Charlotte´s Folly

Introduction

Once upon a time in a land not far away, a life-sized gingerbread house built for lodging Earls welcomed those in a fairy-tale state of mind. With its vintage needlepoint aesthetic and higgle piggle of patterns, this is a luxury self-catering home with romantic bones and a cartoonish pastiche. Somehow, brass and botany mix seamlessly with gingham and theatrical chimneys. With all the hallmarks of a sweet shop from an old-world village, this Victorian abode is a fantastical place for families to have a British retreat as the grown-ups dine next to floral installations and children nod off in the candlelight. Better still, it's a dog-friendly cottage, meaning two four-legged friends can join in the fun.

 Inside

Turn the key beneath the porch canopy and step into all the eccentricity of a real-life fable that's become a luxury getaway for six. Jellybean hues and antique curios lie in wait, as clawfoot tubs, velveteen headboards, and pea green beams assemble for your jollity. While some rise with the birds to whip up leaning stacks of chocolate chip pancakes in the pinstripe kitchen, others have long naps in Antoinette alcoves and gable rooms where sloping walls appear to creep with ivy. Later, all the family will loaf by the open fire on bouclé sofas, with diamond muntin windows flung open to catch first glimpse down the garden path should Little Red Riding Hood turn up for tea.

 Outside

Appearing from the woods as if by magic, this luxury self-catering cottage is any Hollywood art director’s dream. Send the children out to ready the pair of vintage bicycles and play on the rope swing under ancient trees, set against a backdrop of scalloped roof shingles and sugar-cube corner quoins. Then, making the most of the Shropshire countryside, two on wheels and four on foot can go off to explore the White Stitch Woods trail and private lake. And, if yesterday morning's porridge was had indoors, slide on the slippers and take breakfast out to the garden; perching on ice cream parlour chairs, this is the perfect spot for buttered toast and coddled eggs with the dog at your feet.

• PricingFrom £1,650 per week, £1,250 per short break for up to 6 guests
  An alternative group size of up to 2 guests is available during selected periods at a reflective rate
• FeaturesTwo vintage-style bicycles
• PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
  Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof
• FamilyChildren and babies are welcome
• PracticalitiesThere is ample parking for four cars on the private gravel drive. The kitchen has a double range electric oven, designer cutlery and crockery, a Nespresso machine, and a vintage 70/30 fridge freezer. In the utility, there is a stocked pantry with a washing machine, dishwasher, and kettle. Please note that the garden is not completely enclosed, so wandering children and dogs should not be left unattended. There is no helipad at the cottage, but guests may land on the estate if desired
• Private cateringWhether you're looking for a fully catered stay or a one-off meal for a special occasion, discover your bespoke catering options
  
  Explore private dining

Weston-under-Lizard

Travel past charming manors and cottage-lined lanes to Weston-under-Lizard, an ancient tree-speckled village so old that it appeared in the Domesday Book.

View property location Destination guide

Getting there

• On the map Located in the rural village of Weston-under-Lizard in south Staffordshire near the border with Shropshire.
• By car From London, there is a journey time of just under three hours. Take the M1 toward Birmingham/Coventry, then the M6 Toll to Telford/M54 and follow the directions provided to the property.
• By train You can take a train from London Euston to Stafford in around 1 hour 20 minutes. The property is 20 minutes away from Stafford by car.
• By air Birmingham Airport is a 45-minute drive away, Manchester Airport is a 70-minute drive from the cottage.