Andrew and Carla Brooks, a couple who run a number of ‘boutique on a budget’ hotels in the UK, have recently opened Brooks Country House in Pengethley, near Ross-on-Wye. Formerly known as Pengethley Manor, the hotel has undergone a renovation and refurbishment since the couple purchased the premises last year.

The hotel is the first rural property that the couple have brought into their Brooks Hotels family, but the others - Edinburgh, Bristol and Bath - all retain a similar feel to their rural sibling, which is affordable luxury.

The furniture is quintessentially English decor, with chandeliers which throw the light beautifully. Each of the bedrooms have their own unique feel to them. While some would ideally suit a family of four for a week-long holiday, others may be perfect for a young couple wanting to escape for the weekend.

An especially lovely touch in the lounge area of the Country House are several original landscape paintings from Andrew’s grandmother Mary Brooks.

The exterior of the County Hotel is impressive in itself. Set in 13 acres of parkland, guests can enjoy strolls through the Herefordshire countryside. There is also a heated swimming pool and an outdoor area in development. Inside a walled garden, there is a vineyard, and the grapes are made into the Country House’s house white wine, Pengethley Estate. The grapes, grown at Pengethley are bottled by the nearby Gloucestershire vineyard, the Three Choirs.

The Restaurant and bar area are both open to non-residents. Andrew told the Ross Gazette that their aim is to produce locally sourced, high-quality bistro-sytle food.

The couple hope to promote the property as a serious alternative to the already crowded Cotswolds weekend break scene, as Herefordshire’s profile continues to rise, especially within the areas of food, drink, arts and crafts.

Carla commented:?“As soon as we first came to Pengethley we were blown away by the location. Not only is this a stunning setting for our first country house hotel, but there is so much right on your doorstep which feels relatively undiscovered, fresh and authentic.

“We want to offer affordable accommodation with some surprising spoiling touches in a beautiful country house environment. You really can book in for a two-night weekend break for £200 which we hope is a refreshing price point,” she added.