Guests say
The Olde Cow House is a beautifully renovated cottage in a tranquil rural setting, perfect for families and groups. Guests consistently praise its spaciousness, character, and extensive facilities, including games rooms, tennis courts, and a luxurious private pool. Children especially enjoy the farm animals and outdoor play areas. The hosts are frequently described as welcoming and attentive. While a few minor maintenance issues and extra pool charges are mentioned, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests eager to return.
The majority of reviews highlight the property as clean, well-maintained, and tidy, with only rare mentions of minor cobwebs or soft mattresses. Most guests found the accommodation spotless and comfortable.
The cottage's peaceful, remote countryside location is highly praised, offering beautiful views and easy access to local walks. Guests appreciate the tranquillity and the proximity to nature and farm animals.
Guests frequently mention the spaciousness, cosy atmosphere, and comfortable beds. The property is well-suited for large groups and families, with plenty of room for all ages. A few guests noted soft mattresses, but overall comfort is rated very highly.
Facilities are a standout feature, with guests loving the games rooms, tennis courts, go karts, and especially the private pool. Some mention extra charges for the pool and minor maintenance issues, but the range and quality of amenities are consistently praised.
Many guests mention thoughtful touches such as homemade cookies, fresh flowers, and well-stocked kitchens. While these gestures are appreciated, please note that such gifts are not guaranteed for every stay. Hosts are described as attentive and welcoming.
About this property
The Olde Cow House is a beautifully restored 16th‑century listed barn conversion set within the peaceful hamlet of Plaish near Cardington. Full of history, charm and craftsmanship, it retains its original oak beams, wall timbers, and exposed brick and stone throughout, creating an atmosphere that feels both grand in heritage and wonderfully homely. Every room blends these authentic period details with modern comforts, offering a stay that feels luxurious without losing the building’s rustic soul.
Designed with larger groups in mind, the house offers generous sociable spaces alongside quiet corners to retreat to. Its thoughtful layout makes it ideal for multi‑generational families, mixed groups of friends, or celebratory gatherings where people want to come together while still having room to unwind. Whether sharing long meals, relaxing by the fire, or simply enjoying the beauty of the surrounding countryside, guests will find the house naturally encourages time spent together.
There’s plenty for all ages to enjoy. Children can explore the farm, meet the animals and delight in collecting fresh eggs each morning, while adults can relax with a drink, take in the rural views or wander the grounds at a slower pace. With woodland walks, picnic spots, games areas and wide open outdoor space on the doorstep, days here can be as peaceful or as playful as you choose.
Full of warmth, character and timeless appeal, The Old Cow House is a place where memories are made, where families reconnect, and where guests leave feeling uplifted, rested and already planning their return.
Note: This property can be booked with property reference 1021 to accommodate 34 guests.
Set amidst the rolling hills of the South Shropshire countryside, the village of Cardington boasts the oldest pub in Shropshire - The Royal Oak - which is mentioned in the Domesday Book. Its rural location makes a wonderful base whilst sightseeing and the village provides miles of country paths in all directions through the beautiful Shropshire hills, making this an excellent spot for cyclists and walkers. There is a wide variety of birdlife - including buzzards, woodpeckers and ravens, as well as the Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, Severn Valley Steam Railway, Stokesay Castle, Shrewsbury, Ludlow and the Ironbridge Gorge – boasting as many as 10 museums. The attractive market towns of Church Stretton - known as 'Little Switzerland' by the Victorians - and Much Wenlock are both within easy driving distance and offer a variety of shops, pubs and restaurants.
Accommodation
Sykes Gem Awards 2024 Gold winner for Best for Families.
Ground Floor Large living room with log burner, dining room with patio doors, and handmade oak kitchen with Belfast sink and granite worktops, utility and WC & basin.
First Floor Four bedrooms: 1 x family with king-size double, single & en-suite shower, basin, WC, 1 x family with double, single & en-suite shower, basin, WC (both bedrooms accessed via staircase off dining room), 1 x family with king-size four- poster double & single, large bathroom with roll to bath, shower cubical, WC & basin, accessed via main staircase off lounge, 1 x 3/4 double with en-suite basin & WC (also accessed via small staircase from lounge)
Award winning, environmentally friendly bio-mass central heating.
Electric range cooker with double oven & 5 ring ceramic hob, microwave, fridge/ freezer, washer/dryer, dishwasher.
TV, WiFi, PA.
Fuel, power & starter pack for woodburner included in rent (extra wood can be purchased from the owner).
Bed linen and towels included in rent (Please bring own towels for the swimming pool).
Two well-behaved dog welcome, charges apply £45.00 each.
One travel cot & highchair (bring own cot linen), additionals can be arranged.
Patio with furniture with BBQ and lawn area leading to woodland walks, picnic area & conservation ponds.
Off road parking for 5 cars (There is an onsite electric car charging point, card payment.).
Well-behaved stag and hen parties are accepted, and additional on-site leisure, fitness and retreat packages are available on request.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 7 miles, pubs 1.7 miles, Church Stretton train station 7 miles.
The following amenities are free of charge and open daily - Children's play area, Shared use of full-size tennis court also with peddle go-karts, Two games rooms with a pool table & table tennis, and table football, Sand pit, Woodland farm animal walk.
Onsite indoor 20-metre bespoke infinity heated pool with integrated spa bath, fully equipped gym/relaxation area shown in the images available for an extra cost (no under 4's for safety and insurance rules) One complimentary 90 minute private session included in your stay bookable via owner, extra sessions are available at www.plaishparkleisure.co.uk at an additional cost.
The Olde Cow House may not be suitable for people with limited mobility due to the different levels and steps.
Please note that during our peak holiday periods — February Half Term, Easter, May Half Term, the six‑week Summer Holidays, Christmas and New Year — we can only able to accept 7‑night bookings
Reviews (66)
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Vicky
.the house is just wonderful .. there is so much space and each area is furnished tastefully and thoughtfully to accommodate large family groups. We loved all the exposed bricks and wonderful comfy chairs.. there was so much space that even though we were a family aged between 3 and 67 we had plenty of space for everyone . the outside area is wonderful.. our Grandchildren had a fabulous time on the go carts, tennis courts, sandpit and park area. It was amazing to have exclusivity with the pool .. so rare to be all together in the gorgeous pool for 90 minutes just with your loved ones.. weâve got some precious photos of our little ones. The views were incredible and we all loved visiting the Pony (whom our granddaughter named âCloverâ ) before heading up to feed the pigs and goats and checking for eggs in the chicken coup (which were delicious) we spent so much time outdoors enjoying all the amenities and the lovely fresh air. We all agreed it was the by far the best break weâve had together and are already looking at planning our next visit.
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Naomi
There was so much for the children to do, we only put them in the car once - to play in the stream at Batch Valley (which was awesome). The swimming pool is incredible and worth every penny (we booked three times).
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Tina
My bed had a mattress topper that was extremely soft and moved. We took advantage of paying for the swimming pool which the children loved but think a courtesy free booking should be offered.