Bourne Cottage, a unique and charming retreat

Bourne Cottage is a charming, timber-clad cottage set in grounds of a stunning 19th century Georgian property. It sits in the pretty village of Hurstbourne Tarrant in the heart of the Test Valley surrounded by beautiful countryside providing walks on the famous Test Way. Our superb local pub is just across the road. Stonehenge, Highclere Castle and the Bombay Sapphire Distillery are all nearby, as well as the quaint market towns of Stockbridge and Hungerford and the ancient city of Winchester. Bourne Cottage is a quiet, comfortable, self-contained property with character and charm. On the ground floor it offers an open plan living room and kitchenette with a dining area. The cosy lounge area has large L shaped sofa, a coffee table and tv, complete with Netflix and dvd player. The kitchenette is well equipped and offers a range of teas and ground coffee/cafetiere, a combination convection oven/microwave/grill (no hob), a toaster and some fresh bread, butter, jam/marmalade/honey plus granola, cornflakes and about a pint of milk to get you going. There is a dishwasher, fridge and washing machine in the kitchenette if required. Upstairs, the bedroom has an elegant, walnut sleigh bed with a sumptuous feather and down topper, beautiful cotton bed linen and blackout curtains. There is plenty of storage with hanging and drawer space. The bathroom has a bath and shower over the bath with large bath sheets and lovely hand soap and shower gel. Both the bedroom and bathroom look out towards the beautiful walled garden. You are welcome to take your coffee or drinks and sit outside if you wish. The garden has access straight out onto a public footpath and rolling fields. Use of a fire pit and Weber bbq in the garden can be privately negotiated. If you fancy surprising your partner with fresh flowers in Bourne Cottage (supplied by a lovely inexpensive local florist) please let us know. The fantastic George and Dragon pub is just across the road serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are many great pubs and restaurants nearby which Helen would be happy to advise you on. We look forward to welcoming you. There is private parking in the gravel driveway for one car with additional free street parking outside the property. Helen will be happy to advise on local taxis. There is a bus stop outside the George and Dragon pub opposite for local bus services. You can wander through the village to the church and playing fields with various local walks from there or directly from the garden onto the hills behind. You are welcome to enjoy sitting out on the table and chairs in the garden. There is a local shop in walking distance. I am happy to help make your stay special and to provide any information that you need. There is so much to see and explore on your doorstep. Highclere, where Downton Abbey was filmed, is close by and open to visitors at certain times of the year. Stonehenge is about a 30 minute drive away and has a visitor centre. The picturesque towns of Stockbridge, Hungerford and Marlborough can be explored as well as the stunning little villages of the Bourne Valley with their lovely walks and fantastic local pubs. Winchester is about a 30 minute drive with its beautiful cathedral and military museum district as well as its great shops and restaurants (including The Ivy). There are many National Trust properties to explore including Mottisfont house and gardens (40 mins away). The Hawk Conservancy Trust, only 15 mins away, has a beautiful collection of over 150 birds of prey set in 22 acres of woodland with regular flying displays of birds, providing a wonderful experience for the whole family. Locally, the fantastic George and Dragon pub is walkable (conveniently just opposite over the road!) and there are some amazing pubs to try that are very close by such as The Crown at Upton or The Jack Russell at Faccombe. You can walk straight out from the property onto public footpaths. Locally in the village very close by there is a large recreation ground behind the school with a children’s playground and a cricket net. Opposite the park there is the beautiful old church of St Peter’s. A ten minute walk takes you to the village shop and a lovely, quirky tea room called The Tea Cosy. In addition to the beautiful walks on the Test Way the area is known for its wonderful fishing on the chalk streams of The Test. You can park in the driveway of the property. There is room for a second car if necessary or free street parking outside. If you would like secure parking that can be arranged on the premises. Help with local taxi firms can be given if required. There is a bus stop very close by outside the George and Dragon with a local bus service. Andover train station is a 10 minute drive, Whitchurch train station a 15 minute drive.