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1 Twin, 1 Double - See all features
Overview
Property details
Bush Cottage sits alone in a lush pocket of rolling fields and copses in a beautiful Shropshire valley. This is everything you picture an English cottage to be, complete with roses around the door and smoke curling from the chimney.
A quintessential English cottage
Bush Cottage sits alone in a verdant pocket of rolling fields and copses in a Shropshire valley. The drive to Bush Cottage can best be described as long and bumpy. However, when the sunlight catches the leaded panes and makes the brickwork glow, you may find yourself reluctant to retrace your steps to the outside world. There are wonderful walks in the Clee Hills and Jack Mytton's Way runs close by, named after a Shropshire rake notorious for his riding and drinking exploits.
The Cottage is squarely built of red brick and oak, and takes its name from a nearby coppice known as The Bush, a remnant of the Forest of Wyre. Yeomen followed their seasonal round here for centuries: timber analysis has shown that the cottage was constructed in 1548. Inside, a massive, chamfered central beam and truss speak of a dwelling carefully constructed for its own sake rather than from salvaged remnants of another. It is a quintessential English cottage, with roses around the door and green hummocky fields to look out upon.
A generous gift
Inside, the Cottage is compact and comfortable; the double bedroom is reached through the twin. It was offered to us by one of our longest standing and most generous supporters, who rescued it from dereliction and carried out his repairs with a deliberate eye to Landmark standards and style. We had no hesitation accepting his generous gift. The Cottage is well placed to explore Ludlow, Shrewsbury and all that this rich county has to offer.
What this property offers
Floor plan
Things to do nearby
Bush Cottage sits quietly in a green pocket of rolling fields in a pretty Shropshire valley with the Clee hills, Ludlow and Shrewsbury beyond.
The nearby town of Bridgnorth has lots to explore. Bridgnorth Cliff Railway is great fun, and be sure to see the ruins of Bridgnorth Castle which lean at an alarming angle. King Charles I loved Bridgnorth, and declared the view to be "the finest in all my kingdom".
Arley Arboretum is a truly lovely day out. The gardens offer an escape from the hustle of daily life, and you can watch the trains chug along the Severn Valley Steam Railway as you relax. Look out for evening theatre performances in the summer months.
Nearby heritage attractions include Dudmaston Hall (14 miles), which houses modern art in a classical setting, and the Museum of Carpet (13 miles) in Kidderminster. For more information and ideas of things to do during your stay at Bush Cottage, take a look at our Pinterest Map.
Discover local walks for dogs with our friends at Walkiees.co.uk, the dog walks community.
Please Note: The Landmark Trust does not take any responsibility and makes no warranties, representations or undertakings about the content of any website accessed by hypertext link. Links should not be taken as an endorsement of any kind. The Landmark Trust has no control over the availability of the linked pages.
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Clear directionsPlease note, these directions should be used as a guide only. Full directions will be sent with your booking confirmation letter.
Essential information
What you need to know about this building
Does the property allow dogs?
Yes. You are welcome to bring up to two dogs. A charge of £20 per stay is made for each dog. Please contact booking enquiries if you have an assistance dog, for which there is no charge.
How is the property accessed?
Via a long track from the main road which is uneven and has a number of pot holes which fill with water in adverse weather. It needs to be negotiated with care and is unsuitable for cars with low clearance.
What is the nearest railway station and how far away is it?
Kidderminster – 13 miles
Is there car parking specifically for Landmark guests?
Yes there are two car parking spaces about 10m from the property.
What type of heating does the property have?
There are Rointe heaters and an open fire.
How can I get fuel for the open fire or stove?
Unfortunately, there is no arrangement for the purchase and delivery of logs.
What is the mobile signal like?
To check up-to-date mobile network coverage in the area, visit signalchecker.co.uk.* Due to the location and structure of many of our buildings, signal strength may differ to those indicated.
Is there WiFi in your buildings?
The majority of properties do not offer WiFi but many now have mobile coverage. Facilities in some properties rely on WiFi to function and we are currently piloting guest use of WiFi at a few of our buildings. We are going to extend the pilot across more properties and review customer feedback in 2025.
What are the kitchen facilities?
The kitchen is fully equipped with all plates, cutlery, fridge etc.
There is also an electric cooker.
What are the bathroom facilities?
There is one bathroom with a shower over the bath.
Does this Landmark have steep, narrow or spiral stairs?
The stairs are steep and relatively narrow.
Does this Landmark have low headroom?
Yes, some of the doorways have low headroom.
Is there a garden or outside space?
There is an enclosed garden. There are public footpaths which run close to the property boundary.
Booking and payment
What happens if I can’t get to the Landmark due to bad weather?
If the weather is bad, please contact our booking office who will be able to tell you whether the Landmark is accessible. If the housekeeper can safely get to the building to prepare it then we consider that it is open and available for guests. However if we cannot undertake a changeover then we will do our utmost to transfer your stay to another Landmark, depending on what we have available. It may not be of a similar size or in the same part of the country as your original booking. If the building is accessible but the customer cannot travel due to poor weather in his/her local area then please be aware that Landmark will not provide a refund. However the customer may be able to claim on his/her own travel insurance. We recommend that all guests take out travel insurance when they first secure a booking.
How can I pay?
We accept Maestro (if issued in the UK), Visa, MasterCard, direct transfer and sterling cheques drawn on a UK bank. Cheques should be made payable to the Landmark Trust except for Lundy stays and boat/helicopter tickets which should be payable to The Lundy Company Ltd. All payments must be in sterling.
How do I pick up the key?
The key arrangements will be included in the Further Infomation document which will be sent to you prior to your stay.
Can I pay a deposit?
If your stay starts more than two months from the date you make the booking, you are required to pay a deposit of one third of the cost of your stay (or £100 per booking, if greater) at the time of booking. Camping on Lundy and The Bunk House at Llwyn Celyn must be paid for in full at the time of booking.
How can I cancel or change my booking?
If you wish to cancel or change your booking, please contact our Booking Office on 01628 825925
Do you accept payment in other currencies?
At the moment we only accept payment in sterling.
What if I arrive late?
Our housekeeper will leave the key in a suitable place, the details of which will be sent to you prior to your stay.
How far in advance do I need to book?
It depends. Some of our most popular Landmarks are booked up a long time in advance, but many can be booked at short notice. We will always have Landmarks free for the coming weekend so it’s always worth checking our availability list.
Do you have to be a member to book a Landmark?
No, Landmarks are available to be booked for anyone.
Do I need a Handbook to be able to book?
No, all the information you need can be found on our website, although we’d like you to buy one anyway as it will be a pleasure to own!
Staying at a Landmark
Are Landmarks accessible for people with disabilities or limited mobility?
Some of our Landmarks are suitable for people with disabilities or limited mobility. However, many Landmarks have steep or narrow staircases, uneven floors and thresholds, changes of level, low ceilings or beams, as well as indistinct colours on steps and in corridors. We recommend that you call Booking Enquiries on 01628 825925 if you would like to find out the suitability of a particular Landmark for anyone with a specific disability. Further information on access when visiting Lundy can also be found here.
Are Landmarks only available as self-catering accommodation?
Yes, Landmarks are only available as self-catering accommodation. We do not offer bed and breakfast
Do you provide catering?
Landmark does not provide catering, but we can recommend Greycoat Lumleys who can arrange for expert and well-trained staff to cater for one evening or for your entire holiday. Their cooks and chefs are able to work with you to meet your specific requirements
Do you allow dogs?
You may bring up to two dogs to properties where dogs are allowed (please see specific property details for exemptions however dogs are not permitted on Lundy except assistance dogs). They must be kept off the furniture and under proper control. A charge of £20 per stay is made for each dog. Please contact booking enquiries if a registered assistance dog is supporting one of the guests, for which there is no charge.
Can I bring a pet?
Apart from two dogs (see above) no other pets are permitted.
What time can I arrive and what time do I have to depart from the Landmark?
Arrival is from 4pm and departure is by 10am.
Am I insured if I break something?
We do not carry insurance for breakages. However we appreciate that accidents do sometimes happen. If you have a breakage during your stay, please let the housekeeper know and if appropriate we reserve the right to invoice you accordingly.
Are Landmarks suitable for children?
Yes, most of our Landmarks are perfect for children, with gardens to play in and secret places to discover. Our furniture is surprisingly robust and we positively encourage families to stay. However, some of our buildings may not be suitable for small children; for example, some of them have steep or uneven spiral staircases. We recommend that you call the Booking Enquiries team if you would like to find out the suitability of any of our Landmarks for young children.
Can I get married in a Landmark?
Unfortunately, most of our Landmarks are not licensed for weddings. However, you may get married on Lundy.
Can I hold a big party in a Landmark?
All our larger Landmarks are perfect for gatherings of family or friends. You may invite an additional two guests to visit you during your stay, however they must not stay overnight. This is very important because our fire regulations specifically note the maximum number of people in any one building. In addition our properties are prepared, furnished and equipped for the number of people specified and greater numbers cause damage and excessive wear and tear to vulnerable buildings. Should this condition be ignored we shall make a retrospective charge per person per day (whether or not they stay overnight) for each guest over the permitted limit, the charge being pro-rated on the total cost of your booking.
Are there televisions in the buildings?
We deliberately do not provide televisions and find that most people appreciate this.
Why are your access tracks sometimes difficult?
One of the challenges of restoring unloved buildings is gaining access to them. We frequently have to negotiate rights with our neighbours and share tracks with them. In many cases tracks do not belong to us and we have no right to maintain them. Wherever possible we work with our neighbours to provide you with a good quality surface, but where this is a problem then you will be warned at the time of booking.
Will there be sockets for my electrical appliances?
Yes, we have standard electricity sockets for UK appliances. If you are coming from outside the UK, you will need to bring your own adaptor plug(s). If you are visiting one of our European properties we have standard European electricity sockets. If you are visiting from the UK, you will need to bring your own adapter plug (s).
Can I charge my electric vehicle at the Landmark?
Landmark’s electrical systems have not been designed to provide continuous power from one socket over several hours. If an ordinary socket is used to charge an electric vehicle, there is significant risk of an electrical fire and consequent danger to life. Therefore, we are unable to allow electric vehicle charging from most of our Landmarks at present.
We are working to provide Type 2 Electric Vehicle charge points at our properties where there is private parking. Where this is available, please request this facility when booking the property to ensure the outlet is enabled on your arrival. There is a small charge to cover the cost of electricity provided. Please book this facility in advance.
Do you allow smoking in a Landmark?
No, we do not allow smoking in any Landmark.
Facilities
Are the kitchens and bathrooms restored to a modern standard?
Sometimes our kitchens and bathrooms have to be imaginatively fitted into the available space in buildings where before there were none, but they are all planned and equipped to a high and modern standard.
Is linen provided?
Yes, Landmarks are fully equipped with sheets and towels. All the beds are fully made up for your arrival. Except for the Llwyn Celyn Bunkhouse.
Are the kitchens fully equipped?
Yes, our kitchens are well equipped with cookers and fridges. There are freezers and dishwashers (in larger buildings) and, where space allows, microwaves as well as a wide and standard range of utensils. A full equipment list is available at time of booking.
Do you provide logs for the open fire/stove?
Logs are provided at many of our Landmarks for an additional cost.
Will there be a mobile signal in the Landmark I book?
Mobile coverage varies. Some Landmarks have an excellent signal, but others have none at all. If you are concerned, you can check with the housekeeper before your arrival.
Is there Wi-Fi in your buildings?
No. At the moment, we have decided not to implement Wi-Fi in our buildings following a consultation with our customers. Many said that they would find it useful, but many also felt that it would somehow damage the experience of staying in a Landmark. As the responses were so split, and as we have so many other initiatives requiring funding, we have decided to put this on hold for the time being.
Except at Llwyn Celyn Bunk House where a password is available in the property when you arrive.
What should I bring with me? Are there toilet rolls, soap, shampoo, milk, teabags, coffee, hairdryer?
A welcome tray with tea and sugar awaits your arrival and you will find a pint of milk in the fridge. We also provide toilet rolls and a bar of soap per basin, but no other toiletries. Hairdryers are provided.
Do you have other questions?
Our Booking Enquiries team can help with information about each building.
History & restoration
Bush Cottage is built of timber that analysis shows was felled in 1548. It stands on the landholding known as The Bush (variously the ‘estate’ or ‘piece’), sheltered by a remnant of the ancient Forest of Wyre and facing south-east towards the Clee Hills among ancient field patterns. It lies in the township of Chorley, part of Stottesdon parish and its very survival indicates that this was a sturdy yeoman’s house of some quality.
From this documentary evidence, we discover that in the mid 17th century The Bush belonged to one William Grennows of Bagginswood, a neighbouring farm. In 1660 it was ‘late’ in the occupation of one Humfrey Bennet, born in Stottesdon parish in 1592.
It was part of a holding that included the adjoining Hole and Fiddle parcels of land, but Grennows sold off the Hole and Fiddle. Bush Cottage passed into the ownership of Thomas Bayly and then in the next generation, its ownership was fragmented into two 3/8ths and 1/4th. It remained in the ownership of Bayly’s descendants until acquired by William Childe for the Kinlet estate in 1792.
Bush Cottage’s occupiers were a different story. They were clearly all tenant farmers and yeomen, farming a mixture of arable and pasture and bearing good parish names like Malphas, Perry and Pugh. The proximity of the woods for charcoal and availability of coal and iron deposits close to the surface, thanks to the local geology, mean that other employment was available and archaeological investigation has found the remains of early bloomeries, small scale slag heaps and blast furnaces nearby. In reality, the early leases mostly prohibit the tenants of Bush Cottage from exploiting either the woodland or the mineral deposits of the Bush Piece. Their ability to exploit both natural woodland and mineral resources were carefully limited in the leases, which permitted Bush Cottage residents ancient rights dating back as far as the Anglo Saxons, for example; ‘houseboote, gateboote, plowboote, wayneboote and cartboote, to be used on the premises, upon delivery, and necessary fireboote, stakeboote and hedgboote without delivery, making no waste or spoyle.’ These –bootes gave tenants the right to take timber for the specified and limited purposes of repair, and only for use on the premises – to repair house, gates, ploughs, wains, carts, fire, fences and hedges.
In the 19th century, the service end of the Cottage was extended and the bread oven and washing copper were added, with their own flue under a small outshot.
Life at Bush Cottage evolved only slowly through the centuries, and probably changed relatively little until the Cottage was sold by the Kinlet estate to Mr Roland Wall in 1960. The Walls lived in the Cottage only briefly, moving out because the roof leaked. After that, it was left empty and increasingly derelict. In 1999, campaigning charity SAVE Britain’s Heritage put Bush Cottage on the front cover of their annual Buildings at Risk Register. Meanwhile, someone who enjoyed staying in Landmarks had bought the adjoining woodland (a Site of Special Scientific Interest) and was intrigued by the ruinous cottage. He bought it and proceeded to carry out an exemplary restoration with Treasures of Ludlow. Later, he generously gave it to Landmark, knowing other Landmarkers would enjoy it as much as he had.
For a short history of Bush Cottage please click here.
To read the full history album for Bush Cottage please click here.
To download the children's Explorer pack for Bush Cottage please click here.
Hole in the roof and joinery badly rotted
When taken on by its new owner in 1999, Bush Cottage was in a parlous state. There were holes in the roof and internal joinery was badly rotted as a consequence. The bread oven outshot had collapsed. Many of the rafter feet had rotted.
The Cottage was reroofed and extensive, if conservative, repairs were carried out throughout; splicing new timber in where original rafters and framing had decayed beyond repair, putting in replacement stairs and dormer framing, replicating window ironwork from surviving examples, with everything done using traditional materials and techniques.
Wherever possible, timber and stone from the surrounding landscape was used, just as it was in the past. This was also the case for the small outbuilding with a brick floor, which is newly built but on the surviving footprint of an earlier structure.
The bread oven, extending into a small outshot, was reconstructed. During these works, earlier footings were found beneath the earth floor, suggesting that the 19th-century extension replaced an earlier one (or even that an earlier building stood on the site).
The stairs and dormer window were so rotten that they were beyond repair and so had to be replaced. The staircase was replaced in like-for-like elm, not easy to source since Dutch Elm Disease. The door to the stairs survives from earlier times and looks 18th or even 17th century. The window furniture was reproduced from a single surviving casement.
In November 2011 and having lived in it himself for ten years, the owner offered Bush Cottage, listed Grade II, as a gift to the Landmark Trust. We had no hesitation in accepting and we found the Cottage had been restored entirely to our own standards. We are enormously grateful, as will be all who stay here.
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A changeover day is a particular day of the week when holidays start and end at our properties. These tend to be on a Friday or a Monday but can sometimes vary. All stays run from one changeover day until another changeover day.