Escape to the Country

Set on the owners’ non-working farm in Horbling village, this detached farmhouse, with its own swimming pool and hot tub, lies in the heart of the Fens, an ideal touring base for visiting the area’s wealth of historic attractions. Providing comfortable holiday accommodation for families, it retains many original features, including exposed woodwork, an ornate cornice in the dining room and a traditional farmhouse-style kitchen. There is a second sitting room, well-stocked library and video and DVD collection (including latest releases). There are also five family bathrooms, providing luxury towels for an added touch of comfort. Outside is a large, private, rear lawned garden with apple, pear, plum trees and gooseberries which guests are welcome to pick in season, and a large patio with garden furniture and barbecue. There is also the added bonus of a private hot tub. The fenlands make ideal walking and cycling country, an excellent way to view the landscape with its rich farmlands, huge skies and wonderful sunsets; walks can be enjoyed from the doorstep; facilities can be found nearby for golf, fishing or horse riding. Within easy driving distance are a wealth of interesting places, including the delightful old towns of Uppingham, Oakham and Stamford, full of beautiful stone buildings. On the edge of Stamford stands Burleigh House, one of England’s greatest Elizabethan houses. Nearby Spalding is an attractive, Dutch-influenced town and centre of the flower-bulb industry, where the Springfields show gardens and the annual flower festival in May are popular. Tattershall Castle (NT), Belton House and Coningsby, noted for its huge one-handed church clock, and the home of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. One of the landmarks of the Fens is the octagonal lantern tower of St Botolph’s Church in Boston. Shop and good pub with food ½ mile in Billingborough, or village pub 300 yards.

Dating back to the 18th century, this elegant and spacious, grade II listed farmhouse stands detached, with large lawned gardens and exclusive use of an indoor heatedswimming pool with an outdoor spa tub and indoor sauna. It offers a substantial venue for large families or groups wishing to holiday together. The house boats a well-equipped kitchen, spacious bedrooms and a games room including a table tennis table and table football. It is set amongst rural countryside with a network of quiet lanes offering good walking and cycling from the door. The highly acclaimed Church Farm, Stow Bardolph Rare Breeds Centre, Denver Windmill, sailing club and pay-and-play golf course, Welney Wildfowl Trust, the award-winning Hare Arms pub and Downham Market with its Friday and Saturday markets, are all within easy reach. There is also easy access to the lovely sandy beaches, and RSPB nature and bird reserves along the North Norfolk Coast.

The market town of Downham Market (6 miles) boasts a direct rail link to Ely, Cambridge and London (1hr 20mins). It has a supermarket, shops, restaurants, inns, post office and bank. The medieval town of Kings Lynn (8 miles), complete with handsome waterfront offers an array of good shops, inns, restaurants, theatre, cinema, bowling alley and a sports centre. Both west and north Norfolk have an expanse of sandy beaches and salt marshes along the coastline, as well as nature reserves to protect the birds and plants which thrive here. The coastal road passes through many pretty rural villages, with popular tea rooms serving wonderful local food.

For those who enjoy a visit to the beach whilst on holiday, the seaside resorts of Hunstanton and Heacham boast beaches and an array of traditional seaside activities and attractions for all ages. Hunstanton (22 miles) has a pier with lively seasonal entertainment, Sea Life Centre and cliff-top golf course. Heacham (20 miles) is home to Norfolk Lavender and visitors may participate in guided tours of the expanse of lavender fields to observe the harvesting. Sandringham Estate - the Queen’s country residence, with its Jacobean-style house, museum, superb gardens and park are open to the public when the Royal Family is not in residence.

To the south lies Ely Cathedral, ‘Ship of the Fens’, standing proudly in the small city of Ely. Ely has an excellent Saturday market and a good variety of gift shops, as well as a pretty water front and boat hire. The historic city of Cambridge is easily accessible for the day and well worth a visit. One of the nicest ways to explore the city is by punt, which meanders through the city and passes many of the stunning university grounds. There are also many shops, pubs, restaurants and theatres. Norwich, famous for its cathedral, is also within easy reach, where a visit to the stunning cathedral is not to be missed, as is the famous mustard shop, with many new and old varieties can be purchased. Shops 4 miles, pub 2 miles.

Surrounded by beautiful Dorset countryside, close to the Dorset Gap, this substantial 18th-century farmhouse stands a mile from the pretty hamlet of Plush with its delightful village inn.
Retaining many original features, including ornamental fireplaces and splendid high ceilings, the property benefits from the addition of a games room in its cellar. Two comfortable living rooms, both with open fires and Freeview TV, means there’s plenty of space for everyone to relax after a busy day exploring the local area. The large, well-equipped farmhouse style kitchen is perfect for cooking a holiday feast, throw open the French doors and let the light and air spill in. With 7 bedrooms over the first and second floor, sleeping 14 guests plus up to 4 more on sofa beds, plus 6 bathrooms, this property really is a fantastic choice for a families or friends to get together and celebrate. With its own pretty, large walled garden, with lawned area and flower borders, it stands in the grounds of the owners’ 650-acre organic dairy farm; there are lovely walks from the doorstep amid the farmland.
The Dorset Gap is nearby, for walks amid stunning scenery, while sandy bays and nature reserves can be found along the World Heritage Coastline just 18 miles away. Dorchester (Thomas Hardy’s Casterbridge) is within driving distance for a wide range of attractions, including a lively weekly market, with the beautiful Maiden Castle sure to be a highlight. A trip to the charming town of Cerne Abbas, with its Tudor architecture, and the nearby Cerne Giant are also a must on any itinerary. There are good golf courses in the vicinity and a selection of excellent inns and restaurants within 7 miles, this truly is an ideal location to suit a variety of holiday needs. Shop 5 miles.
Armswell House (DQT) and The Stables (DXS) can be booked together to accommodate up to 32 guests.

This well-presented and very comfortable detached property, offers exceptionally spacious accommodation, perfect for large family gatherings, whatever the season. It boasts a lovely enclosed courtyard with its own private hot tub for six guests - a delightful place to relax and enjoy the lovely views across the adjoining Abersoch golf course towards the sea. Within a short walk is the charming and fashionable seaside resort of Abersoch, which is situated between two glorious bays, and is one of the most popular sailing venues in north Wales with important sailing regattas held there throughout the summer months. It also has a fine selection of shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants. Water sports enthusiasts are also well catered for, particularly windsurfing, water skiing and dinghy sailing, not to mention renowned surfing at Hell’s Mouth. There are three main beaches to choose from, the long sandy Warren beach, small and sheltered Porth Bach and sandy Porth Ceriad with its high cliffs. Most of the coastline is owned by the National Trust and there are many remote bays, sandy beaches and cliffs, as well as wildlife havens like Bardsey Island to explore. Beach ½ mile. Shop pub and restaurant ½ mile.

This comfortable and welcoming, thatched, detached former farmhouse dates back to 1750, and has many features such as beams, low lintels and sloping floors. The main house has two living rooms and a dining room which seats up to 18. There is also an indoor swimming pool and a games room, making it ideal for family gatherings and celebrations. The old creamery, located in a separate building next to the main house, has been converted into an annexe with an additional two en-suite bedrooms, and still has the exposed stone walls and floors! From the farmhouse gardens there are far-reaching views over countryside and rolling hills and it is conveniently located for trips to Lyme Regis, West Bay and Bridport. There is a local bus service for those wishing to explore the area without using the car. Park Farmhouse is located on the coast road in the heart of the charming historic village of Chideock with a pub and restaurant a couple of doors away. Julia Bradbury’s ‘Best Walks With A View’ includes a walk which encircles Park Farmhouse. A popular farm shop is about a mile away with outside seating with glorious views over the National Trust land and the famous Golden Cap which is the highest point on the south coast!

Steeped in history, Chideock was recorded in the Domesday Book as Cidihoc. In 1379-80, John de Chideock, a manorial lord, built Chideock Castle, just north of the village. During the Middle Ages, ownership passed to the Catholic Arundell family, who used it to provide refuge for priests and loyal followers during subsequent persecution. In 1802 the Arundells were succeeded by the Weld family of Lulworth Castle who in 1810, built Chideock Manor. Park Farmhouse once served the occupants of the manor for many years with cream from the creamery.

The stunning and dramatic Jurassic Coast is a World Heritage Site covering 96 miles of coastline and is less than a mile away at Seatown. It is also known for its fossil hunting. The beaches of West Bay and Lyme Regis have a traditional feel with gift shops, tea rooms, inns and restaurants. Lyme Regis with The Cobb and harbour was the setting for the filming of The French Lieutenant’s Woman. More recently, Jane Austen’s ‘Persuasion’ and Thomas Hardy’s ‘Far from The Madding Crowd’ were both filmed here. Renowned TV chef Mark Hix has an Oyster and Fish House in Lyme Regis. There are other pretty villages such as Beer and Branscombe within easy reach or you may wish to visit the numerous stately homes and gardens in the area. You can also discover Dorset’s sandy bays, rugged hill top walks and tiny coves. Fishing is available locally. Beach ¾ mile. Shop 240 yards, pub and restaurant 50 yards.

With so much space, The Dower House is ideal for large families and groups of friends wishing to holiday together. It is an impressive and spacious Grade II listed, detached farmhouse with large lawned gardens and its very own hot tub. This well-appointed property offers a games room with a table tennis table and table football, and guests can also enjoy shared use of the owner’s hard tennis court.
The Dower House is set in countryside, with a network of quiet lanes offering good walking and cycling from the door. There is much of interest locally, including the highly acclaimed Church Farm Stow Bardolph Rare Breeds Centre with its petting animals, adventure playground, tea room and shop. Stow Hall Gardens provide an opportunity to walk around beautiful gardens and enjoy tea with homemade cakes, whilst Denver Windmill serves excellent beverages, homemade cakes, and light lunches. There is also a pay and play golf course and Welney Wildfowl Trust wetland paradise brimming with nature. You can also enjoy easy access to the lovely sandy beaches, and RSPB nature and bird reserves along the North Norfolk Coast. The local pub is just 100 yards away.
The market town of Downham Market, 2 miles, has Friday and Saturday markets, a supermarket, shops, bank, restaurants and boasts a direct rail link to Ely, Cambridge and London (in an hour and twenty minutes). The medieval town of Kings Lynn, 10 miles, is complete with handsome waterfront offering an array of good shops, inns, restaurants, a theatre, cinema, bowling alley and a sports centre. Both west and north Norfolk have an expanse of sandy beaches and salt marshes along the coastline, as well as nature reserves to protect the birds and plants which thrive here. The coastal road passes through many pretty rural villages, with popular tea rooms serving wonderful local food.
For those who enjoy a visit to the beach whilst on holiday, Snettisham Beach is the closest at 30 minutes’ drive. Further along the coast road are the traditional seaside resorts of Hunstanton and Heacham, which boast beaches and an array of traditional seaside activities and attractions for all ages. Hunstanton, 24 miles, has a pier with lively seasonal entertainment, a Sea Life Centre and cliff-top golf course. Heacham, 22 miles, is home to Norfolk Lavender and visitors may participate in guided tours of the expanse of lavender fields to observe the harvesting. Sandringham Estate,- the Queen’s country residence, with its Jacobean-style house, museum, superb gardens and park, are open to the public when the Royal Family is not in residence. To the south lies Ely Cathedral, known as the Ship of the Fens. This small city has an excellent Saturday market and a good variety of gift shops, as well as a pretty waterfront and boat hire.
The historic city of Cambridge is easily accessible for the day, and well worth a visit. One of the nicest ways to explore the city is by punt, which meanders through the city and passes many of the stunning university grounds. There are also many shops, pubs, restaurants, and theatres. Norwich, famous for its cathedral, is also within easy reach, and not to be missed. Don’t miss the famous mustard shop there as well, with many new and old varieties of mustard that can be purchased. We are opposie the award winning pub The Hare Arms/ this is a delightful village pub with great food and superb beer, booking is recommended for large groups to eat. Beach 21 miles. Shops 2 miles and pub 100 yards.

The Beach House at Whinthwaite is a fabulous seafront property with a hot tub in the coastal town of Seascale. Perfect for a family reunion, special celebration, or a large group holiday. With panoramic sea views, a train station nearby, easy access to the Lake District and the West Cumbrian Coast, you’ve got a perfect base for a memorable holiday with loved ones. It’s also perfect for walking or cycling groups. This stunning property sleeping up to eighteen guests features nine double bedrooms, a total of seven bathrooms, three kitchens, two living rooms, beautiful gardens, and some stunning original features. All the bedrooms are well furnished with comfortable beds, plenty of storage and hanging space, many come with sea views, seating, and vanity areas. Three bedrooms are on the ground floor, four on the first floor and two on the second floor. There’s a mixture of en-suite rooms and some floors have separate bathrooms. On the first floor you’ll find a comfortable games room with a pool table which converts into an air hockey table, along with table tennis which doubles over as a dining table! You’ll love the stunning dining room/conservatory with sea and garden views, but if you want the best views, head to the top of this stunning property, the sea views are amazing. The spacious, main living room on the ground floor is an excellent place to all get-together in front of the large open fire, it’s the dream on Christmas day to opening presents together and it’s a great social space to see the wine flowing while you catch up with your loved ones. There’s a kitchen on each floor, so you haven’t got to go far for a midnight snack or a cuppa and a utility room on the ground floor. At the rear you have an enclosed patio with outdoor furniture and private hot tub, perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying a glass of wine or a cold beer after a day of adventure, along with large lawned gardens with amazing sea views.
The Beach House at Whinthwaite is on the Cumbrian coast near Gosforth in the West Lakes, this delightful village near to the Eskdale and Wasdale valleys offers an excellent shop and several pubs. From here you have easy access to some of most picturesque and dramatic scenery this Cumbrian hotspot has to offer. The highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike is a short drive through the countryside with beautiful lakes and walking routes nearby, while Drigg beach and Sand Dunes is about a mile away. You have an excellent links golf course at Seascale just walking distance from The Beach House at Whinthwaite. Muncaster Castle is a 10-minute drive where you can tour the haunted castle, take in the birds of prey show and enjoy the stunning gardens. La’al Ratty, a narrow-gauge steam railway from Dalegarth to Boot. You can also enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding and gyhll scrambling. Whether you’re looking for scenery, adventure or climbing, Whinthwaite is a great starting point. Beach 200 yards.