Guests say
The Laurels is a spacious, characterful cottage in Bishops Castle, ideal for large family gatherings and groups. Guests consistently praise its well-equipped kitchen, beautiful garden, and abundance of space, with plenty of rooms for relaxation and play. The property’s quirky charm, historical features, and central location are frequently highlighted, as are the helpfulness of the owner and housekeeper. While a few minor maintenance issues are mentioned, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests eager to return.
Cleanliness is frequently praised, with multiple reviews describing the property as spotlessly clean, tidy, and well maintained. Only rare minor issues are mentioned, such as chipped paint or a shower draining slowly, but these do not detract from the overall high standard.
The location is highly rated, with guests appreciating the proximity to Bishops Castle’s shops, pubs, and countryside walks. The setting is described as central, quiet, and perfect for exploring Shropshire and the surrounding area.
Comfort is a standout feature, with guests noting spacious bedrooms, comfortable beds, and a homely atmosphere. The house is warm even in winter, and there is ample space for large groups to relax together or find privacy.
Facilities are excellent, with a very well-equipped kitchen, multiple dining and living areas, games rooms, and a large garden. Some minor maintenance issues are noted (e.g., pool table, BBQ utensils), but these are outweighed by the overall quality and range of amenities.
Guests frequently mention thoughtful touches such as a toy cupboard, kitchen extras, and helpful recommendations from the owner and housekeeper. While some guests received extras like milk or catering suggestions, these are not guaranteed for all stays.
About this property
This detached, Grade II listed cottage is set over three floors and located in the heart of the pretty market town of Bishop’s Castle, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The property offers many original features, together with comfortable furnishings that make this cottage ideal for a get together with family and friends. The top floor of this charming cottage offers lovely views over fields and woodland, and the main hallway has an original parquet floor and carved oak staircase, as well as an external door leading into the back garden. Off the hallway is a beautiful oak panelled dining room, a cosy sitting room with doors to the garden and a dining kitchen.
There is also a useful utility room at the back of the cottage, with a washing machine and tumble dryer that will certainly come in handy for keen walkers! A further garden room with dining and sitting areas, again with doors opening into the garden, add to the comfort and beauty of this delightful cottage. The oak staircase leads up to oak panelled landings and six bedrooms, one boasting en-suite facilities, and a further two bathrooms. The enclosed back garden makes an ideal place to sit and relax, enjoy alfresco dining or family games. A short walk takes you to the centre of Bishop’s Castle, which provides guests with many handy amenities, individual shops, tea rooms and traditional inns serving home-cooked food and real ales.
A wonderful holiday cottage in a fabulous location, all you need for a memorable break at any time of year.
The attractive market town of Bishop's Castle is situated in the Outstanding Natural Beauty of the South West Shropshire Hills. The ancient town offers a weekly market and an excellent variety of shops, pubs and places to eat. It is famous for its annual Real Ale Festival and regular fairs, with the Michaelmas Fair being particularly popular.
EPC Rating: Band EAccommodation
Over three floors.
Six bedrooms: 2 x second floor king-size double, 1 x twin, 1 x family room with 1 king-size double and 1 single with Jack-and-Jill access to bathroom, 2 x second floor family rooms with 1 double and 1 single (one with en-suite shower, basin and WC).
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin, WC.
Second floor shower room with shower, basins and WC.
Ground floor basin and WC.
Kitchen with dining area (seats 6).
Utility.
Dining room.
Sitting room (seats 8) with electric fire.
Garden room with dining area (seats 8) and sitting area (seats 7).
Oil central heating with electric fires.
Electric double oven and hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, TV with basic Sky, DVD, CD/radio, WiFi, selection of books, games and DVDs.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Cot and highchair.
Off road parking for 3 cars.
Lockable bike storage.
Enclosed rear lawned garden with furniture and BBQ.
Two well-behaved dogs welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop and pub 5 mins walk.
Note: First floor family bedroom accessed via bathroom or separate staircase from ground floor.
Note: Second floor family room accessed up four additional steps.
Note: Main table in dining room seats 10, with additional table for 5.
Note: Owner can provide details of outside caterers.
Please note: this property has stairs leading to all bedrooms which may not be suitable for people with mobility issues.
Please note that this property can only accommodate check-ins Monday to Friday.
Reviews (80)
-
John
Couldnât fault it.
-
Louise
Although it is a large house it has a homely feel brimming with character. Much care has gone into providing guestsâ needs from a very well equipped kitchen to a full toys and games cupboards and everything in between. The owner could not have been more welcoming and helpful. A malfunctioning radiator was repaired within twenty minutes of my phone call. Thank you Tim. We were delighted by Bishops Castle . Friendly and surprisingly lively on Boxing Day. Something to do for all the family. A great library where we were welcomed with free mince pies and hot cranberry on Christmas Eve. Definitely worth a stay at any time of the year. The garden must look beautiful in summer.
-
Sam
The house is huge with plenty of space for everyone to spread out & all the facilities & equipment you could wish for. There are 3 big dining tables in different areas, plenty of sofas & the bedrooms are all very spacious & beds comfy. The garden was great too with a gas BBQ & fire pit to use. It's a quirky house with lots of different levels & decoration styles. The house is in need of a bit of TLC - chipped paint in places, a couple of ceiling leaks (not sure if old or current) & some of the furniture could do with an update. A couple of the doors to the garden as described in the listing had signs on saying not to use them so access to the garden is via the garden room only (not a problem for us). We did have one person with mobility issues and, whilst we knew the number of floors meant there would be lots of stairs, we weren't quite prepared for the wonkiness of some of them & the extra steps up & down around the house, I think this should maybe be mentioned in the listing as some other properties do. The only other suggestion would be a stair gate as dogs aren't allowed upstairs & it's quite hard to keep track of them in such a large house! All in all a great weekend.