Ardleigh England

Hello, we have a listed timber framed 500 year old cottage with a beautiful garden with a lovely covered outside seating area with gazebo and lighting, in an idyllic location surrounded by fields (we have 6 acres), a lake and a reservoir, near to the Suffolk border and beautiful Dedham, an AONB is just 2 miles away. A few miles the other direction is Manningtree an old village where the Witch Finder General operated from in times gone by and which has stunning views over the River Stour. Whilst we live in the countryside (nearest neighbour about 3rd mile), we are only a few miles from the historic town of Colchester a Roman walled town with a castle and good train links to London. A bus to Colchester can be taken from the village (restaurant, corner shop, doctors & post office) about a mile away. We also have bikes someone can use. We have two dogs, a working cocker spaniel and a tiny Heinz varieties mix rescue from Romania, two cats, a guinea pig, 4 rheas, a few chickens and 3 horses (can get a groom in daily for those, so horse experience welcome, but not essential, so I have not included in the animal list). I am looking for someone practical and reliable who loves the countryside and all animals. I would like them to arrive the day before we go to show them the house and how everything works, introduce them to the animals in particular to introduce them to our dogs, as the little dog can be a bit nervous and bark to start with (once used to you, she is fine). Double spare bedroom. Range cooker, log burner and large open fire. You must have reviews to see please. If you are interested, please get in contact. Happy to speak, FaceTime, Zoom etc., and send photos via WhatsApp. Lorraine