The Old China Shop

The Old China Shop is a charming reverse living and recently converted house in the centre of the historic town of Ludlow: Pepper Lane, where guilds such as tailors, drapers and skinners flourished in the 12th century. Set off a vehicle-restricted narrow lane, the property enjoys a quiet location in the heart of medieval Ludlow yet serves immediate access to the town’s multitude of vibrant local shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. The Old China Shop provides a warm and welcoming retreat for those who wish for a quiet and relaxing break with access to a wealth of culture, historic charm and glorious surrounding landscapes. When you arrive at The Old China Shop, you may unload directly at the property and then park at the nearby (4-minute walk) public car park. The Old China Shop is accessed through a wooden gate and then a half-glazed oak door. The quality oak finish flows through the entry hall, providing access to the two bedrooms – one with a walk-in shower room ensuite, a utility cupboard housing the washing machine and a separate general walk-in shower room / WC. The hallway offers a boot rack and plenty of hangers for coats beneath the stairwell. The ground floor is warmed throughout with underfloor heating, providing a very cosy and comfortable feel to the bedroom accommodation. Both bedrooms are finished to a very high standard with the highest quality voiles and blackout curtain systems, allowing for the best possible night of sleep. Shower / WC rooms are plumbed with high-end Burlington fittings and ventilated with extremely low-noise extractor fan systems to ensure nocturnal tranquillity. The real magic is conjured as you climb the oak staircase to a feature-laden open-plan living area. Lit with plentiful windows and Velux roof lights the space exudes character through a vaulted oak-beamed roof space, considered design, interesting artwork and a first-class finish. The lounge and sitting area is wool carpeted with roman blinds providing an extra feel of evening cosy. An interesting bookcase and surrounding artefacts provide a relaxed and quirky atmosphere. Set upon reclaimed herringbone parquet flooring the kitchen and dining area provides a delightful blend of textures, materials and furniture adding further to the wonderful character of the space. The rose-pink-toned kitchen is arranged around a Belfast sink with antique-style taps and offers high-end electrical appliances. The open plan layout serves to bring everyone together through shared cooking and conversations, drifting from kitchen to sitting area, during relaxed evenings beneath the beams. Wandering outside you will stumble upon tea shops, pubs, local shops, coffee houses, wine bars, antiques, restaurants – all within an easy stroll.

Ludlow is the most charming of medieval market towns.

"Ludlow....is probably the loveliest town in England with its hill of Georgian houses ascending from the river Teme to the great tower of the cross-shaped church, rising behind a classic market building." - John Betjeman, 1943.

"Has there ever been a visitor to Ludlow who hasn’t wished they lived there? " - Jeremy Paxman, 2009.

Walk a little further until the River Teme comes into view, where the water runs beneath the striking silhouette of Ludlow Castle. The town’s vibrant markets, historic lanes and well-regarded eateries offer plenty to fill your days. Within an hour, three appealing destinations make excellent day trips. Church Stretton sits among rolling hills where the Long Mynd reveals sweeping valley views, skylarks rising above the bracken and inviting paths that lead between dramatic high points. Hereford provides its magnificent cathedral, the remarkable Mappa Mundi and gentle riverside walks beside the Wye where local cafés offer opportunities to pause. Shrewsbury rewards visitors with timber framed buildings, a river looping around the town and lively cultural spots where galleries, theatres and seasonal events can be enjoyed throughout the year. The Old China Shop provides a delightful base for discovering the history, architecture, culture, old-world charm, gastronomy and unspoilt landscapes which combine to make Ludlow so magical.