Cottageguide.net
Orchard Cottage, Denton, Cambridgeshire
In a historic part of the Shires, where we think of peaceful stone villages unspoiled by progress, pubs with blazing log fires, and perhaps the ghostly echo of a hunting horn, this is a rare example of a sympathetically-converted 18th century cottage. In a half acre garden with croquet lawn, surrounded by open fields and fine farmland views, the cottage is often used by the owner and is therefore well planned, very comfortable and, in brief, a highly desirable holiday base in a most appealing corner of England - Good Holiday Cottage Guide. The cottage was also the setting for the Christmas 2000 issue of Ideal Home. In recognition of the quality of the property, its settings and the facilities offered, Orchard Cottage has been awarded the four star rating by the English Tourist Council.
The cottage has three double bedrooms, a study, a sitting room with open inglenook fireplace, a large kitchen with Rayburn, and a conservatory. The furniture is antique, and even the large bathroom has Victorian fittings. There are two open fireplaces and a well-appointed kitchen/diner of character which leads into a conservatory. In terms of modern conveniences, the kitchen is equipped with a microwave oven, a dish-washer and a washer/drier, and there is a well-concealed television in the lounge. In addition, the master bedroom has an en suite shower. The extensive gardens include a full size, fully equipped croquet lawn and the eponymous orchard.
The village of Denton, near Stilton, comprises a dozen widely-spaced houses, two farms, and a ruined medieval church. Denton is near the Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire borders. The sights of Stamford, Burghleigh House, Cambridge, Rutland Water and Fotheringhay are all nearby. London is around an hour's drive away or 40 minutes by train from Peterborough.
With a deep pond, the cottage is not suitable for small children. Also, dog-owners and smokers would need to take great care of the antique furnishings and oriental rugs.
Web www.higgo.com/orchard
Cambridgeshire self catering holiday cottages