Discover the most amazing luxury Cotswold cottages
If there’s one region of England that fuses comfort and country living, it’s surely the Cotswolds. Ranging from regal Bath in the south to the soft hills of Worcestershire in the north, it’s an area that’s long been famed for its fairy-tale villages and Ye Olde World character. Amidst it all are luxury Cotswold cottages that cater to the upscale crowd, coming with swimming pools, hot tubs and rich historic architecture. Use this guide to learn about the key features of these classy stays and get some inspiration for where to look for them.
What features to expect from luxury Cotswold cottages
Sumptuous homes hidden in old villages and converted barns with come-snuggle-in-me lounges cover the whole of this area of outstanding natural beauty. To get a feel for what the classiest places can offer, read on for a few pointers.
A prestigious past in luxury Cotswold cottages
In an area that became super-rich on the wool trade more than 700 years ago, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that many of the rentals here are steeped in historic tradition. The trademark honey-coloured stone of the Cotswolds runs through many of the buildings, some of which are even Grade-listed because of their long past. The upshot is that you could be sleeping in the same master bedroom as a medieval baron or even royalty.
Log fires warm the 5-star Cotswold properties
Back in the 13th century, when the Cotswolds were an affluent wool trading centre, the hearth was very much the heart of the manor in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. Today, many of the most opulent places have had their fireplaces preserved. Timber crackles under the chimneys once again, or smokes away in wood-burning stoves, warming the rooms and giving them an authentic country feel.
Luxury Cotswolds cottages with hot tubs
Balancing out the original interior features and the handsome Cotswold stone faces of the venerable cottages in these parts is a touch of more modern luxury. That comes thanks to swimming pools and hot tubs. They are available in the cream of the rental lets in the area, offering guests the chance to steam away their stresses while overlooking the rolling farms of the West Country.
Some regal places to look for regal Cotswolds stays
The search for that perfect luxury cottage in the Cotswolds can take you all the way from rural Oxfordshire in the north-east to the grand Georgian townhouses of Bath in the south-west. To make the hunt a little easier, be sure to consider the 3 favourite retreats listed below.
Miniature adventures in Bourton-on-the-Water
When you’re not unwinding in your plush lounge or sipping tea on your private deck, a trip to the town of Bourton-on-the-Water promises plenty in the way of thoughtful pursuits. Wide canals bridged by old stone walkways filter through the whole centre. Wander those and you could come across the famous Model Village, a scaled replica of the place itself.
Luxury Cotswold cottages in Stow-on-the-Wold
Clutching the ancient Roman road of Fosse Way, Stow-on-the-Wold is a cluster of antique emporiums and chic tearooms with a whiff of affluence about them. High-class travellers are likely to feel right at home on the elegant Norman-era Market Square, with its grand brick-faced frontispieces.
Be dazzled by Bath
Choosing a luxury Cotswold cottage in the vicinity of Bath is a great way to infuse that escape with oodles of culture and history. You can tread in the footsteps of Roman elite by soaking in the natural springs and steam rooms of Thermae Bath Spa. If you’d prefer not to get wet, there’s plenty of boutique shopping to keep things going on the handsome, Palladian Pulteney Bridge.
Booking tips when seeking a luxury Cotswold cottage
To make that search for the perfect plush stay in the beautiful Cotswolds a pleasant one, try to follow the handy hints below.
Early bookings are a good idea
While the Cotswolds have plenty of high-class stays, there’s certainly not an inexhaustible amount. To make sure you don’t miss out on the one that’s perfect for you, it’s always a good idea to book early. That’s especially true if you’re travelling in the summer months.
Seek out manor houses for larger groups
Searching for an upscale retreat for 20 or more? This corner of England has been speckled with mansions and manor houses since time immemorial. Many have now been converted into opulent palaces for people to stay in. They’ve often got sprawling grounds, swimming pools and multiple master bedrooms, with enough space for an entire family reunion or corporate party.
Filter out big houses if you’re coming as a couple
On the other end of the scale are the luxury Cotswolds houses for 2. They nestle between rows of beige-stone terraces and come hidden in the nooks and crannies of the region’s villages. To unearth them quickly, be sure to set your accommodation filters to show only smaller homes.