The Cottage is not what you might think - far from being small it's actually a beautifully restored and maintained 17th century house with no less than 15 guest rooms and despite being just a few miles from Stanstead airport it's set in the midst of beautiful countryside.
I've stayed in countless similar sized hotels and guest houses all over Europe but this one really made an impression for many reasons. Firstly it's a beautiful old building traditionally furnished and yet it has absolutely everything you need. Secondly, if you want to relax in peace, the Cottage ticks every box. In the evening, remarkably, you can look out the window and to all intents and purposes imagine you are on a remote Scottish island - there's hardly a light in sight to spoil the darkness and the utter silence is bemusing.
The hostess at the Cottage is a most charming and friendly Japanese lady which probably explains why everything is spotlessly clean, and absolutely nothing appears out of place. After a particularly long and fraught journey I could not have asked for a friendlier reception, or a more pleasant garden in which to sit for a while and unwind.