Hillside Hideaway
West Malvern, Worcestershire. Words by: Granville Orange
For those of you who have followed this series of articles, we sincerely hope that they are a useful source of reference when looking for somewhere to stay when visiting the Morgan factory in Malvern. We have focussed upon high quality establishments, and to date have featured Stanbrook Abbey; Chateau Impney; The Cottage in the Wood; The Abbey Hotel; The Colwall Park Hotel; Copper Beech House; and The Cotford Hotel. This month we feature something a little different: a self-contained holiday apartment.
Now to begin, I have to declare an interest. This apartment is the property of a proud Morgan owner: Me! Whilst reluctant initially to advertise our own place to stay, Christine and I decided why not? As I stated above, we have focussed upon high quality establishments and will continue to do so over the coming months and have some fantastic recommendations for you, and I can with confidence state that this month is no exception.
Hillside Hideaway is a beautifully furnished large four bedroomed and comfortable apartment with character. All four bedrooms are particularly large double rooms, one of the bedrooms being on a mezzanine floor above the lounge. The beds are particularly comfortable and tested by the nation’s biggest bed critic – my wife! There are two bathrooms and a large kitchen / diner too. The apartment is on the top floor of a residential property, but being on the western slopes of the stunning Malvern Hills the access to the holiday apartment is via a front door straight onto the hills. The views from the apartment to the west across to the Welsh Borders are amazing, as can be the sunsets in West Malvern.
The apartment sleeps 8, and is immaculate. It was converted just over a year ago and the reviews from guests to date have been excellent. The apartment is decorated with interesting and attractive art work and a number of items are for sale, to take away as a memory of your stay. All the white goods that you might expect are fitted, and new. Bike riding on the hills is very popular and we have safe and secure storage space for bikes (and walking boots) in the conservatory.
For those readers who know the Malvern area the property is in the village of West Malvern, and about two miles from the Morgan factory. There is a delightful village pub – The Brewer’s Arms, which serves food, and there is a village shop too. Been on the hills, it is simply a matter of stepping out of the front door and you are literally on the Malvern Hills. Within a few yards there are areas for children to play, or to sit and enjoy a picnic. The more adventurous can walk the length of the hills – nine miles or so, north to south and back, all direct onto the hills from the front door. In addition, it is just a short and enjoyable walk over the top and down into Great Malvern for all the shops and cafes there, or a short drive around the hills into town, or to the Three Counties Showground should you be attending any of the many events held there, not least car related events. There is also a bus service that runs through the village taking you into Great Malvern or down to the attractive town of Ledbury.
As an extra special offer to our readers we are happy to offer our guests a ride around the Malvern Hills in our Morgan 3 Wheeler (MOG 3W) subject to our availability and of course the weather. So, whilst I hasten to add there are no guarantees, if we are around and about when you stay, then we shall be happy to offer a ride to any one nominated person in your party if you fancy experiencing the wonderful hills as a passenger in a three wheeler… a lovely surprise for anyone celebrating a birthday for example, or indeed any other occasion.
The ride around the hills is legendary, and in late spring is especially attractive when all the blue bells are out. Take in the views, the Iron Age Hill Fort, the Elgar graves, and more. Stop off at various hostelries along the way, a number of which we have covered in past articles on “Where to Stay”. Also of historical interest are the old working gas lamps around Malvern, one of which is just immediately opposite Hillside Hideaway just a few yards away. As mentioned in our article in the February 2019 edition (079) there are 104 of these working gas lamps dotted about the Malverns. It is said that they were the inspiration for C.S. Lewis’s “Narnia” stories as a result of his attending Malvern College as a schoolboy. Also dotted around the Malvern Hills are the famous wells with a continuous flow of natural spring water, said to be the favourite water of Queen Victoria, who it is alleged never went anywhere without her supply. Just 100 yards up the track from Hillside Hideaway is one such spring – Westminster Bank Spring, and there is another on the West Malvern Road adjacent to the neighbouring property. In the 19th century Malvern became famous for its water cure resulting in its rapid growth and the building of many large Victorian and Edwardian hotels as people flocked to Malvern for the “cure”.
If arriving without your Morgan, then don’t forget you can hire by the day from the factory, and parking for all cars is out to the front of the property on the West Malvern Road. It is a short walk up the track to the apartment front door. To assist you and help make your stay all you might hope for our daughter Tara and family live below, and she is on hand should you need any help or advice to make your stay as comfortable as possible. All guests upon arrival receive a welcome pack including wine, fresh milk and eggs, butter, bread, preserves, sugar, tea and coffee.
It is via Tara and not Holiday Cottages that you can book a ride with me in our 3W should you wish. However, all booking for the apartment must be made via Holiday Cottages and with apologies we do not take bookings direct. Please go to www.holidaycottages.co.uk / reference Hillside Hideaway 57335. We look forward to welcoming you.