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A romantic retreat with glorious views over canal boats to the Severn Ham and just a short walk from the centre of the medieval town

Drive through the centre of medieval Tewkesbury with its magnificent abbey to the quaintest row of timbered cottages and this perfect little retreat – with rural views to canal boats and across the Severn Ham to the Malvern Hills. Walk straight in to a stone-flagged sitting room, cosy with a working range (first basket of logs included), small sofa, fresh flowers, photos and prints; the kitchen is tucked into a corner and tiny, but such fun! Up twisty stairs (not for the infirm) to a high-ceilinged bedroom in crisp white with a modern metal bed and a three-quarter bath in the corner for uninhibited souls. The loo and basin are off here and a bit of a squeeze, but it's good to be reminded of how our ancestors lived – a photograph of a Mrs Gore shows her living here with nine children and no running water! A bench at the front is a super spot for soaking up views, you can walk to town for theatre or cinema, enjoy musical events in the abbey, and there's easy access to the Severn Way and the Malverns for glorious walks. Romantics, history buffs and anyone who needs to be in Tewkesbury will adore it here.

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