Bruern Cottages, near Bourton on the Water, Oxfordshire, UK - Explore & Book
"English countryside doesn’t come any lovelier than this patch of Oxfordshire, tucked between well-heeled Chipping Norton, postcard-pretty Bourton-on-the-Water, shady Wychwood and handy Charlbury (75 mins from Paddington). Think rolling valleys and honey-stoned hamlets, deer parks and angling streams, steepled churches and handsome manors. Happily, one of those manors has had its outbuildings converted into a dozen luxury self-catering cottages, sleeping from 2 to 14: perfect for families, multi-gen breaks and group celebrations. Decorated in fittingly traditional English style, with slouchy sofas and antique chests, curtained four-posters in cosy bedrooms, they fit the setting perfectly. Well-stocked kitchens come with porcelain tea sets and a posh welcome pack – think homemade lemon drizzle cake and Heidsieck champagne. But what we love most about Bruern are the rambling gardens, which burst with flowers and wisteria-draped paths. There’s a lawn for picnics or ball games, a small adventure playground, shady bowers for hide-and-seek, and (a godsend when it rains) a heated indoor pool. Toddlers can explore the supersize Wendy house, older kids the ping-pong and games room, frazzled parents the excellent massage menu. With its unpretentious style and idyllic Cotswold setting, this is a real tonic for all ages. Highs We loved the welcoming, homely feel: stacks of novels, fine crockery, Oriental rugs – a far cry from most commercial rentalsA great venue for families, be it one or several holidaying together, or a gathering of the whole clanStay for anything from a weekend to a week (or more), with flexible arrival days and a refreshing absence of house rulesOutside school holidays, the 1-bedroom cottages are great for a cosy weekend à deuxDon’t fancy cooking? Book their (very affordable) chef, or pop to Milton or Kingham (2 miles): both have great gastropubs Lows Some double beds are standard width, rather than queen or kingsizeReception service is limited during weekends (but someone is always contactable)It's a popular place, which means limited availability in the holidays, and a 13-week-ahead payment policyShort stays are considerably more expensive (per night) than weeks, but all prices include a fab hamper, bikes, games etcThe compulsory housekeeping fees are quite steep (see payment policy)" - Michael Cullen
