The Dovecot & The Rookery at The Roost Retreats

Adults-Only Cottage Escapes in the Forest of Dean

Choose between the light-filled Dovecot and the atmospheric Rookery, two dog-friendly cottages designed for slower-paced stays in the countryside.

Tucked away within a peaceful courtyard surrounded by open fields, The Dovecot and The Rookery offer a relaxed countryside escape in the heart of the Forest of Dean. Designed exclusively for adults and welcoming up to two guests, these dog-friendly cottages combine comfort, character and thoughtful touches to create a stay that’s easy to settle into.

While sharing the same layout and facilities, each cottage has its own distinct personality. The Dovecot feels light, bright and airy, while The Rookery embraces a richer, more atmospheric style, allowing guests to choose the setting that suits them best.

With wood burners, private saunas, outdoor living spaces and access to the natural freshwater swimming pool, both cottages provide the perfect base for exploring the Forest of Dean or simply enjoying a few days at a gentler pace.

Why Choose The Dovecot & The Rookery?

• Adults-only cottages designed for two
• Choose between the light-filled Dovecot and the atmospheric Rookery
• Private sauna and outdoor living space
• Wood burners for cosy evenings throughout the year
• Access to the natural freshwater swimming pool
• Dog-friendly accommodation
• Peaceful courtyard setting surrounded by open fields
• Forest walks, riverside adventures and local pubs within easy reach

Looking for something different? The Roost Retreats also offers The Barn, a spacious adults-only barn conversion designed for special occasions and indulgent stays, as well as The Nook and The Nest, two luxury cabins surrounded by nature.

Choose Your Cottage

While sharing the same thoughtful layout and facilities, The Dovecot and The Rookery each have their own distinctive personality.

The Dovecot

Light, bright and airy, The Dovecot is designed around a soft, neutral palette that creates an immediate sense of calm. French doors open onto the terrace, allowing natural light to flood the living space and creating a seamless connection between indoors and out.

Ideal for those who love bright, uplifting interiors, The Dovecot offers a relaxed setting for slow mornings, countryside walks and cosy evenings beside the wood burner.

The Rookery

Rich tones and moodier interiors give The Rookery a more intimate atmosphere. Warm, inviting and full of character, it’s a cottage designed for hunkering down after a day spent exploring the Forest of Dean.

Guests staying at The Rookery also enjoy access to a private meadow garden reached via a quiet green lane, providing an additional space to relax and enjoy the surrounding countryside.

Inside The Cottages

While each cottage has its own distinctive character, both share the same thoughtfully designed layout and facilities. Comfortable, welcoming and designed for slower-paced stays, they offer everything needed for a relaxing countryside escape.

• King-size bedroom
• Ensuite shower room
• Towels, robes and flip-flops provided
• Open-plan kitchen, dining and living area
• Wood burner
• Smart TV
• French doors opening onto the terrace

Outdoor Living

Open the French doors on a sunny morning, enjoy breakfast on the terrace or settle in with a good book and the sounds of nature all around. The outdoor spaces at The Dovecot and The Rookery make it easy to embrace a slower pace of life and spend more time outside.

Each cottage features its own private outdoor space complete with a sauna, outdoor shower, pizza oven and comfortable seating, making it easy to spend as much time outdoors as you do inside. As evening falls, fire up the pizza oven, pour a glass of something chilled and enjoy the slower pace of life that comes with a countryside escape.

Guests also enjoy access to The Roost Retreats’ natural freshwater swimming pool, offering a refreshing way to connect with the surrounding landscape throughout the seasons.

• Private sauna
• Outdoor shower
• Pizza oven
• Terrace with bistro set
• Rattan corner sofa
• Access to the natural freshwater swimming pool

For guests staying at The Rookery, a private meadow garden reached via a quiet green lane provides an additional space to relax and enjoy the surrounding countryside.

Little Extras

Sometimes it’s the little touches that make a stay even more memorable. The Roost Retreats offer a selection of optional extras designed to help guests relax, indulge and make the most of their time away.

Start your morning with a breakfast box filled with local produce, enjoy a BBQ box for relaxed outdoor dining or choose from a selection of prepared dishes ready to cook when you’d rather spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your surroundings.

Celebrating a birthday, anniversary or special occasion? Celebration packages can be arranged ahead of your arrival, with options including banners, chocolates, bubbly, flowers and other thoughtful touches.

For those seeking a little extra relaxation, wellness treatments and massages can also be booked, allowing you to unwind in the comfort of your cottage.

Available extras include:

• Breakfast boxes
• BBQ boxes
• Prepared dishes ready to cook
• Cakes and sweet treats
• Celebration packages
• Flowers, chocolates and bubbly
• Wellness treatments and massages

Walking Holidays & Countryside Escapes

The Dovecot and The Rookery are perfectly suited to those who enjoy exploring at a gentler pace. With woodland trails, riverside walks and open countryside all within easy reach, they provide an ideal base for discovering the landscapes that make the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley so special.

Spend the day wandering beneath ancient woodland, following scenic trails along the River Wye or stopping for lunch in one of the area’s welcoming country pubs. Return to your cottage for an afternoon in the sauna, a romantic moment on the terrace or an evening beside the wood burner.

Whether you’re travelling with your dog, planning a walking holiday or simply looking for a few days away from the everyday, The Dovecot and The Rookery offer a relaxed and comfortable place to call home.

Dog-Friendly Cottage Stays

Dogs are warmly welcomed at The Dovecot and The Rookery, making it easy to enjoy a countryside escape without leaving anyone behind.

The surrounding area is particularly dog-friendly, with woodland walks, riverside trails, dog-friendly pubs, cafés and attractions all within easy reach. From exploring the Forest of Dean to strolling along the River Wye, there are plenty of opportunities for adventures together throughout your stay.

Back at the cottages, thoughtful extras help canine guests feel right at home. Dogs are provided with a handmade truckle bed, blanket, bowls, biscuits, towels and other useful essentials, while dog wash facilities help keep muddy paws under control after a day outdoors.

As the day draws to a close, settle beside the wood burner, plan tomorrow’s adventures and enjoy the simple pleasure of sharing your holiday with your four-legged companion.

Nature, Wildlife & Sustainability

One of the joys of staying at The Dovecot and The Rookery is the opportunity to slow down and reconnect with the natural world. Surrounded by open fields, wildflower meadows and ancient woodland, it’s a setting where birdsong provides the soundtrack to your day and dark skies encourage evenings spent stargazing.

Wildlife is never far away, with deer, badgers and a variety of bird species regularly spotted across the estate. Guests can also enjoy access to the natural freshwater swimming pool, offering another way to experience the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Sustainability is woven into everyday life at The Roost Retreats. Extensive planting of native hedgerows, trees and wildflowers has helped create a thriving habitat for local wildlife, while careful efforts to reduce light pollution help protect both biodiversity and the estate’s remarkable dark skies. Solar panels, battery storage and electric vehicle charging further support the site’s commitment to a lower-impact way of welcoming guests.

Explore the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley

Positioned on the border of Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, The Dovecot and The Rookery are perfectly placed for exploring the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, two of the UK’s most beautiful and unspoilt landscapes.

Ancient woodland, scenic viewpoints and miles of walking routes make the Forest of Dean a wonderful place to explore at your own pace. Wander beneath towering trees, discover hidden forest paths or simply enjoy the changing colours of the landscape throughout the seasons.

Just a short drive away, the River Wye winds through some of the area’s most spectacular scenery. Follow riverside trails, enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the picturesque villages along its banks or spend an afternoon watching the world drift by from the water’s edge.

The area is also home to a fantastic selection of independent pubs, cafés, farm shops and restaurants, making it easy to combine days spent outdoors with great food and local hospitality.

Local Attractions

The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley offer plenty to discover during your stay, from ancient woodlands and historic landmarks to scenic railways and spectacular viewpoints.

• Puzzlewood – A magical woodland of twisting pathways, moss-covered rocks and hidden corners.
• Symonds Yat – One of the Wye Valley’s most famous viewpoints, offering breathtaking scenery and riverside walks.
• Tintern Abbey – Explore the atmospheric ruins of one of Britain’s most celebrated abbeys.
• Dean Forest Railway – Step aboard a heritage steam train and enjoy a nostalgic journey through the Forest of Dean countryside.
• Perrygrove Railway – A charming narrow-gauge railway offering woodland journeys and plenty of character.
• Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail – Discover contemporary artworks hidden amongst the trees.

Getting Here

By Road: Less than three hours from London, under two hours from Birmingham, around 40 minutes from Bristol and approximately 45 minutes from Cheltenham.

By Train: Gloucester is the nearest mainline railway station, with direct services from London Paddington taking around 90 minutes.

By Air: Bristol Airport is approximately one hour away by car, with Birmingham Airport also within easy reach.

Cosy Cottage Retreats in the Forest

The Dovecot and The Rookery offer a chance to step away from the demands of everyday life and embrace a gentler rhythm for a few days. Surrounded by open countryside and designed with comfort in mind, they’re places where simple pleasures take centre stage.

Spend your days exploring the Forest of Dean, strolling along the River Wye, discovering local cafés and pubs or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Return to your cottage for an afternoon in the sauna, a quiet moment on the terrace or an evening beside the wood burner.

Perfect for dog-friendly getaways, walking holidays and relaxed countryside breaks, The Dovecot and The Rookery provide a welcoming base for exploring the Forest of Dean at your own pace.