Enjoy a holiday for two surrounded by glorious countryside in this charming holiday cottage. Sparrows Nest offers an ideal retreat for couples looking to escape to the country for some rest bite. This characterful cottage has been finished to an impressive standard and offers you a dreamy and intimate holiday home perfect for some ‘you’ time. With its ideal location overlooking the River Stour on the Shotley Peninsula, you’re sure to fall in love with this spot and the rolling countryside that surrounds. If you are looking for tranquillity, then this is the place for you.
This delightful holiday cottage comes complete with a fully equipped kitchen so you can cook up a storm using some fresh local produce. The bright and airy kitchen isn’t short of space and it’s packed with everything you need to make for a relaxed self-catering stay. This space is complete with a handy breakfast bar and two stools for those continental or cooked breakfasts you could choose to enjoy. A wealth of period features have been lovingly restored and will truly bring some magic to your stay. Timber beams line the ceiling in the cosy lounge and as you walk in you’re sure to be intrigued by the old bakery ovens, that have since been retired – these authentic touches to a charming period cottage make this the perfect spot for evenings in with that special someone. Upstairs you’ll find the intimate bedroom suite boasting far-reaching views across stunning countryside stretching to the river. A luxurious king size bed takes centre stage in this dreamy room and the en-suite bathroom, complete with free standing bath, allows you to indulge in luxury.
This getaway is also suitable for your four-legged friends, with up to two dogs able to enjoy this stay with you – they will love exploring the abundance of countryside and fantastic dog walks that surround! This idyllic holiday cottage comes complete with ample parking and its own garden area too.
Shop: 2 miles
Why we love this property: The perfect holiday cottage for a romantic break surrounded by rolling countryside, where peace and quiet go hand in hand.
GROUND FLOOR
Entrance Hall: Coat and boot storage.
Sitting Room: Wall mounted Smart TV, Blu-ray player, two-seater sofa, dining table and chairs for two guests.
Kitchen: Electric oven and hob, fridge freezer, microwave, dishwasher, breakfast bar.
FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom 1: King bed, large built in wardrobe, TV, stunning views across to Harwich and the River Stour. En-suite Bathroom with free standing bath with over bath shower, washbasin and wc.
Garden: A large rear garden which is mainly laid to lawn with small patio area complete with garden furniture.
Parking: One private parking space available.
Pets: Two well behaved dogs allowed. Kindly have your dogs on a lead when outside of the private garden please.
Heating: Underfloor heating on the ground floor. Oil fired central heating on the first floor.
Notes: Wifi and towels are provided. Please be aware that due to the nature of the property there are low beams on the first floor, and the stairs are steep..
The village of Harkstead is located within the Shotley peninsular where the River Orwell meets the River Stour. This pretty village is home to The Bakers Arms, a popular pub in one of the more remote areas of the county. At the very tip of the Shotley peninsular is Shotley Gate which used to be the home of the Navy base HMS Ganges and has commanding views over the international Port of Felixstowe and Harwich. Here you can look out over the river and watch as the massive cargo ships are loaded up before heading to other ports all over the world. Why not walk around Shotley Marina and look at all the boats moored up and heading out to sea for an adventure. You can also go for a drink or a meal at the Shipwreck pub with unrivalled views over the river. There is also the Shotley Museum which gives more information of the history of Shotley and HMS Ganges.
From Shotley you can walk up along the river Orwell towards Pin Mill which is home to the Butt and Oyster pub and Woolverstone Marina. Here you can sit and watch with a well-earned drink or meal as the impressive red sailed Thames barges head up the river towards Ipswich. Other places nearby include the ever-growing Suffolk Food Hall which sells locally produced food. A must for any foodie, here there is a fantastic food hall, garden centre, home store and café. Or treat yourself to a meal in the onsite restaurant called The Cookhouse which has fantastic panoramic views of the river and the Orwell Bridge.
If you are keen on water sport why not pay a visit to Alton Water just up the road where you can hire sailing boats or windsurfing equipment and explore the largest area of inland water in Suffolk. There is also a foot and cycle path surrounding Alton Water if you don’t want to get wet.