I enjoy a city break very much , either within United Kingdom or in Europe. I find it very recharging and I love the vibe of different cities. But from time to time, I do love spending time in countryside, amidst nature away from the white noise and the constant hubbub of the city. Towards the end of last year , I was looking for a quiet holiday, a small weekend break, away from all the buzz , whereby we could unwind, take in a bit of countryside, breathe in fresh air in to our lungs. Buckenhill Manor at Bromyard, Herefordshire, looked like a perfect place to soak in the tranquility and restful countryside. I must say it did not disappoint us. The Manor is as welcoming and warm as it’s owners ( Miranda and Des). The house left a very profound effect on me, it was restful, relaxing , full of character and charm , and had a story to tell . And I love stories.

It’s an 17th Century Manor House , located in Bromyard, not far from Worcester, Ledbury and Leominster. The 17th century house has been occupied and lived in by various owners and at present is owned by a lovely couple, who run a wonderful Bed and Breakfast from there. The house has sweeping views of the English countryside. One can settle on a settee , near it’s large windows , watch the world go by silently, with a nice cup of coffee and a piece of cake , the piece of cake and coffee , courtesy of the owners of the B and B.

The place is tucked away in the beautiful and hushed part of English countryside with breathtaking views. The peace and quiet of the place , is what appealed to me. The place has been decorated tastefully , with plenty of light, big Georgian windows with views of the vast rolling green meadows and blue skies dotted with fluffy clouds stretched ahead. I loved hearing the stories of restoration of the house. When the current owners first came to view the property a few years back one summer, it was in a derelict state and it did not have roof and the sun was beating down the roofless dilapidated house. It took a lot of love and effort on their part and months of hard work to bring the place to it present condition. The labour of their love and efforts is very evident from the beauty and warmth the property exudes. I would always remember Des ‘s words while narrating the tales of restoration “ We all have our share of duty and cares, and it is my time to take care of this place and make it liveable and loveable. Then when the time comes, we should leave it and pass it on someone else to love it“

It was one of the surreal conversations I have had and I will always remember it for years to come. I have not heard the profound truth of attachment and letting go, in one sentence explained with such simplicity. It made me fall in love with the property . And within a span of two months we visited the place twice. We were there on New Year’s Eve, had a wonderful dinner at The Inn at Bromyard. Later on watched the fireworks from Manor’s windows, sitting by the cosy fireplace, the night sky ablaze with colourful fireworks.

Bromyard is a market town, with many walking trails around Bromyard Downs , with Worcester and Leominster not very far. Mostly we confined ourselves in the Lounge, sitting by the roaring fire, watching the clouds roll around in azure blue skies, occasionally looking down at our gadgets, cut off from the constant drone of news and social media . It’s a perfect place to curl up with a book and be lost in bliss of silence .

We did venture out to Worcester, and visited the Worcester Cathedral. The cathedral is very beautiful and we heard the Choir practice. In the cloisters there was a market being held. Worcester is also known for its Victorian Christmas Fayre. We also visited Greyfriars house, a medieval house, which is run by the National trust. They have a cosy Tea Room which serves nice coffee and cakes.

I found the break at Buckenhill Manor very restorative both to body and mind, with its noiseless beautiful countryside, total pitch dark nights which are perfect to gaze at starry black night, and you can fall asleep watching the slivery moonlight streaming from window.