Sham Castle

• Sleeps: 4
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathroom: 1
• Minimum stay: 3 nights

Built all the way back in 1780, Sham Castle is imbued with a soothing sense of history, making the Grade II-listed folly an ideal retreat for romantic souls, whether part of a couple, or a small family.

Surrounded by almost two acres of enclosed landscaped gardens in Shropshire, the folly also overlooks a tranquil lake, and can only be approached by a private road, through beautifully handmade wrought iron gates… making you feel very special indeed!

Happily, Sham Castle itself more than lives up to that feeling.  Original quarry tile floors and ornate plaster work on the walls and ceilings provide a characterful sense of times past, yet there are plenty of modern comforts to help you relax.

On the ground floor, the hexagonal dining kitchen is a thing of wonder, warmed by an Aga, illuminated with natural light, and accessorised with a goodie-packed hamper to welcome you! You’ll also discover two of three bedrooms on this floor – quirky, circular rooms that each sleep one lucky guest – along with a spacious shower room.

Take the enchanting spiral staircase to the first floor, home to a show-stopping lounge. Originally intended to be a music room, this is a large and sumptuous space with high ceilings, oak floors, a wood-burning stove, and arched windows that look out to those magnificent views. Though there’s also a Smart TV to ensure you’ve still got something entertaining to look at when night falls!

The master bedroom, meanwhile, boasts a kingsize leather sleigh bed, plenty of storage space, and even more of that beautiful scenery.

On sunny afternoons, why not head outside to the secluded ‘sun trap’ lawn to catch up on life and love over drinks? Dotted with sweet-scented fruit trees you’re free to pick from, and furnished with comfy sun loungers, it’s the ideal setting to relax and unwind.

At a glance

• A historic, Grade II-listed folly, exquisitely furnished, and privately nestled amongst expansive landscaped Shropshire gardens, just outside the ancient village of Acton Burnell.
• There are three bedrooms (two ground-floor single rooms, and a master double on the first floor) that sleep 2-4 guests.
• Relax in your scenic garden over a barbecue supper, picking ripe fruit from the trees, before heading up to the sumptuous lounge for evening tipples.
• The folly overlooks a fenced lake – an ideal picnic spot! Why not take some items from your goodie-packed welcome hamper?
• Head to nearby Shrewsbury for shopping and sightseeing, or take one of many tranquil walking and cycling routes that lead right from the doorstep.

More information

If you feel like straying into civilisation during your stay, there’s a wealth of walking and cycling routes that begin right from your doorstep… or why not treat yourselves to a cruise along the River Severn?

The ancient village of Acton Burnell is a mere mile away, boasting historic delights that include a Roman road, and a 13th century ‘castle’. Teeming with shops and restaurants, the bustling market town of Shrewsbury is close by too, along with the charming towns of Ironbridge and Ludlow.

But if you can’t get enough of that mesmerising rural scenery, simply take a walk in Carding Mill Valley, part of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, before heading back to your castle for a well-deserved sundowner!

Things to note

Pets and children under 14 are regrettably not permitted. Access to the elevated folly is via steep steps, so appropriate care must be taken. Wi-Fi is intended for recreational use only.