C

attle once slept in the barn at Orchard House but they’re definitely not there anymore (we checked).

This 300-year-old, wood-framed building has swapped beds of straw for fine Egyptian cotton sheets, and its old water troughs for an elegant tray, piled high with speciality teas (plain, herbal or fruit), high quality coffee and a decanter of sherry – compliments of the house.

Of course there are still some clues to the barn’s rustic past: the three luxury bedrooms are named the Granary, Hay Loft and Byre, all high ceilings and exposed wood beams. In fact the rooms are so airy and bright, it’s difficult to drag yourself down to breakfast – but, trust us, it’s worth it.

Owners Judith and Noel Eyres cook up a good, full English, with eggs from the nearby Yew Tree Farm, home-grown tomatoes and award-winning organic sausages and bacon from the local Ludlow butcher.

Vegetarians are well catered for too, with porridge, maple syrup and jam. Whatever your preference, you’ll leave here satisfied.