Vine Cottage, Charlbury

Tucked into the pretty Evenlode Valley, Charlbury is a thriving market town surrounded by beautiful countryside. Vine Cottage sits on Sheep Street, and as the name suggests this is where sheep were once herded through the town on their way to market. Today it’s lined with traditional townhouses and pretty cottages, giving a real sense of place.

Step inside and you’ll find a warm and inviting living room with a wood-burner effect gas fire set in the original fireplace. This leads to the inner hall and a beautifully fitted bathroom with a shower, and a stylish galley kitchen which is equipped with everything you need for a self-catering stay. The breakfast bar is a welcome space for meals, reading the morning papers or even catching up with work if it really can’t be left behind. Upstairs there is a spacious king-size bedroom with views over the street beyond and a delightful single.

Step through the backdoor and there is a peaceful courtyard with a bistro table and chairs. Relax here with your morning coffee or enjoy drinks on balmy evenings before dinner. There is no allocated parking but on-street parking is usually available, or why not hop on the train and leave the car behind?

Ground Floor

Living Room:
The front door opens into a charming living room, the large fireplace houses a wood burner-effect gas fire which is perfect for cosy nights in. There’s a comfy two-seater sofa and an armchair, which is set by the sash window. Pale ochre yellow walls feature classic paintings and occasional tables with side lamps add a gentle and soft light. To one side of the fireplace, there’s a Smart TV and on the other side, alcove shelves hold a selection of classic books and a pack of cards.

Shower Room:
Set off the inner hall, the beautifully appointed shower room is fully tiled with soft grey stone tiles and features an enclosed shower cubicle with a rainfall shower and a handheld shower head, there is also a toilet and a handbasin, with a well-lit mirror above it.

Kitchen:
Under the stairs is a useful storage cupboard where you’ll find pots and pans and space to store supplies you may bring with you. This is also where the kettle and toaster live. Continue into the stylish kitchen with dark blue cupboards offering a lovely contrast to the pale wooden floor and white surfaces and pretty blue and white plates hanging above the decorative tiling. With a full oven, gas hob, fridge with a freezer box, washer-dryer and even a slimline dishwasher, there is everything practical needed for a self-catering stay. You’ll find glassware on a wooden shelf (please do not put anything else on this shelf). A breakfast bar runs along one wall with two high-backed stools. Perch here for your morning coffee and easy meals or relax with the papers as the day begins.

First Floor

Stairs lead to the first floor, there are handrails on the wall, however, the other side is open, and care is needed.

Bedroom One:
This spacious room is decorated in a pretty country style with a king-size bed, and woven wicker bedside tables with reading lamps, an occasional chair, and an antique pine chest of drawers. The original fireplace remains in situ, although is no longer in use. The large, low sash window looks out to the street beyond.

Bedroom Two:
This charming room features a single bed, making it ideal for friends who are travelling together but do not want to share. The roof eaves create interesting shapes and head heights and there are views out over the rear courtyard. There are hooks with wooden hangers for storage.

Outside

Through the back door, there’s a peaceful courtyard with a bistro table and chairs. It’s a lovely spot for simply relaxing and surrounded by a backdrop of trees there is a real sense of being in the countryside. There is a gate from the courtyard to the owner’s garden, which is private. The front of the cottage has a tiny front garden, with an iron gate and five shallow steps to the front door. There is no allocated parking space however on-street parking is usually available.