Usually we think of Eco conscious hotels as being modern in design and minimalistic in decor. However the Penrhos Manor House (60 miles from Bristol and Birmingham) in England, takes you back to another time period while also being one of the most Eco friendly properties you will find in the UK. Hardly touched by modern life, Penrhos Manor House is an old manor farm located in the border countryside between England and Wales. It retains the mystical lore and history of a part of England that is 700 hundred years old. Also on site, is 13th century Cruck Hall, an award winning organic banquet hall with old oak beams and flagstone steps. This hall is used for green weddings, events and meetings. You can also book self catering apartments which are located on the property.

The Manor House and property has gained its eco status in a variety of ways to include the provision of: Green Power, organic foods, and organic linens and fabrics. And there is an organic gift shop selling local organic wares. Health retreats, an on-site nutritionist, a viniyoga teacher & deep tissue masseuse are also available for guests. As part of the Penrhos Trust, they aim to revive old farm buildings with ecological and organic food businesses. Currently in the works are projects such as  a wind turbine, solar water heating, a solar voltaic system and bio-diesel CHP.

The newest addition to Penrhos House is Greencuisine, a cooking school. Daphne Lambert runs Greencuisine, using all organic food. Participants prepare their meals from whole, fresh, organically grown and seasonal food. She believes we are what we eat. When organically grown food comes from the land around us, it gives us a sense of true well-being. Lambert also believes that we should eat healthy food that doesn’t place additional costs on the earth’s ecology. If you stay in summertime be sure to sample the lemon cake, it’s probably the most incredible gluten free cake you will ever eat! This fabulous cake is infused with the flavor of lemon geranium and the top of the cake is decorated with lemon geranium leaves. One of the best parts of this manor is the award winning breakfast that is served between 8am-10am in the medieval Cruck Hall. It includes organic juices, smoothies, grains, fresh baked bread, homemade preserves, mushrooms, pancakes and fresh-laid eggs from the Penrhos chickens.

Guests have access to many nearby hiking day trips that include walking over the wild hills of Wales, or along the Offa’s Dyke Path which was the ancient frontier between England & Wales. Also, there are valleys and small towns to explore at the foot of the Black Mountains. There are many castles, stately homes and galleries to visit in the area as well as numerous beautiful gardens such as  Hergest Croft Gardens. Other activities nearby include horseback riding, hang gliding, rally driving and go-carting.

If you are looking for a getaway from the hustle and bustle of modern life, but still want to be Eco conscious, book a room today at the Penrhos Manor House. Book in advance, as the locals know and frequent this gem in the countryside. It is truly a place to nourish body, mind and spirit.