Birchope Byre is an idyllic peaceful retreat, completely surrounded by farmland in the spectacular walking country of the South Shropshire Hills ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ with uninterrupted views of the Stiperstone ridge which forms part of the Shropshire Way, and is perfect for a short romantic break or a more active holiday.
The beautifully converted Byre is finished to a high standard whilst retaining its character using solid oak timbers, stone flooring and hand forged fittings made by a local blacksmith.
The open plan living area holds a traditional feel whilst retaining a homely environment where you can snuggle up into one of the sofas in front of the woodburning stove to unwind.
Full central heating makes the Byre a cosy cottage at any time of the year.
From here a few steps lead up to the kitchen offering a dining area under a vaulted ceiling with reclaimed church pews providing authentic seating at a rustic oak table.
This room certainly adds to the charm of the cottage with pine units and granite worktops it merges traditional with contemporary touches to give you the ideal room for your self-catering stay.
Up from the kitchen you can find the luxury bathroom with grand gold furnishings and fixtures, relax in a Victorian style roll-top bath or use the large separate shower, whilst admiring the reclaimed Gothic style hand-carved mirror and door.
The two bedrooms are up in the eaves, accessed up separate sides of the large wooden stairs that lead up from the sitting room and offer privacy and period features.
The family room has a 4’ double plus single whilst the other also has a 4’ double bed and space can be made for a cot (available on request – no bed linen provided).
Both have fantastic views over the countryside – there’s no better spot to stargaze or appreciate the sunset.
Literally ‘off the beaten track’ the Byre is accessed via a farm-track and situated across from the owner’s farmhouse, separated by their private garden (not in use when the cottage is occupied to ensure guests’ privacy), it has its own private front entrance and please be aware there is restricted off-road parking for a single vehicle.
Lockable indoor storage for bikes can be offered by prior request.
An enclosed gravelled garden with patio area has a table & chairs for you to relax and enjoy the views while watching the abundance of wildlife that makes Birchope a special place to stay – Buzzards & Red Kites soar overhead along with the chance to spot the increasingly rare Curlew and Lapwing – a nature lover’s paradise, although guests should be aware that there can be some activity in the surrounding farmland during the shooting season for game birds (beginning of September to end of January).
We also have resident Tawny Owls and Bats.
Ratlinghope is a short drive to the village of Wentnor where you can visit the local store to pick up all of your basic amenities for your stay.
Pubs serving tasty home-made food can be found in both villages should for when you want to eat out.
There are also several other good pubs serving food within a 15 – 20 minute drive.
The nearby town of Bishop’s Castle has a wealth of history in its museum and heritage centre and is perfect for immersing yourself in the culture of the area.
Within easy reach across the heather clad moorland of the Long Mynd, criss-crossed by tracks suitable for both hiking and/or mountain-biking, is Church Stretton (known as ‘Little Switzerland’) and the National Trust’s Carding Mill Valley, making Birchope Byre the perfect base for you and your family in the heart of Shropshire and the West Midlands.