Hidden away at the end of a cart track, perched on a hill overlooking the river Stour in a cluster of five other homes, is this cosy little farm workers cottage: peacefully, happily lost from the world.
It is a 17th century mid terraced farm workers cottage in this tiny hamlet of six homes overlooking the Stour river valley . Surrounded by fields with wonderful footpaths that wander off in different directions.
Putts Cottage overlooks fields, a wooded valley and nature reserve. The cottage is reached by private unmade road of nearly a kilometre, you feel like you have really reached someone's hidden hideout when you arrive at the end of the road.
This lovely character cottage is a great place to escape to, it is very cosy and snug and there are beautiful footpaths to explore with the river Stour at the bottom of the hill and an excellent riverside pub called The Henny Swan which provides snacks and gastro dining, in Sumer you can hire canoes and paddle boards from the Swan and take the tiny river boat as a passenger up to Sudbury quay.
Walkers, cyclists and doggies will love it.
Please Note: 2 cars can get into the private parking place – but the turning is too tight for a long wheel-based Van.
Cottage Walk Through
You walk straight into the main sitting room with exposed beams, a brick fireplace with cosy log burner and a traditional brick floor, all in keeping with its historical listed status. Go through an arch way where the stairs lead up to the two double bedrooms and bathroom and into the kitchen/dining room.
The kitchen has a large worktop area and oven, hob and dishwasher – it is snug but everything you need is there.
Upstairs are the two bedrooms with double sized beds, the bathroom has a Victorian ¾ length bath with a hand held shower adaptor.
Please note that this old cottage has quite a steep staircase, so please bear this in mind if you have a baby or child, or one of you is less than fully mobile.
This is a cute little cottage and although there are two double bedrooms it is really more comfortable for two guests, but if you want to book the extra bedroom for a third guest that would be fine at a squeeze.
The Gardens
The cottage looks straight across to the lovely lawned garden which has a cosy seating area perfect for having a relaxing snack or drink. There are lovely views over the valley to the woods beyond, a few steps away is the footpath where the Stour Valley path and The Pilgrims Way (St Edmunds Way ) cross one another. Enchanting walks down to the river Stour or across the valley and up into the Daws Hall Nature Reserve.
The owners are happy to welcome well behaved doggies to this cottage but please note that the garden is not enclosed, and pets should not run off into other gardens, especially as the open fields are just a few steps away.
Outside
The little settlement of Hickbush is set on a hilltop overlooking the river Stour, behind it are little hills and vales that run down to the Stour River valley. There are lovely walks along footpaths and tiny lanes, and the owners provide bikes for you to easily scoot down to the excellent local pubs or roam the lanes that even the locals get lost in.
I should mention that there is a pylon line running over Hickbush, but you can’t see it from inside the cottage and you don’t notice it when you are sitting in the lovely garden.
You are about 12 minutes drive from Sudbury which has all the shops, supermarkets and restaurants you could wish for plus a great swimming pool, a train station linking to London Liverpool Street via Marks Tey, The Quay Theatre and the Gainsborough House Museum, there is also a street market on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Local Area
The Stour River Valley has a rich history, being the first navigable river in England through its early lock system, immortalised in John Constables painting like The Haywain which he painted at his home just down river at Flatford Mill.
There are many activities on the river and rowing boats can be hired at Dedham and Flatford Mill for gentle rowing and perhaps taking in a picnic on the riverbank. You can book a paddle board experience just down the hill from the cottage at The Henny Swan, through the paddle company, or bring your own boats or paddle boards and set off from the pub. You can also do the Sudbury Stour to the sea trip during September or just book a trip to Bures and Nayland. The River Stour Trust operates a fun boat ride from Sudbury Quay to The Henny Swan
The Pilgrims way was created to bury St Edmund the Martyr one of the first Christian kings of England and its original patron saint (before St George). It runs from Manningtree along this stretch of the Stour and passes the cottage as it meanders from church to church on its way to the beautiful market town of Bury St Edmunds which is about a 40-minute drive away.
Another great painter; Thomas Gainsborough was born in Sudbury and his home is now a lovely Museum dedicated to his life and works.
This area is part of Dedham vale and is a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty … and it is easy to see why.
Standard Inclusive Features
Kitchen: all cottages are complete little homes and facilities include modern central heating, refrigerator, hobs, oven, toaster, crockery, serving dishes, cutlery, many utensils, fire-extinguisher, pots and pans, glasses, mugs, kettle, coffee maker, teapot, kitchen towels, oven gloves, olive oil, salt, pepper, sugar, herbs, tea, fresh and instant coffee, washing up liquid, cloths, general cleaning materials etc.
Bathroom: soap, fluffy cotton towels, bath mats, shaver point, toilet brush, toilet roll.
Bedroom: cotton bed linen, wardrobe with coat hangers/chest of drawers, iron, ironing board, hairdryer.
Your cottage has a cosy wood-burning stove and a basket of firewood and a bucket of coal will be provided free of charge. More will be available at cost and there will be firelighters provided, TV, books, games, magazines, local brochures, maps, folder with our special ‘What To Do’ insiders guide to the local area.
Bikes: please check with the owner that these are available before you arrive to avoid disappointment if they are in for maintenance
Dog: Up to 2 well behaved doggies are welcome, charges apply at £20 pet pet for up to 7 nights.
