Delightful 16th century timber frame cottage with lots of period character & modern charm, set within the historic church grounds of Waltham Abbey and next to its market square. Set on two levels, ground floor and first floor. Please note that the pub next door is currently closed.
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. A Grade II listed cottage of local historic 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 big smart TV.
Upstairs you have a master bedroom with a super king size bed, restful green views of Waltham Abbey Gardens, with a corner desk as well as a cosy reading corner, and en-suite bathroom with copper nickel boat bath.
PLEASE BE AWARE OF STEEP STAIRCASE - stairs wrap around the chimney tower - please have a look at the two photos of the narrow staircase, especially if you have mobility issues.
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 house was built on the 15th and 16th century as a priest's house, on the grounds. 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.
Please note the pub next door to the house on Market Square has now closed down.
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 some cosy pubs. 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.
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.
The property is in a semi-pedestrian zone, you can park by the house on Market Sqyare to unload, but you can't leave your car there. However, there is plenty of nearby parking - both long-stay and short-stay car parks are both 0.1 mile from the property, free on-street parking in nearby streets.
Property within easy reach of London public transport system with TFL buses and Overground line to Cheshunt, Theobald's Grove & Waltham Cross.
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.
Cycle-friendly accommodation; bikes can be stored indoors.
Please be aware of the steep staircase and freestanding boat bath, especially if you have mobility issues - please see photos.
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.
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.
In the past few months the cottage was used as a writer’s retreat.
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 just off the M25.
The cottage is self-check-in and we won’t be there during your stay. We are available via phone or messaging should you need anything. An information booklet will be provided, digitally and physically in the house.
Do get in touch if you have any questions at all - we look forward to welcoming you soon.