7 miles from Ludlow and on the southern edge of the Shropshire Hills, the peaceful village of Culmington is a perfect choice for a couple’s escape. The surrounding countryside provides an idyllic setting for romantic strolls, while medieval Ludlow is a must-see for history lovers, its 11th-century castle sitting above the River Teme. Those with a discerning palate will find much to please here too – the town is famous for the quality of its food and drink, with an annual festival showcasing local producers. The nearby National Landscape offers a fabulous opportunity to get off the beaten track, with walking routes along river valleys, through pastures, meadows and ancient woodlands, and over hilltops of rock and heather. Visible for miles, Flounders’ Folly stands above Callow Hill near Craven Arms (4.5 miles), another lovely market town. A viewing platform at the top of the folly offers panoramic views to the Malverns, Black Mountains, Cader Idris and more. Close by, Stokesay Castle (7.5 miles) is one of the finest and best-preserved fortified medieval manor houses in England.
Rekindle your romance with a stay at this dreamy hideaway. Set within the walled garden of an impressive Grade II-listed residence that dates from the early 18th century, the property epitomises high-end country living, with period features and attentive detailing throughout. Private access from the roadside delivers you straight to your front door; step inside and an internal stairway takes you into the main living space, where there’s a two-seater sofa, reading chair, Smart TV and a wood burner. A few steps down, the dining area has additional relaxed seating and is bathed in natural light from a huge A-frame window at one end, which also offers an enticing glimpse into the four-acre gardens. Back in the living room, a door leads into a chic kitchen which has all the must-haves of home so you can serve up a tasty meal for two with minimal effort. Open another door from the living room and you’ll be in a sanctuary-like bedroom, beautifully styled with a king-size bed and luxury bed linen to ensure peaceful slumbers. Both the bedroom and its en-suite shower room have skylight windows for a comfortable flow of fresh air and natural light.
To fully embrace the country lifestyle, take a seat on the cobbled patio immediately outside your holiday home – trees, seasonal planting and birdsong provide a bucolic backdrop for al fresco refreshments and together-time.