Old Laundry, set on the Sudeley Castle Estate just on the edge of Winchcombe, is an idyllic family retreat. Once two cottages of Cotswold stone, this historic laundry was used by castle workers to wash the bedsheets of royalty, perhaps even Henry VIII during his stays at Sudeley Castle. It has been beautifully refurbished in-keeping with the age of the building while modern necessities have been added. High ceilings, mullioned windows, heritage colours and original fireplaces make this a memorable place to stay.
When you first arrive, the children will race off to find their favourite bedroom, and each is a haven for a good night’s sleep with their own bathroom. The ground floor bedroom ensures everybody is well-catered for and the split layout of the upper floors provide space for family groups. The fantastic sitting room has a high ceiling adorned with chandeliers and doors open out onto the terrace providing a gorgeous view across the hot tub to the countryside beyond. On cooler evenings, light the woodburner in the sitting room and spend time together as a group over drinks and conversation. The kitchen and dining areas are made for celebration with space for relaxed meals and a formal dining room seating 12. Cheers to special occasions, dine on home-cooked meals and enjoy long lingering evenings.
The garden at Old Laundry is a glorious space with a lawn and paved terrace where you can laze in the sun with a book and take a dip in the hot tub. It is a wonderfully quiet spot where you hear the occasional chug and whistle of a passing steam train in the distance. Get lost watching the countryside views, before you head out to follow these trails and discover the surrounding landscape.
Ground Floor
Entrance Hall
You are greeted at Old Laundry by the elegant entrance hall with its tiled floor and highlights of deep teal. Opening out onto the terrace at the rear of the house, there is space to hang coats and a bench to take off walking boots. Stairs from here take you to bedrooms one and two.
Kitchen/Dining Room
Sitting at the centre of Old Laundry, this communal space is full of light from the high front windows. The Bradford & Co stove sitting in the kitchen is a beautiful feature which gives a nod to the history of this building. Split between kitchen and dining, the dining table seats six and is perfect for breakfasts and serving buffets. The chef of the group can cook up a feast in the well-equipped kitchen while you keep them company at the central island bar. There is an oven and hob, microwave, coffee machine and dishwasher to save arguments over who has to do the washing up.
Utility
At the rear of the kitchen is the utility with a washing machine, tumble dryer and sink. There is additional worktop space here for meal prep and the side door leads out onto the terrace to make serving meals al fresco nice and easy. This is a great way to come into the house after a walk with the dogs so you can wash off muddy paws.
Hallway and Cloakroom
At the far end of this hallway is a cloakroom with a WC and sink and stairs from here take you up to a set of bedrooms.
Sitting Room
The heritage green décor of this room highlights the mullioned windows and exposed stone with a ceiling stretching high above you lit by chandeliers. With a choice of seating, you can gather here before the wood burning stove and smart TV to relax with your evening’s choice of entertainment. Play charades or open the door to the patio to bring the outdoors in and mingle with drinks.
Dining Room
The dining room at Old Laundry can suit extravagant celebratory meals or casual dinners. Set the table and savour home-cooked meals or bring in a private chef for an exclusive experience. With a selection of lighting, decorative fireplace and refined finishing touches this room adds a lovely atmosphere to your evenings.
Snug
Tucked between the dining room and the ground floor bedroom, the snug is the perfect hideaway for children. A small sofa and armchair, TV and desk give space for colouring, games and lets them watch their cartoons while you spend time with the grown ups.
Bedroom Six
The ground floor bedroom is ideal for any guests with limited mobility, or those that just want a bit of extra privacy. Sliding doors open to the parking area which leads to the rear garden so you can easily slip outside for a morning stroll. With a double bed and plenty of storage space you can unpack and feel at home here.
Shower Room
Enjoy a refreshing shower accompanied by a garden view from the ground floor shower room. There is also a WC and sink.
First Floor
Accessed from the Entrance Hall.
Bedroom One
Sink into the super king-size bed and relax in this boutique bedroom. Rich hues and luxurious soft furnishings fill this room with character. With views to the hills and treeline in the distance it is a lovely room to begin your day in.
En-Suite
Enjoy a spa-like shower under the large rainfall shower head to rejuvenate after a long country walk. There is also a WC and sink here.
Bedroom Two
Mirroring the colour scheme of bedroom one, this room is furnished with a super king-size bed and painted furniture which adds an element of fun. There is a decorative fireplace in this bedroom and a window seat so you can enjoy the views.
En-Suite
The en-suite has a shower cubicle with a rainfall head, WC and sink.
First Floor
Accessed from the Hallway.
Bathroom
Perfectly positioned for guests staying in bedroom three, the bathroom has a bath with a shower over, WC and sink.
Bedroom Three
With furniture painted in an antique green, this king-size bedroom looks across the surrounding countryside. There is hanging space, a chest of drawers and a dressing table.
Second Floor
Bedroom Four
Set in the eaves, bedroom four has a double bed which makes use of its position looking out through the Velux windows. Shades of blush pink and soft grey furniture give a whimsical feel to this room and there is a dressing table and chest of drawers for storage.
En-Suite
In the en-suite is a large shower with a rainfall head, WC and sink.
Bedroom Five
The final bedroom adds flexibility to the sleeping arrangements with two single beds. This room and the adjacent double bedroom would suit a small family within the main group, allowing the children to be near their parents. There is a central dressing table between the beds, bedside table and a chest of drawers.
En-Suite
The en-suite has a shower cubicle, WC and sink.
Outside
Cross your fingers for good weather so you can spend the majority of your time in the garden at Old Laundry. It feels secluded and a world away from city life. Farmland, hills, woodland and lush greenery fill your gaze as you relax on the terrace. The bubbling hot tub awaits and you can spend your time between here and the sitting area as the grill master in your group fires up the BBQ. With plenty of space for the children and dogs to play safely, the garden is a joy to spend time in.