Ford Farm Middleton on the Hill

Ford Farm is out near Middleton on the Hill. It's a Grade II listed building, an old dairy from the 1600s. It's been in the family a while.

It sleeps four, in two bedrooms. There's one bathroom upstairs. The rating is 3 Star, so it's comfortable and clean. It's a farm cottage, so expect low beams and thick walls. The stairs are fairly steep, and some of the doorways are low. Just mind your head.

It's a working farm, so you'll see the animals. The garden is enclosed, which is handy if you're bringing a dog – we take one pet. There's parking right outside.

Inside, it's open plan downstairs. There's a woodburner, which is good for cooler evenings. We've left a lot of the old features as they were, including some of the wallpaper. It's not minimalist. There's a TV, WiFi, a dishwasher and washing machine. Bedding and towels are included.

For a pub, the Crown and Sceptre in Kingsland is about three miles. It does food. Ludlow is maybe 15 minutes by car. That's where you'll find the good butchers and bakers, and the castle. The English Heritage page for Ludlow Castle has the opening times.

If you like gardens, Stockton Bury is close by. The Wye Valley is about half an hour's drive for walking. Hereford is roughly 25 minutes in the other direction, for the cathedral and city bits.

Useful links: Visit Herefordshire and if you're heading towards the Malverns, the Malvern Hills Trust site is good for routes.