Gilly and Cliff Poultney are telling us about the music day they hold in July on the lawn in front of their handsome rectory in Whitbourne, and the actors who have stayed with them while performing at Malvern Theatre (Helen Mirren, Timothy West). We haven't come all this way to chat, however. We've come to explore the Herefordshire and Worcestershire borders as well as enjoy the Poultneys' converted outbuildings, now five self-catering cottages. The sexiest, Hooch Hall, is too big for us, and the most contemporary, The Fodder Store, is booked up, so we're in The Barn.
It's self-catering with knobs on here - biscuits and cake provided, ready-meal pre-ordering, and each kitchen has a supply of local beers and wine for purchase. Walking routes from the door have been devised by Cliff, and you can even book treatments with a visiting massage therapist (so I do and it's bliss).
Downstairs, The Barn is slightly gloomy - the light absorbed by two brown chesterfields. Can't curl up comfortably on those. But we soon get the wood-burner going (we can help ourselves to logs). Upstairs, the bathroom has a monsoon shower. Bags I the bedroom with the skylight. So I can stargaze of course.
We've taken advantage of Gilly's pub-restaurant booking service. Dinner on Saturday night at the busy Admiral Rodney in Berrow Green is a disappointment, but we have a corking Sunday lunch at the strangely empty Three Crowns in Ullingswick.
The weekend is a lovely reminder of how beautiful this area is. We walk along the aptly named River Teme and across misty fields, bluish smoke curling up from typical black-and-white houses, catkins and snowdrops a sign that spring is at last on its way.
Prices start at £495 in Feb/March for a two-night break in The Barn (sleeps four), or £930 for three nights in Hooch Hall (sleeps six plus four children). The Olde Rectory 01886 822000 or contact Premier Cottages (brochures on 01271 336050, premiercottages.com).
