Your Stay at The Potting Shed

1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom, open plan kitchen & dinning with galleried study area & private patio.

Secluded, cosy and charmingly rustic, the Potting Shed is an idyllic backdrop for a romantic getaway. Set against the beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside, this barn conversion is situated within the stunning grounds of Grade II* Listed Island Hall, on the edge of the River Great Ouse. With its own patio, the property also has easy access to the vast local conservation area, consisting of Port Holme (at 260 acres, the largest water meadow in the UK) and two nature reserves with tranquil views over the ancient water system. This stunning accommodation offers a contemporary open plan living space with a wood burner and patio doors opening onto the patio. The relaxing master bedroom boasts French doors that open onto a shared courtyard. There is modern shower room and a galleried working space ideal for remote working.

A luxurious, cozy hideaway in the heart of the Ouse Valley - the perfect, secluded base for exploring...

Your Arrival

When you arrive in the Island Hall Courtyard, please look out for your assigned 'Potting Shed' parking spaced.

The keys will be inside the green post box below the Potting Shed sign, simply open the post box and take the keys!

On departure, simply lock the doors and please leave the keys back inside the green post box below the Potting Shed sign - where you found them.

Which Key is Which?

Security

Please keep help keep us and yourselves secure

When you come and go please always CLOSE THIS GATE behind you (it automatically locks) as well as lock The Potting Shed door, thank you!

Amenities

With electric central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels, Wi-Fi and some logs for wood burner included, private patio with seating area, a small dog welcome and private parking... Make yourself at home!

Please note:

Dogs to be kept on a lead at all times within communal places.
There is a river in the grounds.
No smoking.
Travel cot on request.
Private parking is for 1 car.

Parking

Please only park in your allocated space

Look for the 'Potting Shed' allocated parking sign - please be aware the location of this might vary during the course of your stay! Please note that additional parking for your own visitors is not included - we suggest the adjacent Mill Yard Free Public Car Park.

Welcome Pack

Our gift to you!

To greet you when you arrive you will find a locally baked loaf bread, some local, free range eggs, some delicious ginger & dark chocolate biscuits, tea, coffee and juice in the fridge. The kitchen is also well stocked with basics such as: pasta, rice, oil, flour salt & sugar.

Please leave the orange juice 'milk bottle' in the Potting Shed fridge (rinsed) so it can be returned to the milkman - thank you!

Wifi

Fibre optic broadband

Please use these details to connect:

Network:- BT-F3CWFT

Password:- JYHJ7N3GaJ4pM4

Smart TV

Our Netflix/iPlayer/ITV Hub/Amazon Prime accounts

You will find that the Smart TV is automatically connected to our Netflix account, so you can view movies and series whenever you like. Just hit the 'Netflix' button on the remote control and select 'Potting Shed' account when prompted by the Netflix main menu.

On iPlayer, Amazon & ITV HUB please use: Grace Vane Percy profile - we have yet to set up Potting Shed profiles on these. Please do not purchase via Amazon Prime - plenty of Free content available!

Wood Burner

Initial Kindling & logs included

In the log basket you will find a selection of newspaper, kindling and logs to get your fire started. Please only burn wood or materials which are intended for this use and be sure to use the crank tool to open & close the HOT DOOR of the wood burner. Open the air vents to help ignition, but once your fire has got going you need to partially close the vents to reduce airflow into the burner. If the vents open widely then the wood will burn through very quickly and all your heat will escape up the chimney! Please watch this video for guidance. We supply an amount of wood etc for your stay, once this is used up, you can purchase additional kindling, logs & briquettes at Premier Convenience Store directly opposite the courtyard.

Secret Wardrobe

Handy yet concealed

The hanging space wardrobe is cleverly concealed under the staircase leading to the galleried study area. Take a look!

A Space to Work

Small yet functional with plenty of natural light

Up on the mezzanine level you will find a simple work space. There is a desk with a chair and electric sockets on hand. There is also an armchair for reading. This space also doubles as an area for the cot if required. Don't forget the skylight has a fitted blackout blind, so close this at night if you don't want the sunlight to disturb you!

Daylight or Darkness?

Please note the skylight has a built in blind

Up on the mezzanine level you will see the skylight. There is a built in blackout blind. Don't forget to close this at night if you don't want to wake with the rising sun!

Extra Utensils Etc.

Additional things you might need

All can be found here! In the drawer under the hostess trolley.

Useful Items

Candles, coasters, places mats & matches

All can be found here! In the drawer under the kitchen table.

Using The Hob

This is an induction hob

To operate press & HOLD (gently)! Please watch this video

There is also a standard sized fan assisted oven as well as a microwave

Bluetooth Speaker

Connect to your device or smart phone

Simply turn the speaker on and search for 'TRONSMART' on your device's bluetooth. The charging cable is provided should you need it.

Guests with Four Paws!

Guidlines

ALL FURRY GUESTS NEED TO BE BOOKED IN AND PAID FOR IN ADVANCE OF YOUR STAY.

IF YOU HAVE NOT PAID AN ADDITIONAL FEE THEN WE WILL BE UNAWARE YOU ARE BRINGING A PET.

Please call Cottages.com: +44 345 268 1846 to add a pet to your stay.

OR contact us directly via email: enquire@islandhall.com

Dogs UP TO 25lbs / 11kg or less are considered suitable for the accommodation. IF YOUR DOG IS LARGER you need to make contact with us first to discuss suitability.

The small fenced patio is your private area. The height of the fence should contain your small dog.

For your convenience you are able to let your dog into the gravelled area outside your front door to conduct its morning & evening business (please collect any deposits!). But please be aware that this is not your private area.

PLEASE keep you furry friend on a lead at all times (within all other communal areas of the property).

In the living room space you will find a cozy dog bed & food/water bowls - as well as a few treats to make them feel instantly at home. Please note dogs are not allowed on the furniture - including the bed. If you find your dog needs a wash down after a muddy walk, there is an outside tap you are welcome to use - it's in the corner to your right directly as you come in the dark green gate form the courtyard.

N.B: We have a miniature dachshund (Lady Grizzle) - she has free roam of all communal areas. She is very friendly, shy of other dogs and mostly enjoys tummy tickles, sunbathing & free food - but please do not feed her! She is not vicious with other dogs - or humans!

During the warmer months our tortoise Persephoni also roams the gardens - please do not let you dog worry or stress her. Thank you!

Solar Lanterns & Outdoor Cushions

Charge lanterns in the daylight to brighten up your evening on the patio!

Simply leave these solar powered lanterns to charge up during the day and let them add a bit of twinkle to your evening!

Please remember that these are not weather-proof so bring them back inside with you after use. Please do not leave them to charge outside in inclement weather.

Make yourself comfortable with the outdoors seat cushions provided, you will find them in the cupboards underneath the TV.

Please note that these are also not weather-proof so bring them back inside with you after use. Please do not leave them outside in inclement weather.

Patio Door Operating Instructions

Lock & Unlock the patio door - key in door

To lock the door: pull closed firmly, then raise the handle (also firmly) upwards to engage the lock, you can now turn the key - clockwise to lock.

To unlock the door: raise the handle (again, firmly) upwards to engage the lock, you can now turn the key anticlockwise to unlock.

The Patio

This is your private space to enjoy!

Kick back and relax with an alfresco meal or simply sit and read in good weather. As this is a private space your dog can be off the lead within this area. Other ears are considered communal. You will find seat cushions for outside use with the unit underneath the television.

Washing Machine & Airer

Far lefthand kitchen cupboard

Use dial to select cycle of your choice and press 'start' button. There is a small airer for socks/underwear etc under the kitchen sink and a larger on inside the concealed wardrobe.

This machine was installed in 2021 and is in good working order, however use of the washing machine is at your own risk, we do not accept responsibility for any damage to your items that might be caused.

Dishwasher

To the left of the oven

Most things will fit in this dishwasher - excluding the large dinner plates (unfortunately these will need washing by hand).

To use the dishwasher turn on using 'on' button, then use 'P' button to scroll through the numbered menu of options - list to left. Once you are happy with your choice and length of cycle, simply close the door to start the programme.

Heating

Each radiator operates separately off its own thermostat

The radiators are simple to operate using the digital control panel on the side, use the up & down arrows to increase/decrease the temperature as preferred. Find instructions for use here.

Travel Cot

We can provide a travel cot and linen if you need

If you request a travel cot, we will automatically provide a changing mat and a few toys for your little person - let us know your baby's age in advance.

The cot is best placed up in the mezzanine work space - you can use the desk as a changing table - don't forget the skylight has a fitted blackout blind!

Waste

Under the kitchen sink!

Please use:

BEIGE BIN for CLEAN & DRY, mixed recyclables: paper, card, tins, plastic & glass.
BLACK BIN for all general waste.
If you're a fan of composting please use the compost bin provided, once full you can transfer contents to one of our large compost stores:- from your garden patio take the gravel path towards the brick wall, you will find three wooden compost stores against that brick wall on your left, next to the garden shed.

WHEN BINS BECOME FULL during your stay, you can empty them into large wheelie bins in the courtyard where you parked your car. PLEASE STRICTLY ADHERE TO THE CATEGORIES:

Blue Wheelie Bin = CLEAN Recycling
Black Wheelie Bin = General waste/ ALL WASTE
Green Wheelie Bin = Compostable waste NO BAGS PLEASE

Food & Essentials Shopping

If you would like to choose to shop for food locally, why not try:

Co-op - Godmanchester - easy parking or shorter walk
M&S - Huntingdon - easy parking or longer walk
Sainsbury's - Huntingdon - easy parking or longer walk
Waitrose - St Ives - easy parking
Pinnies Tea Room - Godmanchester - easy walk
Tom's Cakes - St Ives & Ely - easy parking
T&S Thomas Family Butchers - easy walk
Johnson's of Old Hurst - farm shop: family butchers & exceptional deli (6.5 mile drive - why not make a day of it and visit their restaurant/tea rooms & zoological gardens?) - easy parking

Exploring The Grounds of Island Hall

You are welcome to explore the grounds of Island Hall within set times

Winter Time (Nov-March inclusive):

Mon-Fri 7.00am-8pm
Sat-Sun 7.00am-10am & 3.00pm-8pm

Summer Time (April-October inclusive):

Mon-Sun 7.00am-10am
Mon-Sun 6.00pm-10pm

Please note: some Fridays & Saturdays there may be weddings and events within the grounds (live music cut off is 10.00pm & DJ 11.00pm), this should not affect your stay, as a family home we do not find it a problem.

Access to grounds is not given on an exclusive basis, there may be family or garden/building maintenance activities taking place.

Please visit: WHAT'S ON? to discover events you might like to join.

N.B: We have a miniature dachshund (Lady Grizzle) - she has free roam of all communal areas. She is very friendly, shy of other dogs and mostly enjoys tummy tickles, sunbathing and free food - but please do not feed her!

Island Hall Itself

If you would like to find out more about this beautiful Geogian family home please visit: Islandhall.com

The house is only open to the public via the Historic Houses Invitation to View Scheme. This way individuals or couples can join a small group of <20 like-minded individuals for a special tour and classic afternoon tea. To see the full calendar of dates and to book please visit : Invitation to View and discover when our next tour is!

Angling

Please note that fishing is NOT PERMITTED from Island Hall property. But there are ample angling opportunities close at hand!

Please visit:

Stanjay who sell memberships and/or day tickets for:
Cromwell Lake Godmanchester A S St Ives AS Offord & Buckden Brampton C F P A S Hemingfords.

Woolpack Fishery Who offer fishing on four different lakes, each with its unique charm, and home to some of the most stunning English carp up to 50.5lb, many of which are over 40 years old! Ticket numbers are strictly limited to preserve the quality of their fish and the 50-acre site, so you can be assured that every catch is a prized one.

Local Porthomle meadow is owned by the London Anglers Association, and managed as grazing and enjoyed by the townsfolk of Huntingdon and Godmanchester. Portholme contains many rare species of grass, flowers and dragonfly, it is the only known habitat of the marsh dandelion in Britain

Our Pet Tortoise

Meet Persephoni our marginated tortoise!

She roams the garden freely during the warmer months and can often be found sunbathing or simply pottering around the garden. She is accustomed to humans and will often be happy to spend time in plain sight.

Please DO NOT feed her as she helps herself to all the weeds she could wish for from the garden! though she doesn't hide being handled we request that you don't pick her up, to avoid any potential harm.

During your stay you might also notice the wild terrapin or the otters swimming in the old Mill Race! keep your eyes peeled as they are very secretive!

You Are Here!

Finding Us

Please use: 18, Post Street PE29 2BA for your satnav purposes. Please note that you will be parking in the courtyard of Island Hall - this is directly opposite Premiere Convenience Store on Post Street.

Places to Eat

We are happy to recommend a Selection of Pubs offering both casual and fine dining as well as wine tasting!

The White Hart

Gastro Pub & Wine Bar

The White Hart is a historic and beautiful 15th Century restaurant and public house retains the character and rustic charm of its heritage, but with the added sophistication and comforts of contemporary living.

The Old Bridge Hotel

Restaurant & Bar

The restaurant at The Old Bridge is a beautiful, light and airy space, smart but relaxed. They offer a menu with a clearly British bias, updated monthly and with a strong emphasis on seasonality. Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, we do advise you to book a table.

The lounge, bar and patio garden offer tea and coffee, drinks and snacks all day.

The Old Bridge Wine
Shop

Wine Shop

Old Bridge Wine offers an outstanding selection of award winning wines chosen by John Hoskins MW.

The Brampton Mill

Gastro Pub & Bar

The Brampton Mill is a premium pub, bar, and restaurant with its very own courtyard, centrally located in the heart of the picturesque town of Brampton.

Positioned on the idyllic River Great Ouse, The Brampton Mill offers the perfect location to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life in truly relaxing surroundings.

The Black Bull

Pub

The Black Bull, Godmanchester is a 17th Century Coaching Inn on the historic route from London to Edinburgh. Today is it is a traditional pub with a mouthwatering menus and a fabulous garden.

The Exhibition

Restaurant, Pub & Bar

A dog friendly and popular pub, restaurant and bar on London Road in Godmanchester, near Huntingdon. The Exhibition is family owned & run with a warm, friendly, welcoming atmosphere. We have an open fire and enclosed garden. With locally sourced ingredients and award winning chef we are a great place to eat. We have lunch, dinner & Sunday menus, a popular bar pizza menu, delicious puddings, bar snacks, guest ales, draught beers, spirits and a fabulous wine list.

Bellman's Bakery

Excellent for breakfast baps & sandwiches if you're planning a picnic - takeaway

Opposite the Island Hal courtyard is Bellmans is family owned and run bakery and food outlet, providing freshly prepared snack food to takeaway for breakfast and light lunches.

Cinta

Chinese & Malaysian Restaurant & takeaway

Just a few minutes' stroll down Post Street offering a wide range of Oriental Cuisine for you to choose from. Great for a takeaway (unfortunately they don't deliver), See their menu in with all the leaflets, or check out their website.

Planet Spice

Indian Cusine restaurant & takeaway

Planet Spice is the favourite choice for Indian food in Godmanchester. Enjoy dining in or order a takeaway.

A few minutes' walk away, on the riverside Causeway - from tongue sizzling traditional dishes like the famously hot Vindaloo to Planet Spices’ Creamy Pathia to King Prawn Pasandas. We’re sure you’ll find something on their menu that will satisfy your tastebuds. See their menu in with all the leaflets, or check out their website

The Cock

Hemingford Grey

A short 4 mile drive away, The Cock (National Pub of the year twice in the last decade) is a country pub and restaurant well worth a visit. Serving modern British fayre. Expect first rate food and drink in traditional surroundings and al fresco dining in our lovely garden, served by our knowledgeable and friendly team.

The Three Horseshoes

Madingley

The Three Horseshoes is a picturesque, thriving, thatched country pub. It’s nestled in the quaint, romantic village of Madingley, 14 miles from Godmanchester. Voted Cambridgeshire Dining Pub of the Year for 2018, the restaurant serves hearty, comforting dishes, fresh fish, Sunday roasts and plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans.

mjp@theshepherds

Fen Ditton

Enjoy a relaxed dining experience with chef Mark Poynton: mjp@theshepherds 21 miles from Godmanchester.

They offer an ever developing and changing menu, focused around some of the best, seasonal, local produce we can find. Restaurant & Lounge their menu has been created to allow you to enjoy as much or as little as you wish. Fish, plant and meat plates can all be small/large. Create your own tasting menu, enjoy a selection of plates in the middle of the table; the decision is completely up to you! If you have any dietary requirements or allergies please inform a member of their team.

Burwash Manor

Barton

Burwash Manor on the outskirts of Cambridge is two courtyards of converted farm buildings housing a collection of independent, unique shops, a quality delicatessen, as well as a café with both indoor and outdoor seating, and beauty salon, all open 7 days a week.

With free parking and a children’s play area, Burwash Manor offers you a friendly - also dog (on lead) friendly! Peaceful shopping experience. It’s the perfect antidote to the crush of the High Street and a perfect way to spend the day and pick up something special.

Whatever the season, you’ll find there’s always something happening at Burwash Manor. This includes seasonal activity days, please visit their website for current information.

Burwash Retreats Spa

Barton

Located in the beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside, The Retreats specialises in first-class restorative treatments for the mind, body and soul. We aim to nurture and relax each of our guests with personalised, meaningful therapies. Creating a safe place for healing to occur, we use only the best products that are suitable for all individuals, including those undergoing cancer treatment and other medical treatments. They are proud to have been the first salon to introduce Germaine de Capuccini in the Cambridge area.

PLEASE BOOK IN ADVANCE

The Tickell Arms

Whittlesford

The Tickell Arms is a pub and restaurant in the heart of Whittlesford, a lovely village south of Cambridge, about 25 miles away.

The restaurant serves seasonal modern British food in relaxed surroundings and wonderful roast dinners on Sunday lunchtimes. The conservatory and terrace, overlooking the pond and rose garden, are delightful in summer and real fires make it a warm destination in winter. They have two gardens! Our other garden is a beer garden where you can enjoy some light pub food and an extensive range of drinks from our pub bar.

The Gog

Stapleford

From Field to fork The Gog Farm Shop & Cafe might now spread across three buildings 31 miles from Godmanchester :- greengrocery and butchery, deli and cheese shop, and wine – but in every single respect they work with one aim: to create a wonderful environment for the best food and drink around, offering it to their faithful customers with pride in its provenance and a real understanding of its potential utter yumminess.

The small farm shop was set up in the late 1970’s by Colin (Fred’s Grandson) and Lesley, and it bumped along for around 25 years selling our eggs, potatoes and meat. Then, in 2004, the next generation took up the reins, with Charles Bradford deciding to swap his City of London suit for a pair of old wellies and his brother Marcus returning to ground level after graduating from university.

The Red Lion

Soham

The Red Lion is all about quality: quality of food, quality of service, and quality of environment. 34 miles from Godmanchester, they strive for perfection, all while aiming to maintain a relaxed and friendly place to eat and drink. Most of all they love to have a good time, and encourage you to do the same when you visit us. They are dog friendly!

Grain Culture

Ely

At Grain Culture they bake real bread and viennoiseries. 36 miles from Godmanchester, they only supply their own shop in Ely and likeminded businesses around Cambridgeshire.

The bakery started in November 2018 in Luca’s garage, one small 25l mixer, one bench and a couple of small ovens to supply the fortnightly Farmer’s Market. The following January wholesale deliveries started.

Since then, quite a lot has changed. They moved into a large commercial unit just outside of town and found a permanent home on St. Mary’s Street in Ely.

Their ethos hasn’t changed though, they’re still committed to being and producing the best.

The Bagel Bar

Ely

The Bagel Bar & coffee house is run by Silver Oak Coffee is a micro roastery based in north Cambridgeshire - 38 miles from Godmanchester, they are a small team with a huge enthusiasm for coffee.

They roast weekly to ensure all our customers receive the freshest coffee we can provide, they choose to roast small lots of carefully selected coffee beans from around the world.

The Bagel Bar offers a more sophisticated coffee/sandwich alternative, where people can enjoy excellent quality bagels & coffee in a relaxed friendly atmosphere. They pride themselves on their customer service and have built a great reputation.

Peacocks Tearoom

Ely

Also 38 miles from Godmanchester Peacocks Tearoom is an award winning family business set up in our their overlooking the river nearly ten years ago. Starting with just one room and the pretty front garden it grew from there, taking in first the family kitchen, and then the hall. So, it has a beautiful, homely feel!

They offer cream teas, hot dishes, salads and sandwiches all day, and all freshly prepared to order. It’s not ‘fast food’ and sometimes, especially busy days in the summer, there may be a bit of a wait for the food. It could probably be done quicker, and cheaper, but it wouldn’t be as good. Their tea-list is certainly unique – nowhere else in the world are you offered teas from every continent.

Day Outing Suggestion

On a nice day one of our favourite things to do ourselves is to walk across Portholme Meadow to Brampton Mill for lunch - it's about a 50 minute walk there, you can enjoy e delicious lunch & a refreshing drink and walk back...

Your Pied-à-terre for Rustic living in harmony with nature

To Visit

Although you will feel completely tucked away, the bustling historic city of Cambridge is only a 30-minute drive. The cottage itself is within walking distance of various amenities including Huntingdon railway station, allowing you to reach the city of Peterborough in 20 minutes as well as the phenomenal capital city of London in just under an hour. The property also has easy access to the vast local conservation area, consisting of Port Holme (at 260 acres, the largest water meadow in the UK) as well as several nature reserves with tranquil views over the ancient water systems. Godmanchester is also close to various National Trust and other heritage properties & museums,Gas well as a golf Club and multiplex cinema.

Local Amenities

Situated within the Ouse Valley we are surrounded by the River Great Ouse. The Great Ouse is Britain's 4th longest river at 143 miles with a catchment area of over 5000 sq miles. The huge catchment of the Great Ouse connects notable places like Milton Keynes, Bedford, St Neots, Huntingdon, St Ives and Cambridge while providing a wonderful natural network for wildlife. Despite habitat loss through agricultural intensification and urban development, parts of these waterways are still lined with reedbeds, willow trees, alder carrs and wetland plants, creating natural havens for wildlife, while beneath the water's surface freshwater fish and invertebrates swim through the nourishing waters and underwater vegetation. We are fortune to have access to this river, why not spend a day messing about on it?!

Millside Canoe Hire

Try something new or reconnect with a favourite pastime!

All boats are fully insured and are rented out with paddles and buoyancy aids. Boats can be hired out hourly or for a full day. You should allow 15 minutes prior to departure for fitting of buoyancy aids and a safety briefing. All clients must be able to swim to a basic standard. See website for details.

Lazy Days at Huntingdon Boat Haven

Boat hire

Whether you want to head out for a couple of hours or for a full day on the river. You will be shown the basics of how to drive and then off you go. It's as simple as that. Remember that in peak season they do get booked up quickly but you can book in advance to avoid disappointment. See website for details.

Purvis Marina