Grade II listed cottage in the Meon Valley

Old Barracks End is a quirky Grade II listed cottage located in the historic, village of Wickham, within the beautiful Meon Valley. Dated to 1495, this unique Wealden cottage nestles in a conservation area, metres from the river Meon and trail. The cottage offers contemporary comfort, alongside a wealth of historical features. A perfect cosy, romantic getaway, or a central base for walking trails and cycling, or visits to the South coast and local historic cities. Our property is somewhere we want you to feel comfortable and relaxed in, a place where you can ground yourself in our beautiful local environment and enjoy a touch of history. On entering the property you can hunker down in the beamed sitting room which offers a splendid, large inglenook fireplace with wood burning stove, a dining area and Smart TV (Netflix). Help yourself to the use of local maps, books and board games for those cosy nights in front of the fire. The kitchen overlooks the attractive cottage garden and is fully equipped with all you will need, including; a large butler sink, coffee machine and a small kitchen table and chairs. A traditional pantry provides storage, fridge, separate freezer, iron and microwave. Both bedrooms provide modern, comfortable beds with fresh, cotton linen; the main bedroom a 'king ' and the second a small double. Additional sleeping arrangements may be possible in the second bedroom for a younger child. If you'd like us to provide a toy box of toys and books for your curious learners, then please ask. The quirky beamed bathroom offers a modern walk in shower with large drencher and second lower shower attachment. There is restricted ceiling height for the 'taller' of our guests in some parts of the bathroom. All towels provided. The peaceful and privately fenced tiered garden offers decking, grassed and gravelled areas, with a number of seating options to chase the sun or find the shade. There is an outdoor brick bbq/fire pit for cooking or for colder evenings, and external space for bikes, Help yourself to fresh herbs and fruit and vegetables from the raised beds, when the seasons allow. Watch your head as you come through the front door, its part of the character of staying in one of the oldest properties in Hampshire! We live close by and will make every effort to answer any questions before and during your stay. Please do be aware that due to personal work restrictions we may not always be able to answer messages instantly but we will contact you as soon as we can! Wickham is steeped in history, being a Roman military post and Saxon settlement, mentioned in the Royal Charter of 826. The vibrant, village hub is centered around the second largest medieval market square in England. The cottage is located on a road leading away from the village centre. Wickham offers a wealth of facilities, including an award winning butchers and a bakers, a traditional hardware store, as well as gift and antique shops located in charming, covered lanes. In walking distance of the cottage are a number of fine country pubs, restaurants and cafes, as well as the popular Chesapeake Mill for those seeking a rare find, or a scrumptious lunch. Two fantastic local farm shops are within a short drive. Wickham water meadows also offer an attractive location for a picnic and a paddle in The River Meon. The property is within walking distance of the eleven mile Meon Valley trail, offering superb opportunities to walk or cycle through attractive landscapes, and forests. The trail also links to other established trails including the South Downs Way, The Wayfarers' walk, Monarchs Way and the Pilgrims trail. The wonderful South Downs National Park is a short car hop away. Hampshire is a county that balances history, nature and modern tourist areas around its market towns, cathedral and maritime cities. Wickham nestles on the edge of the South Downs between Winchester, Portsmouth and Southampton. With quick access to the main M27 motorway, it's an ideal base from to explore the South coast. The nearest beach is as little as seven miles away, whilst London can be reached in under two hours by car and less by rail. The Isle of Wight, The New Forest and Stonehenge are also easily accessible for a days adventure. Wickham has its own bus stop with buses to all local cities and towns. A short taxi ride away are various train stations with direct access to London. Airports include Southampton, Bournemouth and all London options. Please let us know if we can assist with your travel arrangements as pick ups may be possible. Whilst the property doesn't offer its own parking space there is reasonable cost parking in the village square, free on road parking and a free car park within only a few minutes away by foot.