Nun Upton: a labour of love

Nun Upton, a Grade II* listed Jacobean gem, has been in our family for generations. Soaring high above the Shropshire hills, Katie Holloway has spent two laborious years transforming her beloved grandfather's country house into a sumptuous holiday home with exquisite interiors, glorious gardens and wraparound views so breathtaking they'll stop you in your tracks.

Cosy enough for six friends to escape to the country, Nun Upton loves a party, and sleeps up to 14 of your favourites in superb comfort and unmatched style. Surrounded by ancient oaks and a 250-acre private estate, the house straddles the border between Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire. Playful interiors pair 21st century comforts with oodles of country style. Gather the clan, pack the dogs and the children into the car and leave your wellies – and your cares – at the door and prepare for the ultimate weekend away.

Nun Upton is where period drama meets 21st century comforts. Centuries-old flagstones, oak beams and historic fireplaces are the backdrop to smart TVs, superfast broadband and modern luxuries.

Furniture, inside and out, is by Neptune and Holloways. Fabrics are an homage to the design greats: Colefax & Fowler, Sanderson, Linwood, GP & J Baker and more. Every room, every corner is a celebration of Holloways and a reflection of the exceptional furniture and accessories we sell from our Worcestershire showrooms, plus our professional interior design service. Paint is by Neptune, and Edward Bulmer Natural Paints. 

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Timeless living, dining and garden furniture, carefully-chosen antiques, exquisite soft furnishings and rambling gardens filled with surprises combine for a stay so spectacular you'll feel a million miles from the rat race. The landscaped wellness centre is the icing on a very grand cake and this, coupled with the restored games barn, promise R&R in spades. Tucked away down a winding country lane, Nun Upton is hard to find and harder to leave. What are you waiting for? Come and play.

EAT

There's plenty of space to eat, drink and be merry at Nun Upton. With a bespoke Neptune kitchen complete with two dishwashers and fridge big enough for a party, the house has two distinct dining spaces – a sunny breakfast room with Neptune dining furniture, cabinetry and inviting window seats, and a formal, beamed dining room with inglenook fireplace and log burner.

Established gardens with spectacular views boast two dining terraces – one, with a formal dining table and chairs, the other with a curved corner sofa and fire pit table. Cook up a storm on the range cooker. Host the smartest of suppers by the roaring fire. Plan a humdinger of a barbecue on the terrace or call in a private chef for the mother of all celebrations. Eat, sleep, rest repeat. 

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SLEEP

Sleeping 14 in deliciously comfy beds, kick off your shoes and relax in six blissful bedrooms, all with their own impeccable and individual style. With 400 thread count hotel-grade linen and 1,000 pocket sprung mattresses, some look out over the orchards where our sheep graze, others over rolling farmland with tractors trundling – but all promise a deep and uninterrupted night's sleep. Two decidedly spoiling en suites and three family bathrooms are fitted with freestanding baths and monsoon showers. 

Light fittings are handmade by our favourite designers – including Wiltshire textile house Fermoie and Herefordshire master craftsman Colin Chetwood – upholstery exquisite, and style comes in spades. Throw open the windows and the nocturnal musings of the resident owls will soothe you to sleep. Wake to birdsong, blue skies and perfect peace.

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REST

Rest and recharge in the dreamy outdoor wellness centre with its wood-fired sauna, hot tub, outdoor shower and landscaped garden. When the sun dips, pour a sundowner, snuggle up under blankets and tell tall tales around the fire pit while you watch the shooting stars arc across the dark sky.

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PLAY

Fight a fierce game of croquet on the lawn. Try your hand at table tennis or darts in the barn. Turn cartwheels, if the mood takes you. Or pull on your wellies, fill the Thermos and head off on a head-clearing hike. There are miles upon miles of breathtaking footpaths to explore, and cosy pubs for well-deserved pint or three along the way, plus hearty fodder when the walking's done.

Once you're home, the TV snug is the perfect spot for cocktail o'clock thanks to a clever mirrored bar tucked under the stairs, while a neat study, off the elegant sitting room plays host to another drinks cabinet and a neat desk if the world of work calls.

EXPLORE

There's much to do on the doorstep, too, from historic castles to music festivals, distillery tours and everything in between. Ludlow, with its medieval streets and renowned foodie scene is just a hop, skip and a jump away. Hire a kayak and paddle down the spectacular River Wye. Spot famous faces at the Hay Festival, pedal off on a mountain biking adventure in the Shropshire hills, scale the Brecon Beacons, take in the Mappa Mundi in Hereford Cathedral or bathe in history at the National Trust's Berrington Hall or Croft Castle. Racing at Cheltenham Racecourse – and Ludlow – is within reach and we can arrange clay shooting and archery.

Nun Upton is the ultimate staycation. Gather your favourites and book your escape to the country.

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