The Boathouse

Nestled in The Cotswolds, the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, The Boathouse is a peaceful retreat perfect for couples. Surrounded by rolling hills, thatched houses, medieval villages and stately homes, this property is steeped in the beauty of rural life. The grounds – set amidst 55 acres - are surrounded by two pristine lakes and an untamed nature reserve, perfect for spotting wildlife, with the light and airy interiors of The Boathouse boasting a wood burner, an ensuite shower room and floor-to-ceiling windows with gorgeous views of the starry night sky.

With one super-king bedroom, an open-plan shower room and a dining-living room area, The Boathouse is a romantic bolthole with all the utilities necessary for a relaxing stay. The property is integrated with underfloor heating throughout, and paired with the rustic wood burner, creates a cosy atmosphere, perfect after a long day spent rambling amidst the rolling hills of Gloucestershire.

Overlooking Trout Lake, The Boathouse has a unique feeling of privacy, with the floor-to-ceiling windows – untarnished by light-blocking curtains or blinds – assimilating the inside with the quiet greenery on the doorstep. In the open-plan kitchen and living area, guests can find a microwave, oven, electric hob, fridge, freezer, dishwasher and cooking basics, alongside a glass dining table that's ideal for creating an intimate dining atmosphere and three cosy, colourful sofas.

Accessible via the sliding glass doors, the private deck hosts the potential for birdwatching during the day and stargazing at night. The table and chairs can be used for an alfresco breakfast, accompanied by a coffee from the Nespresso machine.

Located a short distance from Cirencester, Gloucestershire, The Boathouse is surrounded by culture. In Cirencester itself, indulge in a cinnamon bun and a warm coffee at local café Jacks, found on the same street as the classic Octavia’s Bookshop. Market Place – the central point in town – is inundated with colourful, historic buildings alongside a quaint church, a short walk from Cirencester Park, comprised of 3,000 acres of park and woodland. Ideal for nature lovers, the 102-mile Cotswold Way walking trail follows the Cotswold Edge all the way from Bath up to Chipping Campden in Oxfordshire. If it’s art you’re searching for, a visit to New Brewery Arts is essential, a gallery-studio with a twist: watch the artists themselves in their element, mid-paint. Elsewhere, enjoy real ales, ciders and German and Belgian beers alike at the quintessential Marlborough Arms, a Cirencester necessity.