Why Redford Farm Barns is the ultimate staycation for a group getaway

It’s been a long-held, and somewhat controversial, opinion of mine that staycations are superior to abroad holidays – particularly when it comes to hosting big groups. There’s no airport stress, no herding multiple people through security checks (with one inevitably getting held up for 20 minutes) and no periodically checking your bag to make sure your passport hasn’t mysteriously vanished. Plus, there’s a certain level of comfort and familiarity that comes with holidaying in your home country.

The trouble is, it’s not easy to find the perfect place. My dream group staycation involves a rural countryside, a bustling nearby town, a spacious and relaxed hosting space, great walking and running routes and easy access to wellness and spa facilities. Is that really too much to ask? 

Not for Redford Farm Barns, it seems. Located less than ten miles from the quaint market town of Ludlow in Shropshire is a unique and stylish duo of self-catering barns and two shepherd’s huts set in 12 acres of private, open fields. 

With a cosy, open-plan living space, enough beds to sleep 17 people and an outdoor wellness area featuring a wood-fired sauna and a cold plunge tub, it’s the ideal location for a rustic-luxe getaway. So when I got the opportunity to review the property in January, I jumped at the chance. 

With roaming hills, a chicken coop and lambs grazing in the field, the period farmhouse looked like a scene out of a James Herriot novel, even in the depths of winter. It comes as no surprise then, that it was the setting for Nigella Lawson’s Christmas Special in 2017.

For a group of Londoners looking for an escape from the bustling city, Redford Farm Barns was a real gem – and almost convinced me to permanently swap urban life for country living. 

This is exactly what owners Jude and Rupert did after coming across the 12-acre small holding back in 2009. At the time, the couple were living and working in Bristol with their two young daughters, and spent two years renovating the derelict Elizabethan farmhouse, all while splitting their time between Jude’s parents’ house in London and a static caravan on the plot. 

What was once two redundant outbuildings sitting amongst acres of unkept land has been lovingly transformed into a boutique holiday accommodation. 

Keep reading to find out more…

Accommodation

There are two barns on offer: Ludlow Barn, which sleeps up to nine people and is where my friends and I stayed, and Tenbury Cottage, which sleeps four. There are also two Shepherd Huts just 500 yards from the barns, which would be ideal for a couple’s retreat or a family of four. It’s also worth noting that the property is set to expand with the launch of the farm house, which means another 10-12 rooms will be on offer from next month.

Both barns and the shepherd’s huts blend rustic chic with modern luxury, and while the decor is beautiful, it’s clear that owner Jude wants guests to feel at home at this dog and family-friendly retreat. It’s a stylish yet very relaxed interior, featuring exposed brick walls, warm light fixtures, stunning wooden panelling and neutral tones with pops of colour here and there. 

Meanwhile, we had all we needed and more when it came to the kitchen facilities, which included a large kitchen island, two ovens, two fridges, and most importantly, a coffee machine. There was also plenty of crockery and a gas hob – and if it’s good enough for Nigella, it’s good enough for me! 

The dining table fits up to 12 people, providing the perfect setting for group dinners, followed by plenty of card games at the coffee table by the fireplace. 

As for the bedrooms, I stayed in the master suite, which hosted a very comfortable king-sized bed, as well as an en-suite with a roll top bath and shower. There were also two super king rooms, which, according to my friends, were also very comfortable, and a children’s room with a bunk and single bed on offer. 

Other highlights 

The wellness area was a big highlight of the trip – and it’s safe to say that my friends and I made the most of it. It took about 30 minutes for the wood-fired sauna to heat up, after which we spent most of our first night taking in the hot steam before taking an invigorating dip in the cold plunge.

Another particularly fun feature of the property is the Stable Bar, a rustic space complete with two long tables, a wood burner, dartboard and piano. With a chandelier and fairy lights, the Bar has plenty of ambience and provides a cosy setting for drinks – and for Nigella’s Christmas Special 2017. 

While winter was, for me, the perfect time to visit Redford Farm Barns, my one regret is that it was too cold to use the outdoor kitchen. With festoon lighting, sofa seating and a BBQ, I imagine my friends and I would have enjoyed spending a summer’s evening soaking up the rural views as the sun set over the rolling Shropshire hills. 

Friendly owners 

When we arrived at the barns, we were greeted by owner Jude, who couldn’t have been more helpful when it came to advice on how best to enjoy our stay, including walking/running routes and restaurant recommendations in Ludlow. She also welcomed us with fresh milk and eggs, which were collected from the chicken coop outside, a delicious carrot cake and locally made biscuits. 

With exceptional attention to detail, it’s clear that a great deal of effort has been taken by owners Jude and Rupert to make Redford Farm Barns an unforgettable staycation. 

Glancing through the guest book, it comes as no surprise that each and every visitor has enjoyed a wonderful stay. 

What to do in Ludlow  ​​​​

While we could have easily stayed inside for the duration of the trip, the medieval town of Ludlow is just a 15-minute drive away, with plenty of pubs, farm shops and bakeries on offer. 

There’s also plenty of walking and running routes, including Clee Hills, which boasts a 360-degree view over Shropshire. 

During our trip, we were lucky enough to tour Castle Lodge, a 13th-century castle once home to Catherine of Aragon that has been transformed into a luxury hotel and restaurant.

My friends and I scouted out the seven suites on offer at the Grade II-listed building and were genuinely blown away.

Each room, individually designed by Ludlow-based interior designer, Libby Lord, is named after a notable former resident, including Catherine of Aragon and Henry VIII. Meanwhile, the restaurant downstairs is headed up by chef Harry Bullock, who also works as a private chef for Redford Farm Barns and Dinham Weir House, another of owner Jude’s properties in Ludlow. I will definitely be booking a reservation the next time I’m in Shropshire.

Pricing

£2,000 to £4,000 for three nights for both barns. More information here.