Fresh Squeezed Apple Juice

Fresh Squeezed Apple Juice: Oxfordshire

This Cotswolds stone barn sets the tone for an idyllic English countryside escape. With a provincial feel, antique furniture and soft, creamy hues, this home perfectly embodies a modern, country chic style. We were blown away by the vaulted beamed ceilings, sleek bathrooms (complete with rainfall showers) and the fully-equipped kitchen. But the star of the show is the Scandinavian-style log-burner. When it's chilly out, throw another log on the fire and sink a little deeper into the comfy couch, a well-thumbed book in hand. But when the weather's glorious, outside is where you'll spend most of your time. The private terrace is an excellent place to tuck into the goodies from the welcome basket – which is filled with local produce, fresh-squeezed apple juice and a complimentary bottle of Pomerol – while the surrounding gardens have multiple play areas to keep kids entertained. There are also many on-site amenities to entice you, from the spa (considered one of the best by Tatler) and communal games room to the shared indoor pool and gym. If you're looking to go further afield, cycle and hike around the local area or drive for twenty minutes to chocolate-box villages nearby, including Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water and Burford.

Home truths:
*You'll need a car to explore the villages of the Cotswolds – there's parking on a shared gravel driveway only meters from the entrance to the home
*This home is on a private country estate with other holiday lets – many of the amenities, like the pool and the children’s areas, are shared with the other cottages on the grounds
*The nearest village is very small with limited shops, so it’s advisable to stock up on groceries on your way
*One dog is allowed to stay for a fee of £15 per night – please contact your host for more details
*The front door leads directly onto the driveway – cars do drive past, but it's otherwise very quiet
*This home is all on the ground floor, so it's a good option for those with limited mobility