On a small peaceful residential street just off Bridgnorth’s famous Cartway, is 11 Friars Street.
With stunning views out over the River Severn, this terraced house was built in 1780, but has been fully modernised inside while still retaining its cottage feel.
It is a short walk away from the bustling high street with its iconic half-timbered market hall, its many pubs and bars, coffee shops and restaurants.
Step through the front door and you will find yourself in a snug sitting room with comfortable armchairs and sofa, perfect for curling up with a good book, watching a film or getting competitive over a game of chess, or one of the many other board games on offer.
The historic pictures, electric woodburner in the tiled hearth and warm lighting all contribute to creating a cosy and welcoming ambience.
No detail has been left out to help you feel instantly at home.
Continuing through, you enter the open-plan kitchen/diner, which is decorated in a warm contemporary style and offers all the conveniences you would expect -whether you want to rustle up a Masterchef-standard feast or just quickly bung something in the microwave.
The dining area, which comfortably seats four, offers you a space to drink, chat, plan your trips and, of course, eat, on the days when the weather discourages you from venturing outside
On dry days, you will definitely want to make the most of the incredible vistas over the River Severn and stunning pink sandstone cliffs.
Drink your morning coffee and tea on the terrace outside the back door or make your way down the path to the outdoor dining area, which is guarded by Olwyn, the friendly owl.
As the sun sets behind the house, gather at the fire pit (a starter pack of kindling and wood is supplied) to drink in the views at their absolute best.
Completing the ground floor, is a convenient cloakroom with a basin and WC, so you don't have to worry about running up and down the stairs and missing too much of the conversation.
As the night draws to a close, you have a choice of two bedrooms.
The ‘Bee’ room on the first floor has a good-sized double bed, whilst the ‘Butterfly’ room, tucked in under the eaves, can be set up either with a king-size or a twin arrangement (as in the photograph).
Both rooms are beautifully decorated with a light colour scheme and bespoke, hand-painted interior furnishings.
The bedrooms are serviced by the family bathroom, tiled throughout and fitted with a bath and overhead shower, where you can enjoy a leisurely soak after your day’s exploring.
Bridgnorth has plenty to offer: on England’s steepest inland funicular railway, ride the picturesque Cliff Railway that takes you from High to Low Town and the river.
Alternatively, if you’re feeling fit, take in the route that explores the ten sets of steps that historically linked the two levels of the town.
Pop into the town museum housed in the historic Burgess’s Hall above Northgate; walk via the Castle gardens, steeped in fascinating Civil War history, and cross the footbridge to the Severn Valley Railway station, from where you can take a steam train through 16 miles of beautiful countryside with attractive stops and country pubs along the way.
Or explore the river even closer up by taking a tranquil canoe trip with Canoe UK, keeping an eye out for the kingfishers and otters.
Travelling a short distance by car opens up a host of other attractions: south, the town of Bewdley, renowned for its swans and riverside pubs also houses the West Midlands Safari Park.
Go a few miles north and you come to the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge Gorge, cradle of the industrial revolution, with highlights including the Victorian Village at Blists Hill, Abraham Darby’s world-famous bridge and the fascinating Coalport China Museum.
Another day might take you to more ancient history with the Roman bath house at Wroxeter, to the medieval market town of Ludlow known for its incredible restaurants, or to the stunning walking and cycling to be found around Bishops Castle, Church Stretton and the Long Mynd.
Shropshire really is a hidden gem, a “staycationer’s” dream, and at 11 Friars Street you have the best possible base to explore it all from.
What memories will you make?