6 Bed Luxury House in the Forest of Dean

6 Bed Luxury House in the Forest of Dean: Gloucestershire

Set in a secluded, commanding position within thousands of acres of forest, with 2 acres of its own grounds, Danby Lodge is a Grade II listed, six-bedroom Lodge, originally built by order of Charles II, on the recommendation of Samuel Pepys.

The space
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, (during the summer months) 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 carp pond, a walled garden, 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 which are furnished in a modern style. 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, as well as Bulgari Shampoo and Shower Gel.

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.

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 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 that can be accessed directly from the gates on 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 a 10-minute 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 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 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 and Porcelanosa glass sink.

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.