Berry Cottage, Craven Arms, Shropshire

Set in the rolling slopes of the Shropshire hills, this characterful home brings together the historic bones of a Grade II-listed 18th-century cottage with an imaginative and elegant modern two-storey extension. The internal living space of just under 2,000 sq ft has been carefully considered to take in the incredible natural light and views across Hopton Wood and the Clun Valley, and includes a separate studio set within the organic vegetable gardens; the total plot stretches to a quarter of an acre.



Environmental Performance



Good eco credentials were integral to both the design and construction of the new extension and renovation of the cottage, resulting in excellent energy efficiency. 14 solar panels provide around £500 p/a on a feed-in tariff, a ground-source heat pump serves the underfloor heating, and a borehole provides an independent water supply. There is also an EV car charger.



The Tour



Occupying an elevated position off a quiet country lane, double gates lead into a private driveway and parking area. There are several entrance points, but arguably the most impressive is set centrally within the glass link walkway, the seam binding the two buildings.



A bright entrance, where glass walls and ceilings bring an excellent quality of natural light, introduces a series of dynamic living spaces forming the modern section of the house. Spaces for cooking, dining, and relaxing flow with ease across an open plan, pitched ceilings bring volume and height, and solid floorboards run underfoot.



Bespoke joinery defines the kitchen at the far end of the space, arranged in a considered L-shape layout for socialising and the ease of day-to-day living. Appliances are built into lines of cabinetry, topped with solid oak worktops.



The dining area is loosely arranged centrally, bathed in natural light streaming through Velfac doors and windows and electric-powered skylights overhead. In-built bookcases line one wall. Stepping back down to the central hallway, a useful utility room, laundry area, and a larder lie to one side, with outdoor access from here too.



A staircase leads to a generously proportioned bedroom, a quiet and peaceful room. There is also a shower room in this part of the house, and a second bedroom or study.



Thanks to a thoughtful choice of materials, both internally and externally, a natural symbiosis plays out between the two buildings. Clad in oak, the modern section blends effortlessly with the landscape and pairs well with the stone elevations of the original cottage. Dating back to 1790, this part of the house is thick with historic detailing, and the excellent execution of the renovation clearly illustrates an intimate understanding of the building. Exposed timber beams run overhead, and a deep inglenook fireplace forms a natural centrepiece, with a log burner bringing additional warmth in the winter months.



Ascending an oak staircase, a generous double bedroom lies to one side, a room with wonderful views across the surrounding countryside. A bathroom lies on the opposite side of the landing, with a bathtub strategically placed to capture the fabulous views from here too. Every inch of space is optimised, with storage areas built into the eaves and under the staircase.



Unusually for such a rural setting, full fibre optic broadband runs throughout the house and down to the garden studio.



Outdoor Space



The undulating topography of the site brings with it the feeling of being fully enveloped within the soft curves of Shropshire’s inimitable landscape, with both elevated and sunken views from various positions in the house and gardens. Big sky vistas capture impressive sunrises and sunsets, and unrivalled star-studded skies at night.



For the self-sufficiency-minded, the productive vegetable gardens and orchards offer a brilliant opportunity for home-growing. Nutrient-rich soil aids the raised beds, which are chock-full of vegetables and flowers in summer, while native trees are dripping in apples and stone fruits through the latter seasons.



The garden studio was designed to offer an alternative retreat from which to enjoy the surroundings, providing great flexibility of use as a home workspace, studio, or space for exercising.



The Area



The setting of Berry Cottage is ideal for connecting to the extensive walking and cycling networks throughout the local area, which are accessible directly from the house. The house is within easy reach of the rural village of Hopton Castle, known for its ruins and rich 12th-century history, and Hopton Heath village and its train station are around two miles away. Leintwardine is also nearby, with a good choice of local pubs, a village shop, a petrol station, a butcher, and a library.



The popular market town of Ludlow is around 30 minutes by car, and the larger towns of Hereford and Shrewsbury, offering a broader range of shops, restaurants, and cultural highlights, are reachable in around an hour.



Schooling in the area is good, with options in Leintwardine, Wigmore, Ludlow, and Knighton. Local independent schools, including Moor Park, Bedstone College, and Lucton School, are all within reach.



Council Tax Band: C