The Court House
WORDS. Granville Orange. PHOTOGRAPHY Granville Orange and The Court House
This month we have somewhere very special indeed for you – The Court House at Shelsley Walsh. Situated alongside the Oldest Motorsports Venue in the World, The Court House is the ideal place to stay, not only if you are attending any of the motoring events at Shelsley, but at any time of year. Not only that, the proprietors Keith and Lisa are very keen Morgan enthusiasts…. and more!
Set within a stunning valley, the views from the Court House are simply to die for. The grounds are beautiful, with a mill stream running through into a pond where ducks and geese wade and swim and are free to wander around amongst the pheasants and other birds and wildlife. There is ample outside space for guests to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this special and historic place (race days being the exception!). Adjacent to the house is St Andrew’s church which dates back to the 12th century, and the restored working water mill, both well worth a visit for any guest staying at the Court House.
Keith and Lisa have refurbished the Court House, the origins of which go back a thousand years, over recent years to THE highest of standards and it is now an elegant and stylish B&B. The bedrooms ooze charm and character and each is so different to the next, and all are exquisite with their stunning bespoke interiors. When shown around by Keith, Christine and I were simply blown away by the attention to detail and quality of the accommodation. It is not only the five guest bedrooms that are very special either. The house boasts a full size billiard room, a fabulous bar, and a charming dining room…with log fires, vaulted ceilings, beams, and a panelled staircase.
The reviews on the social media sites are testament to the quality of this B&B. Furthermore Keith and Lisa won Best B&B in Worcestershire in 2016, and should you watch it, won “Four in a Bed” in 2015 – in their first year of operation. They have the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence too. A relaxing and comfortable, indeed a luxurious indulgent stay is guaranteed.
The history associated with the house is fascinating. Ask Keith and Lisa to tell you all about the ghost – Lady Lightfoot, and the links with the gunpowder plot. Sir Richard Walsh lived here when High Sheriff of Worcester, and it was he who is reputed to have rounded up members of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605. We were totally absorbed and spell-bound.
I stated earlier that Keith and Lisa are Morgan enthusiasts and more. Well, that’s a bit of an understatement really. The rather unique aspect of staying here is that the B&B rate includes five hours in one of the three Morgans owned by Keith and Lisa. Breakfast is held in the dining room with all guests sitting down together, and following the appropriate briefing and necessary paperwork off you go on a pre-determined route around picturesque rural Worcestershire and Herefordshire, leaving at 10.30am and returning at 3.30pm.
Take your pick from Maisy, Maude or Mabel…all cream, one being a 4/4, the other two are Plus 4’s. The Court House is only around 30 minutes from Malvern and the Morgan factory, and Keith informed us that 50% of the guests do visit the factory. If you are thinking of buying a Morgan what better way to test drive one and not only that, but discuss all things Morgan with fellow guests over a pre-dinner gin and tonic in the bar? (Dinner can be provided upon request in advance at an additional charge of course). Morgan books and various Morgan ephemera are dotted around the house too.
By special arrangement evening drives can be arranged, and The Court House is also an exceptional wedding venue… not least as St Andrew’s is in the front garden! To book, it is advised that you contact Keith and Lisa direct, albeit the Court House is to be found on most of the popular booking sites.
Tel: 01886 812132 or go via the web site: www.shelsley-walsh-hotel.co.uk