Cottages with some History and/or Historical Features

Many of us are fond of historical features in country cottages; thatched roofs and four poster beds but would be quite as nostalgic if we recall the problems associated with them in medieval times. 

Thatched roofs were warm and desirable to a host of creatures including mice, rats and insects.  These would sometimes fall into the house and into bed.  A canopy or covering was added to beds to prevent vermin from falling in with current occupants.  Fascinating tales such as these often come with historical properties adding to the special interest and experience of staying in a historical cottage.

Houses with some history tend to have interesting features, inglenook fireplaces, old bread ovens, or even possibly the occasional ghost!

You may find cottages with the following historic features to your liking:

• holiday cottages with four poster beds

• cottages with an inglenook

• cottages with a thatched roof

• exposed beams

• old with character

A selection of country and holiday cottages with history and character:

Jasmine Cottage shown on the left is an 18th century character cottage with exposed beams.  It has been modernised internally to provide a cosy and comfortable home in Wiltshire, near Bath, to sleep up to 6 people.

Hillside Croft (sleeps 8-11) in Derbyshire is a 17th Century listed building, built of warm sandstone with leaded light windows, original oak beamed ceilings and cosy inglenook fireplaces with wood burning stoves. It has been tastefully restored to provide a luxurious home whilst retaining its charm and character. It is set within landscaped grounds of six and a half acres.  It can accommodate up to eleven people in supreme comfort and style.  A bedroom in the cottage is shown above.

Meadow Bank - a luxury stone cottage in the Lake District

This fine stone-built cottage was constructed around 100 years ago and is located within the quaint village of Elterwater in Cumbria’s Langdale Valley.  4 star rated by Visit England, this cottage has 4 bedrooms and accommodates up to 10.  Constructed from slate and stone, this is a fine self-catering cottage that offers comfortable accommodation throughout.  Enjoy fine fells views and a slower pace of life in the English Lake District.  There are numerous excellent walks nearby  and further afield. For larger groups, there is an additional chalet within the grounds that can also be rented at additional cost. Telephone 0161 928 6953 or click on the cottage photograph for more information.

Coulscott House Cottages are a collection of high quality 5 star self-catering properties located in North Devon in the West Country.  Located within a peaceful wooded valley, both close to the sea and Exmoor National Park, a stay here could offer a great opportunity to discover some of the best parts of Devon.  Head to the coast for miles of beaches and inland for excellent country walks and a taste of country living  A number of the cottages are Grade II Listed and date back to the 17th century.  These cottages have been beautifully refurbished with fine interiors.  With 5 star ratings you can be assured of high standards of accommodation and customer service.  The cottages are a variety of different sizes and feature a variety of different original features.  One of the cottages dates back to medieval times and another is Georgian.  Two are within wings of the original farmhouse.  With excellent shared leisure facilities, there are plenty of opportunities for just relaxing and taking it easy if you wish.  There are three outdoor hot tubs and an indoor swimming pool plus acres of grounds.  If you wish, make use of the award winning mail order company Heal Farm which is based in nearby Kings Nympton and order some quality produce for your arrival. For further information telephone 01271 88 33 39  for bookings and availability.

Higher Farm Cottage, is a fine, Grade II listed, stone-built cottage located near to Chesil Beach and Weymouth in Dorset.  This high quality cottage can accommodate up to 8 in 5 bedrooms.  Features include real stone flagged floors, exposed beams and an oil fired Aga.  There is a secure, pretty walled back garden with BBQ and furniture.  Telephone Peter on 01458 274 767 to book now before all dates have gone.

Old School Cottage (sleeps 4)  is an 18th century brick and flint cottage on the edge of a quiet conservation village bordering Thetford Forest, close to the Norfolk/Suffolk/Cambs borders. Old School Cottage has been renovated to a very high standard and has a wealth of beams and other period features. A pretty, south-facing and enclosed 'cottage' garden features a patio, garden furniture and barbecue. There is off-road parking for 2 cars. The cottage has a sitting room with an open fire, dining room, kitchen, bathroom/wc (shower over bath), double bedroom (5' bed) with connecting door to a twin bedroom; each bedroom can be accessed by a separate staircase.  Anyone familiar with this part of England will appreciate the wealth of historical buildings and market towns.  Visiting is like stepping back in time, with ancient villages, churches and charming, gentle people.  This is an example of England at its rural best;  England as we would wish to remember it.  View details in the menu on the left under Suffolk. Telephone: 01953 498277 for availability and bookings.

18th Century Cottage in Nottinghamshire - Robin Hood Country.  Wesley Cottage in Oxton, near Southwell, sleeps 4 people comfortably in an 18th Century beamed cottage with two en-suite bedrooms and a large garden.  It's child and pet friendly. Ideal for visits to Sherwood Forest, Nottingham Castle, Clumber Park and Newstead Abbey.  Robin Hood Festival is at the end of July, with jousting, archery, performances.   Please call Heather on 0115 965 2043 for availability.

Set in the heart of the Suffolk countryside "Christmas Hall" can accommodate a large group of up to 20 people, plus an additional 6 in the Coach House across the yard.  The house is just 4 miles away from medieval Lavenham and close to Constable Country.  The house has been furnished to provide a comfortable relaxed atmosphere with charm and character. The many handsome original Georgian features of the house provide an elegant back drop for many occasions.  There is a large secluded garden and cobbled courtyard. London, and Stansted airport are within easy travelling distance.  Housekeeping is available if required. Available for Christmas and New Year.  Telephone 01449 740740

Bruisyard Hall in Saxmundham, Suffolk began life as the Manor House of Rokes Hall which was converted in 1364 to the Abbey of the Poor Clares. There is at least one priest's 'hideyhole', a 'sweet toned bell', oak staircases and a warren of unfurnished rooms in the attic.  

Now a stylish and comfortable Hall with 10 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, it is eminently suitable for family functions, parties (easy to imagine a 'Who dunnit?' event here), corporate entertainment and business meetings.  Various services can be arranged including catering, baby-sitting, and housekeeping.  Bruisyard Hall is available for short breaks. Telephone 01728 638712

The swimming pool at Bruern Holiday Cottages in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire is shown on the left.  The old stables attached to Bruern Abbey (dating back to 1720) have been converted to a collection of beautifully furnished cottages of a 5 Star standard.  

Bruern Abbey has an impressive history, it was bought by Michael Astor, the son of a Viscount, in 1947.  In Bruern’s heydays there were 11 household staff and 13 gardeners to run the estate.  Fascinating and glittering guests visited Bruern at this time.

By the end of Michael Astor’s life the stables were no longer used for horses.  Along with the stables there was also a carriage house and a hayloft.  These stables benefited from cobbled floors and fabulous high ceilings.  In addition, there were barns and various outbuildings including a mill.  These farm buildings have now been converted to high quality self-catering cottages and sympathetically restored.  

When converting the buildings wonderful discoveries were made such as the original threshing floor in the mill along with stone slabs.  The stream which originally powered the mill had to be redirected where it now flows through the park to the fishpond and on to the Thames.  Bruern Cottages have a wealth of history.

For more information about Bruern Holiday Cottages, click on the photo.

If you like the idea of a historic cottage with character, email us your requirements and we'll try to find a cottage to suit you.