Having visited Surrey several times as a child, I’ve been desperate to return to this beautiful part of the world. I was thrilled when Julie from Surrey Hills Cottage Holidays invited me and my family to stay*. Our home for the weekend was 2 Limetree cottages, one of the two properties Julie and her parther have lovingly renovated.

Surrey Hills Cottage Holidays consists of 2 Lime Tree Cottages and The Nest. They are situated in Ranmore Common, a hamlet near Dorking, in the beautiful Surrey Hills in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Surrounded by picturesque National Trust land with spectacular views and The North Downs Way on its doorstep. It is a haven for walkers, cyclists and nature lovers.

As soon as we stepped through the door, which had been adorned with the most beautiful wreath Julie had made from foraged finds, we knew we were in for a treat.

The kids couldn’t wait to explore the large garden, which boasts panoramic views and fenced nature pond with water lilies. There’s plenty of comfortable seating areas dotted around, and ample room for them to run around and burn off some energy.

My husband Alex and I were keen to fire up the Nespresso machine and get the log burning stove in the cosy living room going. We ate dinner in the light, spacious garden room around the rustic French oak table that has amazing views of the quintessentially English cottage garden and the hills beyond.

2 Lime Tree Cottages is a beautiful four bedroom, two bathroom cottage built around 1880. It was formally an estate worker’s cottage, and was part of the Denbies estate owned by Thomas Cubitt. It was then passed on to his son George who became the first Lord Ashcombe. 
Upstairs there are four double bedrooms, two with king size beds, one with a double bed and another with two single beds.

A subtle palette of soft greys and off-whites are used throughout the cottage, creating a restful atmosphere. The beds are made up with Feather & Black linen bedding and Hypnos mattresses, just what you need after a long country walk.

One of the double bedrooms features this amazing French bed that Julie cleverly upholstered herself, with a stunning pink ticking stripe from Ian Mankin. A truly wonderful room to wake up in.

There’s also a reading nook with a comfortable vintage desk, lamp and chair for working. It has free Wifi, a Sonos speaker, 2 TVs and Netflix. And let’s not forget fully equipped kitchen and boot room/utility. 

Whilst I was there Julie gave me a tour around the other holiday property, The Nest. A cute brick and flint cottage which has also recently been renovated to a very high standard with a Modern Rustic feel. The bedroom sleeps two (adults) and has an open plan Living/dining area with TV, comfy sofa and Vintage furniture.

French doors lead outside to a willow screened eating area and the heated outdoor pool (that’s right, a POOL!) with sun loungers to lounge about on, in the sunny South facing garden.

The cottages are a perfect base to explore the cute local English Villages as well as enjoy a fair few National Trust properties, gastro pubs, award winning cafes, a local Michelin Star restaurant, Vineyards, Gin distilleries, the opera, theatres, farm shops and farmers markets.

Julie has considered every tiny detail in both renovations, making them a true home from home. From the locally made Bramley products in the bathrooms, to the carefully sourced Vintage finds dotted throughout, you’ll be marvelling at all the little details that make this the perfect place to escape to. You might even find yourself booking up another stay before you even leave to go home, we can’t wait to return!

Until next time,

Amy x

For more information visit www.surreyhillscottageholidays.co.uk 

Written and photographed (Nest and view photos supplied by owner) by Amy Davies Pereira of Little House In London. 

*Although our stay at 2 Limetree cottages was gifted, I wasn’t paid to write this article and all views and opinions are my own.