Peaceful riverside retreat in the Test Valley

This airy and comfortable detached bungalow is within our wonderfully rural and peaceful garden, at the end of a private drive near Stockbridge. Its view is over a stream of the River Test to a field with sheep, cows and chickens, and it has its own patio. Horsebridge is a hamlet with a pub, close to where the Test Way and Clarendon Way cross; both are perfect for walkers and cyclists. Salisbury, Winchester, Southampton and Stonehenge are all but a short drive away. The cottage is secluded on three sides. The sitting/dining room has a picture window and is therefore light with a marvellous view. It has a wide screen smart television, a comfortable sofa and chairs to watch it from, and a rickety, out-of-tune piano. There is a wood-burning stove, and a dining table and chairs for six. There are three bedrooms; the main bedroom is made up as a King-size double and has an en-suite bathroom with bath and loo; the other two bedrooms have twin singles and share a bathroom with bath, shower over the bath, and loo. The kitchen has a sink, an oven, halogen hob, dishwasher, microwave and fridge freezer. There is a small utility room with washing machine and sink. Outside there is a terrace with garden table and seating for six and some easy chairs; the terrace is out of sight from the main house. The cottage is at the end of a large lawn, and while guests can always use the area of lawn by the cottage we are generally happy for children and dogs to roam further along the lawn. However the garden is not fenced on all sides, and is bordered by an unfenced river, so children and dogs must be supervised. There is space for two cars to park nose-to-tail outside the cottage. Other cars can park a short walk away. We live next door and look forward to welcoming you, although if that is not possible the keys will be available in a keypress with a combination. We would be very happy to help with our local knowledge, and to answer any questions about your stay. Horsebridge is a small hamlet, with a quiet pub that used to serve the station of a now-disused railway, and today provides meals for locals and passing walkers and cyclists. The Test Way (which follows the old railway line) is 4 minutes walk from your front door. Turn left and you have 6.5 mile walk to Romsey, a market town with a magnificent Norman Abbey. Turn right and it is 2.5 miles to the wonderful Georgian town of Stockbridge with it lovely shops, and its several cafes, restaurants and pubs. Three quarters of a mile along the way to Stockbridge you cross over the Clarendon Way - another great walk. King’s Somborne has two village shops, and the Co-op in Stockbridge is open from 0700 to 2300. Nearby cities are Salisbury (30 mins by car), Winchester (20 mins) and Southampton (20 mins). London is a 70-minute train ride from Winchester. Notable local attractions include: Stonehenge (40 mins); Portsmouth Historic Dockyards and the Mary Rose Museum (50 mins); Winchester Cathedral; the mediaeval Hospital of St Cross; Salisbury Cathedral; Romsey Abbey; Hilliers Arboretum (20 mins); Mottisfont Abbey (National Trust); Houghton Lodge; the New Forest; Jane Austen’s house; the grave of Florence Nightingale; the Museum of Army Flying; Paultons Park with Peppa Pig World (30 mins); Bombay Sapphire Distillery (40 mins). Our immediate environs are most famous for trout fishing, and we are in the heart of the Middle Test, rated by some as the finest dry fly fishing in the world. Although everything one might need is within walking or cycling distance and there is a rudimentary bus service, to get to most local attractions a car is needed. Well-behaved, friendly dogs are welcome, but we would ask that they be kept off the sofa, chairs and beds. The Test Way is very near the cottage and is often used by dog walkers; should any dog mess be left on the lawn it must be picked up and disposed of. Visiting dogs are not allowed over the bridge in the photos into the field where sheep and cattle graze. We have a very friendly and playful spaniel who is not allowed in the cottage or on its terrace, but who enjoys playing with other dogs (and children) on the lawn.