Thank you for renting our Hillside bolthole, Elsie’s Cottage. We bought it in 2020 as a secluded rural retreat. We’ve completely renovated this little Malvern stone cottage and added a mix of luxury and rustic with our own interior style. We wanted to share this special place with guests; including unique vintage finds, so it feels like a home for you as much to you as it does for us.
Elsie’s cottage is built from Malvern Stone giving it a slight green hue, we added a burnt larch modern extension to provide additional bedroom and hallway.
It’s location is very special, tucked away up a rough track so finding it is special in itself.
There is plenty of space on the gravel area behind the five-bar gate. We recommend closing the gates to prevent the odd stray dog venturing in on their walk.
There is a key code box mounted by the front door.
Key code : 6523
Wifi code: Elsie’s cottage – no password
Charlotte (owner) 07841 447 339
The two switches by the door – one turns the outside lights on.
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Heating is a Hive system. It is programmed to come on morning and evening, with hot water. The control in the kitchen can be adjusted or you can advance the setting to turn on.
The cooker is electric with different settings on for grill, convection, fan etc.
The electric box is in the kitchen up near the ceiling as you enter from the hallway
This is pre-set so no need to touch.
Outside lights –
There is a switch in the lounge by the French doors to turn on the rear outside lights.
Festoon lights – these are controlled by the outdoor grey switch mounted on the wooden sleepers.
The bin in the kitchen has two sections please use black bin compartment for general waste and pink bag for mixed recycling (Glass/cardboard/metal/solid plastics/)
Also food waste or bin liners left outside will be eaten by wildlife. They are very good at seeking food out even in plastic.
There is a small amount of detergent under the sink for washing. Help yourself.
We’ve left a few dishwasher tablets under the sink, to prevent blockages rinse the plates or pans. Please use the food waste plug for the sink it prevents nasty blockages. Thank you.
Don’t worry we expect the odd breakage. Take care not to cut yourself sweeping up any shards – there is dustpan and hoover under the stairs.
We’ve provided twizzler firelighters, kindling and wood. Place a few firelighters and a pyramid or Jenga stack of kindling on the woodburning grate.
Ignite the firelighters. When the kindling has taken, carefully add a couple of smaller logs. Leave the door ajar.
Ensure the vents (which control air into the fire) are open – they are controlled with two levers inside the door of the woodburner. As the logs start to burn the fire will start to roar, you can then gradually adjust the vents to allow for a slower burn which produces more heat.
Whilst we provide wood, please be mindful of how much you use, we don’t want to have to charge, so for the sake of future guests and the planet use the woodburner to take the chill off.
There is a fire pit outside that also doubles as a BBQ and Pizza oven.
The Fire pit has a heavy lid – take care. The BBQ griddle can be lifted off or swung out of the way. Use coals to BBQ and wood to heat the pizza oven.
Please ensure the lid is replaced after use to prevent rain damage or a wet BBQ!
The Hot tub is situated along the terrace. It is a wood-burning hot tub. The fire box is at the front.
The lights and bubbles controls are on the side of the hot tub next to the steps towards the back.
Always make sure the hot tub is filled (we always empty and refill between guests), just in case it has lost water. Lighting the fire with no water will melt the interior.
There is no need to touch the filter switch (large red switch on the side) this can be left on and ensures the water stays clear of debris.
However if for any reason water does go down below the silver filter holes inside the hot tub the filter pump should be switched off.
Lighting the hot tub
Next to the Hot tub is a wood store with a green Ammunitions box with firelighters and kindling. Use these to build the fire and light it. Every 20 minutes add another two to three logs. When the water is tepid too the touch it is probably 20 minutes off being the right temperature. At this stage add a couple of logs – no more to avoid over heating.
There is a temperature thermometer on the side of the floating dispenser. When this reaches 38 degrees the Hot tub is ready.
The cottage is not ideal for toddlers – there are steep drops in the garden and off the terrace.
Babes in arms are welcome and we can provide a cot / high chair and baby bath if needed.
Please be aware there are no stair guards and plugs are not blocked for little fingers.
We know that your dog is part of the family. We love to welcome them. Here is our guidance and rules for their stay.
Pets
We know that your dog is part of the family. We love to welcome them. Here is our guidance and rules for their stay.
There are some lovely walks into the woods straight from your gate, and up onto the hills. Be aware that there are on occasion free roaming cattle and sheep which graze the hills.
We kindly ask guests to vacate the property by 10:30AM
Please leave the property as tidy as you can, email ahead if there are any breakages or damage we need to know about, because we have limited time to make good, knowing ahead really helps us. We will be very fair about deposits; we know damage happens and we aren’t going to charge for a broken glass or mug.
Remember to return the key to the keysafe.
We love to hear what you’ve thought of your stay so please do leave us a review or privately email me on charlotte@hussh.co.uk. We also love to reward our local housekeeping team so good reviews means a bonus for them too.
Review us on: Cool places, Facebook or Tripadvisor
If you would like to re-book with us, then sign up for our journal updates for offers.
Or email Charlotte for availability.
In the event of a fire leave your property immediately and telephone 999 for the Fire Service.
A fire blanket and extinguisher is provided in the kitchen Please telephone Charlotte on 07841447339 to let us know. Alternative accommodation arrangements will be made where necessary.
Charlotte (owner): 07841 447 339
Emergency services : 999
Accident & Emergency
Gloucester Hospital:
Minor Injuries
Malvern cottage hospital:
Tewkesbury :
Emergency Dental Helpline: 03334 050 290
Boots Pharmacy Ledbury: 9 High St, Ledbury HR8 1DS
Boots Malvern Retail park – late opening -Retail Pk, Roman Way, Malvern WR14 1JQ
Closest
The Farmers Arms -simple pub food, good beer and cider with a lovely garden
The Inn at Welland – lovely food and surroundings, on the road to Upton, about 10 minute drive.
The Swan Inn at Hanley Swan, 15 minute drive. Lovely food and surroundings, with a wonderful garden.
The Butchers Arms Eldersfield. Rustic pub, great food and beer.
The Fleet Inn at Twynning – a buncombe brewery pub. Lovely outside area by the river Avon
Ledbury Restaurants
The feathers Hotel – a very old black and white hotel with a lovely restaurant on the high street.
The Olive Tree – Ledbury Italian with plenty of seating and a little courtyard area. Something for everyone on the menu.
The Sitara – very good Indian restaurant, lovely surroundings and great service.
Y-Pass Fish and chips, offering veggie and vegan options too! lovely little courtyard if you don’t want to take away.
The Nest – Little Verzons just outside Ledbury, on the Hereford road, this is the home of the Scotch Egg company. It also has a lovely cafe and deli too, well worth a visit
Upton Upon Severn
Just a short drive, this vibrant little town is known for its many music festivals. It has many pubs by the river so I’ve listed the ones we like below.
The Boathouse – a tapas bar, with a view over the river and small balcony area which is lovely to enjoy in warm weather
Mojito’s Rum bar and pizzeria Lovely wood fired pizzas, as well as a cafe by day and cocktails in the evening. They may deliver!
Clive’s fruit farm – a lovely cafe and dfarm shop, plus pick your own when in season.
Pundits indian fusion restaurant
Malvern, sitting at the heart of the Hills, Malvern has two distinct areas, Great Malvern, and Malvern Link.
The heart of the town is Great Malvern with many restaurants, the theatre and cinema, leisure centre with pool and access to the hills.
The Water Cure – for cocktails and lovely surroundings
The Nags Head – a pub with a real vibe, plenty of food and beer options. famed for its beer festivals
Anupam – lovely Indian restaurant, set down an alley and upstairs.
The Cottage In The Woods – a wonderful restaurant and bar with fabulous views, go early enough to enjoy them.
Welland village shop – is just a 5 minute drive and has most things in stock. Its also a post office. Welland Village Store in Malvern, WR13
Tesco’s – Ledbury -Orchard Ln, Ledbury HR8 1DQ
Aldi – Ledbury -Leadon Way, Ledbury HR8 2SS
Waitrose – Malvern -Graham Rd, Edith Walk, Malvern WR14 4WR
Warners Local – incorporating Morrisons and Cook (high end frozen ready meals) -Hanley Rd, Upton upon Severn, Worcester WR8 0HU
Ledbury – a great Independent High street, with quaint alley ways and black and white architecture.
Retail Park Malvern – for chains such as M&S, New Look and Boots.
Cheltenham – a lovely environment with plenty of shopping including a John Lewis and high end brands – nip to 131’s Gin and Juice for cocktails.
Walking the hills – download the app ‘MalvernWalks’ for guidance to some great walks across the Malvern Hills.
Eastnor Pottery – throw and pot and immerse yourself in all things clay
Paddleboarding – based on the Wye, Karen will guide you along this stunning river with an intro to Paddleboarding.
Canoe the wye – base at Symonds Yat West
A lovely spot on the River, a bit more tricky to get to.
Just 15 minute drive to Ross, and you can canoe to Symonds yet or do just a half day trip.
Most recently it is famed for being the setting of Harry Potter filming, including not only the forest but also Symonds Yet. If you’re a fan, also visit the Cloisters at Gloucester Cathedral.
Plenty to do here, hire Mountain bikes and cycle the family trails through woods, or do a downhill track if you fancy – uplift services also available.
Also look at visiting Puzzlewood – used in the filming of Dr Who, Star Wars, Merlin and many others.
Explore the Sculpture trail – turn a wander through the woods into an art experience.
Go Ape, based in th Forest of Dean. swing through treetops or enjoy a Segway experience.