Welcome to the beautiful Straw Bale Lodge hidden on top of the iconic Little Solsbury Hill, with fabulous outlook and views, within minutes of the centre of Bath, and yet a world away from the “madding crowd". Approached via a track along the side of the hill, the cob fronted Straw Bale Lodge is discreet and yet accessible offering a romantic retreat for all seasons....from the green fuse of spring meadows and mid-summer picnics on the hill watching the larks rise, through autumn colours and ethereal valley mists, to a blazing wood burner and the cosiness of mid winter.
With reclaimed wood and a touch of the East, The Straw Bale Lodge offers a calming space, which, together with the convenience and comfort of modern day living, make for an ideal romantic escape.
Set within an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Solsbury Hill, made famous by Peter Gabriel's eponymous song, has much history as well as beauty. Once an Iron Age Fort, it is thought to have been one of the locations of King Arthur's battles. Walking straight out onto the hill, the flat top circuit walk gives panoramic views of Bath and the surrounding countryside as far as the White Horse at Westbury and the Marlborough Downs. A variety of walks lead off the hill from all corners down into the surrounding valleys and the village of Northend.
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The Bathroom comes complete with beautiful walk-in limestone shower and a skylight above the tub for a soak under the stars.
The Hot Tub which is heated by a wood-fired stove, is for your own private use and sits just outside the Straw Bale Lodge. With uninterrupted views over the valley, it is gravity filled with water from the ancient spring that was used by the Iron Age fort, on top of Solsbury Hill. Lazily take in the sunrise or make a toast under the night sky – whatever time of day, the hot tub provides a luxurious way to thoroughly relax.
Check-in anytime from 4pm onwards
Checkout by 10am
To make the most of your stay and in particular the walks, please ensure you bring wellies and appropriate country clothing.
In the event of snow and ice the climb up the hill can be tricky so please contact us before attempting it!
Luxury Double Bed
Luxury Linen and Towels provided (with Goosedown duvet and pillows)
Lightweight dressing gowns are provided
A selection of Teas, Nespresso coffee, including a jug of milk provided on arrival
Smeg Gas Hob and Electric Oven
Fridge with Freezer compartment
Dishwasher
Nespresso coffee machine- coffee supplied
Toaster/Electric Kettle
Chimenea Clay Oven/BBQ outside - view instructions
A full range of quality kitchen utensils and implements supplied
A beautiful selection of china and crockery provided
To use the iron chiminea as a bbq, remove the grate and line the base with a fire lighter and some charcoal. Set light to the firelighters and replace the grate; wait for the coals to heat up. Once the coals are glowing you can use the bbq grill and tools (located in the kitchen basket), to make your food. Once you have finished cooking - remove the grill for washing and throw a log on the coals to create your outdoor fire - perfect as the evening cools.
Mains connected bathroom
Walk-in limestone tiled Shower
Freestanding deep double-ended Bath
Basin and WC
Endless hot-water! (gas-fired combi boiler)
Organic complimentary body wash is provided
Electric Lighting
Plug Sockets
Good Mobile Signal and WIFI available
Hairdryer, Iron and small Ironing board provided
For the romantic - tea lights are also provided
Central Heating
Wood-Burner - Kindling and Logs provided
Endless hot-water! (gas-fired combi boiler)
TV with NETFLIX
Bluetooth speaker
Games - Scrabble/Chess/Backgammon/Playing Cards
A selection of Books
The fee for the hot tub, should you choose to use it, is £40. The hot tub is for your exclusive use, for the entirety of your stay; it is heated via a wood burning stove and we supply as much wood as you need. When you arrive, you will find it has been filled with fresh spring water and a fire laid, ready for you to light. Within the Straw Bale Lodge, you will find detailed instructions on how to light the hot tub, please read these very carefully - and be aware that it will take approximately 3 hours for the water to get up to a comfortable temperature.
The Straw Bale Lodge is peacefully nestled in the heart of the countryside, where you will feel very close to nature. You are likely to see a variety of birds from house sparrows and our resident doves to red kites. During the summer months, you will find cows quietly roaming Solsbury Hill and as the lodge is made of straw and shrouded by hazelnut trees, you are likely to hear nature on the roof sometimes too!
While the Straw Bale Lodge is far from the Madding Crowd. The local high street is just a 1 mile, (20 minute) walk down the hill (and worth noting, a steep 1 mile walk back up!).
The high street is very well equipped with a post office, chemist, two convenience stores, a pub ‘The George and Dragon’, a fish and chip shop ‘Robbie’s Plaice’, an Indian restaurant/ takeaway ‘Easton Spice’ and our favourite, the wonderful ‘Gather Café’. There is also a hairdresser, dentist and vets should you need one.
Regular buses go into the centre of Bath and out to local villages from the high street and taxis are available to take you to and from the city centre. You will find numbers for Taxi firms in our information book.
Bath also has a scooter scheme (get the app via www.voiscooters.com) which may interest you.
Enjoy sitting out and watching the view on the outside terrace or a cup of tea next to the fire.
The Straw Bale Lodge, Hilltop, 
07815672123
info@thestrawbalelodge.co.uk
The Lodge is available all year round.
Unfortunately the Lodge is not suitable for children.
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IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO BOOK A 2 NIGHT WEEKEND STAY OR OTHER SPECIFIC BOOKING REQUIREMENTS - PLEASE PHONE EITHER 07815 672123 or 07581 009322 TO ENQUIRE.
Our Standard Cancellation policy for bookings made through our website www.thestrawbalelodge.co.uk or directly with us, the owners, is as follows:
If you cancel 10 weeks or more prior to your stay, we will be able to offer you a full refund.
If you cancel between 10 to 4 weeks prior to your stay, we will be able to offer you a 75% refund. If you should decide to rebook at the time of cancellation, you will just be charged a £50 administration fee.
Finally, if you Cancel 4 weeks or less before your stay, no refund will be possible.
Thank you for getting in touch; we understand that this is a challenging time to make plans and to book holidays with any degree of certainty - it is difficult for you, the guests and for us, the hosts. Therefore, in line with Government guidelines, our Covid 19 cancellation policy is as follows. Should a national lockdown be introduced and you were prohibited from travel, we will allow you to rebook your holiday with us at any future date (subject to availability). Should your new dates be higher in price, you would be required to pay the difference. If however, your new dates are lower in price, we will be happy to refund you the difference.
