The sweetest little escape for 2, cradled in woodland on the Welsh border; 30 mins from Snowdonia
Space & setting.
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Ever feel like pressing pause on life and disappearing for a few days? This quirky little bolthole on the North Welsh border is where we’ll be escaping to next time we get that urge. Once a 19thC blacksmith’s workshop, it’s been beautifully restored with just enough space for the minibreak essentials: a kingsize bed, the cutest little kitchen and a fully stocked woodburner. Interiors are perfectly rustic and pared back; exposed brickwork and beams are moodily lit by ambient bare bulbs and the flicker of flames, while upstairs in the sleeping nook, iron railings have been fashioned from an old dog kennel.
Cool in summer and cosy in winter, it’s utterly unique and perfect for all seasons. Colder days call for luxuriously long lie-ins, slow morning soaks in the free-standing nickel bath and lazy evenings reading by the fire; when the sun is shining seek out local pubs, wild swimming spots, kayaking and nature walks (there are plenty of guidebooks for inspiration). Shropshire Hills, North Wales and Snowdonia are all within easy reach; personally, though, we’d just hole up and stay put. Whether you come alone or as a couple, you’ll return home a more rested version of yourself.
Getting here: drive, or train to Gobowen then taxi (5 mins)
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Sustainability.
The property is mainly heated by the woodburner, fuelled from trees that have naturally fallen in the surrounding woodlands. Once cleared, the owners re-plant trees to replace the fallen ones.
Surrounds.
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Whittington Castle via Visit Shropshire -
Whittington by Sebastian Herrmann via Unsplash -
Llangollen by Sebastian Herrmann via Unsplash
- Walk into the village of Whittington (15 mins) and visit Whittington Castle, built after the Norman conquest of 1066 to secure the border between England and Wales. There are a couple of lovely local pubs if you’re looking for an easy meal.
- Spend a morning canoeing, kayaking or paddle-boarding on the mere in Ellesmere, (10 mins’ drive), then have a light lunch or drink at the mere-side Boathouse.
- We love the beautiful riverside town of Llangollen, and the surrounding area is a walker’s paradise with stunning routes through the Dee Valley AONB. Don’t miss Horseshoe Falls, the most scenic section of the Offa’s Dyke path.
- Follow the figure of 8 walking trail around 18thC Oswestry racecourse, set high up between the Welsh hills and north Shropshire plains, with far-reaching views of England and Wales.
- Visit the birthplace of Charles Darwin in Shrewsbury, a medieval market town with a pretty half-timbered Tudor centre, now full of fantastic bars and restaurants (25 mins’ drive).
Specifics.
- Standalone cabin in owners’ grounds, next to woodland and their walled garden
- Kingsize bed on a mezzanine floor
- Open-plan downstairs with small well-equipped kitchen (electric cooker, fridge, toaster and kettle; basic supplies provided)
- Woodburner
- Smart TV, WiFi and guidebooks
- Separate bathroom (accessed from outside) with shower over bath, toilet and sink
- Private patio with garden furniture, picnic bench and firepit
- Sorry, no pets
- The owners are available by phone if you need them
- Walk to local shop and pubs (20 mins)
- Booking conditions: 2-night minimum stay; 15% discount for weekly booking
- Remember to pack: as light as possible!
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30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay
Cancellations: 8+ weeks prior to stay: deposit refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
– 6-8 weeks prior to stay: deposit retained, 70% balance refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
– 4-6 weeks prior to stay: 50% of the total booking fee retained, 50% refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 4 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Terms & Conditions
FAQs.
In: 3pm / out: 10am
Regretfully, no.
Yes, you’re 15 mins’ walk from Whittington, which has a couple of lovely local pubs.
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