Barrett-Browning Cottage

Barrett Browning Cottage is one of twelve luxury holiday cottages set within the peaceful grounds of an historic country estate near Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds. Barrett Browning Cottage was part of the stable block of the manor house on the estate and is now a cosy abode that sleeps six. Several factors make a stay here extra special. Guests of all cottages have access to the stunning private gardens, an indoor swimming pool, gym and spa, as well as a host of play areas to suit children of all ages. The aim is to make you feel like you are staying in a 5-star country house hotel, so expect attention to detail and luxury touches, however, you’ll enjoy the privacy, independence and space that a home affords.

A former stable, Barrett Browning Cottage is a family-friendly cottage that oozes English country style with pretty, soft furnishings and interesting antiques, yet is very homely.

Step through the front door into the drawing room, a large space adorned with pictures, 18th-century engravings, table lamps, antique furniture, books and stencilled walls. Sink into one of the plush sofas, one of which is Victorian, or the comfy armchair. There’s a Smart TV for entertainment and children will love rummaging in the sideboard which is full of toys and board games. Meanwhile, the door under the stairs leads to a secret den, strictly for children, that’s bursting with dressing up outfits.

On chilly days, light the open fire, but when it’s a good weather day, open the French doors that lead out to the secluded terrace. Here you’ll find a table, chairs, an umbrella and a barbecue so that you can cook up a feast and dine alfresco. You won’t feel overlooked as there’s a large border to each side of the terrace and it faces the lawn and the walled garden of the estate grounds.

From the drawing room, head into the oak-beamed kitchen/dining room where standout pieces include an antique pine dresser set with eye-catching blue-and-white china, while the dining table has seating for six. There’s everything you will need to keep your family suitably fed and watered, including an American-style fridge-freezer, a hob, an oven and a microwave, as well as a dishwasher and washer/dryer.

Upstairs, there is a master bedroom which has a king-size, four-poster bed and an en-suite bathroom with a bath and a shower over it. Two further bedrooms each have two single beds and these bedrooms share a family bathroom that has a bath with a shower over.

You’ll also have access to the estate’s stunning gardens which feature a mix of formal and informal elements, the perfect place for a quiet stroll. There’s also access to shared facilities including an indoor swimming pool, spa and gym, as well as several children’s play areas and a games room that’s ideal for teens.

You will have access to a host of on-site leisure facilities that are shared by guests of all cottages.

Glorious gardens

Visit England has awarded the estate gardens top marks and it’s not hard to see why. A real labour of love, with a mix of formal and informal elements, highlights of the gardens include topiary, box hedges, lawns, an old walled garden, gazebos, orchards, statues, a wisteria tunnel, vast borders, an arched column of yews and a stream… the list goes on. This is English country garden style at its very best.

Swimming pool, spa and gym

The indoor, heated swimming pool is great for a refreshing dip and is edged with poolside loungers so you can relax afterwards. Doors open onto an Italian-style garden and a sun terrace with more loungers, which is a blissful spot to enjoy a drink or lunch on a summer’s day. Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult, while floats and swim nappies are available for little ones. Why not make it a full day of indulgence and book a facial or a massage with an expert therapist? The spa treatment rooms here are calming spaces filled with soothing scents and relaxing music.

However, if you’re keen to keep up with your fitness routine, head to the gym which is equipped with a running machine, power plate, exercise balls, rowing machine, cross trainer, free weights and an exercise bike.

Children’s facilities

Children will love it here. There are three playgrounds, a two-storey Wendy house, bikes and a play cabin with dressing up clothes, art materials, toys and even child-sized croquet sets. Meanwhile, teenagers will like the games room which features a pool table, table tennis and table football, as well as a 75-inch TV with a PS4 and an Xbox 360. It’s the perfect place for a friendly competition with siblings, parents or new friends.

A member of staff from the cottage estate will greet you on arrival and show you to your cottage. The estate grounds and gardens, the swimming pool, spa area, gym and play areas are shared facilities available to guests of all the cottages at the site.

Welcome hampers provided to guests include essentials and treats mostly sourced from neighbouring farms and local suppliers. Meanwhile, the all-natural toiletries supplied for you to use during your stay are from 100 Acres that donates a percentage of its profits to a rewilding Britain scheme. In addition, the estate gardens are a haven for wildlife. Shrubs and flowers have been planted to attract bees and butterflies, while flowers from the cutting garden are used in pretty arrangements in the cottages to welcome guests.
If you'd like to offset the carbon emissions from your trip, get in touch and we can arrange this for a small fee.

A camp bed the size of a 3ft single bed or a cot can be provided free of charge to accommodate an additional guest.

Check-in: from 16:00
Check-out: by 10:00

Deposit: Bookings are subject to a non-refundable deposit of 30% of the booking value plus applicable booking fees with the balance payable 60 days before the date of travel.

Accidental Damage Deposit: To maintain the highest standards in our properties, guests will need to pay a refundable Accidental Damage Deposit of £200 prior to their stay. An advance payment as detailed in the booking summary can be made to waive this requirement.

Book with confidence: If your booking is affected by new Government travel restrictions which were not known at the time of booking, and you're legally unable to travel, we will arrange with the property owner to refund 100% of your holiday cost.

• No smoking
• No parties and events
• Please keep noise to a minimum
• No pets allowed