Our first foray into Shropshire, Woodlanders simply takes our breath away. Oh-so-romantic and exceedingly hidden away from everyday life, this is a must for peace-loving types seeking a getaway from the rat race. Nestled deep in the countryside and surrounded by woodland, you'll be blessed with seriously beautiful views over patchwork quilt fields and rolling heather-covered hills.
Step into the wonderful wooden home and you will find luxurious, open plan living downstairs and a bedroom tucked away upstairs amongst the eaves. Highlights include the wood burner, large windows with exceptional views and the excellently equipped kitchen. Outside, there's a pretty garden complete with a wood fired hot tub - bliss!
Woodlanders is deep in the Shropshire Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is full of wonderful things to see and do, such as the Long Mynd, Stokesay Castle and Ludlow. You're also close to Wales and Offa's Dyke - fabulous for walkers.
Living and eating
The wonderful open plan living space is just lovely with two large windows overlooking the wonderful rolling countryside beyond and a reclaimed floor from an old Scottish distillery. It's super cosy too, with a wonderful Clearview wood burner (made locally in Shropshire) and central heating to keep you warm whatever the weather. We just love the soft, paired-back wooden flooring and subtle, natural tones throughout. There's a super comfy sofa and ottoman coffee table, cleverly positioned to enable sitters to gaze out of the window, whether with their morning coffee or favourite evening tipple. In addition, there's a Smart TV tucked away plus a SONOS sound system for your favourite tunes.
The kitchen, with natural woods and light grey cabinets, is fully equipped with everything you need to rustle up your favourite meals for your loved one. There's a fan oven, induction hob, dishwasher, fridge, microwave and all the other essentials including a Nespresso coffee machine. For dining, there is a cute breakfast bar for romantic meals or alternatively head out into the garden where you'll find a table and chairs. We just love the armchair tucked close to the wood burner - the perfect spot from which to watch the cook at work!
In addition, there's a washer dryer in the bathroom cupboard.
Sleeping
Take the stairs up into the eaves and you'll find a blissful space for nights together. The sumptuous king size Loaf bed is covered with Egyptian cotton linens, luxurious throws, and lots of cushions to ensure the ultimate in comfort. The vaulted ceiling creates an open, airy space whilst the Velux window (with blind) is perfectly situated for star gazing at night. From the window you have far-reaching views over the rolling fields and hills, where nothing but the night breeze and the occasional hoot of an owl will accompany you as you drift off to sleep. At the other end of the room, stable doors lead out onto a bridge that goes into the garden's upper level, providing easy access to the hot tub - perfect!
Bathing
The gorgeous bathroom on the ground floor has a wonderfully deep slipper bath for long soaks, whilst the large shower (big enough for two) has a rainfall head and is perfect for wake-me-up blasts or for relaxing muscles at the end of a long day's exploring. In addition, there are heated rails to keep towels warm and fluffy and Bramly toiletries.
Outside Space
With jaw-droppingly beautiful views, the cottage garden, backed by lush woodland, is a fabulous spot and the perfect place to while away hot afternoons underneath the dappled light from the overhead branches. Set on two levels, the lower area is home to a table and chairs for alfresco dining - expect dreamy evening meals by candlelight as the sun sets over the hills and the inky sky becomes bejewelled by stars. In addition, there are two loungers, an Ooni Karu 12 pizza oven. and a small Weber gas barbecue.
On the upper level, tucked amongst the trees, is the gorgeous wood-fired hot tub where you can relax with just the sounds of the woods accompanying you. Hammam towels and biodegradable slippers will be provided for use during your stay. Please note, if the weather turns extremely cold and the water supply freezes, the hot tub may not be able to be used.
If you spot the gate, step through and you'll discover your own small private woodland. Hidden amongst the trees, find the little bench - the ideal spot for a drink or the place to sit with a picnic (there's a hamper in the cottage). Find a spot for meditation amongst the trees, or simply a place to spend a moment or two in complete peace.
An area of Woodlander's garden is fenced in and enclosed, making it safe for small dogs.
Parking
There is private, off road parking at Woodlanders and a Zappi EV charging point for guest use.
Read all about it!
Want to know what it's like to stay at Woodlanders? Read our blog here.
Babies and children
Babes in arms are most welcome at Woodlanders. A travel cot and highchair, plus some plastic bowls and spoons, are provided on request. Please call to book a babe in arms into Woodlanders.
Dogs
Woodlanders welcomes one, well behaved dog to stay. Please note, there is an additional fee per dog, per week or short break.
Woodlanders has a spacious outside dog-friendly space which is divided into two areas adjacent to each other - the garden area and a small woodland area. Both areas are dog-secure with a sheep-fence around the perimeters.
There is the convenience of local dog walks directly from the front door, as Woodlanders is located next to a network of footpaths. The woodlands behind the property provide a great safe off-lead exercise area for dogs, and there are two dog-friendly pubs which are within walking distance of Woodlanders too!
WiFi
Woodlanders has WiFi so if you need to stay in touch with the outside world you can.
In the Area
Shropshire is a wonderful county and is often overlooked as a holiday destination. However, its quiet modesty belies an area blessed with untouched countryside; think rolling hills, farmland untouched for centuries and pretty market towns and villages. As such, you'll find amazing pubs and inns aplenty; the Hundred House Inn at Purslow is just a 15-minute walk away whilst the amazing Crown Inn, fantastic for both food and drink, is a 45-minute walk away in Clunton. You can walk to the pretty village of Clun - a wonderful 1 hour 45-minute walk through woodland and fields, whilst the bridleway next to the cottage head off into the woods - all of this without stepping into a car! Nearby Ludlow boasts an amazing selection of restaurants and a castle. History buffs will love nearby Stokesay Castle, Berrington Hall and Acton Scott Historic Working Farm whilst the nearby towns of Clun, Bishop's Castle, Leominster and Knighton are all worth a visit. As Woodlanders is set within the Shropshire Hills AONB, there's so many places to walk and explore - highlights have to be the awe-inspiring Long Mynd and the Offa's Dyke. Further afield, the county town Shrewsbury is worth a day out with its historic buildings, amazing Abbey, River Severn views and excellent shops. Hop across the nearby border into Wales and pay a visit to the beautiful Powys Castle and eventually into the dramatic hills and mountains beyond.