Barebones Farm | Winchcombe, Cotswolds | Dog-Friendly
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Barebones Farm

Winchcombe

Sleeps 14
Bedrooms
7
Bathrooms
4
Dog Friendly
2
Local Pub
WIFI
25-49 Mbps
Barebones Farm is a 7-bedroom (sleeps 14), 4-bathroom, dog friendly, character Cotswold home in the centre of picturesque Winchcombe that’s ideal for large families or groups of friends. The property has an en-suite ground floor bedroom, ideal for guests with mobility restrictions. Once a farm now a family home, Barebones Farm is a stone’s throw from award-winning pubs, restaurants and shops, and a short stroll to the Cotswold Way and River Isbourne. The spacious open-plan ground floor area is perfect for entertaining as a large group, while a separate snug with a wood burner and the TV/media room are ideal for quiet relaxation or more lively entertainment. A large patio completes the house providing a great outside dining space framed by a pretty quarter-acre landscaped garden and private parking for up to 5 cars.

It is our policy not to take bookings for single sex group celebrations, which includes Stag and Hen nights, or groups where the majority are under 25 years

Full Description

Barebones Farm is at the heart of Winchcombe, one of the Cotswolds most popular walking towns, also famed for Sudeley Castle. The house was originally built in 1685 as a two-up-two-down home, with additional bedrooms, bathrooms, the kitchen and conservatory added in 1900 and 2008. Originally a small dairy farm, this handsome Cotswold stone property is now a spacious, wonderfully welcoming holiday home, with a lovely landscaped garden, large patio and plenty of parking to the side of the house.

The front door of the property is on North Street, a principal but quiet Winchcombe street. Guests can enter the property through the front door, or walk round to the side, through the private parking area and across the patio and in via the conservatory’s French doors. The width of the rear of the house looks over a large, beautifully planted and landscaped garden with fruit trees and herbaceous borders.

Barebones Farm is a 7-bedroom home with the perfect combination of character features - exposed beams and timbers, stone walls and an inglenook fireplace – and modern facilities, including a fully equipped kitchen, beautiful open-plan conservatory and en-suite bath and shower rooms.

Bought in 1995 by the current owners, the Stranks family, after it had lain empty for 15 years, extensive renovations were carried out, lasting almost two years. Most of the walls and floors were replaced, at one point standing in the cellar you could look up and see the sky! What is now the dining room was originally the kitchen and breakfast room - the original kitchen sink window was kept and now provides light through from the conservatory to the dining room. The 17th Century house was a 2-up-2-down home that is at the centre of today’s property, consisting of what is now the snug, the ground floor bedroom and the staircase up to today’s Bedroom 2 and Bedroom 4. The Victorian owners added the entrance hallway, what is now the TV room (this used to be the milking shed), Bedroom 3 and the Jack & Jill bathroom. In 2008, the Stranks added the conservatory, updated the kitchen, added the downstairs cloakroom and ground floor en-suite, Bedroom 1 and the family bathroom.

Ground Floor

Entrance Hallway:
Guests enter Barebones Farm through the front door, slightly to the left of the main house (an addition made during the Victorian era), and into the entrance hall. Here you’ll find a handy hallway with original flagstone flooring and plenty of hooks to hang coats. It’s the perfect place to shug off boots and shoes while sitting on the settle.

TV Room:
Immediately to the left is the TV Room, a room with wow factor, with its deep claret-coloured walls and minstrels’ gallery. In Victorian times, this is where the farm’s cows would come in to be milked. During the restoration work, the current owners found several milking stalls and had to dig down deep to get to the floor. This impressive room now features a sink-in corner sofa and two comfy armchairs, a wide-screen Smart TV with Blu-Ray surround-sound system, making an evening’s cinema-style viewing complete. In addition, there is a large games cupboard with a huge selection of games, DVDs and dressing up clothes. (Please note: the minstrels’ gallery is decorative and not for guests use).

Dining Room:
The beautiful dining room features a long, wooden dining table with seating for 14 (plus 2 highchairs), a striking exposed stone wall, exposed beam and terracotta floor tiles. The stone wall was the outer wall of the original 17th Century house before the addition of the dining room during the Victorian era. A window looking through to the Conservatory provides a pretty feature and throws light into this fantastic entertaining room.

Kitchen:
The large kitchen, overlooking the garden, is fully equipped to suit the most demanding of cooks, with a full complement of appliances and cookware. At the centre of the kitchen is a granite-top island with bar-style seating for three – the perfect place to sip a glass of wine and chat while the cooks prepare a meal. The kitchen features underfloor heating, a Rangemaster double oven and grill with a 6-ring hob, plenty of oak storage units housing a microwave, utensils, crockery, cutlery, glassware (champagne flutes, tumblers and wine and water glasses) a cafetière, bakeware, and food preparation equipment (saucepans, grater, jug, sieve, whisk, hand blender) and serving dishes. On the surrounding polished granite surfaces you’ll find a toaster, kettle, Nespresso coffee machine (starter pods provided), knife set and bread bin. The kitchen has a Bosch dishwasher and large Samsung fridge-freezer. The owners leave a selection of store-cupboard items including salt, pepper, herbs, spices, oil and vinegar (please feel free to use them, contents may vary). Nespresso coffee pods, tea bags, instant coffee, sugar, kitchen roll and foil are all provided. Feel free to pick the fresh herbs growing in the garden, including chives, rosemary, bay leaves, thyme and oregano.

Conservatory:
The large, open-plan conservatory adjoining the kitchen becomes the hub of many guests’ stay here. With its view out to the patio and garden and sink-in sofa seating, with plenty of room to pull in more chairs and cushions, you will quickly appreciate why it’s Barebones Farm’s top place to relax and hang out. The cream and fern-green colour scheme make it feel like this room is an extension of the garden. In the warmer months, the windows can be opened to allow a breeze through from the garden, while in the winter the polished limestone flooring’s underfloor heating produces a cosy environment to watch the outdoor winter scene unfold.

Cloakroom & Utility Area:
Off the kitchen end of the dining room is a door leading to a short corridor with a cupboard storing a Zanussi washing machine and Zanussi dryer, an iron, ironing board, clothes airer and housekeeping items. (A rotary washing line can be found in the garden.) The corridor leads to the downstairs cloakroom with a toilet and sink.

Snug:
From the dining room, head back towards the front of Barebones Farm into the original 17th Century part of the building through a low stone doorway (mind your head!) and into the Snug, with its feature stone walls, pretty bay window and inglenook fireplace. Here you can snuggle up with a book, relax or plan a walk sitting in a comfy armchair or on the sink-in sofa. A wide selection of books and maps are provided for guests to use during their stay. (Wood and kindling for two fires, plus full lighting instructions are provided; extra wood may be purchased from the owners.)

Ground Floor Bedroom:
The spacious ground floor en-suite bedroom, which was half of the downstairs part of the original 17th Century farmstead, features a zip-n-link super king-size bed (can be set up as a twin), a pretty bay window with two comfy chairs and the original inglenook fireplace (the fireplace is now for decorative purposes only). A large built-in hanging cupboard and bedside table provide plenty of space to store clothes and personal items. The en-suite bathroom has a large walk-in shower with a sliding door, a ‘comfort height’ sink and toilet and heated towel rail. Thanks to the en-suite’s wide doorway and accessible wet room, the downstairs bedroom is perfect for guests with reduced mobility.

First Floor

Bedroom One – Master Bedroom with ensuite bathroom:
At the rear of the house is the spacious master en-suite bedroom, which was added by the current owners in 2008. It features a super king-size bed (can be set up as a twin) and a dramatically high, beamed ceiling. This dual-aspect bedroom has a fantastic view over the pretty, quarter-acre landscaped garden, and is furnished with a 4-door cupboard, dressing table with mirror and bedside tables with reading lamps. The en-suite has a large walk-in, corner shower unit, toilet, sink and heated towel rail.

Family Shower Room:
The spacious family shower room, with its refreshing chalky blue colourway, features a wet-room with a super-size overhead shower and handheld shower. A toilet, sink and large heated towel rail complete the facilities.

Bedroom Two:
This cosy, king-size double bedroom, decorated with rich red fabrics, looks out over the front of the house across to other residences on North Street. It features a sink-in king size double, a 3-door hanging cupboard, a large chest of drawers, bedside tables with reading lamps and a pretty wooden rocking chair. Guests in Bedroom 2 use the adjacent family shower room.

Bedroom Three:
This bright and airy king-size double bedroom, with floral and duck egg blue accents, was added in the 1900s. It features a pretty, brass bedstead and lovely views over the patio and landscaped garden. Furnished with a dressing table and mirror, a chest of drawers, a 3-door hanging cupboard and bedside table with reading lamp, this restful room leads through to a Jack & Jill bathroom shared with Bedroom Four.

Jack & Jill Bathroom:
A Victorian addition, this inviting bathroom, with a separate door to Bedroom 3 and Bedroom 4, features a full-size roll top bath, polished oak floorboards and white, half-wall panelling offset by the deep cornflower blue walls. A toilet, sink, and electric corner shower complete the bathroom facilities.

Bedroom Four:
This twin bedroom is entered from the main landing along a passageway past Bedroom 3. It is one of the two original, 17th Century upstairs rooms, which also has access to the Jack & Jill bathroom. The central chimney breast (rising up from the Snug) that forms a wide, ornate shelf behind the two single beds, and the exposed beams give this front aspect, twin room lots of character. It is furnished with a hanging cupboard, chest of drawers and central bedside table with reading lamp.
(Please note, when the fireplace is in use in the Snug, there is very occasionally a smoky smell in this bedroom. For this reason, there is a carbon monoxide detector in this room).

Second Floor

Bedroom Five:
At the top of the stairs turn right into the first of the attic’s two twin bedrooms, furnished with two single beds, a small hanging cupboard with drawers and a central bedside table with a reading lamp. Two dormer windows provide lots of light and a great view out over the ancient rooftops of Winchcombe. Blinds are fitted to ensure a good night’s sleep. Please note that the ceiling is low above both beds.

Bedroom Six:
The last bedroom of the house, the attic’s second twin bedroom, furnished with two single beds, a chest of drawers and a central bedside table with a reading lamp. Two dormer windows provide lots of light and the same interesting view out over the ancient rooftops of Winchcombe. Both the windows have blinds to ensure a good night’s sleep. Please note that the ceiling is low above both beds.

Outside

Barebones Farm has a very attractive quarter acre, landscaped garden with a large central lawn, mature fruit trees and herbaceous borders. It is perfect for rolling out a blanket and lazing in the sunshine or reading in the shade of the fruit trees, for children to play on, and for dogs to frolic on the grass. Adjoining the conservatory is a wide patio area with a large table seating 12 with additional bistro tables which can extend seating to 14 and plenty of space for outdoor entertaining. A charcoal BBQ is provided for guests to use. To the side of the patio is a gravel parking area with space for four to five cars.

Full List of Facilities

Indoor

  • Bedrooms - 7 bedrooms across: 2 super king-size rooms (can be configured as twins), 2 kings and 3 twins
  • 4 Bathrooms - 2 en-suite shower rooms, 1 family shower room, 1 Jack & Jill bathroom with roll-top bath and separate shower, 1 downstairs cloakroom
  • Hairdryer - 2
  • Fire - Logs are provided for an initial fire (1st October - 31st March)
  • Portable fans
  • Oven
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Toaster
  • Kettle
  • Fridge
  • Freezer
  • Coffee machine - Nespresso
  • Dishwasher
  • Dining table - Seats 14
  • Washing machine
  • Tumble dryer
  • Iron
  • WiFi *Please note that speeds are for guidance only and are not guaranteed - 25-49 Mbps
  • TV - Smart - Netflix and Amazon prime included
  • DVD Player
  • Travel cot (cot linen not provided) - 2
  • Highchair - 2

Outdoor

  • Dog friendly - 2 well-behaved dogs welcome for an additional fee
  • Garden - Enclosed
  • Outdoor dining area
  • BBQ - Please provide your own charcoal
  • Parking - Off-road parking for 5 cars
On your Doorstep
Supermarkets and Shopping:

The town has several food shops, including a well-stocked Co-Operative Food store on the corner of Greet Street and North Street and a convenience store, both well-stocked with fresh produce and store cupboard essentials. Vale & Hills Family Butchers sells local meat, North’s Bakery sells a great selection of bread, pastries and baked goodies and Food Fanatics deli, wholefood store and café sells a wide range of specialty foods. For a larger or more varied shop, Tesco Superstore in Bishop’s Cleeve is just a 15-minute drive away, whilst Cheltenham’s impressive selection of stores, eateries and amenities are just a 20-minute journey away.


Eating Out:
  • Number 5 North Street (100 metres)
  • The Old Corner Cupboard (0.5 miles)
  • The Lion Inn (0.5 miles)
Walks:

Winchcombe’s rolling countryside is a true walkers’ paradise, with options for casual, seasoned and hardy walkers running right from the cottage’s front door. Winchcombe itself is a “Walkers are Welcome” town, a special status awarded to towns and villages which go above and beyond with their walking amenities, making it a fantastic destination for groups in search of a walking break. We recommend the Sudeley Castle Circular walk for a relaxing stroll, otherwise the Winchcombe Way is 42-miles, taking you on a stunning tour of the northern area of the Cotswolds.

Places to Visit:
  • Sudeley Castle & Gardens (1 mile)
  • Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway (1 mile)
  • Broadway Tower (12 miles)
Travel:
  • Train - Cheltenham Spa Station (9 miles)
  • Taxis - A Private Hire, Abbey Private Hire
There is so much to discover in the Cotswolds, why not have a look at some of our favourite Bolthole Retreats Experiences
Points of Note
  • Book with us to get exclusive discounts to top attractions and experiences. 
  • It is the policy of this property not to take bookings for groups where the majority of guests are under the age of 25, or single-sex group celebrations, including stag/hen parties.
  • Please note that additional guests above the maximum capacity are not permitted.
  • As with all gardens gaps in fencing and foliage can appear, please ensure dogs (and children) are supervised in the garden at all times.
  • The ground floor bedroom is suitable for guests with mobility restrictions and has its own en-suite, wet room-style walk-in shower and wide doorway to the bedroom.
  • Please note, if you would like the two super-king size rooms to be configured as twins, please contact us directly 7 days before arrival.

Reviews

Helpful, friendly and efficient service. Queries were dealt with quickly. Property was a high standard. Definitely a company to trust. I would use Bolthole Retreats again and recommend them.

|
Pauline
| 25/10/2024

The house is very well equipped and comfortable. Everything is of a very high standard and tastefully done. The owner was very accommodating. It is in a great location close to shops and pubs and beautiful walks. We had a lovely weekend!

|
Catherine
| 18/10/2024

We had another excellent weekend at Barebones meeting with friends we have known for many decades. Such a lovely house, village and area. We will certainly be back.

|
Sue
| 11/10/2024

Excellent property, good places to eat close by. We took our 2 small dogs as dogs were allowed.

|
Sue
| 04/10/2024

The house was amazing and enabled my family to be together and enjoy my grandson's wedding. Would have been great to have longer. The garden and wildlife added to the amazing stay.

|
Margaret
| 26/09/2024

We came to stay at Barebones farm as it was my daughter’s wedding and we needed a place large enough for all the family plus a few of the bridesmaids! We had an excellent stay. The house was beautifully clean and had everything we needed for our stay. The kitchen was well equipped and we enjoyed the bright conservatory room as a place to sit and enjoy views of the fabulous large garden. Comfy beds with lovely bedding. The location is right in the heart of Winchcombe so easy walking to all the local shops and amenities and also to the castle. The hosts were very welcoming and allowed us early check in so we had enough time to prepare ourselves for the big day. I thoroughly recommend.

|
Helen
| 20/09/2024

An exceptionally well equipped, clean and comfortable home. Our 4th visit and the house was as fresh and clean as we found it the first time. The garden is very private and a lovely safe space for children to play in. The location is so convenient for a short walk to a children's playground, and all other village amenities. Perfect for a large family group to relax and enjoy time together, with no need to go beyond Winchcombe. .

|
Margot
| 06/09/2024

Barebones Farm is quite simply, perfect. 14 members of our family stayed for a weekend in August 2024, and had a wonderful break thanks to the spacious living areas, comfortable beds, ample bathrooms, and all the facilities you'd require. The house is in the perfect location, a short walk from several pubs, restaurants and shops. Not only that, it is a 20/30 minute drive to all the attractions, including Bourton on the Water, and Stow on the Wold. However, what really made Barebones Farm incredible for us, was the garden, which is a wonderful size for dogs, and children alike to play in, while the huge outdoor seating area provided adults the perfect place to relax in the sun. Inside, there is a snug for teenagers to retreat to, and downstairs a double bedroom with an ensuite for elderly relatives to stay. On top of all this, Barebones Farm was extremely clean, well maintained, and had literally everything you could possibly think of in terms of kitchen equipment, BBQ, towels, washing machine, dryer, iron, you name it, it was there. Overall, Barebones gave us the feeling that we were staying at a friends home, rather than a rental property, and it instantly felt like we'd be visiting for years. If you're looking for a home in the Cotswolds to house a large group, look no further, Barebones Farm is about all good as it gets, and we will certainly be returning in the years to come.

|
David
| 16/08/2024

We are a family of 12, ranging in age from 11 months to teenagers, parents and grandparents.The house was very well equipped, with lots of space for everyone and a large garden for the children to play.Liz, the owner, was extremely helpful.The village has several cafes, pubs and shops, with two grocery stores.There also are many excellent pubs with food in nearby villages It has not been overrun by tourists as many of the villages have, but is a nice village and has charming Sudeley Castle with its adventure playground and animal sculptures.would recommend as a destination for a trip with a large family.

|
Margaret
| 31/07/2024

We were a family of 10 with three generations ranging from 71 to 11 months. The house was a perfect fit and the yard was an added bonus for the children to run off energy after a day of sightseeing. Winchcombe is quiet and had all we needed in terms of shops and restaurants. We walked to Sudeley Castle and took easy day trips to Bath and Blenheim Palace. We could not have been happier with the accommodations! And completely charmed by the Cotswolds!

|
Susan
| 27/06/2024

Barebones Farm was a great place to stay for our family get together - great accommodation and within walking distance of all amenities. Communication was good. Liz even messaged me about roadworks in the area to assist in our journey. Would definitely recommend.

|
Kirsty
| 01/03/2024

Location

Winchcombe is an elegant and timeless Cotswold town with a host of amenities, making it perfectly possible to stay at Barebones Farm without the need to use a car. Venture down the narrow side streets to find a mix of Cotswold stone cottages and black and white half-timbered buildings. The town is a famous centre for walkers, with Winchcombe Welcome Walkers an important part of the town’s appeal, alongside the magnificent Sudeley Castle. (There are maps at Barebones Farm for your use and suggested walks in the ‘Walking’ section of this guide.) The town has several traditional pubs and contemporary restaurants and cafes; art galleries; boutique clothing stores and interior design and antique shops – in fact something to please everyone.

The town itself benefits from several small supermarkets, including The Co-Operative Food and a convenience store, both well-stocked with fresh produce and store cupboard essentials. Vale & Hills Family Butchers offers fantastic, local meat on the town’s high street, with a host of delicious goodies available at North’s Bakery for those in search of a fresh morning loaf. For larger shops, Tesco Superstore in Bishop’s Cleeve is just a 15-minute drive away, whilst Cheltenham’s impressive selection of stores, eateries and amenities are just a 20-minute journey. Most major supermarkets also offer home delivery to the cottages, including Ocado, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrison’s and ASDA.

With Winchcombe on your doorstep and the Cotswolds’ many market towns and villages just a short car ride away, you’re somewhat spoiled for choice when it comes to places to eat!

For gourmet hunters, Winchcombe’s 5 North Street is just a 5-minute stroll from the cottage, offering Michelin-starred seasonal dishes created by expert husband and wife team Gus and Kate. Michelin-recommended Wesley House is also just a 5-minute walk in Winchcombe’s town centre, offering exceptional cooking in the confines of a characterful 15th century house.

For fans of more relaxed cuisine, The White Hart Inn on Winchcombe’s High Street offers tasty gastropub grub in relaxed, rustic-chic surroundings, as well as The Corner Cupboard Inn; a historic 15th Century Inn serving traditional fare, supposedly haunted by a 12-year-old girl! Just 10 minutes’ down the road by car, The Pheasant Inn at Toddington is a great choice for families or groups visiting the GWSR Steam Railway station next door, whilst the Royal Oak at Gretton offers an unbeatable pub garden; perfect for sunny afternoons when only a pub pint will do.