Abbey Farm
In the mid 12th century Cistercian monks built a large Abbey here and during the 13th and 14th century Royal visitors included Edward the 1st and Edward the 3rd. It is very likely that before the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, Henry VII and his troops stayed at the Abbey later paying compensation for food used and damage to crops. The Abbey was surrendered in 1538 during the period of Dissolution in Henry VIII's time and the Abbey fell into ruin. Abbey Farm was constructed from stone taken from the Abbey, the ruins being very evident today to the side of the house in the gardens.
As well as a manor house, Abbey Farm was also a dwelling for cheese making, Atherstone market being famed for its cheese and two of the original presses remain. Since then it has been a farmhouse and now operates as a livery yard as well as a bed and breakfast and stands in lands of some 14 acres. Views from the house extend over the lake, once stocked with fish by the monks, across paddocks and up to Merevale Hall and the historic Merevale Church. Local wildlife are plentiful with ducks, pheasants and rabbits wandering across the land and the occasional muntjack deer drinking by the side of the lake.
Whether visiting for business or pleasure, to stroll through the fields around the lake with views to Merevale Hall and to walk among the ruins of Merevale Abbey is an absolute pleasure and one we look forward to welcoming you to.
Abbey Farm B&B, Merevale Lane, Atherstone, Warwickshire. CV9 2LA
Tel/fax: 01827 715091 email: jenny@abbeyfarmbandb.co.uk