Magpie Cottage, a perfect country getaway

A delightful 2 bedroom, single story, cosy country cottage close to South Downs National Park. Charming private walled garden, within the gardens of Pickhams. Garden murals, original artist's work throughout. Suitable for couples and families. Sleeps 2 to 6 (double sofa bed in living room). Quiet and secluded, perfect for walking/cycling to local attractions. Off road parking, private entrance. Dog friendly (small fee for up to 2 dogs). An hour and a half from London, minutes from the Sunshine Coast. The neighbourhood Magpie Cottage is located in Wilmington, England,United Kingdom. On the National Cycle Network and with dozens of local footpaths, visitors can walk or cycle to 2 local pubs and the local tea rooms and farm shop. A ten minute walk away is the Forestry Commission's Abbots Wood, with miles of safe walking and cycling, horse riding (by permit), a lake, picnic area and a wonderful play/adventure area for children. Glyndebourne, the world famous opera venue, is just a 20 minute drive away. Charleston, the home of the Bloomsbury group, and the annual Literary Festival is a 10 minute drive away as is Drusilla's Zoo Park at Alfriston and Knockhatch Adventure Park at Hailsham. . Other local attractions include The annual Arlington Bluebell Walk; Arlington Reservoir; 5 local historic churches including St Pancras Church in Arlington with its Saxon wall paintings and Berwick church with its Bloomsbury murals; the iconic chalk hill figure of the Long Man of Wilmington; Middle Farm at Firle; the historic and picturesque village of Alfriston with its National Trust property, The Clergy House; Michelham Priory, a Sussex Past property and grounds with working watermill; The South Downs Way and the Wealdway; the beautiful Cuckmere valley leading to Birling Gap and Cuckmere haven. Local towns include Hailsham with its weekly market, 3 large supermarkets and other well serviced shops and takeaways, and the railway town of Polegate, both on the Cuckoo Trail walk and cycle path. Magpie Cottage is half way between the seaside town of Eastbourne with its pebble beaches and amenities and the historic and beautiful town of Lewes, East Sussex County Town and home to the annual Lewes Bonfire celebrations on 5th November. Getting around 1.5 miles north of the A27 between Polegate and Lewes. There is a bus stop at Wilmington with an occasional local bus service provided by the Cuckmere community Bus. Railway stations at Polegate and Berwick. You can choose to cycle or walk mainly off-road from the stations to Magpie Cottage (muddy when wet). Taxi services in Polegate and Hailsham. Walk the country lanes to the local pubs or use one of the many cross-country footpaths, many of which have beautiful views of the South Downs. The space Private ground floor entrance via its own garden, the property is a self contained bungalow, an annexe to Pickhams. There are a couple of small steps to access the porch / garden. The porch leads into a spacious, vibrant lounge featuring artwork, tv, high speed fibre broadband, comfortable sofas and arts and crafts chair, stripped wooden floors and rugs. Double sofa bed. Log burner for use in the winter months (we'll provide a few logs, you can buy more). A small hallway accesses 2 double bedrooms, simply decorated with interesting touches, one features a large built in wardrobe / storage area, a bookcase with a selection of books to buy / swap, the other was originally the artist's studio and has a painted floor, a 1950's cupboard and displays dozens of interesting works of art. The bathroom has a bath with overhead shower (plenty of hot water provided by a timer controlled immersion heater), mosaic details and tongue and groove painted ceiling and panelling contrasting with the light, white tiles. In the spacious kitchen there is a large oak dining table, beautiful painted dresser, a large, vintage belfast sink and small solid fuel range (we will light this before your arrival in winter months and guests are welcome to keep it going), tiled beech work surface, gas hob, electric fan oven, microwave, toaster, kettle, dishwasher, fridge freezer, tongue and groove ceiling with down lights, black and white chequered tile floor. The cottage does not have central heating - in winter months heating is provided by the woodburner in the living room (we'll start you off with some logs and will have more for you to buy). There are also timer controlled electric heaters in the bedrooms and living room to keep the chill off. Art tuition (choose one to one or a class for your whole party) is available as an add on with owner, Josie Tipler, artist and art tutor - check her availability before placing your booking.