Per week
from 983.55 to 4423.12 GBP
"If you have the dosh, don't bother looking elsewhere."
That was the verdict of Jane Knight, deputy travel editor of The Times newspaper. Greeted by elegant interiors, access to an indoor, heated pool and champagne on arrival (selected stays), most guests would find it very difficult to disagree. In fact, taking into account the brilliant kids facilities, BFB would wager that more than a few families would consider moving in for life!
Converted from the Victorian stableyard and outbuildings of Bruern Abbey, this pretty cluster of 12 cottages sleep from 2 to 10 and are stylish, luxurious and well-equipped, country houses in miniature with the added benefits of an indoor pool, treatment rooms, fantastic facilities for mini guests and optional housekeeping and chef service on request (must be pre-booked).
Modern comforts like seriously powerful showers, underfloor heating and state-of-the-art kitchens blend with elegant antiques, pretty fabrics, four poster or tester beds, and open-fires (guards provided). Fans of Osborne & Little, Sanderson and Nina Campbell will be in heaven! Outside, the beautifully landscaped grounds hide communal gardens, a croquet lawn and a heated indoor pool with fitness suite and treatment rooms. Mini guests and their parents are exceptionally well catered for with a raft of nursery equipment, toys and books provided in the cottages, plus a walled garden complete with elegant two-storey 'wendy house' (be warned, some may want to move in for good!), heated play cabin with dressing up gear, more toys and arts materials.
Accommodation Overview:
Aintree Cottage is set to the rear of Bruern's courtyard, left of its central arches and as a former stable it benefits from lofty, spacious rooms all finished to Bruern's sophisticated standards. Its luxurious four poster and luxuriant use of designer fabrics, give it an opulent country house feel. Guests enter into a drawing room, with Jocasta Innes (colour consultant to Tate Modern and author of 'Paint Magic') stencilled fern walls and an elegant yet comfortable mix of antiques ranging from the huge down-cushioned Howard sofa to the tall George III secretaire. Opening out from this room and facing west through its own trellised arbour is the well equipped, oak beamed kitchen, floored in apricot terracotta with off white units and all mod cons.
Upstairs is an indulgent master bedroom with a grand four poster mahogany bed, hung in an indigo and white Ralph Lauren cotton. The large en suite has a power shower over the bath and a huge marble washstand with inset basin which runs the length of the wall. Opposite the master is a pretty twin, ideal for little ones, with a handsome set of antique beds, marbled in green and terracotta with Farrow and Ball wallpaper. The second twin has a set of brass beds complemented by leafy Nina Campbell wallpaper. The two twins share a bathroom with marble topped washstand and bath with power shower over.
Outside, there's a private terrace (approached via French doors from the lounge) overlooking the communal lawns, equipped with outdoor dining furniture and a BBQ.
Set in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bruern is a hamlet all to itself and the stunning views, tranquility and facilities including treatment rooms, an indoor heated pool, play cabin and chef service on request means guests often find it hard to tear themselves away. However, the area is rich in history and home to some of the UK's prettiest towns and villages, many of which boast excellent pubs, restaurants and boutiques. In fact, nearby Cheltenham could rival London's King's Road for fashion, antiques, delis and little bistros.
For eating out, the bar menu at the Lamb Inn in Burford is great value with excellent home-made meals using local produce for both kids and adults. The upstairs restaurant is recommended for a child-free night out, although the Old Butchers in Stow on the Wold gets the very best reviews. For family-friendly daytime eating, stocking up on organic goodies, boutique shopping and the UK's best day spa, according to Conde Nast Traveller Readers (2008) don't miss a trip to Daylesford Organics. The cafe's outdoor terrace is lovely on a sunny day.More attractive is Cotswolds Farm Park which has indoor attractions including a lovely 'Touch Barn' and a play barn with electric and pedal power mini tractors.
Click to enlarge
Check-in time: 16:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 50%
Balance: 91 days prior to arrival
Check-in time: 16:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 50%
Balance: 91 days prior to arrival
Bookings made within 10 days of travelling discounted by 30%
1% discount for bookings between 8 and 8 nights for bookings placed between 01 Aug 2016 and 04 Aug 2030
2% discount for bookings between 9 and 9 nights for bookings placed between 01 Aug 2016 and 04 Aug 2030
3% discount for bookings between 10 and 10 nights for bookings placed between 01 Aug 2016 and 04 Aug 2030
4% discount for bookings between 11 and 11 nights for bookings placed between 01 Aug 2016 and 04 Aug 2030
5% discount for bookings between 12 and 12 nights for bookings placed between 01 Aug 2016 and 04 Aug 2030
6% discount for bookings between 13 and 13 nights for bookings placed between 01 Aug 2016 and 04 Aug 2030
7% discount for bookings between 14 and 365 nights for bookings placed between 01 Aug 2016 and 04 Aug 2030
Check-in time: 16:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 50%
Balance: 91 days prior to arrival
Bookings made within 10 days of travelling discounted by 30%
1% discount for bookings between 8 and 8 nights for bookings placed between 01 Aug 2016 and 04 Aug 2030
2% discount for bookings between 9 and 9 nights for bookings placed between 01 Aug 2016 and 04 Aug 2030
3% discount for bookings between 10 and 10 nights for bookings placed between 01 Aug 2016 and 04 Aug 2030
4% discount for bookings between 11 and 11 nights for bookings placed between 01 Aug 2016 and 04 Aug 2030
5% discount for bookings between 12 and 12 nights for bookings placed between 01 Aug 2016 and 04 Aug 2030
6% discount for bookings between 13 and 13 nights for bookings placed between 01 Aug 2016 and 04 Aug 2030
7% discount for bookings between 14 and 365 nights for bookings placed between 01 Aug 2016 and 04 Aug 2030
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One double bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, and two twin bedrooms with a shared bathroom. There is room for either one additional camp bed for a child, or one cot for an infant. |
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 | Heathrow airport is approx.1.5 hours drive away. |
 | There are local pubs and villages within walking distance but it is through country lanes etc and families with buggies or small tots may find it easier to hop in the car. |
 | There is a big indoor pool for guest use. The pool is heated to 29 degrees Centigrade - perfect for babies and small children. |
 | The site has onsite treatments rooms and beauty therapists so certain treatments can be pre-arranged to enjoy during guests stay. |
 | The communal play cabin is home to dressing up gear, lots of soft toys and art materials. Plus it's heated and with a comfy sofa so adults can relax whilst kids play |
 | Bruern can help advise guests on local chefs who are available for hire. Perfect for special occasions. |
 | Daytime babysitters can be provided on request. This must be pre-arranged |
 | As well as good quality cots and highchairs, a fantastic 'Parents Piece of Mind' kit is provided including baby monitors, plug covers, door wedges, bed guards, cupboard locks, stairgates and plastic crockery and cutlery. |
 | There's a childrens den under stairs with play cooker, toys and dressing up clothes. Plus the communal play cabin has a wealth of toys for little ones. |
 | There's a games room with table football, table tennis, DVDs and more. |
 | Bruern provide a lovely welcome pack. |
 | A fantastic selection of retro ride on toys and a brilliant two-storey play house is provided along with bikes, helmets, croquet and cricket sets |
 | Aintree has a terrace facing the walled garden with garden furniture, umbrella and barbeque |
 | Wifi is provided. |
 | There is a small but well equipped gym onsite. |
 | Additional cleaning can be arranged on request at extra cost. |
 | The cottage as an open fire, perfect for cosy evenings in. |
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