Entire home

Danby Lodge - a house that sleeps 14 guests in 7 bedrooms

Photo gallery for Danby Lodge - a house that sleeps 14 guests in 7 bedrooms

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
A heated pool
Exterior
Interior
7 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

9.0 out of 10

Wonderful

Entire home

7 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 14350 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Pool
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Danby Lodge - a house that sleeps 14 guests in 7 bedrooms

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.

Property manager

MELT Relax team

Languages

English

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Heated pool

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 7 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 4 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Stereo
  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Things to do

  • Heated pool
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 3,767 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Minimum check-in age - 21

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

Property is also known as

House
Vrbo Property
Danby Lodge 6 bed luxury house in the Forest of Dean
Danby Lodge - 6 bed luxury house in the Forest of Dean Lydney
585730

About the area

Map
Lydney, Gloucestershire

What's nearby

  • Forest of Dean - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Go Ape at Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire - 9 min drive - 5.4 km
  • Puzzlewood - 14 min drive - 11.6 km
  • Wye Valley - 16 min drive - 13.0 km
  • Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre - 53 min drive - 52.1 km

Getting around

  • Lydney Station - 27 min drive
  • Bristol International Airport (BRS) - 86 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Kaplan's Cafe & Bistro - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Greyhound Inn - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Nags Head Inn - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪The Cock Inn - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Severn View Inn - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Danby Lodge - a house that sleeps 14 guests in 7 bedrooms have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Danby Lodge - a house that sleeps 14 guests in 7 bedrooms pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

Where is Danby Lodge - a house that sleeps 14 guests in 7 bedrooms located?

Situated in Lydney, this cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of Forest of Dean, Wenchford Picnic Site and Go Ape at Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. Dean Heritage Centre is 2.9 mi (4.6 km) away.

Danby Lodge - a house that sleeps 14 guests in 7 bedrooms Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 7 out of 13 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 13 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 13 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 13 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 13 reviews" "

5.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Christine C.

Beautiful house but stay beset by problems
Unfortunately, our stay at Danby Lodge to celebrate a 60th birthday with family was beset by problems. Not least of which was the complete lack of communication from the property owner/manager. Like others said the owner could not accept the payment via Vrbo and sent a separate link. I paid but received no acknowledgment of my booking & was left worried that I had been scammed out of a large amount of money. Even on the day we were due to arrive I did not receive the access code as promised and had to make multiple phone calls whilst travelling to the house, thinking that we would arrive with nowhere to stay. Eventually I managed to contact the groundsman at his home who gave me the access code. The house itself and location are amazing, but our stay was marred by an appalling fly infestation in 3 of the bedrooms and bathroom. This was obviously a known problem as there were cans of fly spray left in the rooms, the en-suite was unusable and our three daughters had to share a bed. We contacted the property manager but they did not answer our calls. I have since attempted to contact them again before leaving this review but again I have had no response from, we paid a large security deposit which has not been returned despite me asking when they will do so. This could have been a fabulous stay and I do not like to give poor reviews, but on this occasion feel like we were let down and did not receive value for money.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Hilary A.

Fabulous property, amazing location
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Jane S.

Disliked: Cleanliness
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.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

8/10 Good

Owain G.

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Rachael H., Sherfield-on-Loddon

Amazing stay!
Amazing house, beautiful grounds, our group of friends had a brilliant time here. Would absolutely stay again, many thanks for having us!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2017

10/10 Excellent

Lou O.

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.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2017

8/10 Good

Philip G.

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.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2016

10/10 Excellent

Donna Y.

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2016

10/10 Excellent

Nicola S.

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2016

10/10 Excellent

Mohsin N.

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2016

8/10 Good

Lisa N.

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!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2016

10/10 Excellent

Andy D.

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
Stayed 7 nights in May 2016

10/10 Excellent

Marta S.

Fantastic place!
Extremely comfortable and really well equipped.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2017