“We visited Callow Fold in January 2024 for a week.”
Upon arrival the lights in the cabin had been put on, which was instantly cosy and welcoming, the cabin was always really warm to an impressive standard, especially as it was January and it was below zero outside, but we was always very warm and cosy.
Great water pressure and lots of hot water.
It is extremely quiet and peaceful, there's a beautiful stillness and on a night the stars are incredible. We enjoyed sitting out with the fireplace burning whilst star gazing.
Derek is friendly and none intrusive, he is on hand if you need him, but you still have your own privacy. Of course Barney the dog is amazing and a great addition and very child friendly.
In our experience the cabin was due a deep clean and we did spend a couple of hours cleaning on our first morning-mainly the floors and corners of floors where there were a lot of dead lace wings. Unfortunately there was no hoover and only a sweeping brush, so it was hard to get the rug clean in the living area, the addition of a hoover would be great.
However, the bathroom and kitchen worktops were very clean.
The kitchen cupboards would benefit from a good sort out and organisation to provide more space for storing food and detail cleaning such as the cuttlery draw as they easily accumulate bits etc.Possibly less table chairs as we had to shuffle some furniture around to make more space.
The cabin is off grid and for us this was a great selling point, but it was not specified or highlighted in the description-I think highlighting this aspect would draw a lot of interest and bookings. Derek has done a great job of creating an off grid cabin that is warm, has great hot water and pressure and instant hot water for making hot drinks, no waiting for the kettle to boil. We had better water pressure and heating facilities at Callow Fold than other brick and morter accommodation we have stayed in.
Some people state you can walk from the cabin, you can but it is country road walking with no designated walking routes or public footpaths, so if you have young children just consider this. There is a circular type walk near the cabin, but not very accessible in wet weather and unfortunately lots of tree felling which spoils the natural beauty -something that was frustrating for Derek too.
The Cabin is a good base to visit places such as Stiperstones, Carding Mill Valley and Ludlow, but be prepared to drive and to be confident on small country roads.
Overall Callow Fold is definitely worth a visit, especially if you want to experience peace and stillness.
