Five Stone Bridges

Five Stone Bridges: Gloucestershire

Just over a fifteen-minute walk from gorgeous viewpoints over the River Windrush, as well as an array of cosy pubs and cafés, this cottage echoes the quaint architecture of this honey-coloured village. Quintessentially Gloucestershire, the stony buildings and bridges of Bourton-on-the-Water are built from traditional Cotswold stone. At a glance, your home might also appear rustic and ready for country living, but luxury lies within.

Stepping into the huge living space, where a chunky timber beam runs across the ceiling, you get an immediate sense of feeling welcome. The rich red sofas pair nicely with the warm glow from the wood-burning stove. While you’ll spot a country kitchen and original barn doors, it’s also kitted out with tech like smart TVs. We love the idea of cuddling up with a tumbler of whisky and a movie on a winter's evening.

From sunny mornings on the lawn, to breezy afternoons on the hammock, its outdoor spaces offer a wonderful summer experience in one of England’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Relax on the alfresco dining patio, sipping chilled pinot grigio while you wait for the barbecue to heat up. Or if it’s really taking a while, you can always head into the summer house for a game of pool.

Home truths:
*There's a separate summer house with a lounge and pool table
*If you're bringing the little ones, your host can provide one travel cot and one highchair (without a harness) upon request – please bring your own cot linen
*The entrance is private to your home
*A starter supply of wood provided for the fire is provided from October to April
*Private, on-site parking is available for three cars
*The TVs have Netflix, but you'll need to log in using your own account
*There's no dedicated workspace, but plenty of laptop-friendly spots like the breakfast table
*For the charcoal barbecue, you must provide your own charcoal and clean it after use
*A gardener may come to carry out work on the grounds during your stay