Guests will immediately appreciate the charm of this gothic former school house. Recently sustainably restored, the house remains true to its original character whilst quietly embracing all modern comforts. For the active, there are the mountain bicycling trails at Hopton Woods and numerous local walks through stunning and varied scenery. You will find maps and walking guides in the house, as well as directions to our favourite local walks. Cosy in winter; in summer guests will enjoy the beauty of the well-maintained garden with a veritable fireworks display of flowers in season. Dreamy days enjoying the tinkling of the courtyard fountain, relaxing on the terrace with gas barbeque beneath the bows of an elegant weeping ash. A single, well-behaved small to medium sized dog is welcome downstairs only. There is a pet gate at the bottom of the stairs.

Our family has lived in Shropshire for five generations. About 50 years ago, we bought the Old School in Clungunford, by then a derelict ruin, used as a grain store. The school had been built in 1856 by the villagers themselves, to a design by the Gothic architect A E Perkins, on land gifted by the local squire. For over 100 years it provided an education to the 90 or so children of the village, eventually closing in 1961 due to a dwindling number of pupils. The limestone-faced Victorian gothic building roughly mirrors the layout of a church with a vaulted schoolroom with large west window for the juniors and a smaller room for the infants. Adjoining the school is the Head teacher’s residence. In 1973, the family embarked on an imaginative restoration and enhancement of the school, creating around it beautiful formal and landscaped gardens, including a large pool and collection of fountains. The vision was to create a place where future generations could enjoy summers and holidays together; a sanctuary where cousins and friends scattered around the world could gather. The restored and modernised houses give the family a “home away from home”, awaiting the arrival of relations and long-standing friends who regularly come to visit. Over the years we have made many beautiful memories in this magical place. In 2023, we began letting Trillow House, the former teacher’s residence, to guests who want to explore this long undisturbed part of the Welsh Marches. Clungunford is an ideal base from which to explore the profusion of border castles, walk the famous trails of Offa’s Dyke and the Shropshire Way, or other, more obscure, local footpaths while afterwards indulging in the gastronomic delights of Ludlow. With its secluded, idyllic garden, Trillow House provides a wonderful refuge at the end of a day of sightseeing, or even for those who want to do nothing at all. We hope our guests feel at home so they can spend memorable time with friends and family.

The Clun valley is known for its beautiful countryside, charming villages and series of castles and fortified manor houses. Hopton Castle is on the outskirts of the village; the romantic ruins of Clun Castle lie further up the valley. Ludlow Castle and Wigmore Castle are within striking distance. The iconic 13th Century Stokesay Castle is just a short drive away. Further afield (around 45 minutes drive) is the magnificent Powys Castle, a stronghold for the Welsh princes with beautiful terraced gardens is home to the Clive of India Collection. Just 8 miles away is foodie heaven; Ludlow is described by Country Life as “the most vibrant small town in the Country” and by Sir John Betjeman as “probably the loveliest town in England with its hill of Georgian houses ascending from the river Teme to the great tower of the cross-shaped church.” Its 500 listed buildings are mainly Georgian or half-timbered, set within the original 13th century town walls. It is a pleasure to amble through the streets and check out all the speciality food and antique and curio shops.