White Cottage is hidden down a quiet country lane and snuggles in the beautiful river valley of The Orwell Estuary on the Suffolk, Essex border.

The property: The address is Below the Church, Frogs Alley - strange but true and a real indication of the remoteness of White Cottage and its neighbours.

Very private, there are other properties around but you would hardly know it. The cottage looks tiny from the outside but step inside and enter the spacious sitting room with its comfy sofa, easy chairs, soft lighting and large log burning stove and you will really be able to spread. Just the room for you and your partner to enjoy roasted chestnuts, soft music and a nice bottle of wine.

The whole cottage has been totally refurbished for holiday letting in 2012. A brand new kitchen and sunny dining room / conservatory with French doors opening on to the garden; a study, cum quiet reading room - just the place for writers - on the ground floor; upstairs the second bedroom has been transformed into a spacious bathroom and the bedroom finished for a romantic weekend away from the stress of the city.

The grounds: Both the front and rear gardens are really delightful. The cottage owner is a keen gardener and is planting it beautifully. There are several comfortable seating areas and a swing seat so you can enjoy the sun at any time of the day. Beyond the gardens there are miles of open countryside.

Things to do: The perfect spot for walkers, cyclists, bird watchers and anyone simply wanting to unwind in peaceful and beautiful surroundings. Turn left or right along the track and within seconds you will be on the The Stour and Orwell Walk: a 42-mile trail from Felixstowe to Cattawade and Manningtree. There are lots of opportunities for shorter walks and bike rides. The banks of these beautiful estuaries have been celebrated by generations of artists, poets and writers and are home to a wide variety of wildlife. The River Orwell is popular with sailors and mariners are dotted along both sides of the river where you can launch small boats. Shearwater Sailing School, at Wolverstone mariner offers courses and evening sails with wine and supper, the perfect way to appreciate this interesting river.

Self Catering Whilst the major super markets will deliver to White Cottage, for local produce, and a fun day out, it is worth visiting 'Jimmy's Farm' as featured in the BBC2 series of the same name. The farm shop has a great deli counter and butcher serving the famous Jimmy's sausages and you can also enjoy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea in the restaurant- You may have trouble getting away as the children will love the interactive adventures with the resident live stock.

Suffolk Food Hall situated on the high ground, just off the Strand with views across the river Orwell and grand bridge, has established itself as a centre of excellence for local food. Bread that's baked from scratch everyday, a variety of local and British vegetables, beers and fine wines, home-baked cakes, specialist oils and other gourmet goodies. The delicatessen is stuffed with cheeses selected by Hamish Johnston, plus delicious antipasti, tarts, pies, quiches so a great place to stock up for your holiday and for the journey home.

Eating Out: The Shotley peninsular has a number of traditional pubs with a nautical theme, The Shipwreck bar and restaurant at Shotley mariner or the Bristol Arms are both a pleasant walk from the cottage and a great place to while away the hours watching yachts negotiate the lock. Just a few miles up river is the famous Butt and Oyster at Pin Mill,family friendly and offering freshly prepared food and stunning panoramic views of the river Orwell.

Property description

• Ground Floor

• The front door leads into the hall with hooks for coats, space for outdoor shoes.

• A single step leads to the sitting room with oak floor, rugs, sofa, easy chairs, tables with lamps, large coffee table, chest of drawers, large flat screen TV with DVD, log burning stove, shelves with books and DVDs.

• The kitchen has a stable door to the rear garden, dishwasher, fridge and freezer, electric hob and oven, toaster, kettle, microwave and cafetiere.

• A step leads from the kitchen to the conservatory / dining room with table and chairs, coal effect fire and easy chairs - a room in which to make the most of the sunshine whatever the time of year.

• A door from the hall leads up a step to the snug. With sofa, (adapts into small double bed), table and lamp, desk and chair, wi fi, and storage cupboard. A great room for a quiet read or sketching out your next novel.

• A door from the sitting room leads to the staircase to the 1st floor. There is a rail but this is an old cottage and there is a turn.

• First Floor

• The bedroom has a super king bed with topper, large pillows and french throw, bedside tables and lamps, built in cupboard with hanging space and drawers, dressing table with mirror and lights, easy chair. There are rugs on the wooden floor and pretty blinds at the window.

• The very spacious bathroom has a bath with handheld shower, towel rail, wash basin and w.c., a couple of tables and an easy chair. There is a large airing cupboard with shelving.

• Outside

• A 5-bar gate separates the garden from the lane.

• Off road parking for 2 cars, space for dinghy.

• The front garden is lawned with shrubs and trees and very private. A side gate leads through to the rear garden where there is a swing chair, terrace with pond and pagoda, table and chairs, patio area with herbs. There is a small outbuilding with space for bikes and a further sheltered terrace. Views from the garden across the vineyards.

• Wi fi is provided for your laptop. Please note that broadband in this area is not the fastest so not suitable for film downloads etc

• Services

• Electric radiators throughout, there is a log burning stove, logs provided

• Bed linen and towels are provided. Please bring your own towels for swimming.

• In consideration of other guests please do not smoke in the property

• The last half a mile to White Cottage is a track so care is needed if driving a low or heavily laden car