Apple Store Cottage

Turn off the main street in Charlbury and then head down a small track which leads to a large wooden gate. As the gates open, you’ll be greeted with a breath-taking setting, with Long Meadow ahead and Apple Store Cottage to the right-hand side, with its beautiful wisteria rambling over the entrance and a pretty courtyard terrace to the front.

This secluded cottage is a stunningly stylish bolthole for two in an amazing location. On the ground floor is an open-plan kitchen-dining-living area, oozing style and comfort of the sort that could easily feature in any interior’s magazine. Sitting between the kitchen-dining room and living room is a fabulous wood burner creating the cosiest of ambiances during the cooler months, while French doors open to the courtyard garden and bring the outside in. Upstairs is a unique and romantic bedroom, with a super king-size bed and an adjoining shower room with a double-width, walk-in shower.

To the front of Apple Store Cottage, which is draped in roses and wisteria, is a gravel drive and a charming courtyard garden, which is accessed through the living room’s French doors. The courtyard has a table, two chairs, a garden bench and parasol and is an idyllic spot to sit outside and enjoy a drink or meal at any time of day. The cottage is in the heart of Charlbury, within five minutes’ walk of great pubs and eateries, and on the doorstep of some superb walking, yet it is so tucked away you could easily be in a rural setting enjoying the pretty courtyard garden on sunny days and summer evenings.

Ground Floor

Step in through the front door into the spacious open-plan kitchen-dining-living area, with its stunning rustic-chic styling. A rush mat and freestanding coat stand are provided for guests to hang coats and remove boots and shoes, ready to start their getaway. At every turn there are unique touches that set this romantic bolthole apart from the crowd.

Kitchen/Dining Area:
This delightful space features a dining table with two chairs placed centrally on the flagstone floor, to one side of a double-sided wood burning stove that’s shared with the living room. The fully equipped kitchen has every amenity needed for a self-catering stay, including a dishwasher, oven/hob, microwave, fridge-freezer - all set into shaker-style units with striking slate-grey worktops, plus a washer-dryer that’s been cleverly hidden away under the stairs.

Living Area:
The perfect combination of classic and contemporary Cotswold furniture and accessories, all beautifully styled by the owner, have created this wonderfully rejuvenating space. Here you can sit and relax on the three-seater sofa or armchair in front of the wood burning stove, read a book or watch a film on the smart TV, or open the French doors and let the sounds and fragrances of the garden drift in. A large sisal rug covers the flagstone floor, adding an extra cosy feel, with reading lamps and occasional tables providing the finishing touch.

First Floor

Bedroom:
The super-spacious bedroom has an intriguing interior, combining architectural-chic styling alongside a warm and inviting, romantic ambiance. It features a super-king size bed with a sleigh back headboard that rests against a three-quarter height wall with shaker-style panelling, which cleverly conceals a dressing area with a hanging rail and an antique chest of drawers. Original touches include two wrought iron benches with cushions and the wood burner stack, which emerges through the original wooden floorboards from the living area below and is surrounded by a custom-built ‘cage’. A captain’s chair and table with a lamp provides a lovely spot to sit and read, write or relax. The bedroom overlooks the courtyard garden below and the mature trees and lawn between the cottage and the owners’ home.

Shower Room:
The beautifully light and spacious shower room features Shaker-style panelling, the original stone wall, stripped oak floorboards and a double-width, walk-in shower with a rainfall and handheld shower head. The wash basin is set in a custom-built vanity unit made from a cleverly upcycled chest of drawers, with two mirrors above and a heated handrail to one side. The wide windowsill provides plenty of space to store personal items.

Outside

Immediately in front of the cottage is a small but delightful, English cottage garden, with a pebble and paving stone terrace surrounded by planted borders and overlooking the owners’ front lawn, apple tree and flower beds. The cottage garden is separated from the owners’ lawn by an original, antique railing. Relax outside at the dining table, or sit under the parasol, with just the sound of bees and birds to accompany you – all so surprising with it being in the centre of Charlbury. The terrace is accessed through the living area’s French doors. To the side of the terrace is a parking space for two cars.