The crunch of gravel on the driveway as we pulled up to the house announced our arrival, prompting Ian and Avril to come out to greet us, big smiles on their faces. Big hugs all around, then Avril eagerly led us to Broomer's Barn, the rustic holiday cottage where we’d be spending the next ten nights.

This cottage was a labor of love for our friends, from concept to design to build, and it truly is a delightful place. Seriously, Ian, you built this? (Ian is soon going to write a post about this). Avril is the kind of person who can emerge from a hedgerow bearing an armful of what look like weeds and brambles and fashion them into an expensive looking wreath. (She runs wreath-making workshops, if you’re interested in that!)

Just look at the bathroom decoration for example, a few sprigs of rosemary from Avril’s garden, in one of a set of seashell-inspired pottery found in a local thrift shop.

The cottage is perfect for a stay in the countryside; comfortable, beautifully decorated and with all the modern conveniences. And the view of surrounding fields and flowering trees is outstanding. Avril and Ian seem to have thought of everything, and they even include a welcome hamper for guests so that they have the first day or so of essentials and can relax right from the get go.

Look at these eggs!! They are from the neighbor’s hens, and we took great pleasure in walking over to buy more (£2 for 6 eggs, from the cooler on the side of the road, cash to go in the Honesty Box).

After we’d settled in, we went up to the main house where Ian served us a plate of bangers and mash featuring the local sausages made by Tudge. The sausages they produce are renowned nationwide and with good reason, how nice that they are a stone’s throw away from the cottage. Avril had popped out to check on Ian’s mum, and all being well there, we all laced on some hiking boots and set off with our friends as guides, for a walk across the fields and into the village of Richards Castle.

The countryside around here is dotted with public footpaths, allowing access to all kinds of wonderful walks. Just follow the direction the signpost is pointing and at the end of the field you’ll find another, pointing you on through the next one, or you’ll find yourself back on a country lane.

The tiny village of Richards Castle features a good number of black and white Tudor-framed cottages (dating from the 16th century), and of course the time of year meant the primroses in the hedgerow were in full force, and the flowers overflowing from the stone garden walls were a sight to see.

This is England at its finest, and it felt like we were Home. Ian, a born and bred lifelong resident of the village, was able to tell us many stories about the way the village used to be, its changes through the years, and the impact of some agricultural policies on the surrounding countryside. He is a big fish in a small pond, and it would take many more evenings of idle banter to get the full scoop.

After a night cap of some glasses of cold sparkling cider, from a local orchard of course, or a couple of whiskys for the lads, it was time to head back to our little barn cottage. It seems yonks* since we were at Logan airport, and a good night’s sleep was in order. (*English colloquialisms are starting to infiltrate my head, and it’s only Day 1!)

Next UP…into Ludlow we go, and more friends join the fun

Footnote; if you want to see more of, or book a stay at Broomer's Barn, go to www.ruralretreats.com. No kickbacks for us, just sharing the love!