Four Ashes Hall lies in extensive gardens and grounds within a private estate and remains largely unaltered, even untouched, for the last one hundred years.

It has remained in the same family for 350 years. Lack of change or modernisation has resulted in something of a time capsule. In 1997 Stephen Thompson became the latest member of the family to inherit and he is now in the process of restoring the house, outbuildings and gardens.

Henry Wollaston

As you enter through the Victorian Gothic porch the long processional hall leads into large rooms with original furnishings, family portraits and books. Tall windows give spectacular views over the gardens and fine trees. The kitchen wing retains a mass of original features. Upstairs twenty four rooms are largely unaltered. Wardrobes contain Georgian costumes and medicine cabinets are lined with hundred year old remedies.

The earliest parts of the house were built by Henry Wollaston in the 17th century with extensive alterations and additions in the 18th and 19th centuries by successive generations of the family. Original architects plans for the alterations together with alternatives considered are all still in the house. The stable block was built in about 1765 by Joseph Amphlett with funds from the East India Company. It is a magnificent example of Georgian architecture, The complete restoration of this is planned with assistance from English Heritage. A variety of uses are being considered which would include access to the public.

Nearby is a Victorian walled kitchen garden with old trained apple trees, box hedges and a large vinery. Beyond this strange shapes haunt the topiary and rose garden against a curtain of huge copper beech trees. Arches in the yew lead up to grass tennis courts unused since 1938 until one was recently restored. Above these begins the thickly wooded Bath Walk lined with hollies, huge beeches and oaks. The walk leads past a series of spring-fed pools to the Cold Bath House built in the 18th century for health and recreation. An extension of the walk leads up to a high viewpoint with spectacular views over the Shropshire countryside.