This beautiful, large, mid-Georgian, thatched cottage faces a wide shallow valley through which the Great Ouse meanders lazily across the landscape. Situated as the end one of a row, The Old Cottage also has 23 acres of grounds - which include a water meadow reed bed and heron colony, making this a wonderful place for bird lovers, where the opportunity for bird-watching is particularly fine - watch dragonflies hunted by hobbies! Visitors can also enjoy a spot of fishing, since there are fishing rights on the river as well. The property lies just 5 miles from the picturesque old market town of Olney, regarded as one of the most attractive in the county - a Conservation Area because of the handsome local limestone buildings - and designated an Area of Outstanding Beauty. The town itself boasts a wealth of attractions for holiday visitors including antique shops, places of historical interest, old inns, fine dining in local restaurants and a busy weekday market. William Cowper, the 18th-century poet and hymn writer, lived in Olney for 20 years; facing the market place is a large Georgian building which is now a museum dedicated to his works. For a pleasant day out, Salcey Forest offers woodlands which can be explored by nature trails and where a picnic can be enjoyed. The forest was once part of the royal hunting grounds that once covered a large part of south Northamptonshire. Set back from a main road, there is easy access from London which makes the property the perfect choice for a short break as well as holidays of a week or more. Pub 1 mile.

Spacious beamed living room with two steps up to snug with wood-burning stove and wooden floor. Large beamed dining-room with wooden floor. Kitchen with electric Rangemaster, double oven and hob, and five steps down to larder. Utility/cloakroom. Separate W.C. First floor: Double bedroom with 5ft bed and original oak wooden floor, leading to study with two single beds and original oak wooden floor. Double bedroom with old Victorian fireplace and original oak wooden floor. Further double bedroom with original oak wooden floor. Bathroom/W.C. with shower attachment. Shower room/W.C.

*Elec and full oil CH incl *Wood-burning stove - fuel incl *Elec Rangemaster incl *Parking (for 2 cars) *Shops 3 miles *TV *DVD *Auto wm *M/wave *Freezer *H/chair *½ acre of enclosed lawned gardens with steps, terrace and furniture *Barbecue *23 acres of natural unspoilt water meadow and reed bed *River Great Ouse 100m (toddlers beware!) *Duvets/blankets with linen and towels *Non-smokers only *Friday to Friday