Shipton

"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 - Shipton:


Formerly a long, low traditional Cotswolds stone barn, Shipton is now a luxurious 3-bedroom cottage that is particularly well-suited to toddlers, since it is single-storey with no pesky stairs for little legs to deal with. It boasts it own car park adjacent to the entrance and a lovely bright open-plan living space with lounge, kitchen and dining room all overlooking the estate's pretty apple orchard's through the elegant french doors. The elegant interiors are a clever mix of classic and contemporary with natural flooring in wood and stone, a high pitched ceiling with original wooden beams and a bright, neutral colour scheme. A corridor off the kitchen leads to the two twin-bedded rooms. The first has beautifully upholstered head boards and an elegant marble-lined shower room, whilst the second has two single four-poster beds - perfect for little princes or princesses - plus its own marble-lined ensuite shower room. At the other end of the drawing room, with its stunning Scandinavian log burner, is the double bedroom, which boasts its own impressive French metal four-poster and ensuite with bath and power shower over it. Doors from both the master bedroom and drawing room into an enclosed and private garden (with private children play area at the back shared with bookers cottage) and a terrace with furniture and a BBQ. It's an ideal spot for children to play, alfresco dining in the summer months or a relaxing glass of wine once the little ones are safely tucked up in bed.