Lower Buckton Country House - Sleeps 12

Carolyn’s cooking made every meal feel special, with local food and so much skill behind it. Henry and Carolyn were brilliant hosts, and the place has plenty to offer, including the full house and a shepherd’s hut. It’s such a good spot to get away from everyday worries. I’ve already recommended it to friends and family. Thanks for a wonderful stay xx

There were eight of us, and the house gave everyone room to spread out, with a huge dining room, comfortable bedrooms and a snug sitting room with a log burner. The big kitchen is the heart of the place, and the Aga kept it warm. Our hosts welcomed us warmly and told us to make the most of the house however we liked. Lower Buckhorn is a bit remote, but that suited our weekend of walking and relaxing perfectly.

The house is an old place, though it has all the modern conveniences, and it’s well placed near Ludlow with good walks nearby. I enjoyed my week at the B&B, but the personal decorations throughout made staying in the house feel a little intrusive. The framed fox heads also gave it an eerie atmosphere. The Wi-Fi was very weak, though it still worked.

I was shocked to be charged the full £45 per person, £1100 in all, after having to cancel the Sunday lunch we’d booked for my parents’ 65th wedding anniversary. My father died on the Friday, the day we were due to leave for our weekend at the Lodge, Canon Pyon. I called Carolyn to cancel, but she was out of the country and due back Saturday, so I left a message with her husband. I understood we might pay for food already bought and prepared, such as the cake and dessert, for the staff who were no longer needed, and something extra for lost earnings. Carolyn had previously said she bought ingredients fresh, so I knew not everything could have been purchased. I couldn’t believe she wanted payment for food she hadn’t bought. Not a very nice person. I would never deal with her again.