Log Cabins to RentChasing a little white ball into a little white hole is popular all over the UK. But most log cabins are built in super scenery, so a local game of golf is a good bet for making the most of it. From a pitch and putt on site to a championship golf course nearby the log cabin locations below will make it easy for you to treat yourself to some golf time.
Stream Cottage offers a delightful country getaway for two couples or a small family. Located on the amazing Pontardawe Country Estate with its one hundred and twenty acres of glorious Welsh countryside, it enjoys natural beauty, peace, seclusion and absolutely amazing walks from the doorstep. The cottage sits alongside a picturesque mountain stream alive with wild trout, dippers and grey wagtails and edged with bluebells, daffodils, rhododendrons and hazel trees growing wild. The river runs through the estate on its way to Swansea Bay. The views from the back door of the cottage are of the stream, a pretty bridge, weeping ash, flowering rhododendron and traditional farmyard buildings.
The cottage is dog friendly so you can take your well-behaved furry friend along to enjoy this special place. Stream Cottage is bright and airy yet cosy and very comforting. There are some lovely images in the cottage that show you how the cottage was many moons ago. The white archway and circle that adorn the cottage are telling signs to its past life as a nineteenth century coach house. You can feel the history in this lovely cottage. The living room is very cosy with two comfy sofas, a television, an electric stove and a delightful warm colour palette. It is a wonderful room to nestle down in, enjoy your holiday book or peruse the excellent guest information booklet to decide how to spend your holiday week. The country kitchen enjoys modern cream shaker-style kitchen units, beams on the ceiling, a farmhouse style dining table and chairs and a very good range of appliances that will please the chef in your group.
Upstairs you will find the blue and white family bathroom with its bath and overhead shower and the cottage’s two bedrooms. The master enjoys a comfy double bed and gorgeous views from the windows. The second room is a delightful twin. Both bedrooms are characterful with beams on the ceilings and pretty colour palettes. The views of the stream at the back are so lovely.
Guests enjoy delightful outdoor space at Stream Cottage with a pretty, enclosed rear patio and a front courtyard lawn garden.
The fabulous one hundred and twenty acre Pontardawe Country Estate sits in the ancient hamlet of Cilybebyll, surrounded by beautiful rolling Welsh countryside. The historic estate boasts links to the descendants of Welsh Kings, Arthurian legend, tales of the Mabinogion, the Norman invasion, the Earls of Pembrokeshire, Winston Churchill’s secret army, eighteenth century prisons, Charles II, the tea plantations of Ceylon, coal mining, the Industrial Revolution and much more. A World War II hideout, used by Churchill’s Secret Army was found in the estate’s private bluebell woodland and gained recognition as a Scheduled Ancient Monument of national importance. In addition to its superb grounds, the Pontardawe Estate boasts the gorgeous manor house, Pontardawe Country House, as well as a number of other holiday cottages that Oliver’s Travels also feature. Guests can book each of these individually or for a special celebration, you may want to consider booking a selection of the cottages with or without the manor house. Guests staying at the cottages are free to roam the estate, enjoying the beautiful natural scenery and its amazing wildlife. The estate is brimming with woodland walks, farm trails, green fields, bluebell woods, rivers and stunning picnic spots. When you have had enough you can head to the splendid Brecon Beacons, the Gower Peninsula, museums and numerous delightful towns and villages.
Stream Cottage enjoys a fabulous position on the one hundred and twenty acre Pontardawe Country Estate in the tranquil hamlet of Cilybebyll, close to the village of Pontardawe. The estate is full of forests, rivers, bluebell woods, sprawling fields, bird nesting boxes, beautiful picnic spots, a stately manor house and other holiday cottages. It is the perfect rural retreat between the Gower Peninsula and the Brecon Beacons National Park. The estate courtyard where many of the cottages are located is bounded by the upper reaches of the picturesque River Clydach and on the other side by green parkland pastures grazed by sheep and cows. The high hills of blue pennant sandstone provide the backdrop to an idyllic and tranquil scene. Guests booking Stream Cottage are free to roam the estate including its award winning bluebell woodland. The estate’s farm walk is a circular walk for guests which meanders from the doorstep of Stream Cottage towards the summit of Mynydd Marchywel and back. En route, guests follow mountain streams, climb over stiles, explore the bluebell woods and traverse lazy green fields. On a clear day, the panoramic vistas include the Swansea Valley, Swansea Bay, the Bristol Channel and the Brecon Beacons National Park. The cottage is an excellent base for those that want to explore the landscapes by bike. The Afan Forest and Bike Park Wales are easily accessible. There is a golf course close by for golf fans and the supermarket in Pontardawe is open 24 hours for those late night emergencies. There is also a village pub within walking distance.
The beautiful Swansea Bay coastline and the Gower Peninsula with its idyllic secret coves in and glorious stretches of fine sand is just twenty minutes drive away. You should not miss a trip to the iconic, award winning Rhossili Bay with its dramatic, panoramic views and excellent hiking paths. Rhossili has been described as ‘The supermodel of British beaches’ by The Independent and has won numerous accolades from UK Travel Writers including the best spot for a picnic. The Times listed the beach as ‘The UK’s No.1 dog friendly beach’ so if you do have your furry friend with you, you should definitely go. At low tide the beach is enormous and it is possible to walk across to Llangennith or even to the Worms Head. It is steep to walk down to the beach so it is not suitable for pushchairs or visitors with mobility issues.
The Victorian seaside village of Mumbles with its promenade, shops and restaurants is worth a visit and for those that want to stay outdoors, the National Showcaves of Wales and the Vale of Neath’s spectacular waterfalls are nearby. Guests enjoy visits to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the Glamorganshire Heritage Coast, both less than half an hour away.
Mumbles was one of Dylan Thomas’ many stamping grounds and is the home of some world class ice cream. Mumbles is steeped in history with its lighthouse being built in 1794. It also boasts a Victorian pier and Oystermouth Castle which sits on the hilltop overlooking the sea. There are lovely boutique shops and galleries including the gorgeous Lovespoon Gallery and the Gower Gallery. No visit to Mumbles would be complete without sampling some ‘fresh off the boat’ seafood, its handmade chocolates and its fantastic ice creams.
Aside from the manor house, Mountain Coach House is the largest accommodation on the astonishing Pontardawe Country Estate. With four bedrooms in total, this fantastic nineteenth century Georgian coach house sleeps up to eight guests. It is comprised of two neighbouring holiday cottages, interconnected to create one large, four bedroomed holiday home. Mountain Coach House sits alongside a picturesque mountain stream alive with wild trout, dippers and grey wagtails and edged with bluebells, daffodils, rhododendrons and hazel trees growing wild. The river runs through the estate on its way to Swansea Bay. The views from the back doors of the coach house are of the stream, a pretty bridge, weeping ash, flowering rhododendron and traditional farmyard buildings. Being two adjoining cottages, Mountain Coach House enjoys two of almost everything, except for the welcome, indulgent hot tub in the garden. This superb, characterful property is ideal for groups of friends or a large family wanting to enjoy a unique holiday experience. Once you have stayed on the Pontardawe Country Estate, you will understand why families return over and over again!
As well as pretty gardens and the hot tub, Mountain Coach House enjoys a four poster bed in one of the bedrooms, a wood burning stove and lots of wonderful images of how the property was in time gone by. The fabulous one hundred and twenty acre Pontardawe Country Estate sits in the ancient hamlet of Cilybebyll, surrounded by beautiful rolling Welsh countryside. The historic estate boasts links to the descendants of Welsh Kings, Arthurian legend, tales of the Mabinogion, the Norman invasion, the Earls of Pembrokeshire, Winston Churchill’s secret army, eighteenth century prisons, Charles II, the tea plantations of Ceylon, coal mining, the Industrial Revolution and much more. A World War II hideout, used by Churchill’s Secret Army was found in the estate’s private bluebell woodland and gained recognition as a Scheduled Ancient Monument of national importance. In addition to its superb grounds, the Pontardawe Estate boasts the gorgeous manor house, Pontardawe Country House, as well as a number of other holiday cottages that Oliver’s Travels also feature. Guests can book each of these individually or for a special celebration, you may want to consider booking a selection of the cottages with or without the manor house. Guests staying at the cottages are free to roam the estate, enjoying the beautiful natural scenery and its amazing wildlife. The estate is brimming with woodland walks, farm trails, green fields, bluebell woods, rivers and stunning picnic spots. When you have had enough you can head to the splendid Brecon Beacons, the Gower Peninsula, museums and numerous delightful towns and villages. A shop, post office and pub can be found in the charming village of Rhos one mile away and the 24 hour supermarket is in Pontardawe, two miles away.
Mountain Coach House lies at the end of a long tree lined drive and forms part of the estate courtyard. It is dog friendly so you can take your well-behaved furry friend along to enjoy this special place. Mountain Coach House is bright and airy yet cosy and very comforting. It offers a very warm and inviting ambience. The bedrooms all enjoy fabulous views, either of the French Chateau-like manor house or the giant beech trees that give way to sheep grazing in the parkland or the soothing river, abundant with wildlife. Downstairs there are two warm and cosy living rooms, two country kitchens and two toilets. As well as modern amenities the coach house offers many enchanting nods to the past. The white archway and circle that adorn the property are telling signs to its past life. You can feel the history in this lovely property. The living rooms are very cosy with comfy sofas, chairs, televisions with plenty of channels, glowing stoves and delightful colour palettes. They are wonderful rooms to nestle down in, enjoy your holiday books, enjoy family games or to peruse the excellent guest information booklets to decide how to spend your holiday week. If children are tired after a busy hiking or beach day, they can watch a movie in one room while the adults chill in the other. Upstairs, guests enjoy two master bedrooms, two twin bedrooms and two bathrooms, all enjoying wonderful character and splendid views.
The gardens are delightful, especially with the hot tub sitting centre stage on a Gwrhyd sandstone patio, a beautiful local stone valued for its fossilized ripple patterns that formed in a tropical lagoon many millions of years ago. There is plenty of room for alfresco dining. Guests enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful location, only interrupted by birdsong and the soothing sounds of the babbling brook.
Mountain Coach House offers a unique holiday experience that families and friends can enjoy together while exploring this magical region and the estate’s fabulous acres.
Mountain Coach House enjoys a fabulous position on the one hundred and twenty acre Pontardawe Country Estate in the tranquil hamlet of Cilybebyll, close to the village of Pontardawe. The estate is full of forests, rivers, bluebell woods, sprawling fields, bird nesting boxes, beautiful picnic spots, a stately manor house and other holiday cottages. It is the perfect rural retreat between the Gower Peninsula and the Brecon Beacons National Park. The estate courtyard where many of the cottages are located is bounded by the upper reaches of the picturesque River Clydach and on the other side by green parkland pastures grazed by sheep and cows. The high hills of blue pennant sandstone provide the backdrop to an idyllic and tranquil scene. Mountain Coach House enjoys a fabulous spot where you can dine alfresco watching the lambs and enjoy fabulous sunsets over the parkland. Guests booking Mountain Coach House are free to roam the estate including its award winning bluebell woodland. The estate’s farm walk is a circular walk for guests which meanders from the doorstep of Parkland Cottage towards the summit of Mynydd Marchywel and back. En route, guests follow mountain streams, climb over stiles, explore the bluebell woods and traverse lazy green fields. On a clear day, the panoramic vistas include the Swansea Valley, Swansea Bay, the Bristol Channel and the Brecon Beacons National Park. The cottage is an excellent base for those that want to explore the landscapes by bike. The Afan Forest and Bike Park Wales are easily accessible. There is a golf course close by for golf fans and the supermarket in Pontardawe is open 24 hours for those late night emergencies. There is also a village pub within walking distance.
The beautiful Swansea Bay coastline and the Gower Peninsula with its idyllic secret coves in and glorious stretches of fine sand is just twenty minutes drive away. You should not miss a trip to the iconic, award winning Rhossili Bay with its dramatic, panoramic views and excellent hiking paths. Rhossili has been described as ‘The supermodel of British beaches’ by The Independent and has won numerous accolades from UK Travel Writers including the best spot for a picnic. The Times listed the beach as ‘The UK’s No.1 dog friendly beach’ so if you do have your furry friend with you, you should definitely go. At low tide the beach is enormous and it is possible to walk across to Llangennith or even to the Worms Head. It is steep to walk down to the beach so it is not suitable for pushchairs or visitors with mobility issues.
The Victorian seaside village of Mumbles with its promenade, shops and restaurants is worth a visit and for those that want to stay outdoors, the National Showcaves of Wales and the Vale of Neath’s spectacular waterfalls are nearby. Guests enjoy visits to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the Glamorganshire Heritage Coast, both less than half an hour away.
Mumbles was one of Dylan Thomas’ many stamping grounds and is the home of some world class ice cream. Mumbles is steeped in history with its lighthouse being built in 1794. It also boasts a Victorian pier and Oystermouth Castle which sits on the hilltop overlooking the sea. There are lovely boutique shops and galleries including the gorgeous Lovespoon Gallery and the Gower Gallery. No visit to Mumbles would be complete without sampling some ‘fresh off the boat’ seafood, its handmade chocolates and its fantastic ice creams.
Crooksbury Hill House holds a fantastic position, set within four acres of grounds, the home boasts direct access on to Crooksbury Hill and Common where guests can enjoy stunning views over southwest Surrey and east Hampshire across to the South Downs. While guests will enjoy a tranquil stay, the Georgian market town of Farnham which offers a selection of excellent eateries, independent shops, and supermarkets, is just a 5-minute car journey away.
The beautiful home has been lovingly modernised by its current owners to provide the perfect setting for a multi-generational escape to the country, comfortably accommodating up thirteen guests across it’s eight well-appointed bedrooms. The accommodation is split between the main house and a detached three-bedroom cottage, ideal for grandparents or those in search of a little peace and quiet from the rest of the group!
In the main house, the ground floor offers vast entertaining space, comprising of an impressive sitting room, formal dining room with marble fireplace and cosy snug, there is plenty of room for the group to get together and socialise in the evenings. The kitchen comes fully equipped with all the tools you could possibly need to create delicious meals, while also offering a relaxed, breakfast dining area, which leads through to the bright conservatory. Upstairs, are the five bedrooms, a super-king master room and five double rooms. Guests staying in these room share the use of a fantastic family bathroom with Jacuzzi bathtub, a family shower room and a handy cloakroom. The cosy cottage offers a second living room and kitchen, three further double bedrooms and a family bathroom.
Outside, the whole family will enjoy Summer afternoons spent splashing around in the private pool or enjoying some friendly competition on the tennis court! Although in the autumn & winter the pool is not available, the tennis court and indoor gym room & games area with table tennis and table football are available all year around. There are beautiful autumnal & winter walks in the surrounding forests, and the whole family can enjoy relaxing with a great selection of family boardgames in the cosy living room next to the fire.
Crooksbury Hill House holds an excellent position within the popular county of Surrey. Located in the parish of Tilford, it is less than a 10-minute drive from the town of Farnham where a wide variety of helpful amenities, including shops and restaurants, can be found.
There is plenty for guests of all ages to see, do and explore in the surrounding area. Thought to of been built by William the Conqueror, impressive Guildford Castle is just 20-minutes away. The beautiful RHS Garden Wisley, one of the world’s great gardens, is less than 25-minutes away and makes for a lovely day out. Family-friendly Birdworld, home to over 1,200 birds and other animals, is less than a 15-minute drive away.
The owner recommends families to visit Frensham Ponds just 5 mins away and Alice Holt Forest, 15 mins away with treetop adventures and walks/bike trails.
Keen walkers shouldn’t miss Bourne woods with wonderful woodland walks, where films such as Gladiator and Ridley Scott’s new film Napoleon being filmed. Along with, Wonderful walks in Surrey Hills including Devils Punchbowl and The National Trust’s Winkworth Arboretum.
Windsor is just a 40-minute drive away, here you will find Windsor Great Park and, of course, the famous Windsor Castle, scene of many a Royal event. For any teens or thrill seekers, Thorpe Park, is a must-visit while Legoland Windsor is ideal for any younger children, both less than 40-minutes away. For keen sporting fans, Ascot Racecourse, home to the annual Royal Ascot event is a real society highlight, with Ladies’ Day something of a fashion event too and just 30-minutes away. Sunningdale Golf Club, regarded as one of the finest golf clubs in the UK, is also less than 30-minutes away.
The utterly charming Crickhowell Cottage is nestled in the award-winning, quaint village of Crickhowell, close to Abergavenny, the ‘Gateway to Wales’. Enjoying astonishing scenery, Crickhowell nestles in the stunning Usk Valley to the south of the dramatic Black Mountains, the eastern range of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Guests staying in this delightful two bedroomed gem can enjoy beautiful walks and hikes, cycling, mountain climbing, touring fascinating landmarks or simply chilling in wonderful, atmospheric pubs or shopping on the award-winning high street. Crickhowell’s castle is just 200 yards from the doorstep! Crickhowell and its surrounding villages in this wonderful corner of Wales are very welcoming. Just less than three miles from the cottage is the amazing Tretower Castle and Court and within six miles, you can visit both Blaenllynfi Castle and Abergavenny Castle. Children have a ball here and particularly enjoy the Llangorse Multi Activity Centre.
Crickhowell Cottage is a very attractive Grade II listed building with stunning period features. You will feel comfortable and welcome as soon as you open the front door. The living room radiates elegance and enjoys wooden floorboards and a feature fireplace. The sofa is positioned so that you can people watch in this lovely village. There is a flat-screen television for your enjoyment too. The dining room is also delightful with another feature fireplace and well-maintained terracotta and black tiles on the floor. It enjoys country style furniture where you can enjoy some delicious meals cooked in your kitchen. You certainly have some wonderful shops on the high streets to purchase yummy treats from. It is a great cottage for a self-catering stay though if you don’t want to cook, the high street with its cafes, restaurants and pubs is just steps away.
The cottage enjoys two comfy double bedrooms. Both are bright and airy with light flooding the rooms through the attractive sash windows. The shared bathroom is lovely with gorgeous wall and floor tiling and a bath with an overhead shower. The cottage also offers a small courtyard garden with chairs and a coffee table, a wonderful spot for your morning cup of coffee on a fine day.
Crickhowell Cottage is a great pick for a countryside getaway. It is always good to be in the heart of a village with shops, cafes and pubs on hand yet, at the same time, it takes no time at all to be enjoying the fresh mountain air and admiring fabulously scenic views.
Crickhowell Cottage is nestled in the heart of the charming village of Crickhowell. This friendly village has been awarded Best High Street in Britain and is full of independent shops, tea rooms, fantastic pubs and great restaurants. The quaint high street boasts Cashells the Butchers who also supply delicious cheeses, Grenfells & Sons Grocers who will deliver your shopping if you wish, Natural Weigh, Wales’ first zero waste shop, Cw Cw Boutique and the Welsh independent bookshop of the Year, Book-ish. How lovely! The cottage is very close to the River Usk, perfect for riverside strolls. Crickhowell hosts many events throughout the year including the Crickhowell Walking Festival with a number of guided walks of various grades, all led by local experienced guildes. Some might trek all day across the tops of the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons or others might want to keep to lower paths.
Abergavenny is nestled between seven hills, including Sugar Loaf Mountain, close to the Welsh/English border. It offers a varied range of entertainment to suit all ages. Here you will discover locally-produced food, fantastic scenery and many ancient inns and gorgeous gastro pubs. The town hosts an annual Abergavenny Food Festival and regular farmers markets. Abergavenny is a market town with history and heritage in bucket loads. You can explore castles, medieval mansions, Roman remains, mines and the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.
Tretower Castle is a Grade I ruined castle in the village of Tretower, 2.7 miles from the cottage. It was built around the beginning of the twelfth century as a motte and bailey castle and was probably replaced mid-century by a stone shell keep. The castle was enlarged in the thirteenth century but later fell into ruin.
The Big Pit National Coal Museum is just six miles from Crickhowell Cottage, an industrial heritage museum in Blaenavon, Torfaen. It was a working coal mine from 1880 to 1980 and opened as a museum in 1983. You will learn all about the local industry and its history.
Golf fans will be happy to note that the Wernddu Golf Club is close by, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Abergavenny. It is a friendly club that welcomes visitors so you may want to pack your clubs and book a round. It offers gentle rolling fairways against a backdrop of hills, woods and wildlife with the mountains in the distance.
The Lake House is a phenomenal property, perfect for family gatherings and special celebrations with friends. Its location at the foot of the Malvern Hills in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that inspired the Narnia novels, is truly glorious. The Lake House is a Tudor timbered masterpiece that can sleep up to nineteen guests in six gorgeous bedrooms. Its living spaces are elegant and spacious, easily accommodating large groups. For a long weekend or a week, this private country manor can be yours, along with its many treats. The Lake House sits near Wyche, just over one mile south of Great Malvern, the Victorian spa town and within five minutes from The Three Counties Showground. The fabulous Cathedral and University city of Worcester is within easy reach with its fascinating history, its interesting architecture and its fantastic shopping and dining opportunities. It is famous not only for its magnificent Cathedral but also for its Worcester porcelain, its piquant Worcestershire sauce and its beautiful cricket ground. The manor house is located on the edge of a tranquil, rural common area with paths leading up to the dramatic Malvern Hills straight from the grounds of The Lake House.
The house boasts three acres of beautiful gardens which you are free to roam and six acres of lake which is stocked with a plentiful supply of perch, carp, rudd and brown trout. Perhaps you would enjoy a yoga session by the lake or chilling in the hot tub, marvelling at this magnificent property and its assets. There are plenty of terraces to chose from, including one for alfresco dining with a barbecue and pizza oven. On a chilly evening, the firepit can come into play to keep you warm and toasty. The private grounds are surrounded by neighbouring vineyards, another very attractive sight along with the panoramic views of the lake and the hills.
Along with its six bedrooms, The Lake House offers two large lounge areas with atmospheric open fires, a giant dining room perfect for celebratory dinners, a superb kitchen, four bathrooms and two separate toilets. Some of the bedrooms enjoy sofa beds so that you can accommodate more guests. They are particularly useful for families. Bedroom one offers a kingsize bed and a trundle bed for two children, bedroom two offers twin beds, one being a trundle, the master bedroom offers a kingsize bed and a single chair bed, bedroom four boasts a double bed, bedroom five enjoys a kingsize bed and bedroom six has one kingsize bed and two small sofa beds. All of the beds are beautifully dressed in crisp cottons and gorgeous throws and scatter cushions, all co-ordinating wonderfully with the elegant neutral colour schemes. With the windows open, you will be lulled to sleep by the night breezes over the lake and the occasional hoot of an owl.
The living spaces are marvellous, brimming with period cornicing, chandeliers, velvet sofas and a lovely mix of vintage and modern furniture. Roaring fires are most welcome after lengthy jaunts in the Malvern Hills and there are plenty of books in the bookcase if you want to relax. There are two televisions so you can log into your Netflix account and watch a movie. Again the colour palettes are neutral with colour pops coming from the sumptuous sofas, scatter cushions and artwork. The chef’s dream of a kitchen features a large Rangemaster cooker and an American style fridge freezer. It is the perfect size to prepare hearty breakfasts and delicious feasts for a crowd. You can buy your meat from Barnard’s Green butchers, baked goodies from Faun, fresh produce from Natural Choice and fizz from Hay Wines. The smart formal dining room seats up to twenty with delightful views of the garden. If the weather is good, you may prefer cooking on the terrace and dining alfresco.
Located at the side of the house, your bubbling hot tub will be waiting for you with fabulous views of the Malvern Hills and the lake. There is another terrace which overlooks the lake, perfect for pre-dinner drinks. Though the interiors of The Lake House are simply stunning, the gardens, tennis court, lake and terraces are likely to be where you will spend much of your time. Your children will be in heaven knowing that this area was the inspiration for the land of Narnia and there are so many activities they can enjoy. One thing is for sure, you will leave The Lake House will magical holiday memories.
The Lake House is located in the land that inspired Narnia. The house itself enjoys three acres of stunning gardens and an enormous six acre lake. It is surrounded by nature, vineyards and enjoys direct paths into the Malvern Hills. You can explore the Victorian spa town of Great Malvern, nip into Worcester or visit the frequent events at the Three Counties Showground. There is plenty of entertainment for children including golf, an aqua park, Go Ape, hiking and cycling. The Lake House is nestled in its enormous plot in rural countryside close to Wyche. There are some excellent local pubs where you can enjoy delicious meals. Wyche is a suburb of Malvern and part of the parish of Malvern Wells.
The Malvern Hills are located in the counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and a small area of northern Gloucestershire. The highest peak enjoys breathtaking panoramic views of the Severn Valley, the hills of Herefordshire and the Welsh mountains, parts of thirteen counties, the Bristol Channel and the three cathedrals of Worcester, Gloucester and Hereford. The hills are famous for their spring water, hence the spa town of Great Malvern down the road from The Lake House. Malvern is an ancient, stunning hill location with settlements dating back to the Bronze Age. The town was established by Benedictine monks in the 11th century when an abbey was built at the foot of the Malvern Hills. There are some wonderful Victorian buildings in Great Malvern, including the station. There are some wonderful museums and theatres in the town. The town hosts a number of annual festivals including The Malvern Winter Glow which starts in November and offers ice skating, Santa experiences, illuminated light trails, a giant wheel and food and drink stalls. The Malvern Autumn Show offers fresh vegetables, cider, family fun and the giant harvest moon. There are giant vegetable competitions with impressive pumpkins. Other attractions at this time include circus skills, croquet, giant Jenga, mini golf and tractors. Great Malvern Priory is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the UK. It boasts stained glass windows dating from the 14th and 15th centuries and is still a working abbey. Little Malvern Priory dates back to 1127 and is an iconic feature in many local paintings and photographs. It is lovely with original stonework, church pews and glasswork. The Malvern Hills GeoCentre is totally fascinating, explaining the geology and landscape of the areas. The Geopark Way is a walk of 109 miles that takes in the most important landscape features and settlements. The Worcestershire Beacon is a great place to start a walk, taking in gorgeous views of Herefordshire and the Black Mountains.
The National Trust’s The Firs is a quiet family home where the world famous composer Edgar grew up. There is a wonderful garden surrounded by nature. You can take a grand tour of the Birthplace Cottage and the outdoors areas. There are some lovely picnic spots.
Car enthusiasts might enjoy a trip to the Morgan Motor Company in Great Malvern. This company is quintessentially English with a long tradition of creating classic cars. You will enjoy an authentic experience through a live workshop where you will see Morgan sports cars in production.
Worcester is worth a visit for its fabulous architecture, history, porcelain, top sports teams and shopping. You can explore The Commandery to learn about the city’s role in the English Civil War, enjoy contemporary art at the City Art Gallery and explore the half-timbered buildings including Greyfriar’s House and Garden and the five hundred year old Tudor house in Friar Street. You can take a guided tour of Worcester from the Guildhall which dates back to 1721. There is a plentiful supply of cafes and restaurants, some with a riverside position.
Nestled in one acre of glorious gardens in the quintessential English hamlet of Hinton Blewett, deep in Somerset’s magnificent Mendip Hills, The Rectory is just perfect for family get togethers and groups of friends having something special to celebrate. It is a sublime oasis of gracious living with an endless list of qualities and treats. This superb retreat sleeps up to fourteen adults and two children in luxurious comfort and entertains them like few others. The Rectory boasts an indoor pool, a home gym, a family room with TV, croquet on the lawn, access to Netflix and Amazon Prime, the most amazing, characterful living spaces and a beautifully planted garden. Dinner and drinks can be enjoyed in lavish style inside and out, you can sing along with the Bluetooth, you can enjoy a ‘Come Dine With Me’ experience in the kitchen with guests cooking on the gas-fired Aga, the electric Aga oven, the combi microwave oven or even in the top-floor kitchenette or even better, you can pop along to the award-winning Ring O’Bells pub for some steamed Fowey mussels.
In a land of fresh cream teas, scrumpy cider and breathtaking countryside, Hinton Blewett, is as peaceful as they come. This pretty, charming hamlet sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty enjoying a fabulous village pub full of oak beams, inglenook fireplaces and welcome smiles. If you want to stay in the splendour of your atmospheric, panelled dining room, the pub even offers delicious five-course, full tasting journeys as takeaways. The hamlet offers a lush, one and a half hour, three mile circular walk by Litton Reservoirs, taking in the fresh country smells, mesmerising, beautiful valley and rolling farmlands. You will quickly get lost in the bird song and country air when staying in The Rectory. Not far away is the elegant Georgian city of Bath with its traditional heritage of ancient Roman Baths, its iconic Royal Crescent, remarkable galleries, contemporary culture, year-round festivals, green spaces and some of the finest independent shops in Britain. The Cathedral City of Wells enjoys its unique moated Bishop’s Palace, its magnificent cathedral and a fine dining scene which will get your tastebuds tingling. Your holiday will be complete with trips to Stonehenge, Avebury, Longleat Safari Park, Cheddar Gorge, the phenomenal Wookey Hole Caves and Glastonbury Abbey.
Behind the ancient stone walls that ensure your total holiday privacy, the lush lawns, towering trees, well-established colourful shrubs and glorious wisteria of The Rectory, you will discover an enormous country house that exudes charm, period character and a warm, welcoming ambience. The Rectory maintains its elegance, tradition and character whilst having been brought bang up to date with the modern magic of technology and luxurious indulgence.
Its magnicent drawing room is brimming with sumptuous sofas where you can retreat with the Sunday newspapers and a cup of tea, cosy up next to the roaring fire or bring the generations together for some family board games. With heavy drapes at the period sash windows, a chandelier hanging from the ceiling and glorious Mendip garden views from the windows, it takes you back to a time of Byron and Jane Austen. The warm, panelled dining room boasts Georgian splendour and another period fire offering a crackling atmosphere. There are four reception rooms in total on the ground floor which radiate from the flagstone hallway, offering beautiful spaces to mingle or slide away. The children’s lounge or family room enjoys an enormous television, the perfect spot for a lazy evening after an energetic day. The drawing room television is discreetly hidden behind a mirror. In addition to the formal dining room, the breakfast room enjoys a country kitchen table, perfect for breakfasts or alternatively guests can dine alfresco on the terrace while enjoying glorious garden views. The kitchen will impress the most discerning of chefs with its five-door gas Aga with hotplates, it electric Aga double oven, its combi microwave and oven in the pastry room, its chilling cabinet for your smooth Sancerre, its American double fridge freezer with ice-maker, its Nespresso coffee maker and other fabulous appliances. The kitchen is a beautiful, sociable space with plenty of spots where you can entertain the chef! The upper floor of the house also boasts a super kitchenette.
The Rectory enjoys a home gym, complete with treadmill and recumbent bike, where you can keep up your fitness levels and later drink as much wine and eat as much local cheddar as you like. There is a fridge in the gym for your cool bottled water. The lower floor is also home to the seven-metre indoor pool which is heated to a toasty thirty degrees and perfect for a few lengths.
Diving within crisp cottons, you will enjoy some serious shut-eye in seven beautiful bedrooms, five double rooms, one twin and one nursery room. All enjoying contemporary, natural colour palettes they are full of sumptuous vintage furnishings and sensational soft furnishings. Bedroom one comes with a romantic, super king-size, four poster bed and an en-suite bathroom, bedroom two boasts a beautifully dressed super king-size bed and a bathroom next door and bedroom three offers another super king-size four-poster and an adjacent spacious bathroom with an original decorative fireplace. The nursery for three little ones is accessed via bedroom three, so it makes an ideal family suite. Bedroom four also boasts an adjacent bathroom together with a lavish king-size bed and bedroom five also offers a king-size bed. Bedroom six is a beautiful twin, sharing a bathroom with bedroom five. Finally, if you need extra space, the family room enjoys a fold-down, wall-mounted double bed that you are welcome to use. Guests making use of this room would have access to the downstairs loo and pool shower or would need to share the upstairs bathrooms.
An additional two bedroom adjoining apartment is also available for larger groups at an extra fee.
Outside, you can dine al fresco in the walled garden with a huge table seating twelve guests, or on the terrace with wonderful views. It is the place for champagne, strawberries and cream and games of croquet. During the evening, the terrace is warmed by a firepit and lit by pretty lanterns. It is just perfect, watch the twinkling stars and enjoy the tranquility. The one acre of grounds are stunning and perfect for all guests, no matter the age. Children will scramble for the swings, slide and hammock while looking for places suitable for hide and seek. Your barbecue masters can stock up on meat and vegetables from the delightful New Manor Farm Shop and start grilling on the barbecue. You almost certainly will not want to leave The Rectory at the end of your week!
* Please note the last 12 photographs in the carousel are of the Apartment. This is only included in the rental of the property for an additional cost.
The Rectory enjoys an idyllic location deep in Somerset’s Mendip Hills in the quaint village of Hinton Blewett. It is a wonderful countryside location in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with numerous attractions within very easy reach. Whether you are looking for an active holiday, a cultural one, an indulgent one or a foodie one, this area has it all. You can participate in clay pigeon shooting at Mill Farm Shoot, golf at Farrington Park or Fosseway, horse riding at Hay Street Stables or you can head to the coast for some surf and seaside fun. There are luxury spa treatments to be enjoyed at Green Apple Day spa or in Bath. Those that love shopping will be in heaven in Bath and children love the lions and tigers at Longleat Safari Park, the limestone caverns at Wookey Hole Caves, the fish at Bristol Aquarium, the gorillas, penguins and pandas at Bristol Zoo and the play barn at Farrington Farm Shop.
The elegant city of Bath was built for pleasure and relaxation. It has been a wellbeing destination since the Roman times and the waters are still a big draw. The ancient Roman Baths are incredible, as is the thoroughly modern Thermae Bath Spa. If you feel you need some pampering, it is definitely the place to head to with the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain that you can bathe in. Bath’s stunning honey-coloured Georgian architecture is absolutely beautiful. It looks as though it has come straight from a Jane Austen novel. It offers much culture, fine dining, theatre, festivals, museums, galleries and brilliant shopping.
The cathedral city of Wells is compact, full of cobbled streets, medieval architecture and fabulous eateries. It is the smallest city in England and offers a magical market square and the commanding Wells Cathedral. Its name comes from the three wells within the beautiful Bishops’s Palace.
There are so many places nearby to visit and many activities. You will probably have to come back to fit it all in. You can head to Stonehenge, take a steamy trip back in time on the Mendip main line with the Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust, enjoy the thrill of bouldering at the Climbing Academy Boulder Club, head to Bath Racecourse for National Hunt racing, fish or sail on the Chew Valley Lake, catch premiership rugby at Bristol or Bath or enjoy a track day at Castle Coombe race circuit. The list is endless!
Those that love to fish are very lucky with trout, carp, roach and bream fishing at Litton Lakes and coarse-fishing and still-water trout fly-fishing at Blagdon. There are hire boats at Blagdon too but you need to look out for enormous pike. Walkers and hikers love the beauty of the Mendip Hills and the Somerset Levels.
Glen Rest is an idyllic, beautifully appointed, two bedroom lodge that is nestled alongside the River Alladale in the wildly beautiful, twenty three thousand acre Alladale Wilderness Reserve in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
Ideal for two couples or a small family, Glen Rest offers total privacy, peace, scenic beauty and a fabulous sense of freedom. The rugged beauty of this superb location allows guests to experience the Highlands in its wildest form while offering easy access to the picturesque seaside resorts of Dornoch and Ullapool, whisky and gin distilleries, outstanding golf courses and sensational walking trails. Spending a week exploring this dreamy wilderness reserve will be an unforgettable experience where you will discover rugged landscapes, heather covered mountain slopes, wildflower meadows, lush forests, meandering rivers and much wildlife including red squirrels, red deer and the famous Scottish wild cat. It is a nature lover’s dream destination! There are three other properties within the reserve, all enjoying the magical scenery and absolute seclusion. The Victorian manor house Caledonian Lodge is the largest of the properties, sleeping up to fourteen guests. Highland Retreat offers three bedrooms and Wilderness Lodge boasts five bedrooms. If you have friends that are thinking of taking a holiday in the same area, you may want to take a look at our web pages. One of the biggest draws of these fabulous properties is that apart from Wilderness Lodge, they are booked on a catered basis. Delicious breakfast foods will be ready for you to prepare and two course lunches and three course dinners are freshly made by the reserve’s wonderful chef using local and seasonal organic ingredients. They are delivered to you daily with simple instructions on how to heat them up. The reserve’s one and a half acre aquaponic gardens, orchards and beds produce tasty vegetables, salads, herbs and berries. There are three bee hives and over four hundred brown trout. Their ethically culled wild venison is available and they enjoy fantastic regional suppliers of fresh and wild caught seafood and local trout. Just think of venison stew, hearty pies, creamy soups, freshly caught trout and sticky date puddings in salty caramel sauce! What an amazing treat! You can walk in the hills, visit beautiful places and return to put your feet up and feast on yummy meals!
The Alladale Wilderness Reserve is simply stunning, an Instagrammer’s paradise! The nearest village is Ardgay, a small Scottish village on the south west shore of the Dornoch Firth at the entrance to Strathcarron, the valley of the River Carron and at the mouth of the Kyle of Sutherland. To the west you will find the pretty fishing town of Ullapool, nestled on the shores of Lochbroom. You can also explore Inverness easily, the Black Isle and the picturesque seaside town of Dornoch with its cosy shops, beautiful cathedral, stunning beach and famous championship golf course. Chanrony Point and the Cromerty Firth are among the best spots in the UK to see bottle nose dolphins. Sports lovers can enjoy canoe trips down the Kyle of Sutherland, fishing, watersports and much more. The location makes it very easy to visit quiet Highland beaches, historic buildings and lush green landscapes sprinkled with waterfalls, challenging hills and mountains. A day trip to Aviemore brings the thrills of white water rafting, skiing, quad biking, an aerial adventure course and various watersports. You can also canoe on the River Beauly or sea kayak in the Firth.
Offering an oasis of gracious and glorious living deep in the Scottish Highlands, Glen Rest is wonderfully remote and is surrounded by extraordinary wild views. It is beautifully appointed throughout with the majority of rooms on the ground floor. The living room is a bright and airy space with a very high ceiling into the eaves, a delightful stone exposed wall, a comfy sofa, accent chair and a giant leather bean bag. It enjoys dazzling white walls that are beautifully accented by flashes of burgundy in the rug and scatter cushions, a wonderful blend with the cool mellow stonework. Just the other side of the living room is a fabulous dining area that is drowned in natural light streaming through its many windows. You will be dining in style while enjoying the fabulously hillside and mountain views through the windows. The galley kitchen comes with beautiful cabinetry, a Nespresso coffee machine, coffee grinder, juicer, Nutri-bullet and all the other appliances you could ever need.
The master bedroom lies to the other side of the kitchen with its sumptuous kingsize bed, gorgeous Scottish fabrics, oversized headboard and co-ordinated rugs. You will deep dive into some serious shut-eye in luxury linens. The lodge’s family bathroom is also on this level with a bath and walk-in shower. A modern staircase takes you upstairs where you will discover the loft room with its two single beds that can be made up as a double and a little open landing space. It is super cute!
Outside, there is a delightful terrace, space for bikes and those magical hilly views. You will just love Glen Rest and exploring the natural Alladale Wilderness Reserve!
Glen Rest is nestled alongside the River Alladale in the wildly beautiful, twenty three thousand acre Alladale Wilderness Reserve. Set in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, the closest village is Ardgay. It is a fabulous location brimming with forests, mountains, hills, rivers and splendid views. Ardgay lies on the Dornoch Firth, close to where it becomes the Kyle of Sutherland. Ardgay owes its existence to the 3rd Duke of Sutherland whose estates were so extensive when the railway was built from Inverness in the early 1860’s that he had some control over the route. Ardgay lies at the entrance to Strathcarron, the valley of the River Carron that extends far into the mountainous area to the south west. Some walkers hike from the Kyle of Sutherland in the east to Loch Broom in the west, crossing Scotland in a day.
The cute fishing village of Ullapool is very popular. In this area you can enjoy a variety of fabulous walks in the mountains, along the rock coast and following inland footpaths with an excellent selection of fine summits. Stornoway and Lewis in the Outer Hebrides are a ferry ride away. Ullapool and its surrounding area has been described as an outdoor paradise with a ‘Scandinavian twinkle in winter and Canadian-style adrenaline in summer’ and voted as one of the top ten outdoor destinations by Outdoor Fitness magazine. The Inverpolly National Nature Reserve, just like the Alladale Wilderness Reserve, is home to a wonderful array of wildlife including pine martens, wildcats, buzzards and golden eagles.
Dornoch is just under an hour away with its stunning cathedral where services were held as early as 1239, its breathtaking sandy beach, its Royal Dornoch Golf course and its wonderful shops, restaurants and bars. The links golf course has been played on since the 16th century. You might like to take a look in The Carnegie Whisky Cellars while you are there at its unique range of malt whiskies from all over Scotland. On the way there or on the way back, you may like to stop at the Whisky Distillery at Glenmorangie or at the famous ANTA Pottery and Tain Pottery studios.
Horse lovers can visit the family run Hollingwells Equestrian Centre near Edderton. You can enjoy excellent equestrian tuition or day long treks through stunning landscapes.
If you enjoy boat trips and looking for dolphins, there are plenty of opportunies. You can take a memorable day trip to see these beautiful animals from Chanrony Point or the Cromarty Firth on the Black Isle. You can take a wonderful stroll on pretty Rosemarkie Bay, enjoying a coffee at the local beach cafe before taking out your binoculars to spot the majestic animals. Another popular trip is to Lairg, a fifty minute drive from the cottage to the small, family run Go Wild Highlands where you can take canoe trips down the Kyle of Sutherland. A day trip to Aviemore offers the thrills of white water rafting, skiing, quad biking, an aerial adventure course and various watersports. As well as Royal Dornoch, other spectacular golf courses within easy reach are Castle Stewart and Fortrose and Rosemarkie. If you take a trip to Loch Ness you will enjoy a boat cruise, stopping at the ruins of Urquhart Castle. The Black Isle is also beautiful with plenty of quaint seaside villages, smoked fish shops, craft shops and cute cafes as well as its own Black Isle Brewery where you can stop and taste the beer.
Step into royal life at the beautiful, family owned Afintun estate. Whether it is a wedding or a private event, the tradition of hosting lavish parties at the estate has endured through the centuries. Once a prestigious party palace at the heart of the Royal Court, the grace and grandeur of the architecture and interiors is outstanding and is sure to take yours and your guest’s breath away!
Afintun Estate is located just east of Winchester, with 150 acres of private parkland stretching along the shores of the river Itchen. The romantic and ethereal country house dates back as early as 1661 and is recorded in the Doomsday Book. Perched elegantly on the banks of the river Itchen, it was a Priory for the Monks of Saint Swithun, until King Henry VIII took the estate for the Tudors and Royal Courtiers. It was then owned by the Crown and was enjoyed by the Royal Court for the next 300 years.
From the naturally lit, resplendent ballroom, to the homely and inviting King Charles Hall, there are spaces for every occasion. In the Orangery, living walls are bursting with jasmine, lemons and lime trees, whilst the books and history of the library creates a more intimate, atmospheric space for dancing.
On top of these fabulous entertaining spaces, Afintun offers twenty beautiful bedrooms. Set throughout a series of divine residential suites, every room offers its own unique charm, with stunning views across the vibrant surrounding parkland. Every corner you turn within this remarkable building you will find a new delight, from elegant kitchens, to indulgent four poster beds and luxurious bathrooms.
The grounds are a photographer’s and a holidaymaker’s dream. With a Rolls Royce Silver and a Bentley Continental convertible, you can make a special day even more memorable, driving around the gorgeous parkland in style. With a total capacity of 200 guests for a wedding experience, guest lists do not need to be cut down, you can invite everyone you both love and care about to share your special day with you.
Whether it is a wedding or a private event, having the exclusive use of the estate and partaking in the historic tradition of parties here guarantees a day you will never forget!
The breath-taking Afintun Estate is located on the beautiful banks of the Itchen River, just east of Winchester. Boasting 150 acres of private parkland, from the moment you arrive at the estate it feels like you have escaped all the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, fully immersing yourself in the tranquillity and romance of Afintun.
Within the estate, there is so much to see and explore, with walks that take you on a journey through the immaculate grounds, and plenty of picturesque spots within courtyards and on the river edge, from which you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and atmosphere.
Within the local area, guests can enjoy a round of golf at Avington Park Golf Course. This nine-hole Parkland course is renowned for its friendly welcome for visitors and members alike. Bring your own clubs and challenge your family, friends and colleagues to a round or two!
Located only a fifteen-minute drive from the charms and conveniences of Winchester, the Estate is easy to reach by both public transport and car. There are direct trains from London taking an easy hour. Winchester itself is perhaps best known for the medieval Winchester Cathedral, with its 17th-century Morley Library, the Winchester Bible and a Norman crypt. From walks and trails to light installations and retail therapy, there is plenty to keep you entertained for a day, making it well worth a stop off during your trip.
The train journeys are also quick from Southampton and Bournemouth. Southampton also offers the closest airport, easily reached in under a 30-minute drive.
The magnificent Harpsden Hall sits in the beautiful village of Harpsden, just outside Henley-on-Thames. Sitting in Harpsden valley, it is next to Henley Golf Course which will please the golfers amongst you! With five bedrooms in the main house and the Woodpecker Studio and the Oak Annexe, this stunning property can sleep twenty guests in total. It is incredibly stylish, absolutely immaculate and very luxurious.
Harpsden has been crowned Oxfordshire’s ‘poshest’ village by The Telegraph. The area is brimming with celebrity homes including those of Russell Brand and Mary Berry. Harpsden sits on the edge of the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Henley-on-Thames. It’s High Wood is full of beautiful bluebells in May. The village has enjoyed a few TV appearances including Agatha Christie’s Marple episodes ‘Nemesis’ and ‘By the Pricking of My Thumbs’ and Harpsden Court was used for the Bond film Quantum of Solace. It is very pretty and beautifully kept. The fabulous 13th century market town of Henley sits on a picturesque stretch of the River Thames with delightful walks and regular festivities. The Henley Royal Regatta is the most famous regatta in the world and a highlight on the English sporting calendar. Henley now even has its own special gin, Mr Hobbs Gin. The Chiltern Hills are ready of exploration, offering scenic rolling countryside and wonderful tranquility. You will discover tucked away villages, chalk-fed streams, ancient woods, superb scenery, intriguing attractions and gorgeous market towns.
The Edwardian Harpsden Hall comes with fantastic living spaces. The kitchen diner is beautiful in white and anthracite grey. It boasts a range cooker, other outstanding appliances including a wine fridge and a sociable island with stools so that the chefs in your group can have company. Just off the kitchen is a smart utilty room with a giant American style fridge freezer and a butler’s sink. The Orangery dining area is wonderful with a gorgeous table and chairs perfectly positioned to enjoy exquisite garden views. Double doors open the garden and a huge roof light sits above the table. With another complete wall of windows, this is a very and airy space. Underfloor heating will keep you warm all year round. The living area is also very special with a wooden floor as opposed to the beautiful tiles in the kitchen diner. Sumptuous contemporary chairs sit by the wood burning stove which lights up the Edwardian splendour of the room and a lavish Chesterfield styled sofa sits at the other end. In addition to this very spacious room there is a snug, a perfect spot to nestle down with a toasty fire on chilly evenings and watch a movie. A table football game is provided for some family competition.
The five bedrooms in the main house are located on the upper floor, four offering kingsize beds and the last enjoying twin beds. You will dive into deep slumber in crisp linens and wake to beautiful views of the extensive gardens. Like the living spaces, there is a lot of brilliant white and grey going on along with a few blue or pink colour splashes. The soft furnishings are exquisite. The ensuite bathrooms are equally stunning, mostly marbled and all with the very best fittings. You will find a mix of slipper baths where you can enjoy an indulgent soak and showers.
The beautiful Woodpecker studio offers a super kingsize bedroom with its own bathroom and living space. Here there is a sofa bed which can also be used for extra guests. Similarly, the Oak annexe boasts a sofa bed, a kingsize bed and two twin beds as well as a kitchen, lounge and bathroom. Interior designers have created magical spaces in both annexes that fit well with the main house.
Harpsden Hall is a brilliant pick for large family groups or groups of friends that want to explore this fabulous area and make magical holiday memories. You can even bring your pets along for the stay. The house sits in stunning landscaped gardens and a private one and a half acres of woodland, affectionately known as the Dinosaur Wood to locals. The woodland is also enjoyed by many woodland birds and deer so you will wake to the sound of birdsong. You can wander through the woodland listening to owls hooting and the wind whispering through the boughs of the oaks. Lush lawns sit ripe and ready for your furry friends to retrieve balls and join in the fun.
Harpsden Hall is located in the gorgeous Harpsden valley in the village of Harpsden. It is a wonderful area, popular with the rich and famous and labelled Oxfordshire’s ‘poshest village’ by The Telegraph. It sits just outside the gorgeous ancient market town of Henley-on-Thames. Henley-on-Thames is the international home of rowing, sitting on a picturesque stretch of the River Thames and enjoying a wonderful sprinkling of shops, restaurants and cafes. Henley is famous for its prestigious events, the Henley Royal Regatta, the Thames Traditional Boat Festival and the Festival of Music and Art. Thousands of visitors head to the town during the five day Henley Royal Regatta to watch Olympians compete in the two hundred plus races. The Thames Traditional Boat Festival first took place thirty seven years ago. It is a fun day out for the whole family with Punch and Judy puppet shows, a pop up pub, stalls offering trades and crafts from days gone by and much more. Henley enjoys beautiful riverside walks and plenty of boating opportunities. The town’s own artisan gin, Mr Hobbs Gin, stems back to 1879 when Mr Harry Hobbs, founder of Hobbs and Sons (now Hobbs of Henley) and publican of The Ship Hotel was often seen about the town with his high-spirited nature and flamboyant beard or on his punt at 11am enjoying his home-distilled gin. He held parties along the banks of the river and hired out his boasts for like-minded locals to host their own gatherings. To mark the 150th anniversary of the family business, the family started to look at local botanicals and embarked on creating their own gin in honour of the man that started it all. The town is also famous as a location used in the popular series Midsomer Murders. Fans will recognise some of the locations used such as Gabriel Machin’s butcher shop, Tudor House Antiques and the Argyll pub.
Not far away is the university city of Oxford where you can tour the hallowed halls of Britain’s oldest and most famous university and follow in the footsteps of famous poets and Prime Ministers. Several scenes from Harry Potter were filmed at various sites in the town including Oxford University’s Bodleian Library which is known to fans as Hogwarts Library. Visitors enjoy hop-on hop-off bus tours to explore the town’s architecture, its culture and its museums. The ancient Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the Pitt Rivers Museum are all very interesting. Visitors can step back in history among the Norman ruins of Oxford Castle, wander beneath the Bridge of Sighs or simply enjoy the town’s fantastic array of eateries and bars. Oxford offers meandering waterways, lush green spaces and an outstanding shopping experience.
Thame is another very pretty, thriving market town within easy reach. It is situated at the foot of the Chiltern Hills, just 14 miles from Oxford. Thame boasts fascinating historical buildings, beautiful parks, a museum, a theatre, excellent shopping and a wonderful array of restaurants and bars. Thame grew from Anglo-Saxon roots to become a very characterful town with plenty of medieval buildings standing aside those from the Georgian and Victorian periods. Thame enjoys an iconic boat-shaped high street and a buzzy market place. It is also frequently used as a filming location for ‘Midsomer Murders’. Thame hosts regular markets and arts and crafts fairs in the town hall. The town’s programme of events includes their Easter Country Show, music festivals in May and July, a bustling carnival and fete in June, the Towersey Festival in August, the Horse and Country Show, a food festival and fun fair in, the Arts and Literature Festival in October and a fun-filled Christmas lights fair.
Within, very easy reach, the Cotswolds is a stunning area brimming with super attractive towns and villages including Chipping Norton, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Tetbury and Chipping Campden. Many of the picturesque market towns are old wool towns with amazing architecture, much of which features the gorgeous honey coloured Cotswold stone. Bourton-on-the-Water, like most of the Cotswolds, lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is the Venice of the Cotswolds with beautiful bridges crossing the River Windrush. Gorgeous cosy cafes line the pretty streets together with attractive houses. Stow-on-the-Wold is a delightful market town, one of the highest of the Cotswold towns, exposed on the 800 feet high Stow Hill at the crossroads with the Roman Fosse Way. The town boasts a fascinating history. At the height of the Cotswolds wool industry, it held annual fairs where as many as 20000 sheep were sold at one time. The Market Square is very attractive with its ancient cross, town stocks and an elegant array of Cotswold town houses and shops. You will find many fine antique shops, art galleries, gift and craft shops. Tetbury is another historic wool town. It is an architectural gem with many of the wool merchant’s houses remaining the same as they were in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Parish Church of St Mary’s has one of the tallest and most elegant spires in the UK. Tetbury is popular for its independent shops including antique shops, vintage and interior shops, exclusive boutiques and the Highgrove shop. Tetbury holds many regular events including the May Day Wacky Races, the Spring Bank Holiday Woolsack Races when contestants carry 65lb woolsacks up and down the 1 in 4 hill, the August Summer Show, the September Food and Drink Festival, the October Tetbury Music Festival and the Christmas Lights Switch-on. Close to Chipping Norton, you can visit Soho Farmhouse. Spread across 100 acres of Oxfordshire countryside, it offers many attractions including fabulous eateries from Japanese grill dishes at Pen Yen to Hay Barn’s delicious wood oven pizzas, horse riding, tennis, a fantastic spa, the Soho Health Club, an indoor-outdoor pool, clay pigeon shooting, boating on the lake and lots more. Daylesford Organic Farm is also very popular with its clover-rich pastures and organic animals roaming freely. You can buy fresh vegetables, fruit and herbs which are picked daily from the market garden and visit the award-winning farmshop and cafe. Beyond the farmshop is the Bamford Barn, Wellness Spa, Workshop, Cookery School and several options for indoor and outdoor dining.
Nestled in the quintessential historic wool village of Painswick, the gorgeous three bedroom Painswick Cottage offers six guests beautiful accommodation that will leave you remembering this holiday for a very long time. Painswick Cottage is reputed to be a late 16th century weavers cottage. Whilst retaining its beautiful, atmospheric nods from the past, the cottage has been beautifully finished with amazing interior design and gorgeous, sumptuous furnishings. It is very clear to see the impressive level of attention to detail and that Painswick Cottage is much loved. It sits in beautiful gardens opposite Painswick’s legendary church yard with its ninety nine magnificent yew trees, in the heart of this utterly charming village.
Painswick is known as ‘The Queen of the Cotswolds’ and is one of the finest and best-preserved Cotswolds villages. It nestles quietly within the Cotswold hills, surrounded by glorious countryside and within very easy reach of the historic towns of Cheltenham and Gloucester. The village is famous for its stunning Rococo Gardens, the country’s oldest bowling green and the oldest building to house a post office as well at its church. It is close to the picturesque villages of Sheepscombe, Edge and Slad and is surrounded by fabulous walking country.
Painswick Cottage enjoys three characterful bedrooms, two beautiful bathrooms, two entertaining rooms and a fabulous country kitchen. One of the living rooms is a gorgeous room with sumptuous furnishings, a very welcome log burning stove in the feature fireplace, lots of beams and ancient window frames and a dining table. It mellow, calm colour palette is heavenly and coupled with natural light pouring in through the windows, it is a delightful room. The other living room enjoys fabulous views of the church at the front of the cottage and wonderful views in the other direction. With yet more sumptuous sofas the room enjoys a feature inglenook fireplace with a log effect stove. The country kitchen is warm and welcoming with exposed stonework, cream shaker style units and wonderful appliances. With a gorgeous window seat and a farmhouse style breakfast table, the kitchen is utterly charming, a real heart of the house.
The living room on the first floor boasts its very own honesty bar - here the owners kindly offer the chance for you to enjoy a selection of spirits they have provided whilst also giving you another added feel good factor - all donations made by you for the drinks you make are given to Emmaus, a local homelessness charity. If you plan to make use of the honesty bar, please bring your own mixers.
On the first floor you will find a gorgeous double bedroom with exquisite detailing to the fitted cupboards, luxury linens and beautiful soft furnishings on the double bed and lots of charm. Also on the first floor is the first of the bathrooms, beautifully fitted with a bath and overhead shower. The top floor is perhaps the most charming of all with its attractive wooden beams and lovely sloping ceilings. You feel so cosy when sleeping in these two bedrooms. They both boast beautifully adorned double beds and share an indulgent bathroom with a freestanding bath.
The rear garden is delightful with a patio, clematis draped arbor, a table and chairs for drinks and other lovely outdoor furniture. The garden is a fabulous south facing suntrap which is beautifully maintained. There is even an outside toilet! If you can drag yourselves away from this honey stoned, wisteria clad Cotswold gem, there are many treasures on the doorstep to discover.
Painswick Cottage enjoys a very special central location in the gorgeous historic village of Painswick. Nestled just outside the pretty village are the sensational Painswick Rococo Gardens, the only surviving complete Rococo garden in the entire country. The gardens were designed in the 1740’s and boast a stunning valley of flowers, plants and trees where you will lose yourselves in the natural splendour. It is famous for its carpets of snowdrops in early spring.
Painswick is within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it is easy to see why. With more than 3,000 miles of public footpaths and pretty, quaint hamlets and villages to discover, the landscape is totally breathtaking. You will discover ancient woodlands, rolling hills and tapestries of farmland. Painswick’s St Mary’s Church dates back to 1377 and is famous for its yew trees. Painswick sits halfway along the Cotswold Way National Trail with marvellous hikes all around. Painswick Beacon enjoys magnificent views across the Severn Valley to the Welsh mountains. Painswick was chosen as a location for the BBC TV adaptation of J K Rowling’s ‘The Casual Vacancy’ so many of the sites can be spotted around the town. While exploring, you will discover the country’s oldest bowling green, New Street which was constructed in the 15th century, the splendid churchyard of St Mary’s and the town’s 18-hole golf course. If you prefer to explore by bike, the Cotswolds and Severn Vale 7 day cycle tour passes through Painswick. The town’s narrow streets are brimming with shops, pubs, restaurants, cafes and galleries including the Art Couture Painswick Gallery. Painswick hosts an annual Arts Festival and the Art Couture Painswick Festival.
In the Stroud valley, just moments from the cottage, you will find a delightful family owned boutique vineyard and winery, Woodchester Valley. You can take a tasting tour to discover the world of English wine and buy some of their multi-award winning wines to enjoy back at the cottage.
During your Cotswolds holiday, there are plenty of historic towns close by that are worth visiting. Cheltenham, the home of the famous Ladies’ College, Cheltenham Festival and the famous Cheltenham Gold Cup, was voted as the Best Place to Live in the South West 2020 by The Sunday Times. It is the most complete Regency town in the UK, a town of refined elegance, culture, much loved independent shops, Michelin starred fine dining, farmers markets, the renowned Wilson Museum and unique festival vibes. It became the hip 18th century place to go when Henry Skillicorne unearthed its healthy spa waters, even gaining the Royal Seal of Approval after George III’s visit. The medicinal waters can still be taken at the Pittville Pump Room whose blue dome rises above the lakes of Pittville Park. Cheltenham’s festivals include the world’s longest literary festival, The Cheltenham Music Festival, Jazz and Science Festivals and The Cheltenham Festival, the most prestigious jump racing event of the year. The Cheltenham Racecourse has been voted the greatest racecourse in the world by The Racing Post. This glorious town kisses the beautiful Cotswold countryside and offers much entertainment. Cirencester is the largest town in the Cotswold District with notable attractions being the Corinthian Museum with its huge collection of Roman relics, the 12th century Church of St John The Baptist and its numerous lush green parks. Gloucester is nestled between the Cotwolds and the Forest of Dean. It boasts a history dating back to the Roman times and is home to many museums and attractions. Its magnificent Gothic cathedral is the site of Henry III’s coronation and the final resting place of King Edward II. Gloucester Docks is a vibrant leisure destination for shopping, dining and drinking set against the backdrop of the beautifully restored Victorian warehouses and the Gloucester Sharpness Canal. Sports fans enjoy the roar from ‘The Shed’ at Gloucester Rugby and at Gloucester City AFC’s new stadium.
The gorgeous Bourton-on-the-Water is known as the Venice of the Cotswolds with its beautiful bridges crossing the River Windrush. Gorgeous cosy cafes line the pretty streets together with houses made with enchanting honey coloured Cotswold stone. Also worth visiting is Chipping Campden, in the northern Cotswolds, with its high street bursting with beautiful historic buildings.
Othere popular excursions from Painswick Cottage include visits to Highgrove Gardens, The National Arboretum, Cerney House Gardens, The Abbey House Gardens, Kelmscott Manor, Sudeley Castle and Gardens, Bourton House Garden, Snowhill Manor and Garden, Dyrham Park and the Cotswold Sculpture Park. Local equestrian events such as the Badminton Horse Trials, Gatcombe Festival of British Eventing and Beaufort Polo are all popular. Highgrove House is not open to the public but the gardens are open between April and October, much to the joy of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. The series of interlinked gardens has been created over some forty years and is an important haven for a rich variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy champagne tours and private tours.
While visiting the Highgrove gardens you can explore Tetbury, another very attractive, historic wool town. It is an architectural gem with many of the wool merchant’s houses remaining the same as they were in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Parish Church of St Mary’s has one of the tallest and most elegant spires in the UK. Tetbury is popular for its independent shops including antique shops, vintage and interior shops, exclusive boutiques and the Highgrove shop. Tetbury holds many regular events including the May Day Wacky Races, the Spring Bank Holiday Woolsack Races when contestants carry 65lb woolsacks up and down the 1 in 4 hill, the August Summer Show, the September Food and Drink Festival, the October Tetbury Music Festival and the Christmas Lights Switch-on.
