"If you have the dosh, don't bother looking elsewhere."
That was the verdict of Jane Knight, deputy travel editor of The Times newspaper. Greeted by elegant interiors, access to an indoor, heated pool and champagne on arrival (selected stays), most guests would find it very difficult to disagree. In fact, taking into account the brilliant kids facilities, BFB would wager that more than a few families would consider moving in for life!
Converted from the Victorian stableyard and outbuildings of Bruern Abbey, this pretty cluster of 12 cottages sleep from 2 to 10 and are stylish, luxurious and well-equipped, country houses in miniature with the added benefits of an indoor pool, treatment rooms, fantastic facilities for mini guests and optional housekeeping and chef service on request (must be pre-booked).
Modern comforts like seriously powerful showers, underfloor heating and state-of-the-art kitchens blend with elegant antiques, pretty fabrics, four poster or tester beds, and open-fires (guards provided). Fans of Osborne & Little, Sanderson and Nina Campbell will be in heaven! Outside, the beautifully landscaped grounds hide communal gardens, a croquet lawn and a heated indoor pool with fitness suite and treatment rooms. Mini guests and their parents are exceptionally well catered for with a raft of nursery equipment, toys and books provided in the cottages, plus a walled garden complete with elegant two-storey 'wendy house' (be warned, some may want to move in for good!), heated play cabin with dressing up gear, more toys and arts materials.
Accommodation Overview
Cope is beautifully presented one bed cottage perfect for a romantic getaway for two adults and 1 baby. Set in the converted mill house next to the three bed Bookers cottages it has an impressive 30 ft by 15ft open plan library/dining and drawing room with high pitched roof and Gothic stone fireplace. Large, fully stacked bookcases frame the windows and the desk to the rear of the room whilst in the centre is a large round table perfect for a candle lit supper. The lounge area is focused around the fireplace with a comfy leather sofa, buttoned leather tub chairs and large mulberry foot stool. A jib door to the right of the fireplace leads to the east terrace, overlooking the river.
The bedroom has gleaming, dark polished wood floors, a high pitched, beamed ceiling and four windows which make it lovely and bright. The luxurious 6ft bed is framed by gold and blue bed hangings flanked with 18th century prints and there is plenty of space for a cot. A door leads to a trellised terrace which is ideal for an evening drink surrounded by fragrant lavender, cistus, sage, thyme and roses. The en-suite bathroom has marbelised tiles , a marble topped vanity unit and power shower over the bath.
The kitchen is flagged in cream Cotswold fossil stone with cream units and wooden work surfaces. It is very well equipped with a Britannia range cooker, six burners, two ovens, a US style fridge and freezer, two dishwashers, a washing machine/dryer and. For larger groups at Bruern Cope can be used as an extensive dining or party room with space for seating 25-30 guests- ideal for a family banquet.
