National Trust estate
Shugborough Estate
A grand mansion, walled gardens and monuments set in sweeping National Trust parkland - a full day out, minutes down the lane.
Tixall · Staffordshire
A unique historic octagonal lodge retreat in the Staffordshire countryside
A beautifully restored historic lodge at the entrance to the former Tixall Estate - available for exclusive stays in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside.
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II
Listed · 1807
Availability
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IThe Lodge
A bottle in stone,
two hundred years on.
At the entrance to the Tixall Estate stands one of Staffordshire’s most curious buildings - an octagonal gate lodge of dressed stone, crowned by an ogee dome. From a distance, its silhouette reads unmistakably as a bottle.
Historic England dates it to 1807. Never a grand house, it was home to generations of shepherds, grooms and farm labourers.
It has watched the Georgian age, the Industrial Revolution and two World Wars pass along the lane. Now restored, the lodge opens to just two guests.
See the gallery →“Some buildings are simply owned.
Others are cared for and passed on.”
In our care since 2020 - the exterior re-pointed and its lead cornice repaired; inside, taken back to the brick and rebuilt with care.
IIRestoration
Bringing Bottle Lodge
back to life.
We found it in a sorry state - a leaking roof, with damp and mould working through the little building. Putting it right took patience and the right hands: breathable lime, traditional methods and skilled local craftspeople. Drag to see the change.
Before
After
IIIGallery
Every angle has
a story.
A closer look around the lodge. Select any image to view it larger.
The sitting room
The bedroom, beneath the dome
The winding stair
The kitchen
View to the garden
Stone basin & brass
The walk-in shower
Dining area
Beneath the beams
Small comforts
Bottle Lodge
The lodge in miniature
IVExplore the Area
A landscape worth
lingering in.
Bottle Lodge sits among some of Staffordshire’s finest estates, waters and walks.
Elizabethan landmark
Tixall Gatehouse
The striking, recently restored Elizabethan gatehouse of the same Tixall Estate - the area’s great surviving showpiece, now a place to stay in its own right.
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Cannock Chase
Heath, ancient woodland and miles of trails - with cycling routes and the Go Ape treetop course for more active days.
Waterside walk
Canal & Tixall Wide
Step straight onto the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal towpath and follow it to the broad, swan-filled water of Tixall Wide.
Historic venue
The Orangery, Ingestre
A beautifully restored 1840s orangery within the Ingestre parkland - one of Staffordshire’s quiet hidden gems.
Eat & drink
Village Pubs & Tables
Welcoming inns and canal-side kitchens close by - the Clifford Arms, the Wolseley Arms and more, from a quick pint to a long Sunday lunch.
VWhy Guests Love It
Small in size.
Generous in spirit.
Historic & Restored
A Grade II listed lodge of 1807, beautifully conserved.
01Sleeps Two
Intimate by design - perfect for a pair.
02WiFi
Connected, when you want to be.
03Kitchen
Compact and well-equipped.
04Walk-in Shower
Modern comfort within old stone.
05Parking
Private parking on arrival.
06Garden & Countryside
A third of an acre of garden, with open fields beyond.
07Self Check-in
Contactless arrival, any time, via a coded key box.
08VIGood to Know
Questions,
answered.
Everything worth knowing before you book. Still curious about something? Send us a note - we’re always happy to help.
How many guests can stay?
Bottle Lodge sleeps two. It was restored as an intimate retreat for a couple, so it is not set up for additional guests or children.
Where exactly is Bottle Lodge?
We are in Tixall, near Stafford in Staffordshire (ST18 0XJ), at the gates of the former Tixall Estate. Shugborough Estate, Cannock Chase and the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal are all close by.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is by 11am. Arrival is contactless and self-service via a coded key box, so you can let yourselves in at any time from 2pm.
Is there parking?
Yes - private parking is available right at the lodge on arrival, at no extra cost.
Are pets allowed?
As dog lovers with pets of our own, we completely understand how much they are part of the family. Sadly, though, Bottle Lodge is a small space and its interior simply doesn’t lend itself to four-legged guests, so we’re unable to welcome pets on this occasion.
How do I book?
You can book instantly through Classic Cottages, Unique Hideaways or Airbnb. Alternatively, send us an enquiry using the form below and we will reply by email to arrange your stay.
VIIGuest Reviews
In their own words.
★★★★★
"Bottle Lodge is an amazing property, oozing character and history. The recent renovation has been done to an exceptionally high standard, mixing original features such as the lovely brick floor and beautiful diamond-leaded windows with the superbly crafted new oak joinery. The interior, although compact, is cosy and airy — quite Tardis-like. We had a wonderful, relaxing stay and highly recommend it. We will most definitely be returning."
Robert · Airbnb
★★★★★
"We stayed here on our wedding weekend and it was perfect. Really conveniently located in Tixall village with gorgeous views and walks. It felt really homely and had everything you could need — there was even a lovely basket of fresh produce provided. We had a beautiful time and look forward to staying again!"
Olivia · Airbnb
★★★★★
"We had the most amazing stay at Bottle Lodge! Everything was just perfect, from the beautifully unique lodge and thoughtful welcome goodies to the peaceful surroundings. We loved the lovely canal walks, including the walk to Essex Bridge and exploring Shugborough Estate. Ben & Meg have created such a special place — we honestly couldn't fault it and would definitely love to return!"
Julia · Airbnb
★★★★★
"Bottle Lodge is a beautifully designed and immaculately finished tiny home, quirky and perfect for a short stay. We would stay here again."
Andrea · Airbnb
★★★★★
"Beautifully restored bijou building. All the fittings are cleverly worked to provide maximum convenience without impacting space. Lovely walks along the canal and river. A lovely few days away."
Geoff · Airbnb
Reviews collected independently on Airbnb
VIIIContact
Plan your stay,
or simply say hello.
Where
Bottle Lodge, Tixall
Stafford, Staffordshire
ST18 0XJ
Stafford, Staffordshire
ST18 0XJ
WhatsApp
@thebottlelodge
Glimpses of the lodge and the seasons around it - follow along on Instagram.