Cotswolds Escape

Tucked away in the charming village of Southrop in Gloucestershire, this cottage offers a peaceful Cotswolds escape for couples or small families. Relax in the beautifully landscaped gardens, watching the fish in the pond and strolling under archways covered in wisteria. Spend your days going for long walks in the countryside, visiting National Trust sites and indulging in hearty pub lunches. In the evenings, you can snuggle up back at your cosy cottage and choose a board game while a fire crackles away in the wood-burner.

This lovely 19th century cottage is packed with Cotswold charm and character with a beautifully selected collection of art and antiques adding to the atmosphere. With wooden beams overhead, the beautiful stone chimney breast and the narrow, winding staircase up to the bedrooms, you get a real feel for the history of the house. Start your day waking up to the sounds of the birds in the garden and head down to the newly installed Shaker-style kitchen to rustle up some breakfast. You can eat at the dining table with sunlight streaming through the kitchen window or head out into the gorgeous garden on warmer days.

Make the most of the outdoors in the spring and summer months by spending peaceful mornings and lazy afternoons in the garden. Relax on the sun loungers or read a book in the shade of the trees with the sounds of the fountain in the background. There's also some outdoor furniture so you can enjoy your meals alfresco.

When it's time to head back indoors, underfloor heating will keep you cosy in the sitting room as you snuggle up on the comfy sofa and armchairs. Get a fire going in the wood burner on chillier evenings and work your way through the collection of board games and books. Head upstairs to find the bedrooms, which are tastefully decorated with a mix of antique furniture and modern comforts. Both the double room and the twin are set beneath high, sloping ceilings and have beds complete with White Company linen for a restful night's sleep. There's a large walk-in shower in the downstairs bathroom and you'll find Faith in Nature and Soap Folk toiletries waiting for you.

If you can tear yourselves away from your peaceful hideaway, there's lots of exploring to do nearby. There are plenty of footpaths in the area that will take you through the stunning countryside, with several pubs to choose from that serve up great food as a reward at the end of a long walk. The beautiful town of Burford is nearby, as is Stow-on-the-Wold, both offering charming Cotswold architecture, quaint shops and some great places to eat. For a bit of culture, head to William Morris' Kelmscott Manor nearby or for a change of scene and some retail therapy, go on a scenic drive through the Cotswolds to Cheltenham.