Gorgeous Country Cottage, beside Windsor Great Park & overlooking Windsor Castle

The Victorian Lodge (1876) is a truly special and quintessentially English country cottage, set on a private estate once owned by King Henry VIII. With uninterrupted views across the surrounding valley towards Windsor Castle, secluded wrap-around gardens and Windsor Great Park directly across the road, it offers a setting that is increasingly rare to find.

Step outside into the Royal Park's quieter deer park, where ancient woodland, enormous old trees and miles of peaceful paths let you immerse yourself in the countryside. You can walk for hours among the deer and wildlife without seeing another soul. This beautiful landscape has an almost timeless quality and has provided the backdrop for many Hollywood films and television productions.

If you've ever imagined a traditional English countryside escape, the Lodge brings that picture to life. Its historic character and extraordinary setting are matched by all the warmth and comfort of a modern home.

Autumn and winter:

Autumn and winter are particularly special here. Enjoy crisp walks through the woodland, spot deer in the mist, watch the parkland change colour or take in the scenery on a horse-drawn carriage ride. The nearby Valley Gardens and Savill Garden are beautiful in their autumn colours, while Windsor takes on a festive atmosphere with Windsor Illuminated, Christmas celebrations at the Castle and seasonal shopping.

After a day outside, return to the warmth of the cottage, light the real log fire and settle in for the evening. With logs provided, hot water bottles, an electric blanket, extra blankets and a generous welcome hamper, it's a wonderfully cosy place to spend the colder months. Nearby traditional pubs offer hearty food and roaring fires.

Modern comforts:

Despite its historic appearance, the Lodge is fully equipped for modern life, with fast, reliable fibre-optic Wi-Fi, a dedicated workspace, Smart TV, Netflix, Sky Q, Prime Video and other free streaming apps.

Key features:

- Three bedrooms, sleeping up to six guests: a king-size master bedroom, a second bedroom with a super-king bed that can be separated into twins, and a study with a small double sofa bed.
- Two additional fold-out single beds, two travel cots and a high chair available on request.
- Electric blanket, high-quality linens, hot water bottles and extra blankets.
- Real log fireplace in the sitting room, with logs provided.
- Two bathrooms: one with a bath and hand-held shower, the other with a spacious double walk-in shower, rainfall and hand-held shower heads.
- Fluffy towels, dressing gowns, toiletries and scented candles.
- Fast, reliable fibre-optic Wi-Fi and a dedicated workspace.
- Smart TV with Netflix, Sky Q entertainment and sports packages, Prime Video and other streaming apps.
- Fully equipped kitchen with beautiful views of Windsor Castle.
- NEFF double oven, dishwasher, electric hob, large fridge/freezer, two microwaves and Nespresso coffee machine.
- Magimix food processor, juicer, full cooking equipment, herbs, spices and condiments.
- Indulgent welcome hamper with teas, coffee, hot chocolate, milk, butter, jams, honey, eggs, croissants, cheese, biscuits, chocolates, crisps and wine.
- Washing machine, tumble dryer, iron and ironing board.
- Private wrap-around gardens with an outdoor patio, BBQ, rose pergola and garden furniture.
- Board games, cards and books.
- Wildlife on the doorstep, including deer in Windsor Great Park and seasonal sheep and lambs in the neighbouring field.
- Free private parking, including a disabled parking space.
- Two road bicycles available free of charge on request.

The cottage:

The Lodge is full of character, with the comfort and space of a proper country home. The sitting room is centred around a real log fire, making it a lovely place to relax. There are books and board games, as well as a Smart TV with Netflix, Sky Q and other streaming services.

There are three bedrooms. The master bedroom has a king-size bed and adjoining bathroom, while the second bedroom has a super-king bed which can be arranged as two singles. The study provides a third sleeping space with a small double sofa bed and a dedicated workspace. Two additional fold-out single beds and two travel cots can be provided, along with a high chair.

The kitchen is fully equipped for everything from a leisurely breakfast to a proper family meal. It includes a NEFF double oven, dishwasher, electric hob, large fridge/freezer, Nespresso machine and a wide range of cooking equipment, with lovely views of Windsor Castle.

There are two bathrooms: one with a bath and hand-held shower, and the other with a spacious double walk-in shower. The utility room has a washing machine and tumble dryer, making the Lodge well suited to longer stays.

Private gardens:

One of the Lodge's most special features is its secluded wrap-around garden. There is a private patio and outdoor dining area beneath the rose pergola, with a BBQ, garden furniture and plenty of space to enjoy the surroundings. The garden is framed by century-old oak trees and well-kept flower beds, with beautiful views towards Windsor Castle and the valley beyond.

Guests interested in gardens are also very welcome to walk up the drive and enjoy the grounds at Little Dower House, which include a woodland, wildflower meadow, summer house, pond, stream and bridge.

The local area:

Directly across the road is the 4,800-acre Windsor Great Park, giving you access to one of the most beautiful and historic landscapes in the country. The quieter deer park and surrounding ancient woodland are wonderful for walking, cycling and wildlife spotting, with miles of paths to explore.

Other local attractions and activities include:

- Valley Gardens and Savill Garden, particularly beautiful during the autumn colours.
- Horse-drawn carriage rides through Windsor Great Park.
- Guards Polo Club, where you can watch a few chukkas or, by prior arrangement, enjoy a ride on one of our retired polo ponies.
- Windsor Castle and the historic town of Windsor, with its shops, restaurants and riverside walks.
- Ascot and Windsor Racecourses, including winter jump racing.
- Thorpe Park and LEGOLAND Windsor.
- Tally Ho Stables, offering horse riding through the surrounding ancient woodland.
- Wentworth Golf Club and nearby National Trust properties.
- River Thames boating, riverside pubs and towpath walks.
- Hampton Court Palace and Kew Gardens.
- Central London, easily reached by train in around 35–40 minutes.

There are also several excellent traditional pubs and restaurants nearby, including the Fox and Hounds by the Bishopsgate entrance to the park, a lovely spot for lunch or dinner after a walk.

Despite its peaceful countryside setting, the Lodge is well connected. London is approximately 35–40 minutes away by train and Heathrow Airport around 20 minutes by car. Two road bicycles are also available free of charge on request, providing a lovely way to explore the park's cycle routes and surrounding country lanes.

Guest access:

Guests have exclusive use of the whole Victorian Lodge and its private gardens. The gardens include an alfresco dining area beneath the rose pergola, a BBQ, outdoor furniture and plenty of space to relax, play games and enjoy the surroundings.

Other things to note:

The Victorian Lodge is situated on Crimp Hill, a quiet country road on a private estate of just four houses. The owners live nearby at Little Dower House and are on hand if needed, while respecting guests' privacy.

The Lodge's private gardens and exceptional views of Windsor Castle also make it a beautiful setting for a small, intimate wedding. The wider Little Dower House estate offers additional romantic gardens and outdoor spaces for larger celebrations.

For larger families or groups, The Little Hideaway is also available to rent. This newly finished two-storey property sits just two minutes up the drive and sleeps two to four adults. Booking both properties together provides additional accommodation for larger groups.