Bells Cottage is a beautiful Grade II listed timber framed building that has retained its original thatched roof. It is located adjacent to St Margaret of Antioch’s medieval church, which dates to the 14th Century, and sits directly on the Winchcombe Way hiking route in the heart of the village of Alderton.
The character and charm of this 500-year old cottage is evident even before you enter. For a start, Church Road is a no-through road, so there is no passing traffic, or traffic noise to bother you or your guests. The cottage boasts beamed ceilings and walls, a large fireplace that has a gas fired, log burner style stove for fuss and mess free real flame instant heat. Couple that old world charm with contemporary furnishings, gas central heating, on demand hot water, a well equipped kitchen, two 32-inch televisions and high speed fibre broadband; it guarantees to make for a very comfortable stay.
The kitchen and conservatory dining room are very well equipped, the whole house having undergone a complete refurbishment, which was completed December 1st 2017. The kitchen is now equipped with a brand new Nespresso machine, fridge, freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer and dishwasher. The china, cutlery and cookware are all high end, and new. You will find that the kitchen has everything you need to prepare a romantic meal for two, or to host a dinner party for friends. The conservatory dining table can seat up to six people.
The sitting room has sumptuous seating, two matching armchairs and a matching two-seater sofa that turns into a double bed. There are wrought iron lights on the wall, and lamps aplenty to light even the darkest night. The walls are hung with original artworks in watercolour for a home from home feel. The 32-inch flat screen TV has numerous Free View channels and a myriad of radio stations available for your viewing and listening pleasure.
The bathroom is also located on the ground floor, and has everything you need. The bath has a shower fitted with a large glass splash screen, and there is of course, a sink and a lavatory. Like the rest of the house, this room is centrally heated, so you can remain snug and warm as you soak in the tub with a glass of champagne. The towels we supply are large and fluffy, so you can remain pampered even after stepping out of the bath or shower.
When you make your way up the original wooden staircase you will discover a stunning first floor bedroom with beamed ceiling, offering a luxurious four-poster super king-size bed, small chest of drawers, fitted oak wardrobe, large wool rug which sits on the polished oak floor and views of the church and garden front and back. There is a 32-inch flat-screen television should you wish to watch TV from bed. The bedside tables have lamps, and there are wall lights either side of the bed too. Wi-Fi reception is excellent in the bedroom.
Bells Cottage has the added benefit of an enclosed rear garden, a great advantage if you have brought pets or children. The pretty and mature garden is a great place to sit and relax on warmer days, or to dine alfresco on a summer’s evening. We have equipped the garden with teak furniture: a garden table, four chairs and two bench seats. There is also a lockable external bicycle store, for those who have come on a cycling holiday and a small summer-house.
Should you wish to dine out, you are spoiled for choice. The 16th Century village pub, the Gardener’s Arms, is just a few minutes walk away, they offer a Gastro Pub experience, with a varied and interesting mouth-watering home cooked menu, Vegan’s and Vegetarian’s are well catered for too, as are dogs. Yes! They have a dog menu, and dogs are very welcome inside the bar. As well as being renowned for their food, the Gardener’s Arms is also known for its selection of fine real ales, artisan Gin, spectacular wine and local Stanway cider. They have a large beer garden that is hugely popular on warm summer days. They kindly offer a 10% discount off meals and drinks to all Bells Cottage guests.
An easy 2-mile walk from the cottage, you will find the Beckford Inn. They open at 7:30 each morning and remain open all day. They are the perfect location for enjoying a full English breakfast when you are away on holiday and would prefer not to cook.
Walk or drive just under 3 miles from Alderton and you will discover The Royal Oak in Gretton; another Gastro Pub that is hard to fault. Walk or drive just a little bit further (approximately 4 miles) and you are in the Saxon town of Winchcombe, here you will find historic pubs that date back to Medieval times, and a couple of high end restaurants, Number 5 N