The last time anything really happened here was in 1067 when Edric the Wild got a bit shirty with invading Normans. Fast forward five hundred years and Old Downton is taking shape. It’s a fine old building, a little like walking onto the set of Wolf Hall, with original timbers, mighty crossbeams and beautiful stone walls. It sits in pristine country. Pheasants strut, hills roll, woodlands sprawl along distant ridges; a stunning walk across it all takes you over to Ludlow. Back at the house Pippa and Willem look after you in great style. There’s a lovely sitting room in the old dairy with a roaring fire, then a dining room in an 11th-century barn that resembles a medieval banqueting hall. In summer, life moves into the courtyard where you can eat, drink and make merry. Big bedrooms mix timber frames, stone walls, flagged floors and oak furniture, while bathrooms have robes and lashings of hot water. Back outside, follow the river Teme up to Downton Gorge for ferns, otters, Roman baths and bluebells in spring. Bring your Tesla – there are two chargers here.
We loved our stay at the lodge, especially dinner with the 6 course tasting menu. We particularly enjoyed one of the desserts which consisted of Welsh honey, yoghurt, camomile and fennel. An unusual combination of ingredients but it worked beautifully!