Our house is in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, a historic mixed forest on the border between England and Wales. There are lots of opportunities for outdoor activities. For more information about the area look at live in an extended old worker's cottage in a small hamlet within a protected heathland area. Located at the end of a little lane with two other houses with friendly neighbours. The area is quiet with only neighbour's traffic and occasional walkers.
From the house footpaths lead straight into the woods with easy access to paths and cycle routes which crisscross the Forest on former railway tracks. Bikes are available to borrow. The area was significant in the early industrial revolution with quarries, collieries and iron works, now disused and very overgrown, apart from a few tiny family run collieries. A fascinating place to explore for those with an interest in early industrial archaeology. The house itself has central heating, a woodburner, solar water and photovoltaic panels, a rainwater harvester (for garden water), electric car charger, smart tv and high speed wifi.
The large kitchen/diner is fitted with an electric Aga cooker, fridge freezer, microwave and dishwasher, together with plenty of cooking equipment.
The sitting room is fitted with a wood burner and there is plenty of cut wood in the wood store.
Two double bedrooms will be available for your use, one with a double bed and one with bunk beds. The upstairs bathroom is fitted with shower and bath; a separate toilet is downstairs. The house has the usual amenities.
The third of an acre garden is a combination of lawn, flower beds, rockery, vegetable patch, greenhouse and orchard. The garden will require some tending mainly watering the greenhouse and young veg plants if very dry there may also be produce to pick. The garden is part of an old quarry and has lots of different levels with some high drops, it is therefore not suitable for toddlers.
It is a magnet for the local birds (if you feed them!), so if you like birdwatching this will be a wonderful spot for you.
Despite its rural situation it is possible to live here without a car. Coleford, with good butchers, bakers, greengrocers, supermarkets and cash points, is less than half an hour walk, or 10 minute cycle ride away. You could hire a car locally if you wanted to get a bit further afield.
There is a regular hourly bus service a 15 min walk away into Coleford and to Gloucester where trains and buses run to all areas of the UK. Coleford is 3-4 hours by train, bus or car due west from London (200kms).
We are looking for someone who is happy to look after our cat, ducks and 9 chickens (we will leave instructions for their care). In return you will have a supply of free range eggs.
We would appreciate at least a one day overlap to meet at the beginning to hand over.