Froxfield Old Rectory annexe, Petersfield

Newly refurbished, spacious annexe of a Victorian Old Rectory. Flexible lay-out over two floors, suiting one couple but able to accommodate six comfortably. Self-contained, with work-at-home facilities. Set in large mature peaceful gardens and surrounded by stunning countryside within South Downs National Park. Forget the city and choose between stepping or biking directly onto countless rural lanes and paths, or else relaxing in our beautiful garden with our menagerie of friendly animals. Garden terrace entrance into ground floor comprising living room with double sofa bed, WC and bunk bedroom; first floor comprising fully-equipped kitchen/dining/living area, double bedroom, bathroom, working area (super fast wi-fi). There are smart TVs in both living areas. The Old Rectory is set in 14 areas of mature gardens and field, inhabited by our happy labrador, pygmy goats, free roaming bantams and chickens (whose eggs you can eat for breakfast). As well as a garden for guests' exclusive use, they can also enjoy exploring our own garden. There are many places to sit and relax with a drink especially the charming courtyard area. The village shop and post office is within 3 minutes walk. Enter through iron wrought gate into courtyard garden. Annexe front door is to the left and it is solely for guest use. There is ample parking space on the drive. You will be sharing the courtyard area with the owners. Access to your private garden is located down a track and is about 50 yards from the property. It comprises a lawn, seating area and flower beds. Guests are welcome to wander in the owner's garden. I will be here on your arrival to welcome you and show you around. After that I will leave you alone but will only be next door if you have any queries. Just knock or message! The Old Rectory is in the heart of High Cross, which is one of three rural hamlets that comprise Froxfield, one of the most unspoilt (and high) villages in Hampshire, with no less than 40 miles of lanes and countless walking, biking, as well as bridle routes. We are located within the South Downs National Park and close to the Hangers way, a 21-mile walk from Alton to Queen Elizabeth Country Park. We are just five minutes by car from Bedales School. There are excellent pubs close by, the Pub with No Name within a couple of miles; the Harrow, which regularly features in the UK's most unspoilt pubs, within four miles, where we have been drinking for over 30 years; and the Hawkley Inn with its excellent food (and takeaway menu). Petersfield, 4 miles away, has a wide variety of shops (including a butcher specialising in Angus beef), restaurants (including Malabon, which also has an excellent takeaway menu), and a monthly farmers market. The A3, 4 miles away, allows you to get to Portsmouth, the birthplace of Charles Dickens (the owner's great-great-grandfather) within half an hour and is home to the historic dockyard and HMS Victory. And Jane Austen's house at Chawton is just 10 minutes away whilst the naturalist Gilbert White's house is located 15 minutes away in Selborne. We are also within half an hour of two of England's most historic cathedral cities, Winchester and Chichester. For children, we are about 15 minutes from the famous watercress steam train line at Alresford and the Butser Ancient Farm. They will love hiring boats on the lake on the Heath in Petersfield. The beautiful sandy beach at West Wittering is 40 minutes away. The most direct way to get to the Old Rectory is by car; we are 4 miles from the A3 and there is fast access to the M3. Train is also very easy, there are taxis available at Petersfield station (65 minutes to London Waterloo) which is less than 10 minutes ride away. As for airports, we are 40 minutes from Southampton, 50 minutes from Heathrow Terminal 5 and 1h10 mins from Gatwick. Taxis can be arranged for you from airports. There are countless walking and biking routes literally outside our door. Our driveway is signposted The Old Rectory and Glebe Cottage. Old Rectory is first on your left. There will be tea, coffee, milk and eggs from our chickens for you to enjoy. Our labrador will no doubt bark on your arrival but within seconds will be smiling at you!