The cosy English staycation perfect for winter breaks – with amazing views and delicious breakfasts
IT is amazing how much a great view can change your mood.
At the foot of my bed, miles of Shropshire countryside stretched out into the distance and over the horizon, dappled in the glowing golden colours of the low winter sun.
It was a serene sight that imposed itself on my outlook and made my eventual need to clamber out of bed feel like a privilege, rather than the chore it usually is.
In fact, here in the deceptively named Tractor Shed, in the village of Weston-under-Redcastle, everything that usually feels arduous at home somehow became a rewarding and fulfilling task.
Artisan delights
Perhaps it was because those jobs were being carried out in front of a giant triangular pane of glass that not only revealed the living work of art that had greeted me when I woke up, but made me feel like I was immersed as part of it at the same time.
Mundane duties such as unpacking a suitcase or cooking breakfast are much less dull when performed in front of such nourishing surroundings.
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The view wasn’t the only thing providing nourishment, either.
I rustled up some toasted sourdough bread, generously covered in salted butter, and paired it with two perfectly fried eggs fresh out of the pan. All components came from the on-site Maynard’s farm shop.
Shropshire cheese, smoked bacon, sausages and preserves were also among the artisan delights on offer inside.
People who insist on stocking their fridges and cupboards with the finest produce drive in from far and wide to get a piece of it.
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Fortunately for me, it was a stone’s throw from the accommodation and I was able to wander over and browse at my leisure.
In fact, it was dangerously convenient, with each shelf holding something more enticing than the last.
I could easily have bankrupted myself in there, had I not been quite so keen to return to the inviting space in the Tractor Shed.
The property’s name somewhat belies the luxury that can be found inside, with the mezzanine-level bedroom fit for royalty, a chaise longue and decorative king- size bed.
Its balcony looks out on the impressive window, with the sitting room, bathroom, second bedroom and kitchen all sprawling out beneath.
The space is all the work of owners Rob and Fiona who, with great care and attention to detail, have transformed the shed from its humble origins into the type of accommodation worth visiting without the need for any interest in the area beyond.
Perfect day out
However, there is plenty in the region worth paying attention to, including the charming town of Shrewsbury.
The striking autumnal colours in The Dingle, a small garden found in the Quarry Park, has taken up a healthy portion of the space on my phone’s camera roll.
Meanwhile, visits to the market hall, Shrewsbury Museum, Planet Doughnut, St Chad’s Church and The Boathouse pub all contributed to a perfect day out.
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But returning to the shed to find the warmth from the previous night’s fire still keeping the holiday home toasty provided the icing on the cake.
I was instantly cosy and immediately relaxed, back in front of the giant window, where the low winter sun was glowing once again.
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STAYING THERE: Two nights’ self-catering at The Tractor Shed is from £509 in total, booked through Sykes Holiday Cottages. For details, see .