The Old Coach House

Why you'll love staying here

The Old Coach House is a beautifully appointed red-brick cottage on a quiet working farm, just three miles south of the medieval town of Shrewsbury. Once the original coach house for Hanley House, it has been thoughtfully converted into a comfortable holiday home while retaining many of its original features.

At the heart of the property is the spacious, country-style kitchen, fully equipped with a wide range of modern appliances and everything you need to prepare delicious home-cooked meals. You may even wish to try some of the local produce supplied in the generous welcome hamper, which includes fresh eggs, milk, butter, bread, and a variety of savoury treats. With its farmhouse dining table and stable door opening directly into the garden, this light-filled room is a wonderful place for the whole family to gather.

Next door, the stylish sitting room has exposed beams, comfortable seating, attractive prints, and pretty soft furnishings. French doors frame lovely views across the farm, where in spring you might see lambs gambolling in the fields. A thoughtful selection of books, games, and DVDs is provided by the owner, making this a cosy and inviting space to unwind with a glass of wine after a day exploring the local area.

Upstairs are two charming bedrooms, both with beams and sloping ceilings that create a warm and restful atmosphere. Each one enjoys delightful views over the farm’s meadows and woodland beyond, ensuring a peaceful retreat when sleep beckons.

Outside, a delightful, enclosed patio with dining furniture is a lovely spot for morning coffee or a leisurely lunch. Guests are also welcome to explore the larger shared garden, which has a spacious lawn, mature planting of flowers, trees, and shrubs, and a wooden summerhouse, perfect for pausing to take in the beautiful surroundings.

Shrewsbury, tucked in a loop of the River Severn near the Welsh border, is famed for its cobbled streets and Tudor buildings. It boasts an award-winning farmers’ market, numerous independent shops, an iconic clock tower, and fascinating churches ranging from medieval to Georgian, all offering a glimpse into the town’s rich history.

A short drive away lie the stunning Shropshire Hills, a designated National Landscape renowned for its rolling hills, valleys, and moorland. The area is a walker’s paradise, offering everything from gentle rambles to more strenuous hikes, with popular routes across the Long Mynd and the Stiperstones. The hills are also home to upland birds such as snipes, curlews, merlins, and whinchats, while the species-rich grasslands attract butterflies, moths, and other pollinators.

History enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy nearby. No visit to Shropshire is complete without exploring Ironbridge, where a collection of museums tells the story of the Industrial Revolution. Highlights include the quirky Jackfield Tile Museum, showcasing the history of British decorative tiles, and Blists Hill Victorian Town, an immersive open-air museum depicting life in rural, urban, and industrial Victorian Britain, sure to fascinate children and adults alike.

Stokesay Castle near Ludlow is another must-see. It’s England’s most picturesque fortified manor house, completed in 1291, with a magnificent great hall with a superb timber roof and staircase, a three-storey tower, a moat, and enchanting cottage gardens. Nearby Attingham Park, an 18th-century estate managed by the National Trust, has a splendid Georgian mansion, walled kitchen garden and orchard, woodland walks, a deer park, and an excellent children’s play area.