Rectory Cottage holiday home details
This exquisitely designed luxury cottage in Tinwell near Stamford is a dreamy abode for lovebirds looking for a romantic break in 'The best place to live in Britain' (as voted by the Sunday Times). Rectory Cottage started life humbly as a stable to the adjacent rectory; guests will be intrigued by the row of nails set into a beam with tiny pieces of paper pinned above, some of which still denote the faded name of the horse whose tack would have hung beneath. Many original features have been sympathetically retained at this 18th century cottage, while the New England flavour with a twist of French romance creates a luxury self-catering space for romantics to relax and be inspired.
The well-equipped, open-plan New England-style kitchen and living room with limed oak floor and underfloor heating provides the perfect place to rustle up a romantic meal for two. Throw open the French doors from the dining room and enjoy a sophisticated supper by candlelight, or dine al fresco in the courtyard garden with the atmospheric lighting setting the scene. Climb the beautifully-lit staircase to the vintage king-size bedroom where fine linens, alpaca duvet and cloudburst and wool pillows will make lazy mornings in bed all the more tempting. The hand-carved oak headboard completes this romantic space, whilst the en-suite bathroom with deep tub and shower prove the perfect place to pamper.
Proclaimed by Sir Walter Scott as England's 'finest stone town', Stamford was declared a conservation area in 1967. Today Stamford is still as beautiful and it was then, boasting five medieval churches, 600 listed buildings of honey-hued limestone and hidden alleyways teeming with chic boutiques, eateries and alehouses. Ancient Stamford is a film-makers dream, offering a classic snapshot of olde worlde England. Romantics will recognise the town from Pride and Prejudice scenes whilst others will notice it also appears in The Da Vinci Code. The famous water meadows are an idyllic place for a romantic stroll to feed the ducks and enjoy the late afternoon sun sparkling on the river. Rutland's countryside is blissfully unspoilt; hire a row boat, find a perfect spot for a picnic, or just recline in the gardens and enjoy the birdsong.
This holiday at a glance
- Sleeps two guests.
- Master bedroom with king-size bed.
- En-suite bathroom with walk in wet room shower and separate bath.
- Picturesque village setting.
- WiFi.
- A choice of two beautiful, private courtyard gardens, one of which is fully enclosed.
- Babes in arms welcome.
- One small well behaved dog welcome. ( small additional charge)
- Parking for up to two cars.
- Minimum of a three night stay.
Additional features
- Underfloor heating on the ground floor.
- Bespoke kitchen with granite surfaces.
- Electric oven and hob, microwave and fridge/freezer.
- Small dishwasher.
- Washing machine and tumble dryer.
- Television with Freeview TV.
- Blu-ray player.
- IPod docking system.
- Travel cot and highchair available on request.
- Garden furniture and sun loungers.
- Barbecue.
Attractions and nearby amenities
- Shopping is a real pleasure in Stamford; narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards are home to speciality shops, fine jewellers and designer boutiques, while the high street has a great choice of independent and recognised retailers.
- Head to a cosy café and watch the world go by over the rim of your tea cup, or enjoy the surroundings of the many traditional inns serving home-cooked fayre. The George of Stamford (an old coaching inn that offers the perfect escape) is a favourite among locals and visitors alike; enjoy a relaxed afternoon tea in the lounge or courtyard, or a delicious meal in the oak panelled restaurant.
- Towns and villages: from antique hunting in Uppingham, to designer clothes shopping in Oakham; explore the charming villages of Knossington and Braunston where a fusion of country market town appeal is on offer nearby.
- There are several golf courses close by, including Greetham Valley, Rutland Water Golf Course and the prestigious Luffenham Heath.
- Burghley House, a breathtaking Elizabethan stately home, is still privately owned. You may recognise Burghley House from its many appearances on the big screen, including The Da Vinci Code and Pride & Prejudice, when it played the home of Lady Catherine De Bourgh.
- Equine lovers will relish a stay at Rectory Cottage in September when the world famous Burghley Horse Trials take place just a pleasant stroll away from the cottage. This 3-day event is one of only six such competitions in the world; a sport designed to be a complete test of horsemanship, attracting the best of international riders and horses in pursuit of the coveted first prize.
- If you enjoy the great outdoors, then you will find lots of thing to enjoy in this rural retreat. Outdoor sports are extremely well catered for with plenty of walking and cycling available, plus fishing, golfing and the huge choice of watersports that take place on Rutland Water Nature Reserve.
- Stamford train station is the nearest train station with connecting trains from Peterborough Station just one stop away (15 minutes). Direct trains from London to Peterborough take only 50 minutes.
For additional inspiration on what to do within the area, please
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