The Generals Quarters

• Sleeps: 14
• Bedrooms: 7
• Bathrooms: 5
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

Constructed in 1549, The General’s Quarters comprise the entire, spectacular west wing of the Grade I-listed Pitchford Hall: part of a 1,000-acre estate in the rolling Shropshire countryside.

Perfect for group celebrations that demand something truly magnificent, you’ll be treading in the footsteps of actual royalty. Back when she was a 13-year-old princess, Queen Victoria herself was a visitor to the estate… where she played in what’s said to be the oldest treehouse in the world!

You can still find that 16th century treehouse in the sprawling estate grounds, while inside your retreat awaits a wealth of fascinating historic features, including the original fireplaces and tasteful oak-panelled walls.

Along with its fascinating historic tales, a hypnotic maze-like layout adds magic and curiosity to the retreat, as you wander from room to room in childlike awe.

There’s a huge kitchen for cooking and socialising alike, complete with an electric range cooker and a long breakfast table, for everyone to gather round and catch up over languorous morning coffee.

Enjoy your celebratory banquets in the oak-panelled dining room, with an antique dining table and blazing fireplace that will make you feel like characters from an ornate period drama. Extend the luxurious effect by cradling your digestifs in the cosy armchairs, telling tales by the fireside.

In the mood for more contemporary entertainment? You’ll find the lounge home to a Freeview TV and DVD player – ideal for movie nights all together, or simply keeping the children entertained awhile.

At a glance

• A grand retreat, comprised of the entire west wing of the Grade I-listed Pitchford Hall, part of a vast Shropshire country estate.
• Seven bedrooms (one on the ground floor) sleep up to 14 guests in elegant comfort.
• The retreat is child and pet-friendly, with 3 well-behaved dogs also welcome to stay.
• There is a private walled garden, and guests are welcome to explore the grounds – which boasts what’s thought to be the world’s oldest treehouse, once visited by a 13-year-old Queen Victoria.

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Large Groups

More information

Time to turn in? You’ll have seven cosy bedrooms to choose from, including a twin on the ground floor that’s conveniently close to a shower room.

Head to the first-floor to find a glorious mix of period-styled bedrooms, including two kingsize rooms with Jack-and-Jill access to another shower room, and three twins – two with an interconnecting door, so particularly ideal for the kids!

The master bedroom, meanwhile, is a thing of true grandeur: boasting a four-poster superking bed and a sumptuous en-suite with a rolltop bath, for elegant bubble-soaks.

What next? Take a turn around the vast estate grounds, your well-behaved dogs in tow, or simply relax in your own private garden, enclosed by soaring walls and featuring sheltered, seated areas for chatting or curling up with a good book.

If you feel like exploring, the ancient town of Shrewsbury is close by, along with foodie-paradise Ludlow, and Bridgnorth – home to the steepest railway in Britain for the loveliest cliff-top walks.

Things to note

There is an unfenced lake and unfenced drops in the grounds, and access is via 17 steep external steps. Children and pets must be supervised at all times. Electric car charging is available on request, for an additional supplement.