The Shippen

Bishop's Castle, Shropshire
Self-catering
+44 (0)1743 387873
Visit owner's website

From
£99 - £129
per night
From
£640 - £770
per week

Feather pillows, welcome goodies, an extensive batterie de cuisine... the hosts are super generous, the views are to die for

Bed

2 beds

Bedroom

1 bedroom

Sleeps

Sleeps 2

Children welcome
Pets welcome
Babies welcome

£99 - £129 per night

£640 - £770 per week

The Experience

An old stone shippen on a remote hillside in an AONB valley, with designer décor, delightful owners, and a glass-and-oak gable for heaven-sent views. No longer a cattle shed, this is one big living, sleeping and eating space with a south-facing decked veranda that gazes on Shropshire’s sweet hills. Timbers have been re-used, the slate roof raised, and the stone floor replaced by pristine planks of oak. Not a building in sight, other than Jeannie and Paul’s discreet farmhouse… just a sloping grass garden, a mini orchard and masses of wildlife. It’s heaven for couples or families (there’s a sofabed if you’ve little ones in tow), and perfect in every season; snuggle up by the the log-burner in winter and barbecue in summer. There’s a filter for spring water, Freesat, Netflix, PlayStation, a wet room that takes a wheelchair, and a robot vacuum cleaner (a Sawday’s first?!). Stroll the cobbled streets of Bishop’s Castle and Shrewsbury, enjoy a local pint by the river, hike to the top of the Long Mynd. Then back to board games by the fire, bright starry skies, and owls that hoot you to sleep.

Essentials

  • EV charger
  • Self check-in
  • Swimming pool
  • Hot tub
  • Garden
  • Open fire / woodburner
  • Breakfast included
  • Breakfast available
  • Meals available
  • Vegetarian meals
  • Oven
  • Parking on premises
  • Free parking nearby
  • Accessible by public transport
  • WiFi
  • Television
  • Central heating
  • Limited mobility
  • Wheelchair access
  • Mobile reception
  • Hob
  • Barbecue
  • Paid parking nearby
  • Air conditioning
  • Relaxation areas
  • Washing machine
  • Tennis court
  • Microwave oven
  • No smoking
  • Credit cards
  • Working farm
  • Owner has pets
  • Electricity included
  • Dishwasher
  • Pets welcome

Family friendly

  • Baby monitor
  • Books and toys
  • Children welcome
  • Babies welcome
  • Stair gates
  • High chair
  • Fire guard
  • Cot available

Nearby

  • Pub/bar within 3 miles
  • Restaurant within 3 miles
  • Shop within 3 miles

Activities

  • Bikes available
  • Food courses
  • Kayaking
  • Other courses
  • Sailing
  • Surfing
  • Wild swimming

Pricing

Nightly price
from £99
Weekly price
from £640
Surcharges
Extra bed/sofabed available £10 per person per night.
1 Cottage for 2
From £992 beds1 bedroom

Information

Booking information

Check in
From 4pm
Check out
By 10am
Other details
Minimum stay: 3 nights.
Closed
Never.
No smoking
Smoking not permitted anywhere in the property.
Owner has pets
Animals living on the property
Dogs

Dog biscuits, medium-sized dog bed, 2 bowls and towels for drying.

Max. 2 dogs.

Miles and miles of woodland and fields for walking. Use the Shropshire Way (right on the doorstep) or walk on the lanes.

Meals
Pubs/restaurants 2.5 miles.

Reviews

The Shippen is a sublime space. It so quickly becomes a home from home with every little detail so thoughtfully provided. I can't recommend it highly enough. It's a space I will most certainly return to

Antoinette, Worthing

The Shippen is always such a treat to visit! It's beautifully maintained, with the essentials in the kitchen. Kitted out with plenty of games, books and guides on the local area, it's everything I need to wind down at the end of a busy year in the city. The hosts are wonderfully accommodating, and the experience is always perfect. Decorated for Christmas during the winter, it's always a welcoming retreat. Can't wait to visit again!

Ell, Bristol

This is our second time at this lovely place, and it did not disappoint us. The Shippen was warm and comfortable, and the views are spectacular, whatever the weather.

Katharine, Winchester

The Shippen is an absolutely magical place, with incomparable views. It is a lovely compact space, but with all that you need for a restful holiday. We loved our stay. The owners were very kind to us, and ensured that we were comfortable. The bedlinen was so delicious that we have ordered it for ourselves at home!

Katharine, Alresford

A delightful off the beaten track single-storey building with glorious views over the Linley Valley. Open the French doors onto the balcony to breathe in the fresh air and savour the views from the bed or sit outside on the balcony observing owls, bats, birds and butterflies. There’s a wood burning stove for chilly days, a well-appointed kitchen and practical nicely done wet-room. The owners have given much thought to creating a lovely, attractive, cosy place for an escape anytime of the year.

Ruth, London

A perfect place to retreat, relax and reset. Gorgeous views even in the pouring rain. Thank you for a lovely restful week.

Jacqui, Peacehaven

The Shippen is truly a magical place to stay. Waking up every morning to the beautiful view, exploring the stunning scenery or just hanging out with my dog of an evening was just the break I needed. Thank you

Trudie, Gloucester

A tribute to the owners, our hosts, on dealing with a situation beyond their control on discovering the spring, water supply, had suddenly failed. They kindly offered bottled water if we could manage without water pressure or a refund. We took the no quibble refund and will certainly re-book to stay in this lovely place with idyllic views and lovely owners.

Ruth, London, UK

Tranquility at it’s best. Air so fresh you wanted to bottle it!!! We loved staying at the Shippen. Felt immersed in Paul and Jeannie’s secluded way of life. It was a lovely stay.

Rhian, Esher

The shippen is exactly as described. Seemingly plonked in the midst of stunning scenery of such stillness, quiet and solitude that it’s breathtaking, especially early evening sitting on the balcony with a gin and tonic listening to last calls of the woodland birds around you, the bleat, bleat, bleat of the lambs enjoying the last of the day and the ghostly shadows of the bats as they whip around the shippen on their nightly feed. There is everything here that you need, just take your own food and drinks and it’s paradise. Walk to the stiper stones along the Shropshire way - fabulous!

Jenny, Caunsall

The Shippen is a beautifully crafted, tranquil space. I spent a week here. It is equipped with so many things to make your stay comfortable. The kitchen is a cook's delight. The thoughtful touches of books, games, blankets, a little posy of fresh flowers all made this a wonderful stay. But the biggest attraction is waking up to that glorious view every day. I'll definitely be back!

Antoinette, Worthing

We loved our stay at the Shippen. The cottage is absolutely beautiful, cosy and has everything you need for a perfect holiday, The views are stunning, there are wonderful walks on the doorstep, places to explore nearby and Jeannie and Paul could not have been kinder. Wonderful.

Louise, Manchester

We were delighted when we arrived at The Shippen, hidden in the wooded Shropshire hills, to see it was exactly as it appeared in the photo. Delightful barn with quality fittings and gorgeous ceramic pieces. The bed is comfortable with luxurious linen. Everything you could need in the galley kitchen. The verandah has an amazing view which allows you to take in the wonderful scenery of the area. The garden is delightful in July, wild but tamed- a very attractive contemporary style. Great walking area and a delightful village shop in Lydham. Paul and Jeanie were welcoming but not intrusive.

Christine, Berwick upon Tweed

Delightful converted barn that is fitted out to a high standard with great facilities. It is very remote and vehicular access whichever way you approach it is by way of single track roads, some of which are not that well maintained. You need to be aware of this and be confident at reversing! The shower (it is a wet room) broke down whilst we were there but Paul & Jeannie did their best to get it sorted quickly although it meant that we were without for 3 days.

Tim, Edinburgh

Wow, lost for words! Wonderful location, stylish and comfortable and very easy to live in accommodation, lots of wonderful walks and great pubs nearby. Perfect!

Helena, Oxford

This was the perfect place to relax and recover from some health issues. We were very impressed by the quality of the furnishings and fittings and particularly liked the lovely ceramics. The Shippen was wonderfully comfortable and the view across the valley to the hills opposite was fabulous. There are many walks from the door. Jeannie and Paul, the owners who live next door were extremely helpful. This was a great stay!

Sue, Birkenhead

This is a lovely, very quiet spot with stunning views and only about 20m from the Shropshire way if you are into walking. Virtually no traffic and the only noise is from the birds and sheep. Had an issue with the water filter but this was fixed promptly by our friendly hosts. The Shippen is well kitted out with everything you need for a relaxing stay. It is remote, and if you are looking for nightlife, this is not the place to go. One final point, the lanes around the Shippen are very narrow and uneven. Low slung cars would ground out in some places

Paul, Milton Keynes

Where to start? Stunning views, beautifully converted cow shed, walks to die for (with more stunning views all around) and lovely hosts. We did not want to leave.

Betty, Southsea

Rustic charm on the outside blending perfectly with the fabulous setting and views hidden deep in the Shropshire Hills on the Shropshire Way. The contemporary interior was clean spacious light bright and airy and has a luxurious wet room with underfloor heating. Sitting on the veranda soaking up the sun and views was a perfect start to our long weekend. No need to use the car as lovely walks from the door and we brought all the food we needed. Peaceful just birdsong and sheep bleating, The Shippen is the perfect place to reflect, recharge and relax! Great directions and kind friendly host.

Helen, Stafford

The Shippen is a real gem. We stayed there for the third time and can't recommend it enough. Beautiful place, perfect for a battery recharge from a busy life in London. The host are always welcoming and ever so helpful. Pack some good reads and your walking boots, its a perfect place for sleeping, reading, walking and daydreaming. Highly recommemded.

Anna, St Albans

Read more reviews

Location

The neighbourhood

Local points of interest from Jeannie McGillivray

  • Perfect rural getaway for 2-4 in the Shropshire Hills. Light open-plan barn conversion with oak/glass gable overlooking the fabulous Linley valley. Brand new spring water supply for 2019, oak floors, wet room, heating, wood stove, extra sofa bed. Parking.
  • Steeped in peace and quiet, The Shippen is located within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty surrounded by miles and miles of fields and woodland with The Stiperstones, a Site of Special Scientific Interest just a few minutes drive away.
  • The area is great for outside pursuits such as birdwatching, romantic strolls, hill walking, cycling or horse riding, and there is golfing and hang gliding on the Long Mynd. It is also renowned for it's good food, local music, book and arts festivals.
  • There are lots of pretty villages and market towns, castles, houses and gardens to explore. The county town of Shrewsbury is just a 25 minutes away; much loved for its fine buildings, cobbled streets, boutiques, museums, cafes, restaurants and theatre.
  • Ludlow, famed for its castle, food fair, Michelin starred restaurants and beautiful architecture is a 40 minute drive away and the drive passes medieval Stokesay Castle. and The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre.
  • A little further afield are the famous gardens at Powys Castle and The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, and for book-lovers Hay-on-Wye famed for its antique and book shops is about an hour's drive away and hosts a great literary festival every year.