Notes from the cottages

Some of the nicest days begin without much of a plan. A leisurely breakfast, a walk through honey coloured streets and time to stop wherever takes your fancy are often all you need.

From Peony Cottage, start with a wander along Moreton in Marsh's high street. Leave time to browse the independent shops before settling in for a coffee. For a change of scene, Batsford Arboretum is a lovely place to spend an afternoon among the trees. Check opening times before setting off.

Stow on the Wold and Chipping Campden are worth exploring at your own pace, with old stone buildings, little shops and plenty of places to pause. Choose one town rather than trying to fit everything into a single day.

If you are staying at Thatched Cottage, take time to enjoy Whichford itself. For a country walk, bring comfortable shoes, follow marked public paths and allow for muddy ground after rain. Finish with a relaxed supper and an evening back at the cottage.

Stamford is a town best enjoyed on foot. Its stone streets, historic buildings and tucked away corners reward a slower pace, with time to look up at the architecture as well as into the shop windows.

Begin with the streets around the town centre, then browse the independent shops and bookshops. Rather than filling the day with appointments, leave room for a long lunch or a quiet coffee along the way.

The Town Meadows offer a different view of Stamford, with space to stroll beside the River Welland. Comfortable shoes and an extra layer make a riverside wander all the more enjoyable as the seasons change.

For a longer outing, look up Burghley House's opening dates and admission details before visiting. The house, gardens and parkland have different arrangements, so it is worth planning around what you would most like to see.

No 5 is still coming together. We look forward to sharing more of its interiors and the town that inspired them as opening draws nearer.

Welcome to our journal, a quiet corner of the site for local guides, thoughtful tips and stories from the cottages and the villages and towns around them.

There is always something small happening here. Roses over the door at Thatched Cottage, the first open fire of autumn at Peony Cottage, and new finds for No 5 in Stamford as the house comes together. We will write about the markets, walks, pubs and shops we send our guests to, and about the thinking behind the interiors.

If you have stayed with us before, we hope this brings a little of it back. If you are planning your first stay, we hope it gives you a feel for what awaits. Either way, we look forward to welcoming you.