16th century cottage on historical church grounds

Delightful 16th century timber frame cottage with lots of period character & modern charm, set within the historic church grounds of Waltham Abbey & next to its market square. It provides a generous, well-equipped living space with pretty views & a great base to explore the Lee Valley Regional Park, Epping Forest and surrounding waterways & countryside. Great walks await you from the front door. Located within easy reach of London, this unique landmark and magical place is a perfect getaway. The space A Grade II listed cottage of local historical importance and known as a local landmark, nestled on the church grounds, a few yards from the burial place of the last Saxon king of England, King Harold. The main living space looks onto the church grounds and Abbey Gardens, which are part of the Lee Valley Regional Park. This space has a large dining table to hang out at and sofa corner with a smart TV. Upstairs you have a master bedroom with a super king size bed, restful green views of Waltham Abbey Gardens, with a writing area with a small wooden desk as well as a cosy reading corner, and en-suite bathroom with copper nickel bath. Steep stairs wrap around the chimney tower. The house being set on the church grounds and right next to the town square, means you get to hear the heavenly chatter and activity coming from both, which is part of its uniqueness and charm, as well as something to bear in mind. The pub next door to the house on Market Square is now re-opened, there are other pubs within walking distance. The church grounds are used by the whole community, you will see dog walkers, office workers having lunch, tourists, youths, school children, people sitting quietly in remembrance of loved ones – humanity is here. The house was built in the 16th century as a priest's house. It is located a few yards from the resting place of King Harold, the last Saxon king killed in 1066 at the Battle of Hastings. Composer Thomas Tallis whom revolutionised English choral music is said to have lived in the house. Superfast fibre optic broadband, large smart TV, electric sockets with USB ports throughout, great for remote working. The cottage is in the centre of town, all amenities are nearby, independent cafes, and the picture book pub next door. You will hear church bells, people’s chatter on the square or in the gardens and the comings and goings of market days. Cycle-friendly, bikes can be kept in the main living space when not in use. Near Epping Forest, canal and boat ways, and Forty Hall Vineyard. The property has a small patio directly outside it, only separated from the grounds by railings. We have a bistro table and chairs set you can use to sit outside. During your stay, you will be the custodian of this historical building, and as such will be expected to leave it in the same condition as you entered it. Guest access The cottage will be all yours. It is situated in a pedestrian area of Waltham Abbey town centre, with all amenities within a short walking distance. Self check-in with a keybox. Parking: the house is located in a pedestrian area, you can unload the car by the house on market square, free on-street parking is very limited, it includes the car park outside the church, we recommend you use nearby Cornmill car park (look up ‘Epping Forest Cornmill car park for rates and links to book). No parking restrictions on Sundays. Property within easy reach of London public transport system with TFL buses and Overground line to Cheshunt, Theobald's Grove & Waltham Cross. Uber and two local minicab companies are available. Bicycles can be brought in to the property. Other things to note Pet owners: please note only one dog allowed per booking. The house is on park grounds - the dog will have direct access to the church grounds from the front door. They love trotting off but have to be kept under control. The dog can not be left alone in the property, hence a dog needs to be accompanied by two owners. Due to allergy, we can not accommodate cats. Please be aware of the steep staircase and freestanding boat bath, especially if you have mobility issues - please see photos. Cycle-friendly accommodation; bikes can be stored indoors. Market days are Tuesdays and Saturdays. Set within the grounds of the 12th-century church and near King Harold’s final resting place, next to Abbey Gardens and its orchard, within a short walking distance of the Lee Valley Regional Park, the nearest entrance being the Cornmill Meadow Dragonfly Sanctuary. We can recommend lots of walking routes and cycle paths. One side of the house is on Market Square just near pedestrian-only Sun Street, with its independent shops and cafes, and small supermarket. Ideal for dog walkers, bird watchers, nature lovers, cyclists and historians, people who want a short break from the city without going to far, without the need for a car. You will hear the chatter of people in the grounds and the square, as well as the church bells and the comings and goings of market days. The pub next door to the house on Market Square has re-opened after a refurbishment. The church grounds are generally quiet but they are used by the whole community, you will see dog walkers, office workers having lunch, tourists, youths, school children, people sitting quietly in remembrance of loved ones. In the past few months the cottage was used as a writer’s retreat. Longer stays (two weeks or longer): you will be provided fresh bed linen and towels, this is self-catering cottage, we do not provide extra cleaning services. You will be expected to look after the house, take care of the refuse etc during your stay. Getting around Easy access from London and within the TFL system, nearby stations Waltham Cross, or Cheshunt, 279 or 219 TFL buses Waltham Cross. Bike National Cycle Route 1, cycling from central London is mostly off road and flat. Waltham Abbey is located just off the junction 26 of the M25 motorway. Parking: the house is located in a pedestrian area, you can unload the car by the house on market square, free on-street parking is very limited, it includes the car park outside the church, we recommend you use nearby Cornmill car park (look up ‘Epping Forest Cornmill car park for rates and links to book).