquets available. There is also a good selection of books to read.
The kitchen and utility feature granite work surfaces with Philippe Starck designer taps. The kitchen also contains an American Style Stainless steel fridge freezer, a small informal dining table and chairs, a stainless steel range with six burner gas hob, and a Fisher and Paykel dual drawer dishwasher.
It is common to see wildlife in and around the house. There are owls living in a tree within the grounds, and deer and wild boar can often be seen in the forest nearby. Kestrels often visit and perch in trees near to the house and there is a multitude of other birdlife in and near the house. Foxes sometimes visit and can be heard calling at night and the pond contains newts, frogs, tadpoles (at the right time of year), and a few goldfish. Ducks (and sometimes a large Heron) visit the pond at various times of the year.
As the house is situated in the middle of the forest, there are fantastic walks and mountain biking trails, which can be accessed directly from the gates in the perimeter of the house's grounds. From April to June, the bluebells are out in the woods surrounding the house, as well as within the grounds. The bluebell woods at Soudley are a short 5-minute walk down the hill from the house.
A number of pubs are situated within around 10 minutes walking distance from the house and a number of further pubs and restaurants can be recommended within easy driving distance. Go Ape, the outdoor treetop adventure park at Mallard's pike is around 10 minutes walk from the house through the woods.
Although the property sleeps 14, the dining table will accommodate 12 at the most (it easily accommodates 10). There is a small informal dining table in the kitchen which accommodates a further 4 people. The seating around the fire also accommodates approximately 10 people, as does the seating in the TV Room. Please also note that the pool is only open during the Spring/Summer months (May to September). The pool heating will only be turned on if the temperature is forecast to be higher than 20 degrees and relatively good during your stay.
The bed sizes and bathroom arrangements are as follows :
Main bedroom: Super King size bed (180 x 200cm), en-suite bathroom containing a bath with shower over bath
Rear bedroom (behind Main): King size bed (180 x 190cm) - This bedroom shares the use of the main bathroom
Front Bedroom (beside Main): Super Kingsize Zip and Link Bed (180 x 200cm) or 2 x 90cm x 200cm single beds. This bedroom shares the use of the main bathroom
Main Attic bedroom (2nd floor): Super King size bed (180 x 200cm) - en-suite bathroom containing a roll-top bath. Hand-held shower spray attachment on bath (not able to stand up and shower).
Small Attic bedroom (2nd floor): Double bed (120 x 190cm) - shares use of the main bathroom, or could use en-suite to Main Attic bedroom (both bedrooms can be shut off via door at the bottom of the second flight of stairs).
Main bathroom: Large (2000 x 800) bath and walk-in shower. Phillippe Starck taps.
Priest Hole bedroom (behind false bookcase off library): Super King size bed (180 x 200cm) - en-suite bathroom with large walk-in shower. No bath.
Sofa Bed (in Library): Double bed (133 x 180) - shares use of the main bathroom or could use en-suite to Priest Hole bedroom.
The Priest Hole bedroom and Library are at the other end of the house to the main stairway and the Priest Hole bedroom has its own set of stairs leading to it.
The grounds contain a mix of mature gardens, wild areas, and private woodland, including a pond, a walled garden containing a carp pond, a greenhouse containing various herbs and vegetables, which visitors can enjoy in summer, and a kitchen garden containing raised herb beds. The nearest neighbouring house is around a mile distant through the forest, so guests can be assured of complete privacy and quietness during their stay at the house.
The house contains a total of six bedrooms, four of which contain Super King size beds, one contains a King size, and one a double (in a smaller attic room with low eaves). One of the double bedrooms has a "Zip and Link" bed which can be split into two singles if this is preferable. There is also a (double-sized) sofa bed in the library. Three bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms. The main bathroom enjoys a large bath and a walk-in marble tiled shower with a Phillipe Starck designer shower and tapware. Most of the beds in the house are Super Kingsize (for more details see below) and are made up of Egyptian cotton linen, duck feather duvets, toppers, and pillows. We provide hand and bath towels for guests.
The house also has a TV Room containing a 60-inch Ultra High Definition Smart TV with Satellite Channels and a high-quality sound system with ample DVDs and CDs for use by guests. Downstairs, there is also a dining Hall containing a Refectory table and a large stone fireplace, a reading room (Snug room), and a further small library room, adjacent to one of the en-suite bedrooms, which can be used as a child's bedroom if required. Please note that the bed in this room is a (double) sofa bed.
Danby Lodge is full of character and historical features, including a huge stone inglenook fireplace, wooden panelling, and thick stone walls. The house is furnished with a mix of modern and antique furniture to match the immense character of this magnificent house. One of the bedrooms is accessed via a hidden "priest hole" - a door masquerading as a bookcase. It is a fantastic place for a family holiday or a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
There is a badminton net and racquets available. There is also a good selection of books to read.
The kitchen and utility feature granite work surfaces with Philippe Starck designer taps. The kitchen also contains an American Style Stainless steel fridge freezer, a small informal dining table and chairs, a stainless steel range with six burner gas hob, and a Fisher and Paykel dual drawer dishwasher.
It is common to see wildlife in and around the house. There are owls living in a tree within the grounds, and deer and wild boar can often be seen in the forest nearby. Kestrels often visit and perch in trees near to the house and there is a multitude of other birdlife in and near the house. Foxes sometimes visit and can be heard calling at night and the pond contains newts, frogs, tadpoles (at the right time of year), and a few goldfish. Ducks (and sometimes a large Heron) visit the pond at various times of the year.
As the house is situated in the middle of the forest, there are fantastic walks and mountain biking trails, which can be accessed directly from the gates in the perimeter of the house's grounds. From April to June, the bluebells are out in the woods surrounding the house, as well as within the grounds. The bluebell woods at Soudley are a short 5-minute walk down the hill from the house.
A number of pubs are situated within around 10 minutes walking distance from the house and a number of further pubs and restaurants can be recommended within easy driving distance. Go Ape, the outdoor treetop adventure park at Mallard's pike is around 10 minutes walk from the house through the woods.
Although the property sleeps 14, the dining table will accommodate 12 at the most (it easily accommodates 10). There is a small informal dining table in the kitchen which accommodates a further 4 people. The seating around the fire also accommodates approximately 10 people, as does the seating in the TV Room. Please also note that the pool is only open during the Spring/Summer months (May to September). The pool heating will only be turned on if the temperature is forecast to be higher than 20 degrees and relatively good during your stay.
The bed sizes and bathroom arrangements are as follows :
Main bedroom: Super King size bed (180 x 200cm), en-suite bathroom containing a bath with shower over bath
Rear bedroom (behind Main): King size bed (180 x 190cm) - This bedroom shares the use of the main bathroom
Front Bedroom (beside Main): Super Kingsize Zip and Link Bed (180 x 200cm) or 2 x 90cm x 200cm single beds. This bedroom shares the use of the main bathroom
Main Attic bedroom (2nd floor): Super King size bed (180 x 200cm) - en-suite bathroom containing a roll-top bath. Hand-held shower spray attachment on bath (not able to stand up and shower).
Small Attic bedroom (2nd floor): Double bed (120 x 190cm) - shares use of the main bathroom, or could use en-suite to Main Attic bedroom (both bedrooms can be shut off via door at the bottom of the second flight of stairs).
Main bathroom: Large (2000 x 800) bath and walk-in shower. Phillippe Starck taps.
Priest Hole bedroom (behind false bookcase off library): Super King size bed (180 x 200cm) - en-suite bathroom with large walk-in shower. No bath.
Sofa Bed (in Library): Double bed (133 x 180) - shares use of the main bathroom or could use en-suite to Priest Hole bedroom.
The Priest Hole bedroom and Library are at the other end of the house to the main stairway and the Priest Hole bedroom has its own set of stairs leading to it.
Amenities
Pool
Pets allowed
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
Hot tub or spa
TV
Garden
Map of Forest of Dean
Reviews
4.5
Excellent(13 Reviews)4.5
The property is set in wonderful grounds and is well furnished. We had everything we needed for a 4 day stay. The fire in the lounge was a lovely focal point throughout the time we were there and we would love to return in summer when we could use the pool.
Unfortunately Vrbo’s computer system did not appear to communicate with the property agent’s which led to various problems, including the property manager not knowing that we had paid the deposit. A phone call with the property agent easily sorted the issues out but it was a stressful time whilst happening. We paid a large damage deposit which we have neither received back nor been told when it will be repaid, despite contacting both Vrbo and the property manager. Hopefully someone will eventually decide to refund this money but I will never use Vrbo again.
4.5
Altruistic Holiday !!
The property has great potential - but as with most old building needs constant TLC. We had a number of issues to deal with, some unavoidable, but others caused by a lack of willingness on the Owner's behalf to spend the necessary funds. After a week of dialogue this was recognised by the property manager and we are due to receive a discount on our stay. It is very reassuring that subsequent guests will have a significantly superior offering to the one we had - and there is satisfaction it that, even though it would have been nice to have enjoyed a cleaner house and pool, among other things ! We hope the owner regularly invests some of the substantial letting fees he is receiving for the property in its maintenance and cleaning - that may encourage us to go back, because overall we did have a very enjoyable holiday.
4.5
Fantastic place!
Extremely comfortable and really well equipped.
4.5
Three families thoroughly enjoyed the luxury break for 3 nights. The pool was fantastic, clean, and a reasonable temperature (our Australian friends might disagree). The location was secluded and peaceful with a pub about 30 mins walk through the forest, the food there was average. The rooms were all good sizes and clean. One criticism would be that the top floor bathroom did not have air circulation and with carpets has created a damp smell, may need to be looked into by the owners.
All in all we would recommend this place to friends.
4.5
Impressive home with fantastic faculties
Three families thoroughly enjoyed the luxury break for 3 nights. The pool was fantastic, clean, and a reasonable temperature (our Australian friends might disagree). The location was secluded and peaceful with a pub about 30 mins walk through the forest, the food there was average. The rooms were all good sizes and clean. One criticism would be that the top floor bathroom did not have air circulation and with carpets has created a damp smell, may need to be looked into by the owners.
All in all we would recommend this place to friends.
4.5
Amazing stay!
Amazing house, beautiful grounds, our group of friends had a brilliant time here. Would absolutely stay again, many thanks for having us!
4.5
Driving down the forest track towards the house was magical and when we came through the gates and saw Danby Lodge we were so delighted. Only having an internet image to go on it was a relief to see it was more lovely than we had imagined.
14 of us happily shared the property and there was plenty of space for everyone. The TV room was fab for a chill out and lighting the fire in the evening to sit around and chat was great. The outdoor pool was big hit with the children. There was so much space to run around and play. The surrounding woodland was amazing and we took our dogs walking a few times. They all loved it too!
We are planning to come back next year to rekindle the love we had for this stunning home from home.
The Wi-Fi was a bit hit and miss, but if you don't want to be 'on' all the time, that's no bad thing. Our family were able to reconnect and enjoy lots of quality time together. Just perfect!
I would recommend a stay here if you really want to escape the rat race for a few days.
4.5
Beautiful house in a beautiful location. Perfect for a large family gathering.
Driving down the forest track towards the house was magical and when we came through the gates and saw Danby Lodge we were so delighted. Only having an internet image to go on it was a relief to see it was more lovely than we had imagined.
14 of us happily shared the property and there was plenty of space for everyone. The TV room was fab for a chill out and lighting the fire in the evening to sit around and chat was great. The outdoor pool was big hit with the children. There was so much space to run around and play. The surrounding woodland was amazing and we took our dogs walking a few times. They all loved it too!
We are planning to come back next year to rekindle the love we had for this stunning home from home.
The Wi-Fi was a bit hit and miss, but if you don't want to be 'on' all the time, that's no bad thing. Our family were able to reconnect and enjoy lots of quality time together. Just perfect!
I would recommend a stay here if you really want to escape the rat race for a few days.
4.5
We were a party of 12 the youngest was 12 weeks. The Lodge was as advertised and we had plenty of space, the main living area and then the TV lounge. All but one of the bedrooms was large and the beds very comfortable. The priest hole bedroom with bathroom was great for the baby and his Mum and Dad as they were away from the main group at night.A reasonably well equipped kitchen but luckily we took our own serving dishes as there weren't any. There were enough oven trays but they could do with a clean, glad we had foil. There were kitchen knives but again they could do with a sharpen. There were sufficient plates and cultlery. They could do with a new set of place mats for the table too.We enjoyed the log fire and there were both logs and coal .
Our main issue was the complete lack of hot water during the day. After 11 people have had showers that was it!The instructions mentioned a switch in the kitchen but a phone call on Christmas Day to the manager and we found the switch in an upstairs bathroom...but it takes hours to heat more water. We were aware the heating is on a timer but we didn't know what the times were. It seems odd that the heating was full on all night but off in the day. Internet is not great but that didn't bother us ( well the older ones of the group that is!)but the manager was unable to change the thermostat remotely ( the only way to do it as the thermostat has a lock on it)as the Internet was too poor.
Lots of lovely walks and we did have a lovely Christmas. It was an expensive rent as you would expect over a Christmas period and whilst in the main it worked for us the lack of hot water and heating in the day were an unexpected irritation and disappointment.
4.5
Danby lodge at Christmas.
We were a party of 12 the youngest was 12 weeks. The Lodge was as advertised and we had plenty of space, the main living area and then the TV lounge. All but one of the bedrooms was large and the beds very comfortable. The priest hole bedroom with bathroom was great for the baby and his Mum and Dad as they were away from the main group at night.A reasonably well equipped kitchen but luckily we took our own serving dishes as there weren't any. There were enough oven trays but they could do with a clean, glad we had foil. There were kitchen knives but again they could do with a sharpen. There were sufficient plates and cultlery. They could do with a new set of place mats for the table too.We enjoyed the log fire and there were both logs and coal .
Our main issue was the complete lack of hot water during the day. After 11 people have had showers that was it!The instructions mentioned a switch in the kitchen but a phone call on Christmas Day to the manager and we found the switch in an upstairs bathroom...but it takes hours to heat more water. We were aware the heating is on a timer but we didn't know what the times were. It seems odd that the heating was full on all night but off in the day. Internet is not great but that didn't bother us ( well the older ones of the group that is!)but the manager was unable to change the thermostat remotely ( the only way to do it as the thermostat has a lock on it)as the Internet was too poor.
Lots of lovely walks and we did have a lovely Christmas. It was an expensive rent as you would expect over a Christmas period and whilst in the main it worked for us the lack of hot water and heating in the day were an unexpected irritation and disappointment.
4.5
We were a group of 13 adults and a baby, the bedrooms are really well presents and spacious. The kitchen is well stocked with all the pots & pans you could need for cooking for a large group and it was a lovely extra that the hosts provided us with a welcome pack with bread, cereals, grapes, wine and more! (Also Tesco can delivery here with no problems!)
The TV room fit us all in easily though it was a squeeze to get us all around the dinning table, having to use chairs from other rooms but we managed!
The fire place was amazing and there was plenty of wood and coal for us to use onsite for all 3 days we used it.
We did a couple of walks straight from the house into the Forest of Dean which was lovely and there's plenty to see and do within a short drive.
We didn't use the pool as it was November so would definitely come back again to make the most of the outside facilities!
The view from the front door is amazing and we really did feel like we were the only ones around for miles.
Thanks!
4.5
Fantastic house!
Amazing characterful house out in the forest, the games room and bikes to borrow were very welcome. Really well equipped throughout with a lovely kitchen and cosy lounge with open fire, and a great cinema room. House is ideally located to visit local attractions such as Clearwell caves and Chepstow castle. Would love to return in the summer months and enjoy the beautiful grounds and swimming pool. Highly recommended!
4.5
Perfect for large groups
We were a group of 13 adults and a baby, the bedrooms are really well presents and spacious. The kitchen is well stocked with all the pots & pans you could need for cooking for a large group and it was a lovely extra that the hosts provided us with a welcome pack with bread, cereals, grapes, wine and more! (Also Tesco can delivery here with no problems!)
The TV room fit us all in easily though it was a squeeze to get us all around the dinning table, having to use chairs from other rooms but we managed!
The fire place was amazing and there was plenty of wood and coal for us to use onsite for all 3 days we used it.
We did a couple of walks straight from the house into the Forest of Dean which was lovely and there's plenty to see and do within a short drive.
We didn't use the pool as it was November so would definitely come back again to make the most of the outside facilities!
The view from the front door is amazing and we really did feel like we were the only ones around for miles.
Thanks!
4.5
This place oozes character and charm, hidden away in the forest it is the perfect getaway and only 2 hours drive from London. Must visit!
4.5
we had a fantastic weekend here - it helped that the weather was nice, but the facilities were excellent, we had everything we could need either on property or nearby and we were a large group so lots of differing needs going on.
the owners were very accommodating and helpful with information etc - we'd stay here again for sure!
4.5
Gem in the forest
This place oozes character and charm, hidden away in the forest it is the perfect getaway and only 2 hours drive from London. Must visit!
4.5
Fabulous house exactly as advertised. Clean, quirky, generous with welcome pack, pool heated
We recently stayed for 3 nights at this wonderful find. Was promised key code to be texted to me on the morning of arrival and they were spot on. The house was more than we expected, so spacious and beautifully furnished. A wonderful welcome pack greeted us which was more than we ever expected. The bedrooms were lovely with really comfortable large beds. The pool was advertised as heated - and when we went for a dip in between rain showers it was absolutely wonderful.
The walk through the forest to the pub was amazing. We really felt like we were in the middle of nowhere!! The TV room was so comfortable and made the watching of the Euros and Ascot so much nicer. The dining table was plently big enough for us all (9 adults).
I really have no complaints about this wonderful property, but if I was asked if any improvements could be made I would say to change the cooker, we just couldn't get the large oven to work, but made do with the smaller one - if however a large family were staying and cooking a sunday lunch I think they would find it hard. Also, it would be nice to have a few more mirrors - that's it everything else was just perfect.
The grounds were amazing.
We went for a meal at the Cock Inn and were warmly welcomed, went to see the pet pigs and had a lovely meal - this was recommended and didn't disappoint. The pub we walked to through the forest was lovely too with lovely staff and plenty of seating outside which was really pretty.
Would definitely recommend this wonderful find.
4.5
Great property, excellent location and very helpful owners/managers
we had a fantastic weekend here - it helped that the weather was nice, but the facilities were excellent, we had everything we could need either on property or nearby and we were a large group so lots of differing needs going on.
the owners were very accommodating and helpful with information etc - we'd stay here again for sure!
4.5
A Beautiful and Classy Retreat
All three generations of our family group, ages 3-63, loved the place. It is an ideal location if you need a relaxing secluded and comfortable accommodation. A major advantage for us was not having to worry about disturbing neighbours.
The pool was welcome as we had great weather. The children especially enjoyed the easy access into the surrounding woods
FAQs
How much does this cottage cost compared to others in Forest of Dean?
The average price for a rental in Forest of Dean is $137 per night. This rental is $1,019 above the average.
Is parking included with this cottage?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Danby Lodge - a house that sleeps 14 guests in 7 bedrooms. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this cottage?
Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at Danby Lodge - a house that sleeps 14 guests in 7 bedrooms. Enjoy the water!
Is Danby Lodge - a house that sleeps 14 guests in 7 bedrooms pet friendly?
Yes! This cottage is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Danby Lodge - a house that sleeps 14 guests in 7 bedrooms?
We found 12 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, pets allowed, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, and fireplace.
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