Historic friendly farmhouse in South Shropshire’s rolling hills

Named after the thousand-year oak that lives in its garden, this beautiful Jacobean property welcomes a select few guests into a rural world of dogs, chickens, a cockerel and a cat, while being just three miles from the medieval market town of Ludlow. Comforts are extreme but the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. not so much luxurious as comfortable and laid back. Think wellies and slippers and comfy sofas by a woodburning stove. A lavish breakfast can be taken for granted, but everything is possible here, from packed lunches for walkers to afternoon scones for tea, with evening meals often provided for groups.

There are three guest bedrooms here, each with a character all of their own. The Old Oak suite is perhaps the most charming, with a 7’x7′ French painted bed and beams everywhere. As a suite there is a private sitting area with plenty of space for an extra bed. The Blue Room has twin antique French beds that, thanks to a memory foam topper, can be combined to make a super king. The Red Room is a lovely double-aspect room with a queen-sized four-poster taking centre stage. Many of the rooms have underfloor heating, but all have antique furnishings and are beautifully decorated.

There’s plenty of space to relax downstairs, with a large dining room and a comfortable sitting room with a wood-burning stove. The grounds, described by their owner as ‘a work in progress’ carve out an oasis of ease at the heart of a 5,500 acre estate. There are plenty of shady enclaves in which to relax, and croquet is also available – though sometimes can be disrupted by a passing hen. You’ll forgive them at breakfast when the very freshest eggs are served.

Crow Leasow suggests

Give yourself a preview of what to expect by watching Channel Four’s ‘The Great Hotel Escape‘ that filmed the restoration project that went in to bringing Crowe Leasow into the 20th century.