A former funeral home is being rented out as a guest house for holidaymakers who want to rest in peace. The five-bedroom property, which is about 350 years old, boasts gothic architecture, is decorated with coffins and even has its own graveyard.
Guests can enjoy a night at one of the three properties within the 12-acre plot in Bromsgrove in Worcestershire – The Chapel, The Well House or Crossbrook Farm - for just under £200 a night. But for those with an interest in the spiritual or supernatural, there is only one choice.
Stuart Dudley, a 44-year-old architect and co-owner of the holiday let, said: “In the Well House, which is one of the buildings guests can stay in at the property, the legend is a French gentlemen drowned in their in the 18th century. There is a memorial commemorating his death on the front of the well – it’s a nice bit of history.
“We have had numerous guests stay who have been into spiritual healing and witchcraft and many who have stayed said they have felt a presence in this property. This is often described as a sense of change of temperature, or they have seen orbs in the photographs they have taken when they go and view them again.
“At night we’ve heard strange sounds and when we’ve gone to check it our there’s nothing there. We’ve taken photographs and when we’ve looked at them later, we’ve seen orbs in the corners of the rooms.
“Often, you’ll be in one of the properties at night and you’ll see shadows move and the temperature will suddenly drop."
As well as having been a funeral home, the property also played a part in the production of cider, which the area is famous for. For a time the house was occupied by people who looked after nearby pear and apple orchards.
It has been operating as a self-catering holiday let for five years. With its varied history, it attracts an "interesting mix" of guests, according to Mr Dudley.
He said: "We get people looking for a romantic break and people who are interested in gothic architecture and English history. We’ve had American guests come and visit with their families too because they love the character and ambience of the place."
There is, according to Mr Dudley, something for everyone. “Each property has a different vibe," he said.
“Crossbrook, the main plot, is very open plan with lots of light, which looks over 180 degrees of open countryside. The Well House is a very romantic property, and the Chapel is a romantic, gothic property with original features.
"Some date back to medieval times. It’s a boutique, five-star, high-end vibe."
