La Gallina

The place is looking a little tired and not what I would call luxury. Wooden floors needed repainting, bathroom floor tiles scruffy. The tv was tiny and tucked up the corner where you couldn't see it. There were a lot of extension cables and double plugs. In the kitchen area there were no dinner plates only 2 large soup bowls, spider webs in the cupboard. It was raining when we were there and the place felt damp. There was no welcome pack that most other cottages have at least a book with instructions with where to put rubbish, local walks, etc. Why is it called La Gallina when the signs are for Keepers Cottage. It was very quiet which was nice and with the surrounding trees very peaceful, but overall we were a bit disappointed.

Published on: 2021-06-29

Fantastic little cottage. Firstly not mentioned in the information is that it’s so close to where AA Milne lived and the surrounding areas which inspired the Winnie the Pooh books. The Pooh Bridge and “One Hundred Acre” woods are walking distance or a very short drive away. So too the Pooh Cafe and Museum. My partner loved the books growing up, but we didn’t know the connection at time of booking but made for a delightful journey back to childhood once we realised shortly after. The cottage itself is easily located and parking is very easy and safe. The cottage is near to some other residential properties and the grounds are slightly overlooked but very peaceful and when inside very private. The grounds are very large and beautiful, we also had three young dear visit along with several birds and pheasants. We were treated to excellent sunsets with the fire pit going enjoying the nice table and chairs with food and drinks. There is an old railway path which can be easily followed to Hartfield and Forrest row on foot or bicycle from the property and driving to local pubs and POI was no problem. Inside the cottage has a rustic patina but welcoming feel and it was clean and cosy. With the heaters going and fire set, nice and toasty. The kitchen is well appointed but more basic. The bathroom like the rest of the cottage but a little chilly. The shower is decent and plenty of (very) hot water was available. The bedroom accessed by ladder stairs might be a challenge for some. I’m 5ft 11 and could just stand up in the centre. But windows either side meant it was bright and airy. The internet was slow and the TV small but it didn’t matter. Phone signal was perfectly fine for 4G and we used our own tablet devices for the brief times we needed something to watch. Overall the cottage show cases the lovely grounds and views which can be enjoyed both inside and out, and it’s all so close to London and the M25 it’s easy to return.

Published on: 2021-04-28

Published on: 2021-05-22