Church Cottage is a quintessentially English, period detached cottage nestling by the village church, with the River Nene flowing at the bottom of the garden and views of rolling fields. Parts of the original cottage dates back to the 17th or 18th century, and it was historically owned by the village church. Church Cottage has been owned by the family since 1950 by the current owners’ grandmother. She unexpectedly bought it at auction, as the beautiful spot had fond memories for her, as she and her husband had courted at the boathouse next door. Today it is owned by two brothers who have very fond memories of staying at their grandmother’s house, and they have fully refurbished the cottage to a very high standard whilst retaining much of its original character. They have thought of everything to provide guests with a warm welcome and a wonderful and memorable stay.

The cottage is the perfect place to get together with friends and family to enjoy time together in a peaceful and beautiful setting. A fair amount of the downstairs is partially or fully accessible to those with limited mobility or those using smaller wheelchairs. The master bedroom is located on the first floor with a bathroom at the foot of the stairs. The other two bedrooms are located on the ground floor, along with a wet room, garden room, games room, a very well-equipped kitchen, and an open plan living and dining room boasting an open fire for those colder evenings.

Church Cottage is conveniently located in the historic village of Denford in Northamptonshire, and is easily accessible to many places. The area enjoys excellent access to walking and cycling routes, as well as fishing, sailing and canoeing, sightseeing and children’s activities. The small market town of Thrapston is just over a mile away, where you will find a selection of cafés, restaurants, takeaways, a post office, banks, shops, hair and beauty salons and pubs, as well as the Nene Leisure Centre with swimming pool, gym, crèche and sauna/steam rooms. Fun for all the family can be found at Wickstead Park, just under 10 miles away, which is a charming family theme park dating back to the 1920’s. Northamptonshire boasts many historic and stately homes including Althorpe, Princess Diana’s ancestral home, Castle Ashby, Sulgrave Manor, Rockingham Castle and Lyvedon near Oundle. Silverstone Racetrack, where the British Grand Prix is held, is 35 miles away, and the historic university cities of Oxford and Cambridge are easily accessible. Shop 1 mile, pub 250 yards.

Set in the heart of the Nene Valley countryside, this beautiful stone cottage is perfect for a family holiday or a quiet retreat. Lily Pad Cottages are set around a courtyard, have all been thoughtfully designed and are wheelchair accessible. Lily Pad 2 offers three bedrooms, one on the ground floor, and all can be made as super kingsize doubles or twins. There is also the option to request a Z-bed if flexible sleeping arrangements are preferred, by prior arrangement directly with the owner at an additional cost. There is an open plan living area and kitchen, and a ground floor bathroom with wet room-style shower area. Outside there is a patio and garden to sit and enjoy the sun. There is a beautiful relaxing indoor pool area which can be booked for exclusive use (free of charge) and it boasts comfortable seating, changing rooms, showers and a table tennis area.
Visitors to Lily Pad Cottages are spoilt for choices when it comes to entertainment, there is something for everyone in the family. Within walking distance of the cottages is a world of footpaths and greenways, winding alongside the stunning River Nene and out across the countryside. Many of these trails end at some very accommodating pubs that offer delicious food and drink, as well as a range of local beers. There are great street markets in Oundle (on Thursdays) and Stamford (On Fridays) which are both well worth a visit, while the beautiful Rushden Lakes development is just a 30-minute drive away, offering retail, entertainment and eating options all set around the Nene Wetlands conservation area. Burghley House and Park is only a short drive away, and Stamford is worth a visit.
Indeed, if wildlife and nature are of interest, Rutland Water is only a 20-minute drive and offers great leisure activities from a waterside stroll, learn to sail, windsurf or hire a bike and cycle around the reservoir, stopping for a picnic. Sacrewell Farm Park is home to the giant Shire Horses. Hamerton Zoo Park is 15 miles away but is so popular with visitors as it has some great exhibits, and children love the monkeys. For a day at the beach, Snettisham is a hive of activity for nature lovers and walkers, backing onto a coastal park with reed beds, scrub and marshland behind the shingle beach. It’s also adjacent to the RSPB Snettisham Reserve which hosts an incredible display of knot and pink-footed geese when the tides are right. Sandy beach at Hunstanton is great for children to search for sea life in the rock pools.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 42 guests.

Sheldon House is a charming holiday cottage nestled in the picturesque village of Braunston, Daventry. This historic property, over 200 years old, carries a unique past as it was once a hardware store or haberdashery, adding character and nostalgia to its ambiance. Inside, you’ll find a cosy and comfortable living space, featuring a separate living room and dining room, and a well-equipped kitchen. The cottage boasts three bedrooms with 100% Egyptian cotton bedding and 5* hotel standard pillows, providing ample space for a family or a group of friends to stay and explore the surrounding area. One of the highlights of Sheldon House is its lovely garden, a peaceful oasis where you can unwind after a day of exploration or have your morning coffee while you watch you four legged family member run freely, as the property is dog-friendly.
Exploring the area around Braunston offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. Take a leisurely stroll to Braunston Marina and watch the boats gently gliding along the Grand Union Canal. You can even hire a narrowboat and embark on a relaxing canal cruise. Discover the quaint charm of the village with its traditional stone houses, charming pubs, and local shops. The historic St. Peter’s Church, dating back to the 13th century, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Just a short drive away is Daventry Country Park which offers beautiful walking trails, serene lakes, and opportunities for birdwatching. Visit the beautiful National Trust property of Canons Ashby, a stately home surrounded by stunning gardens and parkland. Explore the historic house, take in the grand architecture, and enjoy the scenic walks. Located a little further afield is Althorp House, the ancestral home of the Spencer family, and it offers a glimpse into the history of the renowned Princess Diana.
If you’re a sports fan, consider visiting the nearby town of Rugby, famous for being the birthplace of rugby football, here you can explore the Rugby Football Museum and enjoy the town’s pleasant atmosphere. Whatever the reason for your break, Sheldon House provides an ideal base for a memorable holiday.