The Fairest Of Seasons

The Fairest Of Seasons: Oxfordshire

It's impossible to choose our favourite thing about this cosy Cotswolds cottage. We adore the warm and inviting living area – original wood floors and traditional beams meet modern upgrades like underfloor heating – and with a collection of books, board games and children's toys, there's plenty to keep the whole family busy on rainy days. There's also host Christopher, who goes above and beyond to make your stay here feel like home – after unpacking, make yourself a cup of tea and enjoy a slice of the fresh loaf of bread he leaves on arrival. And we can't forget about the grounds, with a dazzling heated indoor pool, Turkish Hammam steam room and communal tennis court for guests to use. If we had to pick, though, we think the five acres of gardens are pretty spectacular. There's nothing better than an afternoon stroll amongst the greenery, watching birds by the pond, admiring the statues and basking in the views over the Cotswolds. In the centre of it all is a unique pavilion inspired by The Alhambra, the perfect spot for outdoor yoga in the morning sun. But if you'd like a change of scenery, the village has two charming pubs and many of the iconic Cotswolds villages are a short drive away, including Stow-on-the-Wold (fifteen minutes away) and Bourton-on-the-Water (twenty minutes by car).

Home truths:
*Please note that this home is set over three floors, so it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
*The single beds in bedroom two can be linked together to form a super-king bed – please let the host know your preference
*If you're travelling with little ones, a cot, high chair and stairgate are all available as well as a collection of toys and games – the hosts can also arrange for a larger cot or newborn cradle on request
*Please respect the neighbours and keep the noise down after 11pm
*A car is essential for exploring The Cotswolds and there's free parking on-site for guests
*There are a few other cottages here, so the pool, steam room, tennis court and grounds are shared with other guests