Cosy country cottage with chalk stream charm

A beautifully renovated and charming lodge on the river Dever, ten minutes drive north of the historic city of Winchester. The Fisherman's Lodge is a beautiful self contained country escape with the added benefits of its own little island and brilliant views of the charming river Dever and the wildlife that lives along its banks. The Fisherman's Lodge offers a unique and beautiful outdoor space with all the creature comforts that you would expect to find in a cosy home. Although there is now no fishing on site, the lodge was traditionally part of a small trout fishery. It now stands alone, adjacent to its own small island alongside the sparkling clear waters of the river Dever, a tributary of the world famous river Test. Right outside the front door is a large covered veranda which offers a perfect spot for a breakfast coffee and croissant. A little rustic bridge provides access to the small island. The island offers lovely riverside space with both the opportunity to relax in the sunshine with a glass of cool wine or to sit beneath the trailing branches of the weeping willow that grows at its heart and watch the river life float by. Ducks, kingfishers, moorhens, coots and herons are all common visitors, whilst beneath its sparkling surface minnows, brown trout and the occasional grayling can be seen...and if you are very lucky you may glimpse the otter drift past at dusk. Indoors the kitchen is fully equipped with a large modern cooker, microwave, fridge, freezer and breakfast bar. The kitchen retains some of its original character with a natural stone tile floor and bespoke wooden units. The main living area is spacious and contains a dining table, sofa, bean bag and TV. Additionally there is a small downstairs cloakroom. Upstairs is reached by a stunning oak and wrought iron staircase and leads straight into the bedroom. The large bedroom contains a double bed, dressing table, two hanging cupboards, a long mirror, a TV and two wonderful Velux windows that offer stunning views over an adjacent private lake and pond. The bathroom is large and modern, with a huge walk-in shower and a deep free-standing bath. The whole lodge has its own WiFi and both televisions have 'smart TV' options. The lodge is a short walk from the village of Sutton Scotney and its facilities including a park, the well stocked village shop, Dever Stores, a great village pub, The Coach and Horses and a handy garage with post office facilities. The whole of the Fisherman's Lodge and the adjacent outdoor space as described is for our guests' use. My family and I are more than happy to offer help and advice during your stay. We provide the ingredients for a simple breakfast for your first morning of cereal/ croissant/ tea/coffee, so you can make your own breakfast in peace and quiet without having to rush to the shops - but please do remember we have a very good village shop! Our friendly village has a fantastic number of different walks both long and short. Sutton Scotney village has a welcoming local pub, handy village store and a garage with postoffice facilities. The close village of Wonston with its CAMRA award winning pub, is just a twenty minute walk away through a leafy lane. Easily accessed by car is the historic city of Winchester, with its cathedral, links to Jane Austin, military history, Round Table and Christmas market. The city of Salisbury also offers market history and a beautiful cathedral. Local towns include Stockbridge, Alresford, Andover, Romsey and Whitchurch each with their own charms. Slightly further afield is the New Forest, Christchurch, Mudeford -on -the -sea, Danbury Rings and Stone Henge, Longleat.. and many more place. We are very happy to share our knowledge of these areas with you. The property is accessed directly from the A30 and is only a few minutes drive from the A303 and A34, therefore allowing excellent access to the motorway network. There is therefore some road noise during busy times. A bus service runs from the village of Sutton Scotney to all the local towns. The nearest railway station is at Micheldever, ten minutes drive away, with a direct line to London Waterloo station (55 mins) You will be parking your car inside a secure gated property just off the main road (A30). Please be aware of some road noise during busy periods.