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The Down House Cottage less than 3 miles from the heart of historic Winchester.

Photo gallery for The Down House Cottage less than 3 miles from the heart of historic Winchester.

Living area
Private kitchen
Exterior detail
Exterior
Room

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace
  • Parking available
  • Outdoor space
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Winchester, England
  • University of Winchester
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Winchester Cathedral
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Marwell Zoo
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Southampton (SOU)
    ‪22 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

The Down House Cottage less than 3 miles from the heart of historic Winchester.

A simple & cosy, Victorian cottage, nestling within the South Downs. Sleeps 2/3. King size bed. Bathroom with large, walk-in shower. Private sitting room with flat screen TV & DVD player, log burning stove (logs/kindling are supplied for the first evening & available to buy at either of the two local stores thereafter) and dining area over-looking mature garden. Small, basic kitchen equipped for light catering. Washing machine. Wi-fi. Ample, secure off road parking. Small outside courtyard perfect for breakfast. Beautiful walks along the River Itchen or on the South Downs on the doorstep. Shawford has its own station making for easy day trips to London (approx. 65 mins) or the New Forest/South Coast (approx. 40 mins). Winchester, the ancient capital, is less than three miles away, - a four minute train ride - there you will find a variety of restaurants (Rick Steins, The Ivy, Blancs Brasserie, Cotes plus some varied independents), plenty of old, historic pubs, pavement cafes, a buzzing High Street, live theatre..... alternatively stroll through the pretty back streets behind the magnificent Norman Cathedral to find Jane Austen's house and the Bishop's old Palace. If you enjoy walking, Winchester can be reached in around 40 minutes by following the path of the River Itchen which flows through the centre of Shawford.
Shawford village has a local pub which serves good 'pub grub' and has a large beer garden.
The Down House Cottage is attached to our family home, it has it's own separate front door and is entirely private although as it is attached there can be some occasional noise transference.
Our family has two friendly labradors which can be easily ignored if not keen on dogs, please let us know upon arrival. It is a non-smoking premises.
We look forward to welcoming you.

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadlock

About the area

Winchester

Located in Winchester, this cottage is in a rural area. Jane Austen's House and Westgate Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Paultons Family Theme Park - Home of Peppa Pig World and The Deanery. TeamSport Indoor Go Karting Southampton and Marwell Zoo are also worth visiting.
Map
Winchester, England

What's nearby

  • University of Winchester - 7 min drive - 6.6 km
  • Great Hall - 7 min drive - 7.1 km
  • Winchester Cathedral - 9 min drive - 6.9 km
  • Marwell Zoo - 9 min drive - 8.6 km
  • Winchester Christmas Market - 9 min drive - 7.0 km

Getting around

  • Winchester Shawford Station - 11 min walk
  • Southampton (SOU) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Rising Sun - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Ship Inn - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Mercure Winchester Wessex Hotel - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Queen Inn - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Wykeham Arms, Winchester - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Down House Cottage less than 3 miles from the heart of historic Winchester. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Down House Cottage less than 3 miles from the heart of historic Winchester.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Down House Cottage less than 3 miles from the heart of historic Winchester.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Down House Cottage less than 3 miles from the heart of historic Winchester. located?

Situated in a rural location, this cottage is within 3 miles (5 km) of Hospital of St Cross, Marwell Zoo and Wolvesey Castle. Jane Austen's House and University of Winchester are also within 3 miles (5 km). Winchester Shawford Station is 11 minutes by foot.

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 60 out of 79 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 79 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 79 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 79 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 79 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

James F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Annex in an excellent location
The rental was conveniently located within walking distance of the station and local pub. The Itchen Way was a superb route to walk into Winchester with an abundance of wildlife to see. Twyford is a short walk, having a well stocked shop, a gastro pub and a friendly local.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Celia R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Winchester Bolt-hole
We had a lovely few days staying at The Down House Cottage which suited our requirements perfectly. Very clean, very comfy bed and with plenty of space for two. The log burner makes it very cosy in the colder months. Access to Winchester and beyond via the local train station is very good and we enjoyed a meal at The Bridge, all easily accessible on foot. With more time we would explore further afield and would return. The Owners very friendly and accommodating, thank you for a great stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

David P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Place
Really greta place, central for what we wanted, warn, clean. just one thing need instruction for log burner.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Simon G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect hosts
Hosts were super friendly and helpful, without being intrusive. Property is cozy, with character.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A great stay!
Everything was fantastic! Only complaints were a slight struggle to initially find the property based on provided address and (I know it's a very minor complaint) we found the bed slightly firmer than comfortable. Thanks for everything Susan!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
top down house
Beautiful annex with all mod-cons and very private
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yvonne T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Memories
A lovely place to stay, ideal for exploring Winchester and sharing my college days with my husband.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Tony C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Winchester
Adequate cosy nice owners. Peggy the dog: wonderful and entertaining,
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

ALLAN W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
Comfy cottage in a peaceful location. We were so pleased we chose to rent this cottage. It was a perfect location for exploring Hampshire and the South Downs.Thank you Sue and Tim for making us feel so welcome.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location with good transport links
Ideal location for river walks, South Downs and city visits. Short walk to railway station and bus stop, and very near M3 junction 11. Lovely garden at the back of the property (shared with the owners).
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

John L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Down House Reviw
Lovelly place to stay in nice location, very comfortable and spacoius bedrroom, an increase in hanging space would be desirable. Lovely kitchen with superb cooker, a freezer and microwave would be desirable additions. Overall a lovely place to stay, particularly as we previoulsly originated from the Wincheser area.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa Jane C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful location
Sue was welcoming, rhe property was cosy.. fireplace made it even more so! Big comfy bed.. would come again.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

sean p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property in picturesque location
A beautiful house located in the south down country park ,a short walk to the river itchen and a picturesque river walk to winchester about 3 miles in all. Location is excellent and the house is beautiful with a great host.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Graham T., Nottingham

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A home from home
Comfortable, clean and cozy home situated just to the south of Winchester, Down House Cottage suited us perfectly. Ideally located for trips to the surrounding attractions and the city itself. Sue and Tim were perfect hosts, we would happily return if ever back in the area.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Abraham d., Eenrum, The Netherlands

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Lovely cosy cottage, great stay
Welcomed by our gracious hostess, we immediately felt at home in the lovely cosy cottage. Lots of space and comfort and a fantastic dog inviting us to play with her, we still miss her. Tea, coffee and delicious biscuits were at hand to make us feel welcome. Also the use of the washing machine was very wonderful. All in all a great place to stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hanifa K., London

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful cozy cottage
Thank you for all your help Sue. Truly had a wonderful stay and looking forward to staying again. Xx
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christel E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Friendly
Nice
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maxine R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Chalk Streams
Lovely cottage with all you need. Walk from Shawford up the river to Winchester next to the Itchen was lovely. Good pub 5 min walk. Thank you
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Anniversary Break
The Down House is perfectly located for easy access via public transport to explore Winchester but is also located near to beautiful countryside & close to the New Forest. The accommodation is cosy & comfortable & spotlessly clean - Sue & Tim are perfect hosts, available should you need them without being intrusive. We highly recommend this property.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Steve & Nicky B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ideal location for a short stay
Lovely quiet location of the property with Sue & Tim being welcoming hosts. Easy access to the train station a few minutes walk away & to local visitor attractions. Several good options of pubs & eateries in the local surrounding area. Plenty of space in the property for two people to enjoy a short break. For a longer stay some additional storage space for clothing in the bedroom would be helpful, as would be the availability of a microwave in the kitchen. We would definitely return if in the area & recommend to others.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Colin B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Down house Oct 2023
Super hosts who are aware of need for mictowave and freezer
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

William S., Leiston

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Flat in great location
The property is a small extension of a large Victorian house, well fitted out. Everything as described, great location, perfect for all the historic attractions in the area, all within reasonable driving distances for a day out. All information on hand, plus logs for wood burner- everything fine. Weather was against us - snow in early March, but that is England. Could not recommend it enough- would be absolutely gorgeous in the Summer, great walks. Well done to owners Sue and Tim.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

MICHAEL C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cosy cottage in excellent location.
This was a very cosy little cottage which fitted very well to my needs. In a very quiet locatio but had things that I needed all within walking distance. Location excellent. Short stroll to local shop where you can buy everything needed for a short break. In the South Downs with plenty of walks. Plenty of local pubs. Close to motorway if required to drive out. My favourite was the multifuel burner which In loved using with wood. It was the easiest one I have used so far. Kept 5he nights lovely and warm. Welcomed by Sue on day of arrival. Thoroughly enjoyed staying here. Very well recommended.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023

6/10 Okay

Jacqueline H., Greendale, Wisconsin, USA

Wonderful Host Family; Perfect Location; Some Problems
We made the arrangements for the Down Cottage with Susan a year in advance of our trip to southern England. We chose the Shawford/Twyford location because of its closeness to Winchester, a perfect location for our planned trips to Cardiff and Brighton and places in between. The cottage was easy to locate. Susan had provided us with excellent directions, and there was easy on/off “motorway” access. We appreciated the milk, tea, and cookies that awaited us. An Aldi is located in Winchester and also a Poundland, the English equivalent of Dollar Tree. Sainsbury, a super-Target type store, was also nearby. We did have a few problems with the Down Cottage, however. It lacked some of the basic essentials for a vacation home. There was no broom, only a dust pan and little, handheld whisk broom. I’m sure one would have been provided had I asked. Although there was a fantastic stove, there was no microwave or toaster oven which would have been useful for warming leftovers from the wonderful pubs and restaurants nearby. The shower is beautiful and the water pressure was very good. There was a mantle and shelves for bathroom supplies and towels, which were large and soft. I would have appreciated another tabletop next to the sink to hold soap, toothbrush, etc. The one provided was very small. The bedroom was large, but there was not enough clothes storage. The dresser had three small drawers and only a few pegs with 5 or 6 random hangers. There was no place to hang clothes. Luckily, I had brought extra hangers and hung mine on the wooden curtain rods. Unfortunately, the internet did not work consistently. We would log into the house internet, then, after getting on a site, it would stop. We’d find the internet connection again, and it would stop again. We had no difficulty at either of the two previous cottages we stayed at in Cornwall. My mobile reception was better, but it, too, was not consistently reliable. Because I have chronic back pain, I was not able to sit on the love seat at all. There was no support. The side chair also was uncomfortable for me, but I put a pillow and folded blanket on the seat and it was okay. I also found the bed a bit too hard for my back. The stairs, although steep, did not cause any problems for me.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2018

8/10 Good

Roelof H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

About the host

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Languages:

English