How To Discover Your Very Own Secret Hideaway...

Oh how my husband knows how to put a smile on my face

- he whisked me away for a romantic break to Ludlow "food centre of the universe" in Shropshire.


Days filled with ... eating, shopping for the very best food and then more eating.

Award winning farm shops, restaurants, a fab boutique 5 * B&B, lots of reading, laughing and more eating!  Perfect.

We stayed at the most wonderful secret oasis of calm nestled deep in the beautiful Shropshire countryside.

Now I don't really know whether I should disclose the name of the place where we stayed, as I quite like the idea of keeping it all to myself. 

A lovely secret.  All mine.  If I tell you all, there might be a stampede then where would we be?!


This is a very special place. 

If I tell you girls that the most devine smell of aromatherapy goodies welcomes you as you open the door to the delighful barn room, you can rest assured that this is no ordinary place.


'Wow' will escape your mouth as you instantly begin to forget the stresses at home - you won't be able to help yourself. It's like being in a glorious bubble. A peaceful, restful bubble.

The huge bed, numerous pillows and volumous duvet are the softest I have ever had the fortune to sleep in. 

Now I truely know what it is like to sleep in the clouds - soft, white, fluffy, fresh, clean, smelling of lavender, Ylang, Ylang and geranium.  Lovely, lovely, lovely.

The decor is so relaxing, tasteful and 'country' . Like living in a Country Living Magazine spread.

The large ensuite wetroom was so impressive that it was immediately claimed by Richard who within the hour, had set up a relaxing bubble bath complete with aromatherapy candles (all provided)  - for himself!



We were both appreciative of the attention to detail in the room.

Underfloor heating, lovely smellies, soft fluffy towels, spa-like robes, freshly baked cake (oh yes) , a fridge stocked with complimentary water, wine and milk. Chocolates. Biscuits. Even a teddy (not for eating though, that one) and a cosy hot water bottle (nor that one).

We slept like two happy babies - with smiles on our faces.

The next morning, things got even better. 

The superb, aga-cooked breakfast made me want to ditch my husband and install Karen, the lovely owner,  into my home with immediate effect.  It was that good.

We were so keen to try as much as possible from the extensive breakfast menu.

Richard 'experienced' a gorgeous fruit and honey smoothie then onto the pile of fresh blueberry pancakes with local bacon, maple syrup and strawberries. Mmmmmm...

I didn't have time to look enviously at his plate as I was too busy melting into a big bowl of porridge made with cream, brown sugar and  ...  whisky!   Oh yes, it really works.

Do you think the school mummies would smell the whisky on my breath if I ate this every morning?!

I then moved on to a full English breakfast like no other.  Yummy scrummy.  Pop - we nearly did.

We commenced a day of behaving like tourists with full tummies and even bigger smiles on our faces. 

No wonder this place has

• five stars,
• has won numerous awards,
• is featued in hotel expert, Alastair Sawday's guide,
• listed in the Daily Mail as 'the best boutique B&B in the UK'
• featured in Good Housekeeping magazine
• raved about in Woman & Home magazine

Karen, the friendly owner, is raising the bar for chic hotels, B&Bs and rural retreats in the UK. A visit to this one is a must - the best of the best.

With only 4 rooms, they get booked up very quickly and will soon be operating a waiting list!

 To book now, visit the Hopton House website