Tudor Farmhouse Hotel
A Brief Introduction To Tudor Farmhouse Hotel
Cover image from tudorfarmhousehotel.co.uk
Tucked away in the village of Clearwell, on the edge of the Forest of Dean, the hotel occupies a collection of historic farm buildings with origins dating back to the thirteenth century. The site was once a working farm and although it has now been transformed into a boutique hotel, much of its historic character remains.
The history of the buildings can still be seen in the fabric of the farmhouse. Inside, oak beams, exposed stonework, panelling, an oak spiral staircase and a large stone inglenook fireplace provide reminders of the property’s long past.
The farmhouse sits within a landscape that has its own fascinating history. Clearwell lies close to the Welsh border and the historic landscapes of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, making it an excellent base for exploring the castles, houses and landscapes associated with the medieval and Tudor Marches.
Today, the historic buildings have been carefully adapted to their new life as a hotel. The owners describe the property as a former working farm lovingly converted into a rural retreat, with the original character of the buildings retained while creating comfortable contemporary spaces.
The Village Of Clearwell & Its Tudor History
Clearwell has a fascinating Tudor connection through the Baynham family, who became lords of the manor in the late fifteenth century. The site was home to a substantial medieval manor house, and Sir George Baynham, born around 1500, inherited Clearwell and lived there during the reign of Henry VIII. His daughter, Frances Baynham, married Sir Henry Jerningham, who became an important supporter of Mary I when she claimed the throne in 1553. Although the present-day Clearwell Castle is not Tudor (the current building was constructed in the eighteenth century in a Gothic Revival style), it stands on the site of the earlier manor and incorporates elements of the site’s earlier buildings.
Beneath and around the village lies another fascinating part of its history: the Clearwell iron mines. Mining here stretches back thousands of years, with ochre being extracted from the caves as far back as prehistoric times. By the Tudor period, the iron industry was becoming increasingly important in the Forest of Dean, with miners extracting iron ore from the ground and the surrounding woodland providing the vast quantities of timber needed to make charcoal for the furnaces. The distinctive landscape around Clearwell, including its rocky hollows or scowles, was shaped by centuries of this mineral extraction.
Stay At Tudor Farmhouse
Tudor Farmhouse has 20 bedrooms and suites, each individually styled and spread across the collection of historic farm buildings. Each has its own character, shaped by the quirks of the old buildings.
The rooms are divided into four categories: Hatchling, Hen, Cockerel and Suite. The five suites are the most spacious option, with features such as sitting areas and roll-top baths, and some rooms also have private outdoor space.
The rooms combine the farmhouse’s exposed stone and ancient timber with comfortable beds, contemporary bathrooms, and thoughtful modern touches. All rooms have Wi-Fi and tea and coffee-making facilities.
Inside accommodation at Tudor Farmhouse. Images from tudorfarmhousehotel.co.uk.
Historic Properties Nearby
If you would like to explore the area, below are some Tudor places to visit nearby:
Clearwell Caves – less than 1 mile
Monmouth Castle – 5 miles
Tintern Abbey – 6 miles
Goodrich Castle – 7 miles
Berkeley Castle – 9 miles
Chepstow Castle – 9 miles – check out this video, for a ‘not to be missed’ artefact at Chepstow
Raglan Castle – 10 miles – learn about Raglan’s Tudor history here
Thornbury Castle – 11 miles
Some of these are covered in my itinerary, A Tudor Weekend in Monmouthshire, which is a two-day itinerary of some of the ‘must-see’ Tudor places in the area.
Visitor Information
Contact Details: You can book Tudor Farmhouse here, or you can contact the property via email at info@tudorfarmhousehotel.co.uk, or via phone on +44 (0) 1594 833046
Address: Tudor Farmhouse, High Street, Clearwell, Gloucestershire, GL16 8JS. If you are using a Satnav please set it to “Clearwell” not the postcode as some systems will take you to the neighbouring town of Coleford rather than Clearwell.
STAYING HERE? LET US KNOW!
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about this charming accommodation.
If you visit Tudor Farmhouse, please let me know in the comments below or via email at sarah@thetudortravelguidecom. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
