Totmans Farm (no longer a working farm) stands on the brow of the hill at the southern end of Thaxted. It is surrounded by beautiful Essex countryside and affords wonderful views. Mill View and Orchard Cottage (a timber-clad farm building conversion) each sleep 4 people and are mirror images of each other. They are set well back from the road with ample car parking space. Facing west at the rear onto meadowland, guests are virtually guaranteed glorious sunsets from their own patio. If the patio gets too hot, you can relax in the shade of the small orchard, where you will find additional seating - a very relaxing place to read a book or just take a well earned rest. Views of Thaxted's cathedral-like Church and windmill can also be enjoyed in the distance. Furnishings are comfortable and colour co-ordinated and for your convenience include hair dryer, iron, vacuum cleaner, clock radio, games, videos, music, etc and a welcome grocery pack to get you started. You will also find tourist information to help you plan your stay and make it more enjoyable. Each cottage has a substantial amount of holiday reading available on the shelves for those quieter moments. The cottages each cottage sleep 4 people in a family bedroom - suitable for a couple or family with young children. They consist of sitting/dining room with two leather sofas, TV/Video/CD/Radio, dining table and chairs, door leading to patio and 2 ½ acre meadow beyond. The fitted kitchen has fridge, freezer, microwave, gas hob and electric fan oven and washing machine. Upstairs the family bedroom has a double bed, full size bunk beds and en suite bathroom. For the comfort and convenience of our guests we operate a no smoking policy. If this policy offends - we apologise but most of our visitors appreciate a no smoking environment.

The cottages are just a few minutes walk from buses/pubs and shops. It takes about an hour to get to London/Liverpool St. from Stansted Airport (7 miles away) - so you are only just over an hour away from London's West End for shopping, sightseeing or taking in a show. You can either leave your car at the airport car park or take a bus from Thaxted.

The town of Thaxted grew around a Saxon settlement along the old Roman road and boasts a magnificent 14th century church, a half-timbered Guildhall and a restored windmill.Building work on the Church of St John the Baptist began in 1340 and it took 170 years to complete. Work on the Guildhall commenced in 1390 and was completed by the turn of the century.The windmill, which was built in 1804 by John Webb, a local farmer, was in use of 100 years and now houses a small museum.Thaxted is famous not least of all for its Morris Ring and hosts a Morris weekend each year. This takes place the first weekend after the Spring Bank Holiday when hundreds of dancers meet to entertain the town and surrounding villages. The annual Thaxted Music Festival takes place in June/July and is held in the spectacular setting of the Church.

JWithin a short drive you have Linton Zoo, Mole Hall Wildlife Park, The House on the Hill Toy Museum, Mountfitchet Castle & Norman Village of 1066, Audley End House and Gardens. Further afield you have the University town of Cambridge with punting on the River Cam, excellent restaurants, pubs, shopping and the Corn Exchange Theatre. Braintree with its designer shopping village, Colchester, Britain's oldest recorded town and zoo, Southend-on-Sea for the longest pleasure pier in the world, fish and chips and slot machines. The list goes on. For golfers there are three clubs nearby -Bishop's Stortford, Elsenham and Saffron Walden. There are regular buses throughout the day to take you to Stansted Airport where you can take the Stansted Express or catch a coach to practically anywhere in the country. There is also a bus service to Saffron Walden, Dunmow and Bishop's Stortford - where you can also connect to other services.

A visit to the local Butcher is a must - home to the famous Thaxted sausage. Most items you will need during your stay are available in the well-stocked shops in the town.

Please visit http://www.thaxtedholidaycottages.co.uk to find out more about the holiday cottage, amenities, surrounding area and places to visit in Essex.

Ideally located for exploring the quaint villages of north Essex such as Saffron Walden, historic Thaxted. Within a short drive you have Linton Zoo, Mole Hall Wildlife Park, The House on the Hill Toy Museum, Mountfitchet Castle & Norman Village of 1066, Audley End House and Gardens. Visit Freeport in Braintree for a designer outlet village, Roman Colchester, Britain's oldest recorded town and wonderful zoo, Southend-on-Sea for the longest pleasure pier in the world, fish and chips, theatres, fun fair and a street of electronic entertainment.

Travel: Stansted

Good places to visit: Cambridge is under an hour's drive away for trips to this handsome university city and punting on the River Cam.

Annual Events: Thaxted is famous for its Morris Ring and hosts a Morris Dancing weekend each year. This takes place on the first weekend after the Spring Bank Holiday when hundreds of dancers in their colourful beribboned costumes meet to entertain Thaxted and surrounding villages.

Good places to eat: A good selection of lovely old pubs in north Essex and Suffolk.

Local Sports: Golf at Bishop's Stortford, Elsenham and Saffron Walden, Tennis, Walking,

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