Casa de Cotswolds

Casa de Cotswolds: Oxfordshire

Wood ceiling beams, a log-burning fireplace, exposed stonework and no shortage of comfy sofas — at first glance, this home has all the hallmarks of a traditional countryside cottage, the sort of place where you spend evenings getting toasty and resting limbs sore from hill-walking. However, as they so often say, appearances can be deceptive. Head out the back door and you'll come across an elegant terrace that wouldn't look out of place in a Mediterranean villa. Here, you can gather around the firepit, enjoy feasts cooked up on the barbecue out on the large dining table or have a moonlit dip in the hot tub. If the weather's not playing ball, there are three living rooms and an indoor dining area that benefits from a bi-fold glass door taking up one side of the room. Of course, seeing as you're on holiday, you might not feel like cooking at all. In which case, you'll be glad to hear that there's a gastro-pub at the end of the road, as well as two more in the next two villages over — both reached in about half an hour's walk.

Home truths:
*This home can accommodate a maximum of 8 adults, plus 2 children
*Single-sex groups and hen/stag parties are not permitted
*There's off-street parking available for two cars on the narrow driveway and additional space for larger vehicles in Shaven Crown Hotel's car park
*The host can provide a travel cot, high chair and two stair gates on request, although guests are required to bring their own linen
*Two medium-sized dogs are allowed, although they will cost an extra £40 each
*Guests are responsible for providing charcoal for the barbecue and cleaning it after use
*Wood for the log-burner is only provided between October and April
*The home also has a charging point for electric cars, with an honesty box for payments