The Stables is approached down a wooded driveway that leads to a large, dedicated parking area and steps down to the rear of the property. The Stables has fantastic views over the property's rooftop towards mature trees and the Avon Valley below. It is a secluded, country retreat yet is only 5 miles from Bath and less than a mile from the centre of the village of Batheaston.
Descend the steps from the parking area to a lovely, private garden and patio that wraps around the side of the cottage to the front. To the side is the small Summer House, with a lawn, overhanging mature trees and garden seating. (A gate in the side garden leads to a path and the owner's private residence.) At the front of the cottage is a second lawn with a patio running the length of the cottage and down the middle of the lawn where there is a charcoal barbecue. The garden can also be accessed via French doors from the Living Room. To the side of the parking area is a private all-weather tennis court. Guests must seek permission on arrival from the owners to use the court.
Ground Floor
The whole ground floor area has polished limestone tiles and rugs and is heated via underfloor heating.
Utility Room:
Guests enter the Stables through the back door into the handy Utility Room where there is a freezer, washing machine, dryer, sink, ironing and cleaning facilities and plenty of space to keep shoes, walking boots and other outdoor gear.
Cloakroom:
Sitting between the Utility Room and Dining-Living Room is a separate downstairs toilet with a mirror and washbasin.
Living/Dining Room:
The cosy yet spacious open-plan living-dining and kitchen area features a fabulously tall, arched window set in a stunning Cotswold stone wall. The living area is furnished with a large woodburner stove, two sofas, an armchair, and a smart TV and coffee table. Local area information leaflets, maps and walking guides are provided for guests to use during their stay. French windows open out from the living area to the garden and patio, making outdoor entertaining easy and appealing. Overlooking the living area is the twin bedroom's unusual Juliet balcony, with a handmade, wrought iron railing - a unique spot to have a drink or morning cuppa!
The dining area, with its pretty port-hole window, is furnished with a long, rectangular table, comfortably seating up to six guests, and an antique dresser filled with crockery, glasses and table accessories.
Kitchen Area:
The farmhouse-style kitchen is fully equipped and features a large preparation area, a double sink overlooking the lovely garden, a wonderful red Aga oven, an electric oven (not shown in photos), a dishwasher, coffee machine, and all the pans, bakeware and preparation equipment needed to cook every meal during a stay.
Front Hall:
The original entrance hallway - between the open-plan living-dining area and Bedroom 1 - is brightly lit with a desk and lamp making it an ideal place to sit and work or plan a day's outing.
Bedroom One - Master Bedroom:
The downstairs en-suite master bedroom looks out over the garden and features exposed oak beams and timbers, a king-size double bed with bedside tables and reading lamps, a walk-in wardrobe, an antique tallboy dresser with drawers and an antique dressing table with a triple mirror. The beautiful, polished limestone floor with underfloor heating has two lovely cosy rugs on either side of the bed.
En-suite:
The light and bright master bedroom's en-suite bathroom features a wet room-style walk-in shower, a full-size bath, toilet and washbasin.
First Floor
A carpeted staircase with a banister leads up to Bedroom Two and Three and the family shower room.
At the top of the stairs is a large landing with an armchair positioned in just the right spot for enjoying the sunshine streaming through the Velux window, plus a door out to steps leading up to the parking area.
Bedroom Two:
The cottage's second bedroom has a beautiful exposed stone wall and features a king-size bed with bedside tables and reading lamps, an armchair, chest of drawers, hanging rail and plenty of hooks to hang extra coats or bath robes. A Velux window with a blind looks out to the rear of the property.
Bedroom Three:
This delightful twin bedroom features double doors opening onto a unique Juliet balcony, overlooking the living area below. The bedroom is furnished with two single beds, bedside tables and lamps, an antique chest of drawers, a hanging rail and has a Velux window with a blind with a view over the parking area and onto the adjoining woodland. (Please note: The height of the Juliet balcony is safety-standard. The doors to the balcony can be locked to prevent young children from using it.)
Family Shower Room:
The shower room features step-in, wet room style shower with a seat, a washbasin with a vanity unit and mirror, and a toilet. A Velux window with frosted glass opens out over the rooftops.
Outside
The Stables has a beautifully tranquil outdoor space with a wraparound lawn and patio with garden furniture to relax on, a large picnic table for al fresco dining, a bistro table and a garden bench. The garden is completely private, with a 10ft high wall to one side and a waist-high wall at the far end with views out across mature treetops and onto the Avon Valley. The Summer House in the side garden can be used for bicycle storage. Guests may use the all-weather tennis court, located beside the parking area, by arrangement on arrival with the owner. (Please bring own racquets and balls.) Head up to the parking area and along the driveway to the main road where you will find public footpaths that lead out across the stunning surrounding countryside.
