Top Farm House, Knockin

Shropshire. Sleeps up to 13

This 17th century, Grade II listed farmhouse boasts character in abundance, nestled in the idyllic Shropshire countryside in the village of Knockin; expect to find original beams, uneven floors and antique furnishings, all adding to the unique charm of this unusual, historic dwelling. Laid out over three floors, Top Farm House sleeps thirteen guests within seven bedrooms, with spacious rooms and a consistent, traditional style throughout. Enter into this enchanting house from the rear entrance, coming into a boot room and a utility room, housing the laundry facilities and seperate electric cooker, before coming to the traditional kitchen, home to an impressive oil fired AGA range cooker and an American fridge/freezer, as well as a lovely breakfast table set before the French doors seating six people. Come together within the wonderful sitting room where a large woodburning stove sits within the fireplace, sofas and armchairs provide plenty of spots to relax, a Smart TV is perfect for entertaining and the addition of a baby grand piano tops it off, all amidst the rustic timber beams and original quirks. The dining room is another impressive space, also home to a woodburning stove along with a long dining table with enough seats for the whole group so you can entertain into the evening. Accessed from this room is the delightful single bedroom, perfect for a more elderly member of the group, with a cloakroom also on the ground floor. Travel up the steep, polished wooden staircase, an original feature from the 1600s, to reach the first-floor snug on the landing, before venturing to find four bedrooms on this floor; a four-poster king-size and two king-size, all with TVs and en-suite bathrooms, and a final king-size within the oldest part of the house, so much so that it even has a sloping floor. To reach the second-floor you must climb the narrow and very steep staircase with care, coming to a charming twin bedroom and a lovely double room, both within the eaves of the house with sloping ceilings, while heading along the landing brings you to an large integral beam which you must duck under to access the play room, complete with a great selection of toys, games, DVDs, a TV and a football table, leading to the peaceful reading room with a great variety of books. The wonder of this property continues outside with a front garden area boasting a terrace and seating, with a rear garden as well home to a complete outdoor dining set, perfect for alfresco meals on a a summer's eve. The charming village of Knockin is home to a local shop, The Knockin Shop, selling all the essentials for a self-catered stay, with the local pubs, Bradford Arms, serving excellent food. The surrounding countryside is bursting with wonderful walking opportunities with the famous Offa's Dyke Path running along the England/Wales border being an excellent route taking you across all kinds of terrain and through stunning scenery, while the Llanymynech Rochs Nature Reserve is another great spot to explore, as well as Middletown Hill and Admiral Rodney's Pillar. Visit the interesting National Trust properties nearby, including the medieval Chirk Castle in Chirk and Shrewsbury's Attingham Park, both with extensive grounds to explore too. This area is a centre for all kinds of outdoor activities including fishing, horse riding, cycling, and golfing so everyone's tastes are well catered for. Venture into Wales to Pistyll Rhaedr, a magnificent 240-foot mountain waterfall accessed by a wonderful footpath, a true natural beauty spot. Head to the towns of Oswestry and Shrewsbury for a wealth of history, culture and excellent restaurants and pubs, along with independent shops and well-known favourites. Add perfect memories to your family history as well as to the rich history of Top Farm House in the picturesque Shropshire countryside. Note: this property can be booked with Refs. 1059787 and 1059788 to sleep 19 guests.