Sleepwalking

Sleepwalking: Oxfordshire

Once a former stable, this home has been transformed into an elegant country house, perfect for escapes to the Cotswolds. Days here are spent in the great outdoors, dining alfresco on the terrace on long summer evenings, strolling through the estate's lush gardens and roaming the country footpaths on your doorstep. Kids can let loose on the playgrounds and jungle gyms, or they can cook up imaginary meals in the fully decked-out wendy house under the stairs. When you need a break from the sun, retreat into the cosy drawing room or gather by the open fire in the living area. There's also a wooden art nouveau sideboard filled with toys and board games for the whole family to enjoy. We loved the kitchen, in particular – it's a great space for home chefs to try out new dishes, using fresh produce and local ingredients picked up at one of the many Cotswolds farm shops. Speaking of local goodies, the welcome basket is filled with treats, from fresh eggs and a homemade cake to a complimentary bottle of wine. There's also much to get up to on the estate– book a treatment at the spa, take a dip in the indoor pool, play a game of ping-pong in the games room or break a sweat in the gym. But if you're craving a day trip, hop in the car and explore the idyllic Cotswolds villages – Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold are both twenty minutes away.

Home truths:
*You'll need a car to explore the villages of the Cotswolds – there's parking on a shared driveway about 100 feet away from 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
*The garden isn't fenced-in, so take care with kids
*Since the photoshoot, the home has undergone some renovations – the interior may vary from our photos