This former hayloft is a cosy family hideaway with far-reaching views, plus sole use of a summerhouse and secluded terrace in the estate’s gorgeous gardens. There’s access to an indoor pool, spa and playgrounds too.
Byron Cottage is one of twelve luxury holiday cottages set within the peaceful grounds of an historic country estate near Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds. It was once the hayloft above the carriage house of the original manor house on the site. It’s a lovely, cosy place for a family of four to stay and is set out over the first and second floors which means there are wonderful views from your windows. The cottage also has a private summerhouse and terrace in the estate’s gardens, where you can relax or enjoy a barbecue meal whenever you feel like it. You’ll also have access to shared facilities in the grounds including stunning estate gardens, an indoor swimming pool, gym and spa, as well as a host of children’s play areas. The luxurious touches here will remind you of the service at a 5-star country house hotel, whilst the privacy, independence and space feel like home.
Byron Cottage has a private entrance, to the right of the central arches of the former stable block on the estate, that leads to a spiral staircase that takes you to the first floor.
The cottage is entirely set out over the 1st and 2nd floors, and once you reach the 1st floor you are greeted with the large, open-plan drawing room/dining room/kitchen area. It’s flooded with natural light from six windows and views encompass the stable courtyard and walled gardens, parkland, woodland and fields. Meanwhile, the decor is fresh and elegant with a neutral colour palette that sets off carefully placed objects including framed engravings, ornaments, mirrors and a needlepoint rug.
There’s comfy sofa seating and chairs, a desk, an open fire and a Smart TV with access to Netflix (own login details required). Behind the sofa, there’s a round dining table with seating for four and a large dresser with decorative china dinnerware. In the kitchen area, there is everything you will need to self-cater with ease including a fridge/freezer, microwave, hob and oven, waste disposal unit, washing machine and tumble dryer.
From the drawing room, there are stairs to the second floor where you’ll find the master bedroom. This room features a double, four-poster bed and a window seat with a lovely view over the gardens, while there is also a handy basin.
Across the landing is the second bedroom that has two single beds, one of which is set in an alcove lined with decorative fabric and screened off by a matching curtain. It’s a great spot for a child who likes pretending they’re a fairy-tale princess or prince to lay their head.
There’s also a modern family bathroom with mirrors that span the length of the room so that light bounces from every angle, a bath with a shower over, a WC and a washstand with a basin.
Outside, at the end of the garden area, there is a private summerhouse and terrace for the sole use of guests of this cottage. With a table, chairs, an umbrella, a barbecue and views over one of the estate’s lawns and a border, it’s an idyllic place to while away sunny afternoons.
You’ll also have access to the estate’s stunning gardens which feature a mix of formal and informal elements, the perfect place for a quiet stroll. There’s also access to shared facilities including an indoor swimming pool, spa and gym, as well as several children’s play areas and the teens’ games room.
The Cotswolds is a richly rural area with more than 3,000 footpaths and trails running through farmland and wildflower meadows, as well as ancient woodlands to explore.
For woodland birds, Box Wood tucked away in a valley near Minchinhampton is well worth a visit. Comprised mainly of beech, with some limestone streams running through it, in summer it becomes alive with birds. Listen out for great-spotted woodpeckers and tawny owls, and keep your eyes peeled for treecreepers and nuthatches as they run up and down the trees.
More woods can be found on Crickley Hill jointly managed by the National Trust and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. Located just south of Cheltenham its habitats also include grassland, scrub, and limestone rock exposures. Mixed flocks of tits and finches are common in the woods, while kestrels can often be seen hovering above as they hunt for prey. In summer, the site is also a haven for wildflowers and butterflies.
Cotswold Water Park which straddles the Gloucestershire and Wiltshire border is a vast marl lake system spread over 42 miles. Cleveland Lakes Reserve is made up of two of the largest lakes and is an important site for both wintering and breeding birds including coots, great crested grebes, and little egrets. For bitterns, reed buntings, water rails, and snipes, head to Shorncote Reedbed which also has two bird hides so you can view the wildlife close up.
If you want to see some exotic and rare birds, Birdland in Bourton-on-the-water has a variety of attractions set in nine acres of gardens and woodland. Some of the highlights include the Parliament of Owls, home to eight species of owl, the Pandemonium of Parrots, where you can learn about the 16 species of parrot housed there, and Penguin Shore which has daily feeding displays. There are plenty of spots to have a picnic, as well as a children’s play area, and a gift shop.
Nearby Greystones Farm nature reserve is home to wildflower meadows, Iron Age ramparts, a replica Iron Age roundhouse, a working organic farm, and an interactive discovery barn. The old farm buildings are used by swallows and house martins for nesting and there are plenty of birds of prey to be spotted gliding overhead. There is also the opportunity to view a live camera feed of a barn owl box, and watch the birds as they bring up their chicks.
Farmland birds can be found all over the beautiful Cotswolds countryside. Look out for corn buntings, grey partridges, turtle doves, and yellow wagtails.
