Fern Cottage, circa 1750 Lickey Hills

Fern Cottage, built in the 1750's once home to author J.R.R. Tolkien is an enchanting property nestled at the bottom of Rednal Hill in the beautiful Lickey Hills formally known "Little Switzerland" it feels like stepping back into a different era. Just magical! This family friendly abode offers ample off-road parking and welcomes a well behaved pet. Conveniently located for the M42 J2/M5 J4 motorways. 45 minutes to the NEC/Birmingham Airport, 9 miles into Birmingham City Centre. Perfect spot! The space The cottage has links to the author J.R.R. Tolkien (Lord of the Rings fame). J.R.R. Tolkien, his brother and mother Mabel convalesced here during her final illness, close to the Oratory retreat and Father Francis Morgan (the boys guardian) spending an idyllic summer in the Lickeys. There is lots to do in the local area, The Lickey Hills Country Park covering 524 acres, is on Bilberry Hill includes a children playground, free table tennis near the visitor centre, many paths of different difficulty and lengths. Beacon Hill on the other side of the road is 970 feet above sea level, with unrivalled views, on a clear day 13 old counties can be seen. From duck ponds, cafe, tennis courts, golf course with Pro shop, Tri golf for kids, bridle paths that horse riders and off road cyclists can use, you can walk for hours, all a short trip up Rose Hill. Joe Joe Jim's is run by the owners of the cottage, a strictly over 18s venue runs live music Fri & Sat evenings, finishing approx 11.15pm and regular Sunday afternoon music 3-6pm (events are ticketed) plus an open mic evening on Thursdays. You may be able to hear some level of music during the performances in the garden but not in the house with windows closed. Guest access The cottage is set well back from the Lickey Rd, (busy road in rush hours). The entrance driveway is between Old Hare & Hounds Pub and Joe Joe Jim's Bar Venue (usually marked by 2 blue rood cones). The pebble drive to the cottage, there is enough parking for 3 cars. The tarmac drive on the righthand side of the pebble driveway, is Fern Stable drive/parking, access is required by the occupants at all times. Through the cottage gate (opens out) along the path to the porch, the lock keep is located on the right hand side of the door frame. Other things to note The cottage stairs are steep, narrow and spiralled, not the easy to climb for less abled people. The back garden is also steep, if you have young children please accompany them whilst playing in the back garden. Joe Joe Jim's is run by the same owners, strictly over 18s venue, runs live music on Fri & Sat evenings until 11.15pm, regular Sunday afternoon music 3-6pm with open mic on a Thursday. Depending on music genre you will be able to hear some level of music during the performances in the garden and house with windows open but not with windows closed. All events are ticketed, with restricted capacity for a more mature audience and serves ever rotating craft ales, a large selection of spirits, lesser known lagers and fresh bar cobs. If you want to take a stroll up Lickey Hill, its a few minutes away, turn right out the drive, on the corner near the old telephone box, before you arrive at Everyday Essentials shop (has lots of supplies) the tarmac roadway leads directly up onto the Lickey Hill. Great views across the golf course and Beacon Hill and out to towards the city.