Kick back and relax in this stylish, brand new rural retreat within the grounds of our home and next to a grade II* listed windmill.
It is suitable for both holiday and business stays with free parking, its own entrance & self check-in.
Perfect for exploring the local countryside or heading into London or Cambridge – both within easy reach.
The Retreat is just 5 miles from Stevenage with fast train links to London in just 20 minutes. The Old Town of Stevenage is steeped in rich heritage and culture with a long history spanning back to Saxon times. The New Town has a great shopping and leisure offering.. all the main supermarkets including an excellent Marks and Spencers.
The market town of Buntingford is 5 miles away in the other direction.. with an excellent cheese shop, coffee shop, wine bar and the Falcon Restaurant. Just south of Buntingford on the A10 near Puckeridge is Pearces Farm Shop.. plenty of farm fresh food and a wonderful cafe.
Walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter and explore the wonders of the Wizarding World - the studio tour is 28 miles away.
Or attend an Air Show at Duxford (flying season is from May to October) or get up close to gigantic aircraft and visit the museum (open every day except 24th to 26th December).. 18 miles away (less than 30 minutes by car)
There are Ordnance Survey maps in the house so that you can take advantage of the walks on your doorstep. The village of Ardeley is 1 mile away.. walk around the picturesque village green that is surrounded by thatched cottages (on certain days during the summer months you can enjoy tea and delicious homemade cakes on the village green!)
Head to Church Farm in Ardeley where there is a shop and cafe.. bottle feed the lambs in the Spring, go on Spooky Hallowe'en tractor rides in October and meet Father Christmas in December.. there are plenty of animals to feed, goats to walk and teddy bears to find on the beautiful walks around the farm.. the bluebells in April/May are wonderful to see. The Jolly Waggoner Pub in Ardeley serves home cooked food and delicious Sunday roasts.
A few steps down the country lane, you will find the windmill which is open to the public during the summer - opening times can be found on its website cromerwindmill.co.uk
Don't feel like going out? Relax by the pool on a sunlounger or under a large stretch tent if the sun is too hot or if you are avoiding any rain!
Help yourself to home grown strawberries in June, fresh mint and other herbs during the summer months as well as rhubarb and fresh figs in late August / September.
There is a large dining table under the stretch tent.. perfect for eating Al Fresco. There is also a small table by the pool .. enough for 4 people to have lunch! A large parasol by the pool can provide shade if the sun gets too hot!!
An additional shower is provided next to the pool so that you can rinse off before & after swimming.. or spend a relaxing time in the hot tub (kept at 38 degrees centigrade).. perfect for warming up after swimming in the cooler months!
A Far infrared sauna, mini gym with cross-trainer, weights, yoga mats and table football is also available.
There are 2 kitchens in the property.. each has a fridge with freezer unit, dishwasher, oven and hob.. Nespresso style coffee machine and a good selection of cutlery, plates, cups, glasses etc
Kitchen basics are provided - tea, coffee, sugar, salt, pepper, olive oil, milk, cereal, bread, dishwasher tabs & washing up liquid.
Faith in Nature & Weleda bathroom products are also provided.
There is the choice of a charcoal or gas bbq if you decide to cook outside and a fire pit .. perfect for when the evening starts to get a little cooler!
The space:
The front door of the house leads into the hallway with washing machine/dryer. Upstairs there is a living area with double sofa bed / kitchen / dining table, a double bedroom and a shower room. Downstairs there is also a living area with double sofa bed / kitchen / dining table, a sleeping area with a double bed and a shower room. Please see the pictures of the floor plans for the layout details.
Fluffy white towels, bath mats and crisp, white bed linen is provided as well as swimming towels.
The garden is home to a wide variety of wild birds including a breeding pair of tawny owls.
It is not uncommon for deer to venture into the garden and for baby deer to be born in the garden.
Please note that the garden is not completely enclosed but there are tie up points around the house if you wish your dog to be outside with you while you swim!
There is a full information booklet in the house with plenty of suggestions of things to do and places to eat.
