Top 10 cottages to book early
With more people than ever before discovering, or in lots of cases rediscovering, the delights of the staycation, and taking the time to explore the many charms of the British Isles, it’s no surprise that holiday cottages are in huge demand. We’ve pulled together our top 10 Cotswold homes for 2022 that won’t be around for long.
Almsbury Farmhouse
Fit for a Queen
2022 will see a year-long celebration commemorating the Platinum Jubilee of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. The extended bank holiday weekend at the beginning of June gives plenty of opportunities to celebrate this historic milestone. Forming part of the exceptional Sudeley Castle Estate, which has its own long connection with royalty, Almsbury Farmhouse welcomes up to 14 guests with 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. One of the bedrooms is tucked away in a self-contained annex, perfect if you have guests who like a little more privacy. The expansive garden, period features and short walk into the medieval town of Winchcombe makes Almsbury Farmhouse a much sought after option.
Oldbury Barn
Fabulous family gatherings
This outstanding, detached barn conversion is a hugely popular pick with Bolthole Retreat guests who are looking for a family-friendly escape. There’s a large, enclosed garden that’s perfect for outdoor games, and a patio runs the length of the barn and is furnished with an outdoor sofa, dining table, chairs, and a BBQ for alfresco dining. Inside, you’ll find a fabulous open-plan interior space with beautiful views where you can entertain, relax, and rest. It has everything you need for the perfect family getaway.
Lakeside
Super dog-friendly
Apart from being a beautiful Grade II listed property in a fabulous location in the heart of the Cotswolds, what our guests also love about Lakeside is that it is totally doggy friendly and will happily welcome up to three of your four-legged friends. Holiday homes that take more than one or two pooches are in short supply, so Lakeside is an ever-popular choice and early booking is essential.
Mercia House
Cheltenham Festival™
With four bedrooms and five bathrooms, Mercia House has plenty of space for the important task of getting dressed to impress for the Cheltenham Festival. Just five miles from the famed racecourse, Mercia House is an easy drive or taxi ride and with its location in the heart of medieval Winchcombe. There are several excellent restaurants and pubs within strolling distance of the house where you can celebrate your wins in style.
Tudor Oak at Painswick Lodge
Hot tub heaven
Hot tubs have been in huge demand and properties with this luxurious addition are extremely popular. Tudor Oak at Painswick Lodge is a stunning Douglas-fir clad shepherds hut with a private wood-fired, spring water filled hot tub. It offers the ultimate in luxury glamping with a king-size bed, ensuite shower, and with the most wonderful, uninterrupted views down the Painswick Valley.
Barebones Farm
Biggest is best
Large houses are in short supply and big demand, and the character-filled, 18th century Barebones Farm is no exception. This fabulous house has seven bedrooms, four bathrooms and sleeps up to fourteen guests comfortably in the heart of Winchcombe, with the town’s award-winning pubs and restaurants just a short stroll away. The spacious open-plan living area is perfect for entertaining, plus there’s a lovely outside dining space that sits in landscaped gardens. Early booking is essential for Barebones Farm.
Lily Cottage
Romantic interludes
They say small things come in little packages and Lily Cottage may be tiny, but it is perfectly formed, especially for a romantic escape with a loved one. It has proved exceptionally popular. The honey-gold stone walls and thatched roof hide a fairy tale cottage bursting with character. During the winter months, there’s a cosy log fire to snuggle up by after winter strolls around the Great Tew Estate or while away the long warm summer evenings in the pretty garden where you can star-gaze with a glass of bubbles in hand.
Mayfly Lodge
Lakeside summer days
This pretty clapperboard New England-style cottage occupies a peaceful location on Isis Lake, part of the uber-popular Cotswold Water Park. Demand for the lakes is high, particularly during the summer months, and Mayfly Lodge is no exception. This immaculately presented lodge has a private sundeck overlooking the lake, and guests have access to a smorgasbord of activities including canoeing, kayaking, motorised water sports plus a myriad of walking and cycling trails.
Little Coach House
A city weekender
With UK city breaks seeing a ten-fold increase in popularity, it’s no wonder that our delightful Little Coach House on the outskirts of Oxford is proving such a hit with guests. The peaceful location offers the best of both worlds, with the multi-faceted charms of Oxford just four miles away. You can follow in the footsteps of history are you explore its atmospheric buildings and medieval streets that inspired many literary greats, and then return to the peace and tranquillity of the countryside.
Rose Cottage
Fairy tale thatch
For many, a picture-perfect thatched cottage is their dream for a blissful countryside escape and is why our utterly charming Rose Cottage is always in high demand. The Cotswolds are not necessarily known for thatched roofs, the golden stone cottages are far more prevalent, and this makes Rose rather special. On a village square just moments from a much-lauded historical inn, the northern Cotswolds are an easy drive and the historical attractions of Stratford-upon-Avon also nearby.
