As seen in Forbes, this charming honey stone barn enjoys a fantastic open-plan layout, delightful views across the apple orchard and countryside walks from the doorstep, ideal for families and friends.
One of three luxury barn conversions set within the owners’ peaceful farm, Orchard Stable is perfect for those seeking a relaxing escape in the countryside. The property has everything you could need including two en-suite bedrooms, a cosy log burner and a glorious garden with a spacious patio. Should you wish to explore the area, Bibury and Cirencester are just 3 miles away or you can venture further into the Cotswolds to peruse the boutique shops and chocolate box villages. This property is also ideal if you’re attending a wedding at Wild Thyme and Honey and require accommodation.
This two-storey barn conversion is brimming with character and rustic charm. The wooden beams, stylish panelling and exposed honey stone walls are a nod to the countryside location.
Step through the barn door and into the warm and inviting living space with its open-plan kitchen and sitting room. The country-style kitchen comprises all the essentials to self-cater with ease, including an electric oven, an induction hob, a coffee machine and a fridge/freezer. While the six-seater dining table is the perfect place to enjoy delicious homecooked meals and chat about your day.
Venture over to the first of two living spaces which features a comfortable sofa, two armchairs and a roaring log burner for chillier nights. Relax here whilst you await your feast or while away the hours with a good book in-hand. There is even a handy desk for remote working if required.
Meanwhile, a comfortable snug is detached from the main living space and provides an additional space to relax and unwind. Nestle into the comfortable sofas for a movie marathon on the Smart TV or simply enjoy a catch-up with your nearest and dearest.
Venture upstairs where you will find two beautifully designed bedrooms with vaulted ceilings, Egyptian cotton sheets and sumptuous soft furnishings. The first bedroom features a king-size bed with an en-suite bathroom, while the second bedroom features a king-size bed (which can be formed into two singles if required) and its own shower room.
Outside, you will have access to a delightful private garden and courtyard, complete with a four-seater rattan table and a perfectly preened lawn. When the sun is shining, dine alfresco or enjoy a garden game or two.
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.
