A beautiful, rustic-chic hideaways for 6 with countryside views and a peaceful garden
Space & setting.
Owned by Italian siblings, this beautifully peaceful escape is a homage to an Italian countryside cottage. Tucked down a quiet lane, the rambling garden has lovely views out to the green fields beyond, and the house’s interiors ooze rustic chic. A homely, light-filled kitchen – with wicker baskets slung from the ceiling’s beams, and a resident piano – is the heart of the home, made for gatherings with loved ones, for cooking big feasts and messy baking with kids, and there are big tables indoors and out for sociable lunches that stretch well into the afternoon.
Pale-wooden beams, stripped pine floors and white-washed stone walls set the perfect canvas for all the quirky, personal details: well-thumbed books, clay sculptures crafted by the owner’s friends, and a favourite Moroccan textile hanging on the wall. Every last detail is gorgeous and kids will love the vintage toys dotted about. In summer, go for long walks and wild swims then return to doze in the hammock, lulled by the backdrop of birdsong and the distant bleating of sheep. In winter, hunker down by the roaring log burner with board games, and head out for cosy meals at one of the local pubs. The much-lauded Lamb Inn is just a minute’s walk away. La dolce vita, indeed.
Getting here: drive, or train to Charlbury or Kingham then taxi (15 mins)
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Surrounds.
- You’re in the Evenlode Valley, an area of outstanding natural beauty, with rambling trails threading throughout the countryside. In spring, head to the breathtaking Foxhole Nature Reserve to see the ancient woodland carpeted in bluebells.
- Families will love Wychwood’s secret Wild Garden, just down the lane.
- On a hot summer’s days, few things beat a wild dip – the cottage has a book detailing the area’s best swimming spots, including those at Asthall and Minstrel Lovell.
- A Cotswold’s escape isn’t complete without a pub lunch – the award-winning Lamb Inn is down the lane, while The Hare in Milton-under-Winchwood and the Swan Inn in Ascott-under-Winchwood are other easy-to-reach favourites.
- Foodies will love the local produce. Try the wild venison and pasture-fed English longhorn beef at Bruern Farm Shop (perfect for BBQs), the pastries at artisan bakery Rise&Flour, and collect deli spoils at Daylesford Organic. The Diddly Squat Farm Shop (of Clarkson’s Farm TV fame) is also great.
- We love Bourton on the Water, where the river Windrush flows under bridges, past beech, cherry and chestnut trees. You can also visit a fascinating Grade-II listed model village of the village itself, built of Cotswolds stone!
- Asthall Manor is a gorgeous Jacobean house and ornate garden, enclosed in woodlands and meadows. It’s a private home but opens for occasional visits and events – most notably during the on form exhibition, a much-anticipated celebration of sculpture in stone.
Specifics.
- Semi-detached house in Shipton Under Wychwood
- 3 bedrooms: 1 king, 2 queens (cannot be twinned)
- Additional single trundle bed and baby cot
- Ensuite shower bathroom for the king; the other bedrooms share a family bathroom with shower/spa jet bath
- Toiletries and baby toiletries
- Fully equipped kitchen with Nespresso; basic supplies
- Dining table and highchair
- Piano, guitar, children’s toys
- Living room with woodburner and Smart TV
- WiFi and phone reception
- Garden with dining table, sunloungers and hammock
- Dog friendly (downstairs only)
- Parking for 1 car; other cars may be parked on the street
- Walk to pubs, shops and restaurants
- The owner is available by phone
- Booking conditions: a 3-night min stay
- Remember to pack: wellies for walks, towels for wild swims
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30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations
8+ weeks prior to stay: deposit refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
6-8 weeks prior to stay: deposit retained, 70% balance refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
4-6 weeks prior to stay: 50% of the total booking fee retained, 50% refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 4 weeks of stay.
FAQs.
if you don’t want to drive, there’s a train every hour that connects London to Kingham, which is just 10 minutes away.
Yes! Maximum 2 small/medium well behaved dogs per stay are allowed but no pets on the first floor please.
There is only one parking space at the cottage, any other cars can be parked down the lane on the side of the road.
Check in: after 4 pm
Check out: 10 am
Sunday check out: 3 pm