Artist Residence Oxfordshire
Hotel · South Leigh ·
Boho-chic country inn with eclectic decor, fine dining
Information
Station Rd, South Leigh, Witney OX29 6XN, United Kingdom Get directions
Boho-chic country inn with eclectic decor, fine dining
Station Rd, South Leigh, Witney OX29 6XN, United Kingdom Get directions
"We cite this as an exemplar of the UK’s most eccentric hotel designs found in smaller towns and villages." - The MICHELIN Guide
"Right between Oxford and the Cotswolds, in the village of South Leigh, stands a 16th-century farmhouse that’s slowly evolved into a classic country pub. Under the Artist Residence banner, it’s a one-of-a-kind boutique inn that combines high-end comforts and a visual style that incorporates antique architecture and objects and modern furniture and contemporary art." - Mark Fedeli
"How did it strike you on arrival?It might look traditional from the outside, but Artist Residence—the fourth hotel from owners Justin and Charlotte Salisbury—is a slice of boho-cool in sleepy Oxfordshire. Housed in a building that dates back to the 16th-century, there are the flagstone floors and open hearths one would expect from a cosy country inn, but also kilim pillows, House of Holland wallpaper, and a neon artwork by the artist Andy Doig decorating the pub (dubbed Mr Hanbury's Mason Arms) downstairs. What's the crowd like?London's cool crowd looking to escape the city for a few days. And given the intimate size of the hotel, expect to drink a few too many G&Ts with them once evenings swing around. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Artist Residence's now-signature eccentricity extends to its rooms, where you'll find four-poster beds or fancy headboards, copper bathtubs, Morris & Co fabrics, and vintage rugs paired with whitewashed walls, log burners and wooden beams. Stretch for one of the suites, which come with slouchy sofas, terraces, and writing desks, and you'll want to move in permanently. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?The bathrooms have rainfall showers and come kitted out with delicious, organic, British-made, Bramley toiletries. The minibars are stocked with locally-sourced goodies. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Given that this is an eight-room inn, the amenities are limited—it's the intimacy and touch of retro glamour that makes Artist Residence a real draw. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Come here for a taste of a traditional country inn without having to lose out on the luxuries." - CNT Editors
"Artist Residence Oxfordshire has a garden and a terrace in South Leigh. This hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service. Free private parking is available on site. Guest rooms in the hotel are fitted with a coffee machine. The private bathroom is equipped with a bath and free toiletries. The rooms at Artist Residence Oxfordshire come with a seating area. A Full English/Irish breakfast is served each morning at the property. Guests can grab a bite to eat in the on-site restaurant, which serves British cuisine and also offers Gluten-free and Vegetarian options. Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around South Leigh, like cycling. Oxford is 12 km from Artist Residence Oxfordshire. The nearest airport is London Luton Airport, 74 km from the hotel." - My Boutique Hotel (en)
"From the outside, this cosy thatched pub is perfectly charming and exactly what you might expect from a well-to-do Oxfordshire village. Yet, anyone familiar with the London, Brighton, Bristol or Penzance offerings will know that Artist Residences take the traditional and turn it on its head. Naturally, they've made the most of the original farmhouse features: flagstone floors, wooden beams and huge open fireplaces are complemented by dark floral walls, vintage furnishings and battered leather armchairs. But throw in some urban neon lighting, offbeat retro signs and Pulp Fiction-inspired art, and you've got yourself a cool little speakeasy in the middle of the countryside. The eclectic vibe continues upstairs, where 5 bedrooms evoke bohemian loft-style living, and outside, where there's a converted Shepherd's Hut and 9 more romantic bedrooms in the old stable and barns. But this isn't a case of style over substance. There's a genuine sense of integrity throughout, from the soft Volga linen and organic Bramley bath products to the satisfying menu of posh pub classics showcasing local, seasonal and foraged produce. Cleverly designed so that city slickers and laid-back locals will feel equally at home, it’s essentially a wholesome country retreat that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Highs We loved the quirky design, eclectic decor and pop art prints giving it a high-class but fun-filled atmosphere Stylish rooms, breakfast in bed and champagne by the glass ensure a romantic stay Lovely on-site eatery, The Mason Arms, serves up posh pub grub with a local twist The Oxfordshire location, just off the A40, makes it easily accessible for a weekend in the country or a stopover to break up a long journey Lows Though certainly not noisy, it's an old property with wooden floors and creaking doors - some noise inevitably travels between rooms in the main building While it's convenient for day trips to the Cotswolds or Oxford, the rural location means there isn't much in the immediate vicinity, and the local village is very sleepy Neither the rooms nor the pub are well lit, but this is part of the speakeasy look they're going for" - Emily Preece