Bedroom details
2 Bedrooms (Sleeps 4 + cot)
We're very pleased to welcome you to Anahita, our first foray into Buckinghamshire and a stunning homestay for four nestled on the banks of the River Thames. Just 24 minutes from London by train, this is an exquisite riverside abode whether you're after a weekend escape or a week's holiday.
Step inside and you'll discover a modern, welcoming home that's light, bright and oh-so-beautiful in delicate, natural shades throughout. The open-plan living space makes it the perfect setting for gatherings, whilst the bedrooms, each with their own shower or bathroom, are tucked away and private, an escape at the end of the day.
With a patio and lawn leading directly down to the river, this is a unique opportunity to experience England's most famous river up close, with uninterrupted views and even your own private waterside bench - just lovely.
Set within the pretty village of Bourne End, there's plenty to see and do should you wish to venture out, from the impressive Chilterns and the pretty villages that line the Thames, to London itself! Anahita is perfectly located to offer guests the opportunity to take advantage of the year-round events, both locally and in the West End, whilst being able to return to serenity and calm, with its riverside location.
Living and eating
This stunning retreat has a fantastic open plan living area, making it oh-so-sociable whether you're a couple, a family or friends staying together. Glass sliding doors at the far end means the breath-taking views of the river and countryside beyond dominate, yet the stunning sitting area, complete with stylish Camerich L-shaped sofa from which to gaze, is a stylish accompaniment and has been cleverly curated by its owners. At night, the flat screen Smart TV with Sky is perfect for catching up on your favourite box sets, whilst the SONOS sound system helps to create the soundtrack of your holiday.
Between the sitting area and kitchen, you'll discover the dining area with large table for six, the perfect setting for late night dinner soirees in front of the fire. With its log burner and breathtaking view of the River Thames and the countryside beyond, Anahita is the perfect retreat for enjoying both the summer sunshine and the frosty, winter evenings. A romantic getaway for any time of the year!
The magnificent kitchen, resplendent in white, has a Corian work surface and boasts a large island and breakfast bar, separating it from the dining area. Fully equipped with everything you could possibly need to whip up meals for your loved ones, it has a split-level oven, induction hob, dishwasher, full size fridge and full-size freezer to name just a few of the appliances. We love the ceiling windows which flood the area with light, making cooking a doddle. In addition, a washing machine can be found in the separate utility room.
Sleeping and bathing
There are two delightful bedrooms to choose from.
The beautiful master bedroom is the perfect escape at the end of the day, in peaceful tones of blue, whites, creams and grey. With a glorious super king-sized bed and goose down duvet, deep sleeps are guaranteed and there's plenty of storage with a wardrobe and chest of drawers and a flat screen Smart TV. The en suite has a fabulous walk-in shower.
The second bedroom is equally beautiful and has a pretty window seat, king size bed with silk duvet, built in wardrobes and a flat screen Smart TV. This gorgeous room has use of a bathroom with separate shower.
Both beds come swathed in sumptuous linen, bedding, throws and cushions to ensure a blissful nights' sleep and boast underfloor heating to keep things cosy. There is an additional loo downstairs.
Outside space
Take the steps through the glass sliding doors and you'll discover an upper terrace with a table and chairs, then steps that lead down to the sunny patio to a beautifully manicured lawn beyond. On the patio, there's a Barlow Tyrie table, chairs and parasol and a gas barbeque for alfresco dining - a perfect spot to watch the sunset over Winter Hill on the opposite side of the river and to watch night-time descend over the river or enjoy breakfast as the sun glitters on the water and the resident swans drift past. The verdant lawn is idyllic on a sunny day for lounging, whilst a bench nestled by the river is a wonderful spot for pre-dinner drinks. A towpath runs immediately alongside the river and makes for a wonderful post-dinner stroll on a balmy evening.
Parking
There is private car port for two cars directly by the retreat. There is further on road parking available.
Babies and children
Anahita welcomes babies and children. A cradle for new-born to four months, a cot for up to four years, travel cot and highchair can be provided on request.
Dogs
This is one of our pet-free properties.
WiFi
Anahita has WiFi so if you need to stay in touch with the outside world, you can.
In the Area
Anahita lies in the pretty village of Bourne End with a fabulous selection of eateries and inns close by, such as the delightful Walnut Tree and The Bounty Inn, a short walk across the river. Alternatively, three Michelin-starred restaurants, the Ivy Café and a wide variety of international restaurants can be found in nearby Marlow. For things to see and do, head to nearby Spade Oak Nature Reserve for pretty walks, or head along the river and pay a visit to Cliveden, owned by the National Trust with far reaching views over the Thames and impressive gardens. Cookham, renowned birthplace of the artist Stanley Spencer and a renowned beauty spot, is a five-minute drive by car, or a gentle walk along the other side of the river. Like Marlow, it offers a top rate selection of five-star restaurants and country pubs.
For something a little different, Marlow Open Water Swim at Westhorpe Lake is perfect for wild swimming and stand-up paddle boarding. Alternatively, the gorgeous Chiltern Hills AONB is just stunning and well worth a visit for wonderful walks and impressive views. Windsor, Eton and Henley-on-Thames, famed for its Royal Regatta and festival, is a must for a day out whilst Central London (if it's not where you've come from!) is only 24 minutes away by train if you fancy a spot of city life for the day or want an extra-special night out.
During the winter months, the river takes on its own, glorious mantle. The view is backed by Winter Hill, which offers wonderful woodland walks and has an outstanding golf course. The wildfowl begin their preparations for the colder season and the elegant trees on the other side of the river, look spectacular in the autumn.
Nearby Marlow, Windsor, Eton and Henley each have their Christmas markets and tempting tea shops and riverside restaurants. Cookham is a pleasant walk away from Anahita. It has the Stanley Spencer Gallery and many cosy pubs with welcoming log fires. There is also Waddesdon Manor which is home to the Rothschild Collections of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts. This has an annual light show from early December to January and is a very special event.
Clivedon offers special dinners and firework displays during the winter months and is a wonderful location to visit at any time of the year. As it's only a five-minute car journey from the property, it's not worth missing. Being just a short train journey from Central London, staying at Anahita means the guests can take advantage of the West End theatres, Christmas shows, Christmas lights and shopping and also, the January sales.
