Exterior
Built into the limestone hills in the 16th Century by the Church, River Cottage was originally used as an almshouse for pilgrims on the route to Santiago (St James) de Compostella in N.W. Spain. The sloping nature of the limestone rocks gives the cottage a very special character and many different venues for sunning, snoozing and alfresco dining!, an ideal holiday home, and big enough for two families to share!
To the front of the property you have a paved patio partially under a wooden verandah, with hammock, swing seat and other outdoor furniture. This area is west facing and gets the sun in the afternoon and evenings. Across the lane is the hard standing area where you can park your car. This is also the entrance to our field and summer swimming pool area, with pleasant paved terraces for sunbathing. A large swing seat and daybed both overlook the pool, where the less energetic can relax and watch the swimming activities. Meals can be enjoyed under the shady trees as there is another dining table here.
The first floor is accessed up the rear stone steps past the large dining patio onto the stone balcony. The dining patio has outdoor furniture, parasol, table etc... It is great at all times of the day as it gets the sun in the morning and natural shade in the afternoon. On the stone balcony is an original stone Limousin sink which was used by ancient travellers for washing their hands before entering the almshouse. We have installed an awning for when it becomes really hot and there is a gas barbecue here because of its proximity to the kitchen. There is an outdoor sofa which makes this a great venue for watching the shooting stars at night (it gets really dark) and listening to the owls hooting or bull frogs croaking... with a glass of wine or beer. Note we also have resident otters and red squirrels.... but they are pretty shy!
A wooden verandah the full length of the house is accessed from the kitchen and the adults will enjoy dining here in the evening as the sunsets can be glorious. A swing seat, wooden furniture, parasol and outdoor lighting completes your veranda experience.
