Lovell Cottage
Thatched cottages, glimmering Cotswold stone and a fantastic pub are key ingredients to a picture-perfect country village and Minster Lovell delivers all three. Tucked amongst the quaint streets is Lovell Cottage with its picturesque frame of roses and wisteria. Beautifully finished the cottage is a gorgeous retreat with a central woodburning stove, two sitting areas and a spacious garden. A fantastic pub is a mere 2 minutes’ walk if you fancy a night off from cooking and three bedrooms, one of which is conveniently on the ground floor, await on your return. Scenic walks lead from your front door allowing you to explore the English Heritage’s Hall and Dovecote, popular Burford and Jeremy Clarkson’s Farmer’s Dog are very close by and within reach are Witney, Oxford and Blenheim Palace at Woodstock.
Overview
Lovell Cottage is a quiet respite amongst some of the most popular Cotswold hot spots. Sitting in the village of Minster Lovell you are surrounded by beautiful scenery but are a stone’s throw from Oxford, Burford, Blenheim Palace, Charlbury and Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens.
Arriving at this Cotswold stone cottage, you step into a world of quiet elegance. The sitting area is a magnificent space with a double-sided woodburner at its heart. The flagstone floor is complemented by warming rugs and glamorous soft furnishings and curling up here after a day out is a real treat. One side is made for conversation while the other has a TV for entertainment. A kitchen which adds a splash of contemporary styling is perfect for dining together and the ground floor bedroom and shower room ensure all members of the family have a room to suit. Upstairs the bedrooms have original oak beams, thought to once have been ship’s masts. These rooms share a stunning shower room and are the epitome of comfort.
The typical English country garden has planted borders and mature trees providing spaces to spread out a blanket on fine days. The table and chairs seat six so get the BBQ going, let the dog and children play and make new family memories.
Ground Floor
Living Room:
The sitting area at Lovell Cottage is a tale of two halves. The central woodburning stove divides the room into the conversational living room and snug. An original flagstone floor is beneath with a beamed ceiling above, highlighting the plush furniture which has been carefully chosen to suit the space. The living room invites you to step back from technology and flick through a magazine or share glasses of wine with friends.
Snug:
Sitting at the foot of the stairs to Bedroom 1 and 2 the Snug shares the double-sided wood burner with the Living Room. This cosy room, with its original beams (mind your head!), has a large 43” smart TV with plenty of seating for all to sit and view, including on an inviting three-seater dusty pink velvet sofa, a midnight blue chaise longue and a fabulous Ercol bench. A window seat with a comfy cushion provides the perfect place to perch and watch life go by.
Kitchen:
At the rear of the cottage is the striking Kitchen, with its milky-midnight blue units standing out against the backdrop of the cottage’s pretty rear garden. The beautifully crafted marble work tops provide plenty of space to create a meal with produce from nearby Diddly Squat farmshop, or have a private chef get to work. The kitchen is fully equipped with every appliance needed, from dishwasher to Rangemaster oven, wine fridge to Nespresso machine. At the centre is a long rectangular table, comfortably seating six guests. (On arrival, guests first enter the cottage through the side garden that leads to the back door into the Kitchen.)
Downstairs Shower Room:
Approached from the Snug, up one step, or from the Kitchen, the family shower room features a beautiful wall with raw limestone tiles and a large walk-in shower, with polished limestone walls, a dual-flush WC and wash basin.
Bedroom Three:
The cottage’s downstairs bedroom features a double bed on an unusual chrome bedstead, which sits up against a backdrop of pretty bamboo and parakeet wallpaper. The bedroom has two bed side tables with reading lamps, a wardrobe with hanging space and drawers and a wide windowsill with a mirror. The view is directly into the garden from the bedroom, providing a lovely view of the trees, plants and wildlife.
First Floor
Bedroom One:
This beautifully welcoming dual-aspect master bedroom, in calming dove-grey with accents of pink, looks out over the garden and the small local road running past the front of the cottage. Featuring a super-king size bed with bedside tables and reading lamps, an antique dressing table with mirror, a chest of drawers and a large corner wardrobe. Inside the wardrobe is a safe for guests’ use. A door from the bedroom leads to the Jack and Jill shower room shared with Bedroom 2
Bedroom Two:
The first thing you’ll notice as you walk into this bedroom is the original oak beam stretching across the width of the room. Mind your head (and please don’t be tempted to swing on it!) but look at the detail in the wood – it was probably a ship’s mast brought here long ago. This lovely, sunny bedroom is furnished with a king-size bed, bedside tables and reading lamps, a chest of drawers and a large wardrobe with hanging space and drawers. The bedroom connects to the Jack and Jill shower room and looks out to the small local village road below.
Jack and Jill Shower Room:
Sitting between the two upstairs bedrooms, the Jack and Jill shower room is fitted with Duravit and Lefroy Brooks sanitaryware including a large walk-in shower, washbasin with mirror over, dual flush WC, heated towel rail and privacy locks on each door.
Outside
Lovell Cottage sits on a quiet village road with stunningly beautiful properties all around, many of which are thatched and date back hundreds of years.
To the front, the cottage is accessed directly from the village path, separated from the road by a small footbridge. A side path leads to a gate and the back door that opens into the kitchen (this is the door guests will use to enter and leave the cottage). Also, at the front, slightly off-set from the cottage, is the parking area, suitable for two cars. To the rear, the property has a medium-size garden, mostly laid to lawn, with a charcoal BBQ, bordered by mature shrubs and trees and Cotswold stone walling with a lovely view out over neighbouring countryside and gardens.
Facilities
Indoor
Bedroom One - Super King-size
Bedroom Two - King-size
Bedroom Three - Double
2 Bathrooms - 1 Downstairs Shower Room, 1 Upstairs Jack And Jill Shower Room
Hairdryer
Fire - Logs Are Provided For An Initial Fire (September - April)
Oven
Hob
Microwave
Toaster
Kettle
Fridge
Freezer
Wine Fridge
Coffee Machine - Nespresso
Dishwasher
Dining Table - Seats 6
Washing Machine
Iron
WiFi *Please Note That Speeds Are For Guidance Only And Are Not Guaranteed
TV - Smart
Travel Cot (cot Linen Not Provided)
Highchair
Outdoor
Dog Friendly - One Well-behaved Dog Welcome For An Additional Fee
Garden
Outdoor Dining Area
BBQ - Please Provide Your Own Charcoal
Parking - Off-road Parking For 1 Car With Addition On-street Parking
On your Doorstep
The nearest store is a Spar in Minster Lovell, just a ten-minute walk. For a larger shop visit Witney (3 miles) which has a Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and a Marks and Spencer. For a taste of local produce, Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat farm shop is just 10 miles.
Eating Out:
- The Old Swan, Minster Lovell – have a relaxed meal fireside, take advantage of the selection of games or have a drink on the terrace (2 mins walk)
- Bird in Hand, Witney – serving a choice of traditional pub grub with full English breakfasts and Sunday roasts also on the menu (3 miles)
- The Lamb Inn, Burford – this traditional country pub serves meals throughout the day (6.5 miles)
- The Plough, Witney – a friendly and inviting pub perfect for any occasion (4 miles)
- The Farmer's Dog, Burford - Jeremy Clarkson's Cotswold pub serving British produce with a butchers and bottle shop (4 miles)
Step straight out of the front door to join the Lovell Hall walk through the local countryside, along stretches of the picturesque River Windrush, past St Kenelm’s Church, Minster Lovell Hall and back in time for a drink at the Old Swan! St Kenelm’s church was built in 1450 and sits beside the remains of Minster Lovell Hall. The Hall was built in the 1430s by William, Baron of Lovell and Holland - one of the richest men in England. It was later home to Francis, Viscount Lovell, a close ally of Richard III. After several changes of ownership, the hall was abandoned and eventually demolished in the 18th century, leaving the extensive and fascinating remains that stand today.
Places to Visit:
- Minster Mill Spa - relax and revive yourself with a treatment and spend time in the pool, rock sauna and steam room (2 min walk)
- Minster Lovell Hall & Dovecote – explore the ruins of a 15th century manor house and nearby dovecote sitting alongside the River Windrush (2.3 miles)
- Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens – one of the largest British zoological gardens and a fantastic family day out (9.3 miles)
- Blenheim Palace – stunning stately manor with a lot of history to be discovered as it was the birthplace of Winston Churchill (10 miles)
There is so much to see and do in the Cotswolds, why not have a look at some of our favourite Bolthole Retreat Experiences.
Points of Note
This property has a check-in time of 16:00 and a check-out time of 10:00
- Book with us to get exclusive discounts to top attractions and experiences
- 1 well-behaved dog is permitted at the cottage for an additional fee
- Parking: The cottage has two off-street parking places in front of the cottage. Further on-street parking is available in front of the cottage as well as at the top of the lane, just five minutes’ walk away
- Lovell Cottage was built in the 17th Century and has some lovely original features, including two low beams (in the Snug and Bedroom 2), and a low stone doorway between the Snug and the downstairs family shower room/bedroom
- The garage (accessed from the drive and the kitchen) is not available for guests’ use
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Handpicked by us
Why we love this
- Roses, wisteria and a glowing woodburner make this cottage pure charm.
- Stroll to Minster Lovell Hall or pop two minutes down the lane to Old Swan pub
- Burford, Blenheim and Clarkson’s farm shop are all an easy drive away.
Discover more
The Location
Lovell Cottage lies in Old Minster Lovell, the historic section of the beautiful village of Minster Lovell on the edge of Wychwood National Nature Reserve. The village has a church, pub, a country hotel with a spa, a village cricket club and fishing on the River Windrush. Head out the front door for fantastic local walks, including to the ruins of Minster Lovell Hall, a 15th century Oxfordshire manor house, which sits in a beautiful rural setting beside the river. Nearby Witney is a vibrant market town with excellent amenities and a thriving local community with a wide range of independent shops, restaurants and boutiques, as well as a cinema and larger stores including Waitrose and M&S. Meanwhile, the cottage is just a stone's throw from Jeremy Clarkson's farmshop, Diddly Squat, where you can find scrumptious local produce and gifts.
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Read our reviews
Lovell Cottage
A lovely cottage in an amazing village. Beautiful decor and great kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms. Sofas in living with tv not very big and could have been more comfortable. For the price, would have expected welcome pack. Only a few tea bags, one coffee pod, one dishwasher tablet, no kitchen roll and an opened small carton of milk. That aside, we loved it.
Michael
Great location lovely cottage and good bed linen
Deb
The cottage was incredible. Location couldn't have been better. Beds and bedrooms lovely; very comfortable beds. Lovely garden, yards from the quaint pub and river. Couldn't have asked for more.
Maria
Beautiful location but a disappointment, tired and unloved.
Bolthole Retreats were helpful, and the directions and access to the cottage were straightforward. We thoroughly enjoyed Minster Lovell and the surrounding walks, with easy access to the beautiful Cotswolds villages, countryside, Witney, and Oxford. Unfortunately, the comfort and cleanliness of the cottage were disappointing.
The two sofas in the television room were particularly uncomfortable, and the sofa in the second sitting room had a wobbly leg. The kitchen cupboards were also extremely disorganised. While the cottage appeared superficially clean with vacuumed floors, clean kitchen surfaces and bathrooms, and freshly made beds there was little evidence of a thorough deep clean or attention to detail. There was noticeable dust, many cobwebs, and the bathroom grouting was in poor condition.
The outdoor table was also very wobbly, and the barbecue was unusable, which would have been even more disappointing had the weather been better.
Overall, the cottage felt tired and neglected and we did not feel it offered good value for money given the condition of the facilities.
Natalie
It was in a beautiful village.
Pauline
We had a lovely stay - celebrating a relative’s 70th birthday. The house was very comfortable and cosy. Very clean. We all enjoyed.
Hannah
Lovely cottage. Great location
Stayed in cottage at Christmas 2025. Great location with excellent pub and restaurant close by. Really well equipped and full of character. Recommend.
Jonathan
Beautiful cottage in a great location.
Jonathan
Gorgeous cottage south of the Cotswolds, could do with some TLC
The cottage itself is lovely, a quintessentially Cotswolds feel. Stone floors, wood burner, beams - all really lovely. Its just in need of some TLC. There is a sofa bed that really does need replacing as its uncomfortable to sit on, as mentioned in other reviews. We couldnt find salt and pepper in the kitchen, little things that make a big difference for a comfortable stay given the price. There was no toilet roll provided in the downstairs bedroom, and no logs left for us to use - just kindling. The shower heads need a good clean, and the pots and pans are all a bit rubbish. The towels were small and some stained - not really what you expect for the price. Overall, these little things didnt negatively impact our stay, but if they were improved the experience would have been much more comfortable and in keeping with other properties we have stayed in across the Cotswolds.
Alice
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us on your recent stay at Lovell Cottage. We’re very glad to hear that you liked the cottage but sorry to read that some aspects of your stay didn't meet your expectations. Your valuable feedback has been shared with the property owner, who apologises for the issues you experienced and will be reviewing them with the housekeeping team to ensure they are addressed. We hope to see you in the Cotswolds again soon.
- Bolthole Retreats, 31st December 2025
A wonderful stay but a few tweaks would make it incredible.
We booked Lovell Cottage for a 2 night stay and were drawn to the location, decor in the pictures and the value for money. All of those fulfilled expectations as the cottage is in a fantastic Cotswolds village. The house has been very well updated, the kitchen especially was perfect for all of us eating breakfast in the mornings. A Christmas tree was set up which was a lovely touch. Our only complaints were as follows:
The Wi-Fi password was handwritten and barely legible. It took 4 of us about 30 minutes to come up with the right combination. We were unable to call the property manager for the password as there is no cell service. This really needs to be printed out again properly.
We were led to believe there would be enough firewood for one fire. It was a chilly evening and we were looking forward to some wine by the fire but nothing had been left. We were able to go to the Spar nearby to get some items but provided fire supplies would have been nice. There was no paper towels which would have been useful in the kitchen, again we were able to buy our own from the Spar. Lastly, there was no shower gel in any of the bathrooms.
None of these were major issues but with a little more attention to detail this would have been a 10/10 stay. I would definitely recommend to others and would definitely stay again (but next time Ill bring some shower gel in case!).
Jonny
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us on your recent stay at Lovell Cottage. We’re very glad to hear that you liked the cottage, but sorry to read that some aspects of your stay didn't meet your expectations. We really appreciate your feedback regarding the Wi-Fi password and will ensure it is updated as soon as possible. The housekeeping team are able to be contacted via email. We’ve shared your valuable feedback with the owner, who apologises that logs were not left for you, and will be discussing this with both the property manager and housekeeping team. Your comments regarding paper towels in the kitchen and shower gel have also been noted, and they are looking into this. We hope to see you in the Cotswolds again soon.
- Bolthole Retreats, 31st December 2025
Lovely, large, well located cottage just needed a few finishing touches to be special!
Lovely large cottage ideal for our family. In excellent location.... and exactly what I would like to own as a holiday home.
Property had everything needed but a few areas of attention and finishing touches to improve further
1) Customer service- a) A more extensive welcome hamper to make customers feel more wanted - not as good as previous stays at the Hayloft!!? b) no logs for log burner ?
2) Condition - A few pieces of furniture in poor condition - Chesterfield sofa damaged and other sofa uncomfortable
3) Unpleasant smell in toilet areas - may be result of flooding in the village ??
Mark
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us on your recent stay at Lovell Cottage. We’re very glad to hear that you liked the property and it's lovely location. Your valuale feedback has been shared with the property owner, who has taken your comments on board and is already addressing them. They’ve confirmed that they will be speaking with their housekeeping team regarding the logs, as an initial supply is usually provided for the first fire. They’ve also arranged for a handyman to attend and repair the sofa as soon as possible. We hope to see you in the Cotswolds again soon.
- Bolthole Retreats, 18th December 2025
Lovely Cotswold Cottage
Had a lovely pre Christmas visit with the family and our dog, Dobson. Super house in a beautiful location nice and close to The Swan Inn and some decent walks on your doorstep.
The cottage was well equipped and had a welcoming feel. It very much suited six people and was actually slightly larger downstairs than I thought it might be. Definitely couldve done with a bit more wood for the fire for the time we were there. Housekeeping were very kind and allowed us to enter the cottage slightly earlier than the 4 pm check-in time. This was very much appreciated. Thank you.
We noticed that the kitchen floor wasnt very clean though ,this might have been caused by our early check in.
Really enjoyed our stay. Lots of pubs and pretty villages and walks right on your doorstep step. Idyllic cottage.
Nice that we had a little welcome pack including milk and chocolate treats.
The house folder needs updating. You noticed it mentioned no dogs were allowed in the cottage and yet we have paid for one dog.
Debbie
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us on your recent stay at Lovell Cottage. We’re very glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay. We can confirm that as per our website logs are provided for an initial fire. Your valuable feedback has been shared with the property owner, who has taken this on board and has sent their apologies regarding the kitchen floor. They will also be speaking with their housekeeping team to address this. We hope to see you in the Cotswolds again soon.
- Bolthole Retreats, 18th December 2025
Lovely cottage set in a quiet road with a pub 1 minute away. The log fire is a feature if visiting in the winter. The church is a few minutes walk away and worth a visit as are the ruins of the Hall. Plenty to do and see in the area. We have been twice now and hope to return.
Michael
Could do with some TLC
A picture postcard cottage in a wonderful location but requires some TLC.
Sadly the garden is a bit of a tip and lacks any garden furniture other than an old table and tatty chairs, it really needs a major makeover.
The sofa which is actually a sofabed is very tired an uncomfortable.
The roman blinds throughout the cottage need attention as one pull of the chain mechanism has you fiddling around to get them to work.
It was a shame no logs for the 1st night were available as the cottage was cold on arrival, we left some logs and kindling for the next family.
The window frame in one of the bedrooms need a good scrub as they were blackened from a build up of condensation, not attractive.
With some TLC it could really raise the overall experience.
Don
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us on your recent stay at Lovell Cottage. We’re very glad to hear that you liked the cottage and it's lovely location. However, we’re sorry to read that some aspects of your stay didn’t meet your expectations. Your valuable feedback has been shared with the property owner and housekeeper. They have taken your points on board and are arranging for a gardener to visit as soon as possible. The blinds have now been fixed, and the window frames will be cleaned as soon as possible. They're sorry that logs were not provided during your stay and wish you had contacted them, as they would have been very happy to supply these for you. We hope to welcome you back to the Cotswolds in the future.
- Bolthole Retreats, 22nd October 2025
Second time at this house. Great location, comfy beds, and decent parking. All in all would go back again.
Alex
Lovell Cottage
The house is beautiful but it really needs a deep clean and an update. Broken outdoor furniture, two broken chairs and a table close to collapse. Bbq is charcoal not gas. Bins not emptied on arrival. Bin in kitchen filthy on the inside. Wine fridge didnt work, door on fridge broken. Dusty house generally. Nothing was bad enough to spoil the stay but I dont think its worth the money we paid.
Catherine
Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback. We're pleased to hear you found the cottage beautiful, and you had a good stay. We're sorry to hear that certain aspects didn’t meet your expectations. Please be assured that the property is professionally cleaned between each stay. Had we been made aware of your concerns at the time, our housekeeping team would have been more than happy to reattend. We do advertise that the BBQ provided is charcoal, not gas. We were not previously aware of any broken outdoor furniture or issues with the wine fridge, so thank you for bringing these to our attention. The fridge door has since been fixed, and the owner is now looking into the condition of the outdoor furniture to ensure it's up to standard. We appreciate your comments and hope to welcome you back in the future.
- Bolthole Retreats, 23rd August 2025
Lovely holiday in historic Minster Lovell
Location was fabulous for exploring the area. Village was quintessential Cotswolds. Cottage was picture perfect. Inside was comfortable and kitchen was well stocked with everything we needed. Local rep responded immediately to request we made.
The garden was disappointing and the outside table and dining chairs were rickety and uncomfortable. Better garden furniture would have made a big difference to our overall experience. The welcome guide needs updating and improving.
Marion
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us on your recent stay at Lovell Cottage. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay. Your valuable feedback regarding the outdoor furniture has been shared with the owner who has taken these points on board and is looking into them. We hope to see you in the Cotswolds again soon.
- Bolthole Retreats, 14th July 2025
Excellent cottage in a lovely location
Very well appointed cottage in beautiful location, short walk to local pub. Downstairs bedroom/bathroom very convenient for elderly relatives. Spacious and comfortable. The bathroom facilities were top end. We would like to return again. We did miss having a teapot, shaving point and washing up bowl and draining rack but these are very minor points. Terrestrial TV access would be nice as we are not that technical and do not have easy access to live streaming. Some of the blinds were in need of repair and were a bit fragile. Apart from that a perfect stay and thanks for all the extras, coffee, tea, spices, oil etc. And FUDGE!
Guest
Beautiful Cotswold Cottage
My family and I had a wonderful stay! The cottage was beautiful, and we loved the historic charm. The cottage had everything we needed. The beds were extremely comfortable. The neighborhood was very quiet. We enjoyed watching the rabbits run around the back garden every morning. I would highly recommend this cottage!
Teresa
Disappointing end!
I had a wonderful stay with my family at Lovell cottage - unfortunately this was spoilt at the end of the stay by a very rude housekeeper who came to our property around 10.20am on the morning of our departure. She knocked on the door and told us we should have vacated at 10am - at the time we were having a lovely breakfast together. I informed her that the information I received stated departure time 11am - I then proceeded to show her the email from Bolthole Retreats which confirmed what I had told her. I also informed her that the information folder in the property says 11am departure and 3pm check in. She told me it is a 4pm check in - I told her the folder also says no pets allowed, she told me that as far as she was aware it was pet free. I informed her I had paid an extra £40 for my dog to stay so I don't think it is. I also informed her that when we arrived at the property on Wednesday 7th May at 2.30pm the keys were on the outside of the back door - no one was inside the property. She then went onto tell me that she was on a very tight schedule and asked if she could start cleaning upstairs. I informed her that one of the bedrooms was free along with the bathroom. She went outside and we didn't see her again for another 30 minutes.
The whole experience completely ruined the end of our wonderful break in the Cotswolds - what made things even worse was that at no point did she apologise especially for the way she had spoken to us.
And just when we thought things were all sorted when we were leaving the property, she came back for another go - basically accusing us of not leaving the keys! One of my daughter's had given the keys to one of the girls who had come to clean the property.
The property is beautiful but I think a change in housekeeping staff would be beneficial or send them on a customer relations course and learn some manners
Julie
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on your recent stay at Lovell Cottage. We're very sorry to hear that your experience was affected towards the end, and we completely understand how disappointing that must have been. We’re sorry for any confusion caused and that you felt the housekeeper came across as rude, that’s certainly not the impression we ever want our guests to leave with. The housekeeping team for the cottage has recently changed, and we’re working closely with them to ensure a warm and professional experience for all our guests. We do hope we’ll have the opportunity to welcome you back to the Cotswolds in the future.
- Bolthole Retreats, 29th May 2025
We had a great weekend at this property. Good instructions and everything as described. Particularly love the Alexa speakers in various rooms, and the added condiments in the kitchen, which you don’t want to have to go and buy just for a weekend. The setting is the icing on the cake, beautiful well kept garden and lovely views. A fantastic house! Thank you.
Amy
Lovely cottage in gorgeous village
We loved our stay in Lovell Cottage. Service was friendly and a minor occurring problem was quickly solved. The cottage is lovingly decorated and well equipped, though a coatrack would be appreciated. The pink sofa in the tv room has seen better days, and so have some of the curtain-chains. The welcome-map needs to be updated with information about the garbage collection. But all in all, we had a very pleasant stay. Minster Lovell is a lovely little village, with The Old Swan, the ruins of Minster Lovell Hall, along the River Windrush (with swimming spot) and of course the amazing Cotswolds at your doorstep. We enjoyed a brilliant lunch at the Farmers Puppy (the outside bar next to Jeremy Clarcksons Farmers Dog), a swim in The Lido in Cheltenham, a visit to Blenheim Palace and to Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens (an actual zoo on a historic estate). We recommend a stay in Lovell Cottage.
Guest
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us on your recent stay at Lovell Cottage. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay. Your valuable feedback has been shared with the owner who has taken these points on board and is looking into them. Also, the cottage welcome guide will be updated with the information on rubbish collection as soon as possible. We hope to see you in the Cotswolds again soon.
- Bolthole Retreats, 13th May 2025
Smaller than you would think ...
Okay, it's a cottage and not a house, but frankly the pictures gave the impression that it is bigger than in reality.
Quite low ceilings and we've bumped a few times against the timbers/door heights.
The sofa positioned for watching television is a back breaking chabby thing that needs replacing.
Some of the curtains in the living/snug can not be rolled down anymore.
In the brochure was mentioned that the days of waste collection would be found in the welcome basket...
For the first time in a very long time, no welcoming basket, just a small bottle of milk. And the information about the waste collection had to be asked. We also mentioned that there was no welcome basket as stated in the information...no reply...
We mentioned that some kitchen equipment was found burned...no reply...
The house can become quite chilly if you don't keep the heating on.
The website mentioned that 2 cars would be able to park in front of the house. Only possible with small cars, not with a van and a Telsa or so.
A washing machine is available but no tumble dryer.
Overall the cottage is oké, but value for money is a bit on the low side considering all of the above. Oké to stay with 4 people, quite small to be with 6.
Patrick
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us on your recent stay at Lovell Cottage. We're sorry to hear that your experience didn’t fully meet your expectations. In response to your comments about the size of the property, we do have a 3D tour and floor plan available on our website to give a clearer idea of the layout. Regarding the ceiling heights, we mention in the listing under the points of note section "Lovell Cottage was built in the 17th Century and has some lovely original features, including two low beams (in the Snug and Bedroom 2), and a low stone doorway between the snug and the downstairs family shower room/bedroom". Your valuable feedback has been shared with both the owner and the housekeeper. We understand that the housekeeper was able to assist you during your stay, including letting you know when the bins should be put out for collection. They’ve also informed us that the casserole dishes you mentioned are being replaced, and the curtains are being looked into. They’ve taken note of the other points you raised and are addressing them as well.
- Bolthole Retreats, 25th April 2025
Wonderful stay in Minster Lovell
This is a beautiful cottage in the heart of Minster Lovell. It was an excellent base for us to visit nearby sites and lots of great walks to do in the local area. Cottage is very homely and comfortable. Nice garden with views onto the field behind where we saw lots of rabbits. Cottage is well equipped and I would highly recommend!
Juliette
Lovely property in a fantastic location.
Joanna
Lovely location - idyllic cottage. Great base for a weekend in the Cotswolds.
Gary
Christmas break
Wonderful stone cottage in a lovely little village. Rooms were clean and kitchen is very well equipped . Towels and bedding are really good quality. Great base for seeing the Cotswolds.
Minor negatives are the snug with the tv does not have very comfortable seating, especially for 5 adults, and we felt the welcome pack could be improved on.
Fiona
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us on your recent stay at Lovell Cottage. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay. Your feedback is truly appreciated and has been passed along to the owner, who is reviewing the points you mentioned. We hope to see you again in the Cotswolds soon.
- Bolthole Retreats, 13th January 2025
Great cottage
Loved the location with a pub with fantastic food 300 metres away and the charm of the cottage. Would recommend it.
Janice
lovell cottage
in general had a lovely stay at the cottage, a a lovely location and cottage, we did have a few things to note thou,
welcome guide could do with updating,
wine fridge wasnt working but didnt bother us,
no safe,
no toiletries provided,
blinds in downstairs bedroom not working,
water leak under kitchen sink and when reported via contact number was not fixed during our stay
in all thou it was a nice break
Mark
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of your recent stay at Lovell Cottage. We are very glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay, however disappointed to read the points that you have raised. We have shared your feedback with the owner who has taken these points on board and these will be looked into. Also we can confirm that the welcome guide has been updated and the wine fridge, leak and blinds have been fixed.
- Bolthole Retreats, 24th September 2024
Beautiful and comfortable!
This property was such a wonderful spot to relax after our daughters wedding. It was beautiful and very roomy for all 5 of us!
The flowers were blooming as well and it was picture perfect! The kitchen had everything you would need to cook as well!
The last morning we were there we couldnt fit all of our bags and people into our SUV. We reached out to the owner to see if we could come back after an airport trip and grab our suitcases and wedding dress and gifts and they were quite understanding about it all. Super embarrassing but just couldnt fit everyone in our huge SUV with all of us!
Would highly recommend a stay here!
Nancy
Great place to stay for a few days.
This is a lovely old cottage that is very well maintained. Everything was in good working order and the cottage was very clean.
The heating worked well and the log burning stove was a bonus for the chilly nights.
Nearby Burford was a good place to visit on a wet morning and the whole family enjoyed the Cotswold Safari Park.
We had a good meal at the local pub which is a few hundred yards from the door. The Bird in the Hand at Hailey had excellent food and was only a few miles from the cottage by car.
Definitely a place we would come back to.
Ann
Stylish and comfortable cottage in good location
The cottage looked lovely on the website, and didn't fail to deliver when we arrived for our weekend stay - furnishings all very stylish and comfortable, with new kitchen and bathrooms, and a lovely log burner. Looks like further works are planned in the future for the garden possibly for seating area.
The location is very convenient, not far from Burford (excellent garden centre which is more of a lifestyle store, and the very pretty small shops on the quaint high street). Lovely walks and other attractions nearby - we would definitely stay here again, thank you!
Anna
Lovely weekend stay
Everything was lovely at Lovell Cottage... Comfortable beds, well equipped, good showers and lovely places to gather. The pub just a two minute walk away was also perfect for a Saturday evening meal.
Local Burford and the Burford Garden Centre both within a 10 minute drive, were ideal places for a mooch, coffee and Sunday brunch.
Only downsides were low seats at the kitchen table and a very uncomfortable pink sofa in the second lounge.
The heating was also not consistent and kept going off... Not a problem as it was a mild weekend but if it had been colder it would have felt very cold inside. It was lovely to put the fire on instead.
Overall, a very nice stay at Lovell Cottage.
Susan
A fairy tale holiday
Minster Lovell is a darling village in the Cotswolds and the Lovell Cottage is a darling place to stay. It is the second time my family has spent the holiday at Lovell Cottage and we were delighted that it was as good the second time around. The kitchen is pretty well appointed with al you need to cook meals and snacks (which we did every day); the appliances are very nice. We talked, read and played games by the fire almost every evening. Two full bathrooms accommodated our larger group very well. The location of the cottage is ideal if you are looking to hike or cycle.
We will remember this as a magical Christmas in the Cotswolds.
Julie
Wonderful few days
Lovely location, beautiful cottage, very well equipped. Grandparents and children all had a wonderful stay. Thank you.
Tina
Fantastic place
This house is beautiful & in character with the Cotswold feel, beds really comfortable and villages beautiful. Highly recommend
Sheryl
Excellent cottage in the Cotswolds
An absolutely stunning cottage in Minster Lovell, perfectly located and extremely comfortable beds! Beautiful furnishings and finished to a high quality.
Only downside was that the dinning chairs and the outside furniture were uncomfortable, and a number of glasses hadnt been replaced.
Hannah
Lovell Cottage
Lovely cottage in pretty village. There is a lovely pub and plenty of walks. The house is decorated and presented very well. The bedrooms were comfortable and the house was clean. There is a nice outlook from the garden, which is fairly private. Kitchen was well equipped.
Guest
Great Stay In A Charmimg Cottage
Great stay overall.
Fantastic location and charming cottage
With a tasteful and complete renovation.
Perfect for adults or a family.
We really enjoyed our stay.
The only slight negative was that the place wasnt as clean as it could be.
Lots of cobwebs and dust, but we still had a nice time.
Highly recommend this place.
Casey
Ideal cottage in ideal lication
Lovell cottage is a well thought out holiday property. It was ideal to bring my 86 yr old mum with its downstairs bedroom and en suite.
Jo
Pretty cottage in a picturesque village
We enjoyed our brief stay at pretty Lovell Cottage, and the beautiful surroundings. Very comfortable beds, easy to use log burner and two pleasant sitting rooms. The kitchen was reasonably well equipped; however, if there had been six of us we feel lack of crockery would have been an issue. Also insufficient tea towels and no egg cups! A big plus was having a good pub two minutes walk away.
Nancy
Lovely
Lovely in every way! We had a fine weekend at the Lovell Cottage and Minter Lovell. We look forward to returning. Thank you!
Francis
Perfect!!!
Fantastic stay! Beautiful property with everything you need! Great location with lots to see and do within the local area! Was the break we needed to relax and unwind we didnt want to leave. Thank you
Guest
Lovell Cottage exceeded our expectations.
Lovell Cottage exceeded our expectations. Tastefully decorated and in a perfect Cotswold setting. Comfortable beds, beautiful bedrooms and a spacious living area with dual aspect log burner. A well equipped kitchen which could be reached via a doorway at either end of the room, very useful. We used it as a base to prepare for our daughter's wedding celebrations. Would recommend.
Eileen
Excellent cottage
Lovell Cottage is absolutely faultless. Clearly a lot of thought & effort has been put into the decor, layout and facilities, everything was perfect. Every amenity you could need, great Wi-Fi, very comfortable & clean. Customer service in the lead up to our stay was very good. Highly recommended.
Alan
Thank you for taking the time to leave your review, it was very nice to read.
- Bolthole Retreats, 5th October 2022
Fabulous Cottage
We enjoyed a lovely 3 night stay in Lovell cottage,Minster Lovell
The cottage was very clean,spacious and comfortable
The kitchen is very well stocked,if you need to cook,we didn't as we ate out in the local area.
The beds are very comfortable,with bed linen that smelt lovely and clean.
The cottage is beautifully furnished
Great showers in bathrooms
Overall we were very impressed.
We shall return
Guest
Lovely house, great location.
We had a lovely couple of days at Lovell Cottage. Its an really attractive property, inside and out. The beds were very comfortable, the house was clean, well appointed and worked perfectly for our time with friends this weekend. We hope to be back. Thank you.
Guest
Great Stay
Beautiful and spacious cottage in a lovely location, close to many attractions. We had a very relaxing stay and would certainly come here again if returning to the area.
Good places to eat nearby - particularly The Lamb at Crawley and The Carpenters Arms at Burford, both of which had excellent food and drink. But equally easy to cook at the cottage as the kitchen is large and well-equipped.
Anita
Hi Anita, Thank you for your review. We are so pleased to read that you enjoyed your stay at Lovell Cottage. Kind regards
- Bolthole Retreats, 30th May 2022
Great getaway for family from London
Stayed with my small family. House is welcoming and nicely finished set in a cute little villiage in the Cotswolds.
Tom
Flawless Cottage
We loved this cottage, there was nothing wrong with our stay whatsoever. I will try to think of things you could improve upon:
- Blinds; the one near the sink didn't work and we had issue with one in the lounge. Other guests probably just think they require pulling like a standard blind and when attempting this, cause damage.
- Coffee machine; I couldn't find any instructions on how to operate it. This would have helped.
- Fire; instructions on how to operate wood burning stove would have helped.
- Bathrooms; no conditioner. Would have been nice to go with the shampoo. You could of course bring your own.
I only write the above to give some information on things that could have made my stay better, otherwise it was basically as described, just like photos and perfect.
Matthew
Excellent
Beautiful inside and out. Very clean and very comfortable, especially the beds. Looks newly renovated
Natasha
The cottage was lovely and in a great location for beautiful walks however it lacked basic amenities
Unfortunately we felt disappointed with the facilities provided at the Cottage. Full details have been provided directly .
Guest
Angelica, we are sorry that you were disappointed with your stay and will be discussing your niggles with the owner. Best wishes Bolthole Retreats
- Bolthole Retreats, 27th October 2021
September Family break
Gorgeous cottage, very comfortable and well equipped. High quality fixtures and fittings. Great location for exploring the Cotswolds. Really enjoyed our stay
Guest
Dear Kyleigh, Thank you for taking the time to review your stay at Lovell Cottage. We're so pleased you enjoyed your time here and hope we can welcome you back to the beautiful Cotswolds again in the future. Warm regards Bolthole Retreats
- Bolthole Retreats, 20th September 2021
Stay at Lovell Cottage
Our stay was very comfortable and the cottage beautifully furnished
Ideal location for peace, quiet and rest .
Would love to revisit in the future
Monica
Dear Monica, Thank you so much for your review of Lovell Cottage. We're pleased to hear you enjoyed your time in the Cotswolds and look forward to welcoming you again soon. Kind regards Bolthole Retreats
- Bolthole Retreats, 19th August 2021
A lovely cottage overall
The cottage was very clean and well maintained although the garden was a bit wild! The only real problem we had was an abundance of wood lice, mainly in the master bedroom on the floor and the wardrobe doors. We had to dispose of dozens during our stay.
Sharon
Hi Sharon, Thank you for leaving your review. Apologies for the woodlice. We hope they did not spoil your stay, they will be attended to. Best wishes BoltholeRetreats
- Bolthole Retreats, 3rd June 2021
Lovely cottage
Lovell Cottage is a beautiful little house in a charming village. Well appointed and stylishly decorated. Unfortunately the electrics tripped out on our first night and we couldnt solve the issue. The housekeeper was very helpful but due to COVID we decided not to have a workman in. With no upstairs lighting we cut our weekend away short and left a day early which was a shame.
The house would benefit from a pad of paper and some pens/pencils and a long reach lighter for the cooker and the wood stove as the box of matches supplied was unusable.
Mrs
The owner of Lovell Cottage was glad to hear you liked her cottage and decoration. She was of course sad to hear you had to cut your short your stay. Here are responses to your feedback, which is appreciated: - There is a long lighter available. It is in the drawer in the lounge. - Electrics - not sure what happened here, as when the caretaker went in the after your departure there was nothing wrong with the electrics. The owner and caretaker will keep a close eye on things. - Notepad & pens - a good recommendation, which will be actioned.
- Bolthole Retreats, 11th May 2021
Lovell Cottage an absolute delight.
Experienced a most delightful 2+ week stay at Lovell Cottage prior to Christmas. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a Christmas wreath on the front door, a Christmas tree in the drawing-room, and delicious tea cake and table setting in the kitchen all of which were unexpected delights. What a lovely way to start off one's visit.
Lovell Cottage has been carefully updated from both a structural and architectural perspective in terms of floor layout, dual fireplace, appliances, and baths. The kitchen, in particular, is spacious and most inviting from both a functional and aesthetic point-of-view. Likewise, the decor has been updated to feel fresh and welcoming while not losing the charm of a quintessential Cotswold cottage. The photos on Bolthole Retreats are accurate in their portrayal of the property but do not quite do justice to the overall charm and ambiance this cottage exceeded our expectations.
The location of Minster Lovell is pretty ideal. An unbelievably quaint small village that feels private and unspoiled. The Old Swan Pub, literally a stone's throw from the cottage, offers delicious food and a nice selection of beer and wine. Highly recommend taking the Circular Walk No. 2 Minster Lovell-Crawley for enjoying the countryside but depending on the season do not forget to bring your wellies. Burford is a short drive and the High Street offers several good shops. Particularly impressed with the selections at W.J. Castle Butcher and The Cotswold Cheese Company. Finally, The Burford Garden Centre is worth a trip. Think garden center, meets department store with a food hall.
Scott
Beautiful Cotswold base for an Autumn escape
Beautiful Cottage with excellent amenities.
Old Minster Lovell village is stunning and the perfect place to escape from it all. Disappointed the Swan Inn was closed during our stay as there wasnt another pub within walking distance on an evening, but this wasnt the fault of the cottage. T
The cottage was beautifully designed and decorated and very comfortable. Stunning large kitchen with great selection of kitchen equipment and table was set lovely for our arrival. The cottage overall was very clean and spacious.
The only things that could do with improvement is to put a door mat by the kitchen door and feel the size and quality of the towels provided were poor compared to the rest of the linens and furnishings, some new plush towels would be appreciated.
Would definitely love to go back in the future.
Helen
Thank you for your review, we appreciate you taking the time and are very happy you enjoyed your stay. We have taken on board your comments. A doormat and new, high quality towels will be in place from the New Year. We look forward to welcoming you back when everything is open again. Best wishes, Bolthole Retreats
- Bolthole Retreats, 9th November 2020
Great Cotswolds Stay
Such a amazing home, in a great location. The house was beautifully furnished and very comfortable with all the amenities we needed. We will definitely be booking to return again soon!
Natalie
Idyllic escape
We had such a perfect stay at Lovell Cottage. It was so welcoming and cosy with plenty of space to relax. The kitchen set up was ideal with everything you could need. The location is perfect to visit lots of beautiful places nearby, especially Burford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Minster Lovell Hall, the Swan pub at the end of the road and The Lamb in Crawley. We'd love to come and stay again!
Sara
Brilliant property
A fantastically stylish and well appointed property, with everything we needed for a fantastic holiday with our two young children.
Guest
Lovell-y!
Beautiful house in a gorgeous village, with walks, pubs and sunshine - everything we needed for a little Cotswolds luxury.
Cath
Create Memories
Experiences designed to make your stay unforgettable
We have curated not only a portfolio of properties, but also a portfolio of experiences we recommend everyone try the next time they visit the Cotswolds and surrounding counties. This selection of ours is constantly growing as we discover more hidden gems and local stars. Many of the experiences are incredibly popular, and we encourage booking in advance because these little extras can turn your everyday holiday into a fantastic, fond memory, one you aren’t soon to forget.
