Wisson Hill, Warwickshire

A Brief Introduction To Wisson Hill

Cover image: Wisson Hill, with kind permission from Wisson Hill.

Wisson Hill is a beautifully restored three-bedroom holiday home dating back to around 1530. This striking timber-framed and stone village house was commissioned by the Bushell family, a prominent local landowning family, whose next generation had connections to William Shakespeare. Remarkably, much of the original two-storey structure has survived and has been carefully and sensitively restored over time.

Today, the house offers guests the rare opportunity to stay in an authentically preserved Tudor-period building set within the hamlet of Barton on the River Avon, just outside Stratford-upon-Avon.

Wisson Hill retains a wealth of original detail, including carpenters’ marks and historic protective symbols etched into the beams. Natural materials and historic features are at the heart of the interior, complemented by simple, thoughtful furnishings chosen to reflect the spirit of the building. Modern comforts are discreetly included, with Wi-Fi and a hidden television.

Wisson Hill In The Sixteenth Century

The house is thought to have been commissioned by Thomas Bushell, a significant landowner in central England, although it is unlikely he ever resided here himself. Instead, the estate would have been worked by a tenant farmer, whose family lived in the farmhouse that now serves as the holiday accommodation. The earliest known occupants appear to have been the Payton family, who purchased the property in 1589 and are recorded as already living there at that time.

Dendrochronology samples taken from the principal structural timbers reveal that the oak trees used in its construction grew between 1445 and 1529, and were felled in the spring of 1530. Building work would therefore have begun shortly afterwards. The architectural style, featuring a smoke bay, a high proportion of exposed timber framing, and elements of decorative carving, strongly supports a mid-Tudor date.

Much of the timber structure has been deliberately left visible both inside and out, giving guests the opportunity to examine how the building was put together. The layout of the two-bay blocks, along with original and later joints and the marks left by medieval carpenters, can all still be clearly seen.

Elsewhere, variations in smoke-blackening across the building reveal how different areas were used, offering insight into daily life within the house over time. You will also find apotropaic marks carved into the beams – symbols commonly used in the Tudor period to ward off misfortune. These were believed to offer protection against evil influences, including witches, as well as reducing the risk of fire.

You can find out more about the Wisson’s Hill’s Tudor history here – including its links to William Shakespeare and the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

Stay At Wisson Hill

Wisson Hill is furnished with a thoughtful blend of antiques, carefully chosen period-style pieces and original artwork, creating a warm and personal atmosphere. Large windows fill the rooms with natural light, while generous radiators and a wood burner ensure it remains bright and cosy, even with its historic character.

The three bedrooms feature comfortable new oak beds with high-quality mattresses and bedding. The shower offers excellent pressure, while the slipper bath provides a luxurious touch. The fully equipped kitchen is perfect for relaxed breakfasts or home-cooked suppers. There are also plenty of places to eat and drink within walking distance or a short drive away.

Perfectly positioned halfway between Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds, the surrounding area offers rolling countryside, woodland, charming villages and a wealth of historic attractions. A little further afield, guests can enjoy numerous historical properties, the castles of Warwick and Kenilworth and city of Oxford.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Wisson Hill interior, Images © Wisson Hill.

Wisson Hill bedrooms and bathroom. Images © Wisson Hill.

Historic Properties Nearby

If you would like to explore the area, check out my three-day itinerary for the Tudor Cotswolds here.

If you’d like to find out more about William Shakespeare, his birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon is just eight miles away. My Tudor Weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon here ensures you don’t miss any of the must-see places!

You may also enjoy:
Kenilworth Castle – find out its history here (20 miles)
Warwick Castle (20 miles)
Oxford – don’t forget to research the tale of the Oxford Martyrs ahead of your visit (50 miles)

Visitor Information

Contact Details: You can view Wisson Hill’s availability here, and you con contact the property via the form here.

Address: Wisson Hill, 16 Welford Road, Barton, Bidford-on-Avon, Alcester, B50 4NP.

STAYING HERE? LET US KNOW!

I hope you’ve enjoyed finding out more about this incredible accommodation.

If you visit Wisson Hill, please let me know in the comments below, or via email on sarah@thetudortravelguidecom. I’d love to hear your thoughts!