Bidford-on-Avon holiday cottage accommodation, Marcliff with walking, log fire, balcony/terrace, internet access, rural

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Lantern Cottage (cottage)

Home description

A refuge from the stresses of modern life, Lantern Cottage, which is on the front page of September, 2009 Period House magazine (see picture) and showcased in the November issue, will take you back in time to the cosiness of an open fire, exposed beams, antiques and curtains drawn against the cold - but with 21st century amenities. On summer days, you can sunbathe in our pretty walled garden or eat on the patio as the fountain plays near by.

For theatre lovers, it's just a 15-minute drive to the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford, where you can also visit buildings going back to Shakespeare's time and earlier. Not only that, there are river trips, a Picture House, pubs and restaurants for all budgets and plenty to attract shoppers.

Outdoor types can walk straight on to a public footpath, leading to the Avon, with a lock and narrow boats one way, and fields leading to Bidford and its shops the other. Excellent fishing right along this stretch of the Avon is available for Birmingham Anglers Association members - just two minutes' walk away. The whole area is a network of footpaths, lovely, varied scenery and an abundance of pubs. Welford-on-Avon Golf Course, Bidford Gliding and Studley Manor are five minutes away, as are National Trust (and other) properties. If you prefer to cycle to any of these, you can hire a bike from Stratford Bikes.

A haven of tranquility	The front cover of Period House (September '09) featuring Lantern Cottage
Perfect for sunbathing or al fresco dining	Cosy in the winter, sun-filled in summer

To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/87963

The Central England / Cotswolds / Warwickshire region

From Marlcliff, you step out into richly beautiful and varied countryside - and a cultural gem. The RSC is based in Stratford, which is a 15-minute drive away, and particularly lovely in the winter. The two main theatres are due to re-open in 2010. At present, the Courtyard - an award-winning building - is going it alone. Reviews this year are generally very good. We recommend The Winter’s Tale.

Activities in Stratford are varied, including a poetry festival, literary festival, the summer season of the Orchestra of the Swan and, of course, grand celebrations round Shakespeare's birthday on 23 April. Details at www.visitstratforduponavon.co.uk. There is a lovely South Indian restaurant, the Coconut Lagoon in Sheep Street, which is ideal for a pre- or post-theatre meal, and the theatre goers' pub, the Mucky Duck, opposite the Swan Theatre, is always fun. Foodies will like the farmers' market on the first and third Saturday of the month.

North of Stratford is medieval Warwick with its castle on the Avon. A complete contrast is the Regency town of Leamington Spa, while its counterpart, Cheltenham, is rightly known as the cultural centre for the region. As well as the Everyman Theatre, it hosts the nationally known literature festival plus jazz, science and food and drink festivals. Montpellier (the Regency part) is lovely for independent shops, cafés and bars.

Broadway, Winchcombe and Bourton-on-the-Water are all built in traditional style in honey-coloured Cotswold stone, all very different, and all worth a visit. Of these, Winchcombe is our favourite, with a working pottery and several smart restaurants and shops. Railway enthusiasts might want to visit the small rail museum.

Sudeley Castle (where Hugh Grant's ex lives) is off Winchcombe, and you wouldn't want to miss that, what with the gardens and many events. To get to both, you drive through Broadway, which is Cotswolds in aspic, but worth at least one visit. Near Broadway, up the hill, is Snowshill Manor, a very English, wildly eccentric estate with wonderful gardens.

As for on-your-doorstep sights, the site of the former abbey in Evesham with its magnificent bell tower is well worth a visit, as is the nearby timber-framed Almoner's House. From there, you can walk along the river through one of the longest avenues of elms in the region.

The area is not all heritage, though. Birmingham is only 45 minutes away and offers not just the National Exhibition Centre, but Birmingham Rep, a revamped canalside area with restaurants, bars and shops (think Christmas shopping) - and the wonderful Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Shoppers should make for the new Selfridges and the Mailbox, while the chocolate lover's favourite is Cadbury World in Bourneville, of course!

Also great for Christmas shopping is Bicester Village in Oxfordshire, the UK's premier designer outlet, offering many reduced-price bargains. You could probably do all your Christmas shopping there - and have a meal at the same time. It's about a 40-minute drive, but worth it.

Bidford-on-Avon / Marcliff area

Bidford is a walk away over the fields, and you can do your weekly shop there at a very good Budgeons plus buy bread and cakes from the independent bakery. There are some good pubs - the Frog is the current favourite - and several restaurants and take-aways. There's also a post office, paper shop, Lloyds Bank (open every day), hairdresser's and chemist.

If you're sporty, then Bidford Gliding Club could suit you, while cyclists are very well catered for. You can hire bikes from the Welford outpost of Stratford Bike Hire (5 minutes' cycle from our cottage) and then immediately cycle off along the Stratford Greenway, part of the National Cycle Network. FIshing too is an excellent option, which simply involves joining Birmingham Anglers Association. The river bank is a 5-minute stroll away. Walkers have easy access not only to the Greenway, but also the Heart of England Way (see Ramblers Association for major walkways, local walks and local groups).

Stratford has miles of walking along the river - right up to Marlcliff, though some is along the road.

How to get there

Birmingham Airport: easyjet for France; flybe for Europe, Glasgow & Belfast; Ryanair for SouthWest, Scotland & Europe. Car hire from Birmingham: Hertz (Tel: 0121 782 8950).

Evesham Railway Station: approx 2 hrs 20 mins from Paddington, London. Car hire from Evesham: Hertz (Tel: 01789 298827.

By car from London: M40. Junction 15 for the A46 South. Follow signs to Bidford (B439), then Marlcliff ((B4085).
By car from the North: eastbound M42. Junction 3 for the A435. A46 at Alcester, then as above.
By car from the SW: M5. Junction 9 for the A46, then as above.

Activities near Bidford-on-Avon

Facilities

Further details indoors:
This is a very pretty, bijou cottage that combines old-world charm with modern facilities - the kitchen is very well resourced with everything you need to prepare a gourmet meal - from hand mixer, blender, wok and steamer baskets to cafetière, coffee grinder and serving dishes. For the cook in a hurry, there's a microwave/grill and sandwich toaster. Easy peasy. There's a traditional kitchen table for casual meals.

The living room, which features an inglenook fireplace and exposed beams, overlooks the front garden. It's great for chilling with Freeview television, a CD player with dozens of CDs, a DVD player and games. The small dining table with antique pendant light provides the perfect setting for an intimate dinner for two.

The old, twisting elm staircase (make sure you don't trip) leads to the galleried study with an antique desk, complete with stationery, where you can access the internet, and a selection of books. A comfy easy chair with cushions and side table provide the perfect spot to hide yourself away with a book.

Leading from the study is a compact, airy bedroom with a comfortable double bed, feather pillows and duvet (If you have a feather or dust allergy, ask at the time of booking for a synthetic duvet and pillows to be made up instead.), ample storage and a radio on the curtained shelves by the bed. The fitted wardrobe is in the study.

Further details outdoors:
The walled back garden has a sunny patio with herbs and shrubs in the borders. There's a table and chairs for al fresco dining tucked in a corner, with a vine-covered wall one side and a handmade wall fountain the other.

The rest of the garden is laid out with a small curving lawn, well-stocked flowerbeds, box hedges and topiaries. At the end in a sunny spot is a wrought iron bench, where you can sit with a glass of wine and the crossword or a book.

The shed contains a freezer (top drawer for guests) and logs. You can store your bikes in the shed as well.

Parking is on a first-come first-served basis in the lane outside.

Further details

The cupboards are ready stocked with fresh and instant coffee, four types of tea, drinking chocolate, dried goods, oils and vinegar, condiments, rice, pasta and spices etc. You will also find milk and biscuits on arrival and flowers on the table. A fire will be laid in the wood burner and more wood is available in the shed at no extra charge. If you want us to arrange for your groceries to be delivered, there is a £5 charge.

If there are any problems, the concierge lives down the lane.

Conditions

The property is not suitable for children.

A well-behaved dog is allowed, provided it is not allowed on the furniture or left in the house on its own.
Strictly no smoking except in the garden.

All bookings require a 25% deposit. The remainder is due no later than six weeks before the rental period begins. If you book the cottage less than six weeks before the date you are due to arrive, the full rental is due.

Rental rates

Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Spring / Summer 2009	1 May 09	3 Jul 09	400£ 400	8080	8080	3 Nights
High Summer 2009	3 Jul 09	4 Sep 09	450£ 450	0-	0-	1 Week
Early Autumn 2009	4 Sep 09	30 Oct 09	400£ 400	8080	8080	3 Nights
Autumn / Winter 2009	30 Oct 09	24 Dec 09	350£ 350	7070	7070	3 Nights
Christmas 2009	24 Dec 09	31 Dec 09	450£ 450	0-	0-	1 Week
New Year's Eve 2009	31 Dec 09	8 Jan 10	450£ 450	0-	0-	1 Week
Winter / Spring 2010	8 Jan 10	2 Apr 10	300£ 300	6060	6060	3 Nights
Spring 2010	2 Apr 10	7 May 10	350£ 350	7070	7070	3 Nights
Spring / Summer 210	7 May 10	2 Jul 10	400£ 400	8080	8080	3 Nights
High Summer 2010	2 Jul 10	3 Sep 10	450£ 450	0-	0-	1 Week
Early Autumn 2010	3 Sep 10	29 Oct 10	400£ 400	8080	8080	3 Nights
Autumn / Winter 2010	29 Oct 10	19 Dec 10	350£ 350	7070	7070	3 Nights
Christmas 2010	19 Dec 10	31 Dec 10	450£ 450	0-	0-	1 Week
New Year's Eve 2010	31 Dec 10	7 Jan 11	450£ 450	0-	0-	1 Week

The property's weekend rates apply to: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

Changeover day Is Friday. A week consists of 7 nights. Please arrive after 4.00pm on the Friday, and leave by 11.00am on the following Friday.

For short breaks of 3 days, please arrive at 4.00pm, and leave at 11.00am the morning after your last night. The arrival and departure days are flexible. Please ring to discuss.

Christmas and New Year dates are flexible, bearing in mind that any week with Christmas or New Year's Eve in it is £450.00.

Guestbook for Lantern Cottage

"The kitchen appliances are excellent. The Neff oven is a dream to cook with. The bed is very comfortable and there was everything else we needed - more than we have had at other cottages, all included in the cost." Brenda & Richard Garrett. 7 November, 2009

"We had a really lovely relaxing break at your cottage in Marcliff. The cottage itself lived up to our expectations. Being so nicely furnished and well finished made it very homely and welcoming for us and just what we were looking for. Having an open fire in the living room meant it very felt cosy in the evenings for playing board games and relaxing, and the kitchen was perfectly equipped for traditional home-cooked country dinners. The little touches such as arriving to milk in the fridge, chocolates and a welcome pack were well received and a great help in first settling in! The situation of the cottage being in the old part of the village was very picturesque and being able to walk by the river or cycle around the area was just what we were looking for. We would definitely recommend it all to friends and family in the future. Thank you again for all your help and for making it such a pleasant place to stay." Ellie Shrimpling, 6 November, 2009


"A lovely and relaxing stay after our son's wedding. I really can't fault any aspect of your cottage. We may well be back and will definitely recommend the place to everyone we know!" Dave & Jill Hewitt, 26 September 2009

"We are loving your cottage. Thank you for putting out flowers etc. We had a very pleasant stay in this neat and lovely cottage. Thank you!" Lisette Elsendoon, 18 September 2009

"Nice cosy little cottage - lovely area. Very well equipped. Easy access to all amenities." Lynne Flounders, 22 August 2009

"Just wanted to tell you what a wonderful week we had staying at Lantern Cottage. The little cottage and hamlet was so romantic and the garden was delightful. The location was great for exploring the surrounding area. Really appreciated the provision of synthetic bedding, eco friendly cleaning products and the lovely organic towels." Ruby Allamby, 11 August 2009

"I wanted to drop you a line to say a huge thank you for letting us stay in your gorgeous cottage. We really enjoyed it and had a lovely weekend! It was great to enjoy having breakfast in the garden and I particularly appreciated cooking in such a well stocked kitchen! I will definitely recommend it in future!" Claire Braham, 30 July 2009

"Lovely location and well equipped cottage with basic cooking ingredients and cleaning materials. Very helpful and thoughtful." Mandy Elliott, 17 July 2009

“We will be very happy to recommend - we had a great time. I’ll ask Bidford Gliding Club to add your cottage to their list of local cottages/b+bs, and we'll book next time we fly the competition there.” Matt Cook, 27 June, 2009

"Many thanks for making the cottage so warm and welcoming; we had a thoroughly enjoyable time and I will be recommending it to others in the future. . . . Everything was exceptional. So, thank you again." Rachel Kingston, 16 June, 2009

Availability

See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here

Send Enquiry

To contact this advertiser please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/87963

Contact details for the advertiser of home 87963
Name:	Sue Churchill
Tel:	+44 (0)1626 852030
Mobile:	+44 (0)7764 583 027
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Advertiser joined: Apr 2009