The neighbourhood
The cottage lies in the
North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which is a paradise for walkers, horse-riders and mountain bikers, with terrain including high chalk ridges, fields, ancient heathland and woodlands. St Mary Bourne offers the perfect balance of seclusion with village amenities on the doorstep, it has a welcoming atmosphere, a small shop, a café and two pubs, The George Inn and Bourne Valley Inn, along with a beautiful 12th century church. All are within a 10-minute walk along level footpaths.
If you like getting dressed up for the races, Newbury Racecourse is about a 30-minute drive away from the cottage and races are held throughout the summer. In the same direction, there’s Highclere Castle, the historic home of Lord and Lady Carnarvon. Made famous for being the location of the hugely popular television series ‘Downton Abbey’, it is open to look around the Capability Brown-designed gardens and for tours of the house that include the Egyptian Exhibition that celebrates the part that the 5th Earl of Carnarvon played in discovering the tomb of Tutankhamun.
For a tipple or two, head to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery to learn all about the gin, tour the grounds and sample the products. Or venture a little further to Hattingley Valley Wines, one of Hampshire’s greatest vineyards.
For a day beside the sea, Bournemouth Beach is just a one-hour drive away and offers something for everyone along the seven-mile stretch of golden sands. Rest, relax and grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants nearby or go for a swim in the sea which boasts some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK.
Other nearby attractions include Stonehenge, Chawton House, Peppa Pig World and Marwell Zoo, while London is just 70 miles away.
Getting around
A car is recommended for travelling to the property and ease of getting around.