Cottage in the heart of a country estate

If you’re looking for a beautiful spot to escape to, then you’ll love our holiday cottage in the heart of Welbeck. You’ll find your own slice of tranquillity right here in this private rural historic estate, nestled within Sherwood Forest in north Nottinghamshire. This impressive stone cottage has been carefully restored to offer a relaxed and cosy retreat, whilst retaining its historic character. The cottage forms part of The Winnings; a row of ornate almshouses which were built by Welbeck Abbey’s 6th Duke of Portland using the proceeds made during a series of horse racing wins. The Duke's racing successes were legendary. He was a very generous man too and The Winnings were built in 1890 specifically for retired estate workers. The decor of the cottage has been designed by Alison Swan Parente, founder of The School of Artisan Food who has furnished the rooms with pieces from contemporary interiors specialist, PR Home, who are based on the Welbeck estate cottage The cottage includes: • two en-suite bedrooms • light-filled sitting room with log burner • fully-fitted kitchen with oven, dishwasher and washing machine • private courtyard with seating area • shared rear garden and large front garden • designated parking for two cars Each cottage has three HD TVs and Wifi, and also provided are books about the estate, maps of local walks, beautiful white cotton bed-linen, towels, toiletries, kitchen equipment and a supply of basics (coffee, tea, sugar, salt, pepper, and olive oil), matches, logs and firelighters. Guests have sole use of the cottage and its small walled yard at the back. Both the front and rear gardens are shared with the other cottages, some of which have permanent residents in them. Guest have access to the public footpaths across the estate from the cottage and can also walk through the estate to the cafe, farm shop and art galleries. Our friendly team are available during office hours to help with any queries, questions or problems you may have and out of office hours, we have an on-call service. The estate also has 24-hour security. At our cottage, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the Welbeck experience. You’re just a few minutes’ walk from The School of Artisan Food and Welbeck Abbey Brewery so you could pre-book on a cookery course or brewery tour during your stay. You’ll also be able to explore the public walkways around the beautiful estate or visit The Courtyard; home to The Harley Gallery, The Portland Collection and The Harley Shop which reopen on the 1st August 2020. Refuel with a hearty breakfast, leisurely lunch or afternoon cake in The Harley Café or stock up in Welbeck Farm Shop. Here you’ll find delicious food fresh from the estate including Stichelton Cheese, Welbeck Abbey Brewery real ales and bread and patisserie from Welbeck Bakehouse. The cottages are self-catering, but breakfast hampers are available to pre-order from Welbeck Farm Shop. Jump in a car and you’re just a short drive from a wealth of other attractions including… Bolsover Castle: Once part of the Welbeck estate, the Little Castle was built by William Cavendish as a retreat and entertaining space. Hardwick Hall: Now owned by the National Trust, this Elizabethan mansion was created by Bess of Hardwick, whose youngest son purchased Welbeck Abbey. Clumber Park: This neighbouring parkland with lake, healthland and chapel was once the seat of the Dukes of Newcastle and is now National Trust owned. Sherwood Forest: Home to the legend that is Robin Hood, this forest now has an RSPB visitor centre with walks and marked trails. Rufford Abbey: This park surrounding the remains of an Abbey, has a wealth of pathways around its woodlands, gardens and lake and also has activities, events and places to eat. Mr Straw’s House: This Edwardian semi-detached house in Worksop has remained largely unchanged since the 1920s and is open to the public if booked in advance. Newstead Abbey: Best known as the ancestral home of Lord Byron, this historic house is surrounded by parkland and gardens and walking trails. In addition, there’s shopping and further entertainment within Sheffield city centre and Meadowhall shopping centre just half an hour away, while Nottingham is approximately 30 miles away. Retford is the nearest train station to Welbeck estate, and we are a 30-minute taxi ride from Retford station. The cafe, art galleries and farm shop on the estate are all within a 15-minute walk from the cottage and there are several public footpaths you can enjoy, including one that goes by our white deer park. Creswell Crags is a 30-minute walk from the cottage. While you’re still on the Welbeck estate, it feels a world away. This limestone gorge was once home to Ice Age hunters and has cave art dating back 10,000 years before the Egyptian pyramids. The nearest entrance to the cottage closes at 8pm, if you will arrive after this time we need to be advised in advance.