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THE GREAT ESCAPE Carrie Mitchell discovers the perfect place for a post-lockdown group getaway
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hen I first booked our group trip to Redford Farm, a boutique country retreat in the heart of the Shropshire countryside, three of our gang were heavily pregnant, including me so there was one huge silver lining of having to reschedule what was originally my 40th birthday celebration to after the lockdown rules had eased. Nope, it wasn’t that we’d get to meet each other’s babies (though yes, that was also pretty special), it was that we’d get to have a big old drink. Nine months pregnancy-enforced sobriety coupled with 14 months Corona-enforced separation made for one hell of a reunion. And we couldn’t have found a better place to do it. From its striking red-brick exterior and sprawling sun-drenched gardens to the luxury, character-filled rooms and epic open plan spaces within, Redford Farm Barns is the most perfect party pad. Owner Jude Hunt, who lives in the neighbouring farmhouse with her family, obviously cherishes the place and she goes out of her way to make us feel welcome, even surprising me with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, hand-drawn card and the most beautiful birthday cake. Once everyone
