A short and very pleasant drive may be made, by taking the road to
Northrepps, and having passed the Hall, and Hill House, both belonging to
Richard Gurney, Esq., returning by the road leading to the Cottage. This
mansion, which is sometimes also called the Hermitage, is inhabited by
Miss Gurney, and for its romantic situation is greatly admired. It
stands in a deep valley, opening towards Overstrand and the sea. It is
flinted in the Gothic style, and with the porch is thatched and fitted up
with great taste and simplicity. The grounds and woods by which it is
surrounded are extremely beautiful.
On an eminence called Toll’s-hill, not far from the cottage, is a very
fine echo, produced by a bold and lofty range of hills, on the opposite
side of the vale, and extending between it and the sea from Overstrand to
Syderstrand.