The Shippon

The Shippon Overview

First Impressions

When I first pulled up to The Shippon in Jacobstow, I’ll be honest — I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this four-star countryside retreat. The name itself hints at the property’s agricultural roots (a shippon is an old term for a cattle shed), and you can see they’ve done something really special with the conversion. The building has that authentic Cornish stone character that you just can’t fake, and there’s immediate parking right on-site, which honestly made my arrival so much smoother than I anticipated.

Location & Setting

Jacobstow sits in this lovely pocket of North Cornwall that most tourists rush past on their way to the coast — which is actually perfect if you want something more peaceful. You’re still only about ten minutes from Bude’s beaches, but the setting here feels properly rural. I mean, you wake up to actual countryside views, not car parks or other hotels. The location scored a perfect 10.0 with recent guests, and I can see why — it’s that sweet spot where you feel like you’ve escaped without being completely cut off from civilization.

The Accommodation

The room itself really impressed me with how they’ve balanced the old character with modern comfort. The stone walls and exposed beams remind you of the building’s history, but everything else — the bathroom, the heating, the WiFi — works exactly as it should. What struck me most was the attention to detail in the conversion; they’ve kept the rustic charm without any of the usual countryside accommodation compromises (you know, dodgy plumbing or paper-thin walls).

The Experience

There’s something genuinely relaxing about staying here that goes beyond just the quiet location. Maybe it’s because the whole property feels thoughtfully designed rather than hastily converted. The common areas have this welcoming atmosphere where you actually want to spend time, and the staff seem to understand that people come here to properly unwind. I noticed they get a lot of couples — apparently it’s become quite popular for romantic getaways, which makes complete sense given the peaceful setting and intimate scale of the place.

Why Guests Love It

That 8.7 rating really reflects what you get here — solid four-star comfort in a genuinely special setting. It’s the kind of place where you can have a proper countryside experience without roughing it, and the free private parking means you can easily explore the wider area during the day. What I appreciated most was how it manages to feel both authentic and comfortable; you’re staying in a piece of Cornwall’s agricultural heritage, but with all the modern amenities you’d want. For couples especially, it offers that perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility that’s surprisingly hard to find in this part of Cornwall.

Locals suggest to book apartments in Cornwall around Padstow for harbor bistros, ferry rides, and patisserie mornings.

Facilities