Guest Reviews

All reviews here were originally written on Google Maps by our guests and are uploaded here verbatim.

We booked a one night stay at Woodlands using the website which was easy to use and the payment was simple. We arrived at the Woodlands and we’re blown away by its stunning features! Wow! Andrew and Linda were such kind and attentive hosts. The room was immaculate with 5 star touches, the bed was very comfy and the morning views were beautiful. We opted for the platter on the evening which was brought to our door on a table. There was plenty of food and it was all delicious! The breakfast in the morning was superb, my favourite was the granola with stewed plums from their own trees. Thank you both for a wonderful stay, we will be back!

Polly Lakin November 2023

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We spent a weekend at Woodlands to experience what it would be like to live in a Passivhaus home. It was a perfect break in every respect, from the welcome to the time we had to depart.
On Friday we diverted into Worcester before setting the sat nav for Woodlands. We had booked Linda's amazing cold platters and sat on the patio as the sun descended and listened to the wildlife around us whilst the bats darted along the hedge line.

Saturday saw us enjoy a fabulous breakfast at the start of the day. Our hosts wisely advised postponing our planned walk because of the forecast temperature for the day ahead was so high. Instead we had a potter around Great Malvern and Ledbury. Both trips were interesting but Ledbury illustrated how long oak frame buildings can survive and prosper.

The Woodlands oak frame is beautiful and cleverly incorporated the required elements to make a Passivhaus. Andrew kindly shared some background on why Woodlands became an Oakwrights project and shared some information that highlighted the many designs in which oak frames can used today. Having spent a little time experiencing the building and enjoying its architecture, it is easy to see why it would make a great choice for our own project.

Over the weekend the outside temperatures reached around 30C on Friday and Saturday but inside the Passivhaus was a cool and fresh environment. Linda and Andrew were really generous with their time and helpfully took us through their building experience and why they chose to build a Passivhaus. The conversation and the week-end overall has already had an impact on our plans.

Inspiring is an overused word today but we left Woodlands genuinely inspired. Woodlands has been in our thoughts ever since the visit. Thank you Linda and Andrew for being excellent hosts and for sharing your amazing home with us.

Mike Neve. September 2023

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My wife and I stayed at Woodlands for as short break and 'research visit' to learn more about building our own Passivhaus home. We were warmly greeted on arrival and made to feel at home. The owners, Linda and Andrew, were gracious and generous hosts taking time to 'give us the tour' and answer our (many) questions about their home.

After a refreshing night's sleep in the comfortable and fresh-aired bedroom, we were treated to a sumptuous breakfast, before spending time sipping coffee and chatting on the balcony. A delightful and very informative visit: highly recommended.

Phil Zack. September 2023

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My wife and I did a night at the BnB. It was a lovely setting with a very comfortable and well thought out room with excellent hosts.
The cake in the room was a lovely touch and we would definitely recommend to anyone else.

Ed Sace. September 2023

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We have just returned from a wonderful 3-night stay at Woodlands. It is quite probably the most relaxing break we have had.
Andrew and Linda's home is absolutely beautiful. The setting in which it stands is simply stunning.
It also has that most rare of commodities in this day and age; silence. It is a delight to just sit outside on the terrace listening to (apart from birdsong) absolutely nothing.
I can only concur with previous reviews as to the unobtrusive attentiveness of Andrew and Linda; they are wonderful hosts and make you feel most welcome in their home.
(By the way, the breakfast is superb; but we would also strongly recommend you request the evening platter for when you arrive.)

David and Mel Jones June 2023

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We stayed for one night while we visited the Three Counties Show, and were kindly allowed to park one of our cars at the Woodlands all day, even though we weren't checking in until the end of the day. The whole stay was perfect. The house is beautiful, the rooms are beautiful and way beyond our expectations. We were given a choice of the two rooms since Andrew and Linda only let out one room at a time; we chose the room with the bath the size of a swimming pool and the fabulous view from the huge sliding doors over the fields. The towels and bathrobes are unbelievably thick and fluffy, the toiletries are luxurious, the bathroom was spotlessly clean. The room is beautifully furnished and the tea tray was fabulous, as was the home-made cake which we enjoyed in the evening, sitting on the lovely and totally peaceful terrace, overlooking breath-taking views. The breakfast was amazing and we could choose what time we wanted it; a wide choice of locally sourced foods and gorgeous home-made bread. We didn't need to eat for the rest of the day!
Linda and Andrew are perfect hosts, unobtrusive, but there if you need anything, and absolutely lovely to talk to. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and are already planning another visit.

Rebecca Kinnon June 2023

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We had a lovely overnight stay at Woodlands. Andrew and Linda were excellent hosts, attentive but unobtrusive. They have a beautiful home. Room was comfortable and finished to a very high standard. Lovely touches, such as home made cake on arrival. Delicious breakfast the next morning, including the nicest eggs I've ever had (and I'm not a big egg fan!). Lovely to watch the plentiful pheasants strutting around the garden in the morning. Would definitely recommend, and hope to revisit when we're next in the area.

Katie Sawyer May 2023

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Thank you ever so much Linda and Andrew for having us into your beautiful home. We were so delighted stepping out into those serene surroundings, listening to the birds singing. The warmth of the welcome and the taste of lemon drizzle cake Linda baked for us was fabulous.

We had lovely evening with both, you taken extra effort and time patiently sharing your wealth of experience. We were pleasantly surprised to learn how energy efficient, warm and comfortable your home was. We got so much insight into the Passivhaus construction, the planning and preparation, and some of the challenges you faced. Your advice and guidance will be so invaluable to our own journey to build a green, low energy home.

Our stay with you was amazing, we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. The view from the room was picturesque. Thanking for helping us book our evening dinner. The room, facilities, bed were super cosy. We had a very sound sleep. You were amazing hosts, I have to specially mention you making us delicious and sumptuous breakfast early in the morning, help us make a timely start on our way to the planned event.

We will be visiting you again and will surely be getting back to you for more of your informed advice.

Jessel Plavelil Varghese. April 2023

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Andrew and Linda are very kind and welcoming hosts. The B&B is spotless and the rooms are a perfect size with everything done to the highest standard.

Heather Wilson, March 2023

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After the open day (organised by Oakwrights) we decided to spend one night in a Passivhouse and to learn more from Linda and Andrew. The house is beautiful, from design to execution, decoration and attention to details. Leaving in this house is a great experience, the controlled climate makes all the difference.
The B&B is at the same level!!! 5* stars.
Linda and Andrew are great hosts, providing extensive information regarding all the process of building an oak Passivhouse, and making sure that our stay was perfect. We have only one regret: we stayed only one night!
Thank you Linda & Andrew, we are looking forward to seeing you again!

Rene, March 2023
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Fabulous place, fabulous hosts, fabulous food. Andrew and Linda were very generous with their time and attention. Highly recommended.

R Wood, March 2023

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As others before have said, our interest in Passivhaus brought us to Andrew and Linda’s beautiful home. It is hard to say which had the greater impact; the wonderfully well-designed and executed home, with the most comfortable and immaculate accommodation; our hosts’ knowledge of their specialist subject and willingness to share both the positives and the challenges with charming candor - so many interesting hints and tips we have brought away with us; or the fabulous refreshments and food - I’ve never had breakfast as good! The setting for this graceful home is superb and the wildlife to be seen from the extraordinary comfort of the home is a joy! We will look forward to our return visit very much indeed.

Sally & Kelvin Moore, January 2023

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Fantastic hosts, fantastic house, fantastic location and fantastic breakfasts. We really enjoyed our stay at Woodlands, together with the time Andrew and Linda gave us regarding our Passive House journey. Very helpful, reassuring and informative. Thank you.

Farida Jarvis, October 2022

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An amazing house in a superb location, with very attentive hosts. Andrew and Linda were so happy to explain the mechanics and comfort of building and living in a passive house. We stayed with our daughter in the Hare and Pheasant rooms and enjoyed every comfort. The breakfasts were the most delicious we can remember.

Keith Bunce, September 2022

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Linda and Andrew were warm and welcoming hosts. Their story is inspirational and the resulting Passivhaus is fabulous, built in an idyllic secret valley with glorious views.

Linda and Andrew were enthusiastic in answering all my plot finding, MVHR, heat pump and other techy questions and Sally’s more aesthetic queries.

All in all a fabulous 3 day’s and don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the locally sourced delicious cold platter.

Arthur Creswell, September 2022

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Immaculate accommodation in a lovely, peaceful location. Linda and Andrew were friendly, thoughtful hosts and the breakfasts and evening platters were excellent. We would definitely like to visit again.

Marian Bingam, September 2022

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A brilliant weekend away. Andrew and Linda are the most patient welcoming hosts. Willing to answer all our questions about the house and the building process, providing delicious food and a peaceful relaxing environment for the guests to enjoy. The surrounding is beautiful and allows for nice walks. Worcester is very close and a nice city to spend the day. Will not only recommend but definitely go back in winter to enjoy the comfort and wonderful reception we received.

Telma Guerreiro, September 2022

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We’ve just returned from four nights at Woodlands. Our first time in a Passivhaus and we were really impressed. The atmosphere was superb as were the facilities. The location is outstanding and extremely peaceful. Breakfasts were awesome and the food platter that we had on our first night was brilliant.

Andrew and Linda were consummate hosts, always there should we need them. They were both very knowledgeable and happy to answer out question about the house. We would recommend Woodlands to anyone who wants to stay in a peaceful setting where the wildlife is on show every day.

Thank you Andrew and Linda for a great long weekend.

Nic and Judy, September 2022

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Everything about the experience was perfect and exceeded our expectations. If you’d like a perfect getaway, for the experience of a Passivhaus or to bend Linda and Andrew’s ear about the build itself, then book in and check out the plant room!

A special mention for the cheese and meat platter (arrive on an empty stomach) and morning breakfast.

Dean McCormack, July 2022

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We spent a very enjoyable three nights in the Hare Room earlier this month and would highly recommend a stay.
Linda and Andrew were wonderful hosts - always there if you needed anything but never intrusive. We’d alerted them to the fact we were vegetarian and so were given a choice of appropriate breakfast options and they also adapted their evening platter menu for us too. We decided a few days before we arrived to have that for two nights and were very glad that we did - it was lovely sitting out on the patio with a table full of food and the wine/beer we’d brought with us.
The house itself was amazing, just such a comfortable atmosphere, the rooms were well appointed and the shower was wonderful. The location was very peaceful - a real break away from everything but still plenty to do in the surrounding area. We particularly enjoyed watching the pheasants wander past on a regular basis. Andrew and Linda were very patient in answering all of our questions about their experience of self-building and of living in a Passivhaus. We’re already plotting a return visit!

The Russells, July 2022