Soulton Hall

Hotel review

Soulton Hall is an absolute gem. It offers genuinely authentic hospitality without feeling like a hotel at all and at very good value. The family have occupied this house almost continually since their ancestor Rowland Hill bought it in 1539. It was remodelled in 1556, but the smaller of the four bedrooms in the main house still have the original oak panelled walls of the earlier 1420 building and part of the ancient staircase remains. The Ashton Family have run this award-winning hotel for 27 years along with their surrounding 500 acre arable farm. The welcome is warm and tea is served by a roaring log fire in the sitting room adorned with family portraits. Stone mullioned windows, ancient floorboards and plasterwork throughout the house all add to the feeling that you have stepped back in time. Candlelit dinner is served in the dining room where a large oak refectory table quite possibly entertained Samuel Pepys, a friend of the family. There is a daily changing menu of delicious fresh food. The bedrooms are sumptuous and lovingly decorated with fine fabrics and generous, comfortable beds. Our bathroom had a modern rolltop bath and masses of hot water. Drawing back raw silk curtains in the morning afforded a view of completely unspoilt rural Shropshire. Lovely walks surround the property and interesting archaeology, including the site of a Norman Castle, can be explored nearby. Additional self catering cottages available too.

Penelope Anstice Review published: 31/10/2018