Courtyard

Courtyard: Worcestershire

Housed under an old coaching arch, this courtyard cottage offers a peaceful rural retreat for all the family. With shared access to Upper Court's beautifully-kept grounds and gardens, so you can take long riverside walks beside the lake, feed the ducks, stoke up the barbecue and gather your ensemble for magical nights around the firepit – all while taking in the fresh countryside air. If you feel like a spot of morning exercise or are looking to entertain the kids, there's a tennis court, croquet lawn and an outdoor covered swimming pool to splash about in whatever the weather. It's a crowd-pleaser inside and out. The cottage itself couldn't get much cosier, with a bucolic atmosphere from the moment you step foot into the home. Chuck a log on the fire, settle into the rosy-red sofa with a good book and enjoy a moment's rest and relaxation beneath the striking wooden beams. We love how the stone flooring and original features are softened by the floral decor, antique rugs and old china filled cabinets that will have you feeling all warm and comfy from the get-go. It's a sociable open-plan living space with plenty of seating for the entire group. Bring the family together for a feast in the grand dining room with punchy-red walls and a lovely wooden table that's fit for any occasion. Through to the bedrooms, where the converted hayloft is the real highlight – this fantastic use of space means the children can bunk in together. If you can ever peel yourself away from this idyllic setting, the nearest town of Tewkesbury and its charming Abbey is less than a fifteen-minute drive away, while Cheltenham's Pittville Park (only 8 miles away) makes for a great group day out.

Home truths:
*All of the outside amenities, including the swimming pool, tennis court and croquet lawn are shared with guests of the other four cottages within the grounds
*The outdoor covered swimming pool is available May to August, but may be heated out of these months by prior arrangement
*Please take extra care of younger children around the lake as it is unfenced
*You'll need a car in this semi-remote area – there's plenty of parking
*Access to the cottage is via a shared entrance
*You'll find a laptop-friendly workspace in the dining room
*Your host can provide a cot, high chair and children’s books and toys on request
*There's a daily bus to Tewkesbury and Evesham
*The village shop and local pub are a three-minute walk away