River View, Pin Mill

About this property

The ideal cottage for a holiday by the river, Pin Mill is situated in the heart of Swallows and Amazons country, made famous by the children's stories by Arthur Ransome. Loved by sailors, bird watchers and artists alike.

This detached 1850s fisherman's cottage has wonderful views over the estuary. In the heart of Pin Mill, a hamlet made famous by its much loved pub, The Butt and Oyster, Arthur Ramsome's Swallows and Amazons books and its popularity with sailors, bird watchers and artists, River View is the perfect holiday cottage for a holiday by the water.

shotley 3 miles, ipswich 7 miles, manningtree 10 miles, flatford and dedham 15 miles, colchester 23 miles. Harwich and Felixstowe can be reached by foot ferry from Shotley.

About the Property: A traditional Suffolk cottage, River View has a large lobby opening into the dining room, a spacious fully fitted kitchen with a lovely old wood-burning stove and a good sized sitting room, again boasting a wood-burner. Upstairs there are two lovely bedrooms, both with views over the river and a large bathroom with Victorian style roll top bath. Sip a glass of champagne and watch the boats go by. 

River View is set backfrom the Pin Mill common, overlooking a large private garden and the water meadows. Newly furnished, the cottage has such modern accoutrements as wifi, an excellent selection of kitchen equipment alongside two lovely wood burning stoves and many classic board games, jigsaws, wonderful walks and views to enjoy. Step back in time and enjoy the delights of this stunning and unspoilt village and the peace and tranquility of River View.

The garden is landscaped and includes a useful shed for bike storage etc; there is an orchard area with several varieties of apple, pear and cherry tree and an area of lawn surrounded by shrub borders. Close to the cottage is a patio area with a herb garden - guests are welcome to help themselves to seasonal herbs.

This property is ideal for: Families or couples who enjoy days outdoors and relaxing evenings in front of the fire with a good book or board game. River View has a charming timber clad outhouse with spanking new shower room, children's bunk room (perfect for youngsters wanting a night away from the grown ups) and anti room with children's seating and hooks for coats etc; great for dumping outdoor wear after a day's sailing or walking before having an invigorating shower. 

River View is the perfect property for youngsters and adults who have been brought up on Britain's most-loved children's holiday adventures - Swallows & Amazons. In 1936, the Ransomes moved to Broke Farm at Levington on the opposite bank of the Orwell estuary, so that when Ransome wrote, he could look out his window across to Pin Mill. Himself a keen sailor, his yacht, Nancy Blackett, remains moored here to this day. Two of his wonderful stories are set on the stunning Suffolk coast here at Pin Mill. We Didn't Mean to go to Sea (1937), the first of Ransome's Suffolk stories, tells of the Swallows holidaying at Pin Mill while they await their father's return from China.  Secret Water (1939) is another wonderful adventure story set on the Suffolk coast, charting how the Swallows are marooned on an island south of Pin Mill. 

The secret of the continuing popularity of these children's classics resides very much in Ransome's "love of the landscape". It is easy to see why Ransome loved this pocket of Suffolk. Picturesque, nestled amongst an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with the River Orwell, surrounding woodland and heathland, sailors and birdlife (wigeon, pochard and teal in winter and chiffchaff and common tern in summer), bobbing boats and magnificent Thames barges, Pin Mill makes a remarkable holiday destination.

About the Area: The river is still well used by yachts and Thames barges, and Pin Mill is a popular spot for both those ashore and afloat, indeed it is regularly visited by artists, birdwatchers, cyclists, walkers and yachtsmen. The much loved Butt and Oyster pub stands at the top of the hard, and two boat yards still work either side of the common. The mudflats that are exposed at low water are a haven for wildlife, wading birds and occasionally seals. Pin Mill is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty and bordered by national trust woods, fields and marshes, with footpaths every direction.

You can still moor your yacht in the harbour, or learn to sail at nearby Alton Water or Pin Mill Sailing Club. There are wonderful paths to walk and routes to cycle and Pin Mill Studio, where, like Ransome, you can sketch the harbourside.

Eating and Drinking out: The Butt & Oyster, the very 17th century pub that provided the backdrop to the opening chapters of both of Ransome?s Suffolk novels, is just seconds from the front door of River View. Slightly further afield, in the nearby village of Chelmondiston, The Red Lion aims to provide good, affordable food. A favourite with the locals, open 5 days a week. 

Self Catering: Rations for your adventures can be found at Hall Farm Shop or Orwell Stores (other small shops can be found in Chelmondiston, or the Suffolk Food Hall is just over 10 minutes away by car and just beyond is Ipswich and Manningtree with many more shopping options).

For more information about the area, head to Visit Constable Country, or to read more about Pin Mill, click here.