We are ideally located in central southern England with very good travel links to the whole country. Locally there is plenty to see and do:- Avebury, Stonehenge. Oxford / Bath / Bristol are all accessible within the hour. Heathrow Airport is 80 mls (a reliable Taxi collection service available at a reasonable cost). Bournemouth & other sandy beaches 65 mls. Cardiff & Swansea in Wales are just over and hour away. London and Historic Portsmouth are less than 2 hours away. For trains to London Kemble station is 15 minutes away and then London just over an hours train ride.

If you want to be close to the Royal Family King Charles and his wife Camilla live 5 miles away at Highgrove House. See if you can spot William and his wife in Tetbury or one of the fantastic pubs in the area. It is possible to get tours of the grounds if you book well in advance - we booked in February for an October tour.

Malmesbury is a very historical site on the edge of the Cotswolds and the Abbey is stacked full of history and is famous as having the first King of England (Athelston) burried here. Also the flying monk, Elmer, flew for 200metres off the Abbey tower before breaking both his legs. He was not allowed to fly again and lived into his 70's!

We live in a building with an interesting history. Built in 1855 is was the boys school and in 1960 to 1999 it was the art department of the local senior school. In the 1930s our apartment was the dining hall for the boys and in the later art period it was the art studio. Converted to flats and apartments in 2011 it now has 2 apartments and 7 flats, many in the hands of owner occupiers.

Our apartment was the Penthouse Apartment used as a show flat as it also benefits from magnificent views across the town and countryside. We have a bedroom with ensuite facilities ( WC and walking shower) on the living level, a snug and open plan kitchen / lounge /dining area. It is very light and airy and on the first floor there is a splendid bedroom with ensuite bathroom with WC, bath and walkin shower. It best serves guests under 1.7m /5'6" as there is an old beam you walk or duck under. As it is a glazed mezzanine floor room you need to be very close to any others living in the apartment!

Taking the 10 minute walk (0.3 of a mile) into town past The Abbey you can start the day with coffee in one of the local cafes, hopefully basking in the warm sunshine. Malmesbury has the best bakery around and the danish pastries and croisants (all freshly baked on their premises each day) are simply a must. The oldest Hotel in England, The Old Bell, first opened in 1221 serves great food and the garden bar is so relaxing and a great way to socialise.

In less than 5 minutes you can be in the country side walking alongside the river or across the fields. There are plenty of interesting walks and often there are guided walks around the town. In late July, through August is carnival season in town and it ends on the first Saturday in September with a carnival procession through the town. There are many interesting talks, great dining experiences and then there is also The Petticoat Lane Market on the August Bank Holiday weekend with live music in the Cloister Garden of the Abbey.

The famous city of Bath is half an hour away by road or train (best method of getting there) and the Therma Spa is an absolute must along with the Abbey and walking around the beautiful streets and river paths. The American Museum is a short bus ride from the town centre. Bath is fabulous and will demand a few days here.

Cirencester, or Corinium as it was known in Roman times, is the capital of the Cotswolds is under half an hour away and many quaint Cotwold towns and villages (Stowe on the Wold, Morton in Marsh, Burford, Bourton on the Water and Bibury)are all less than an hour away and have to be visited.

If you feel energetic the Cotswolds Water Park is not far away and has miles of cycling or walking routes and there is also a lake with beach for children.

If you want a tour guide to take you out for a day or two please look up www.seeitinaday.com and Bob will take you out and show you the best sights and an insight into English life that you might not get from visiting on your own.

After the travel and days out, time can be spent walking along the river or enjoying a wine or beer in the local pubs.

The National Arboretum at Westonbirt is a must, drinks or snacks in Jacks Bar at The Hare and Hounds is recommended afterwards!

I am sure all guests will find plenty to do and have a good time here. It is not suitable for children, there is a no pets or smoking ban inside the building too (terms of the lease). In addition it is an old and fragile building and not a playground. The communal garden is fully enclosed.

Please note we are on the second floor and there is no lift.

Thanks for looking at our listing. All enquiries will be replied to. Paul and Frances Smith.