Under the Thatch

Just launched for Summer 2008!

People often overlook the beautiful landscape of the Welsh Marches as they head West... and they are missing a treat.

Stay here for great countryside, peace and quiet and yet the location is so convenient to most of England - just an hour from Birmingham, 1.5 hours from Liverpool or Manchester or 2.5 hours from London. See the location here.

This restored 1920s Showman's Waggon is a chance to experience what life must have been like for the ringmaster of the circus, living in a small but eleaborately decorated living waggon with a sense of palatial grandeur far beyond its compact size.

Located on a stud farm where they breed horses that are often used in film and tv work, the waggon enjoys a quiet position alongside the stables. Wonderful open views to the front across the Shropshire landscape.

You have free access over 60 acres of this land which has the feeling of historic estate parkland, with mature oak trees among pasture, with some woodland and a small lake. You can even borrow the rowing boat (at own risk).

A short walk takes you the local potter's studio where you may be able to try your hand at throwing a pot!

There is also the opportunity to meet Nink Ellis the horse trainer who lives next door, who will introduce you to some of her equine friends. I liked the spotted ones that reminded me of Dalmatian dogs - apparently called Appalloosas, but they'll always be Dalmatian horses to me.

The waggon has a small simple kitchen, cosy bedroom with proper bed, and fancy parlour with stove. Outside there is a small modern cabin with shower, toilet and sink.

Outside you've got a barbeque and firepit, as well as seating, and a garden area. Across the way (approx 30m) is Nink's cottage, but it faces the other way. The stabling is immediately behind the waggon but as these waggons are designed to stand against circus tents there are no windows to the rear.

The experience of staying in the waggon feels like 'posh camping' - especially as the interior of the cabin is a delight with its cut-glass mirrors, crystal lamps, panelled walls and beautifully decorated ceiling. If you don't smile when you walk in then there is probably something wrong with you!

Heated by a multi-fuel stove, and with electric panel heaters you can stay all year round. Nink lived in the waggon for years before building her cottage nearby.

Built in the 1920s by Brayshaw of Leeds, the waggon was a remarkable bespoke home for fairground and circus people. Unique features include ornate carving, cut glass mirrors, expensive hardwoods on the walls, painted ceilings, and a superb mollycroft roof. Their homes were small, and portable, but they were certainly fancy!

Click here to see my facebook photo album showing larger images.

Nink has had great fun restoring the waggon, and filling it with the right kind of kitsch gypsy paraphenalia. Tiffany lamps, oil paintings, crystal 'chandelier' type lamps as well as pretty china ornaments all give real character to what was once her full-time home.

Open the door and you can walk for miles across peaceful countryside. Or just 1.5 miles to the village pub, and the local area is the 'Shropshire Lake District' - home to no less than 6 meres (lakes).

The waggon is apporoached via a set of hardwood steps and comprises of:

• Compact kitchen with full size fridge, fitted units and a small table with 2 chairs. Note that the sink is the adjacent cabin.

There is a compact 'Belling' type oven and 2 hotplates. Electric heater. Decorated ceiling.

• Parlour with multifuel stove. Cut-glass windows, and mirrors, lined in hardwood panelling. First hod of coal provided for fire. There is also electric heater backup if required. Logs can be supplied - ask on arrival.

Beautiful cut-glass mirrors and fitted bureau and bookshelves and great views. CD Radio, but (thankfully) no TV. You can always bring a laptop to watch DVDs.

• Double bedroom – bedlinen provided. The double bed is fitted and has a proper sprung mattress of good quality. The bed is higher off the ground than modern beds. It is 6'4" long (standard) and 4'1" wide - so comfortable for two but slightly narrower than a modern standard double.

There is a cute fitted dressing table and a small wardrobe. Views via windows on two sides that make getting out of bed seem worthwhile. Electric heater.

Outside there is a small cabin adjacent which has a newly fitted electric shower, a proper flushing toilet and the only sink (with hot water). Electirc heater.

There is a barbeque (guests supply own charcoal), a fire pit (guests supply own logs), seating and a table.

You are free to walk around the 60 acres of farmland.

This area is known as 'The Shropshire Lake District' - a charming landscape of rolling farmland and meres.

Shropshire has to be one of the finest English counties - fantastic countryside and friendly people.

The lovely market town of Ellesmere is just 4 miles away (10 minutes). It has several antiques shops and pubs etc. Why not take a steamboat ride on the lake?

You can walk to the nearest pub (1.5 miles) in Loppington village. Bring torch to walk the lanes at night.

Historic Shrewbury is just a 20 minute drive (14 miles) and it has a great market hall with a good choice of local and organic produce.

Or Oswestry is another great market town - and just 8 miles distant (15 mins). It has an excellent Farmers Market.

If you like castles then check out Whittington (8 miles) or Chirk (10 miles).

This is a great area for walking.

There are plenty of local attractions that make easy day trips from the waggon.

For good food head to The Inn at Grinshill (6 miles, 12 minutes), or there is a restaurant list available in the waggon.

We welcome well-behaved pets and even horses. £12 for first dog and £6 a dog thereafter. Horses by negotiation.

The waggon isn't suitable for children under age 8, and there is only one double bed. Camping (bring own tent) is a possibility.

Babes in arms are OK, but there is only space for a moses basket, not a large travel-cot.

Like all Under the Thatch accommodation the waggon is entirely non-smoking inside.