Mainoaks derives its name from the Manok family of which a certain Robert Manok was one of the jurors of the Inquisition post mortem on Elizabeth Talbot taken on 10 December 1372 at Goodrich. The main house (the Old Hall now converted into Cider Mill and Peregrine) was probably first constructed in the 15th century with later additions in the 16th century. By the 17th century records show the farm was owned by the prominent Weare family who may have married into the Manok family or acquired the farm from them. The property remained in their ownership until the death of William Weare in the late 18th century. He left two infant sons and large debts, leading to their dispossession and the disposal of the property. At the time of the Tithe Map (1838) Mainoaks was owned by William Henry Ross who also owned Rocklands (the adjoining farm).

The Mainoaks Holiday Cottages was initially created by the Unwin family (former owners of Mainoaks) who successfully operated the business, realizing that as a holiday cottage the properties stood a better chance of thriving. Indeed Holiday rental and holiday lets have in many ways transformed the fortunes of these historic buildings into a thriving Holiday let and self catering cottage business. At Mainoaks we are also fortunate in having river Wye fishing which provides an added attraction. Indeed fishing on the river Wye has been a significant economic feature since perhaps as early as the Roman times. Opposite Mainoaks is the site of an old Weir commonly used for Wye salmon fishing. More recently, Wye valley fishing has become renown for its coarse fishing, river Wye barbel and pike being particularly popular. Many of our guests now use the cottages as their base for Wye coarse fishing.