Broomer's Barn
Avril Broom moved to Richard's Castle 24 years ago after living in London for several years. Originally from across the Welsh border in Powys, Avril craved the countryside she had known growing up and thought it the ideal place to raise her two children. She and her husband Ian together designed and built a barn as a holiday cottage they themselves would choose to visit. Ian is a life long resident of the village and would be an invaluable person to talk to if you want to visit the area.
Avril Broom
11/28/20243 min read
Whichever way you travel to Broomer’s Barn, you will pass through some of the most beautiful countryside. Those unfamiliar with the Marches area of South Shropshire-North Herefordshire are often surprised by the beauty of its rolling hills and diverse tree landscapes.
While I love the lush green of summer—green being my favorite color—I am in awe of the late autumn-winter colors as they shift from golden-orange to the soft purplish-grey of distant hills on a clear winter’s day.
Even after living here for twenty-three years, I never tire of the three-mile journey to and from Ludlow. As you leave the charming town with its quirky streets and ancient buildings nestled beneath its castle, you cross Ludford Bridge with the River Teme flowing beneath. Shortly afterward, you enter the hamlet of Overton on the outskirts of Mortimer Forest, passing through a stunning beech wood. I love watching how the light dances on raindrops on the branches or catches the golden bracken, a stark contrast to the bluebells’ haze in late spring.
On the southern edge of the village of Richards Castle, Broomer’s Barn is easy to find by looking out for the white Victorian mile marker at the end of our drive. As you follow the drive past our old timber-framed house—typical of many in this area—you’ll arrive at Broomer’s Barn, your home for the next few days.
Entering the large hand-built oak porch with its bespoke wooden door, you’ll notice the log basket, refilled daily as needed. In the lobby, a bookcase filled with books and magazines awaits, perfect for curling up on the comfy chairs just ahead. People often comment on the comfort and coziness of the barn, its curated vintage items, and modern facilities. However, I most love the sense of tranquility it creates. I’m not alone in this; guests often remark on the soft colors of the @edwardbulmer paint—almost resembling those wintery hills I mentioned earlier. But it’s the uninterrupted views through the bifold doors that make this place truly special. The sheep wander close to see who has arrived, and even when it rains, you feel snug yet connected to the outdoors. In the evenings, fold back the doors to breathe in the crisp air, watch the sun set behind the hills, and later stargaze by the wood burner’s crackle and the hoot of an owl.
In the kitchen, you’ll find our bean-to-cup coffee maker and everything needed to cook whatever you fancy after exploring our many fabulous local shops. Guests can even purchase the famous Tudges sausages from our neighbors across the road (mail@tudge-meats.co.uk). The hamper includes some of our favorite goodies, including our own apple juice, bottled by Herefordshire’s lovely Abbiss Drinks company.
My husband Ian built Broomer’s Barn eight years ago, always with the goal of creating a place we would want to stay in. Sometimes we want to feel secluded and cozy; other times, we enjoy chatting with our guests about their experiences. We often provide guests with a lift into town or to the local pub for a drink.
For gardening enthusiasts, we welcome guests to explore our garden and fields, often sharing plants and ideas. I love knowing that seeds and cuttings from Broomer’s Barn have found homes in gardens across the country.
For those interested, I offer wreath-making workshops across from Broomer’s Barn at @foodfriendsflowers, where guests can enjoy the warm scent of drying plants and the cozy wood burner. With one-to-one instruction, each wreath becomes a lasting piece that can be displayed indoors for years.
We truly enjoy running Broomer’s Barn and seeing guests feel they’ve found somewhere special. Regulars Margaret and Robert say: “We love going somewhere where you know everything is going to be just right, and if there were ever an issue, knowing there are people keen to make it right.”
To book Broomer’s Barn, reach out to Avril to discuss your perfect stay in more detail. You can do that by clicking on the contact us button and we will forward the message












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