Per week
from 926.12 to 4792.30 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 - Cheltenham Cottage
Best suited to families with older children, Cheltenham Cottage is reached via a spiral staircase from its entrance in the centre of Bruern's courtyard. It is formed from the first and second floors of the estate's former carriage house and benefits from a large airy living space, flooded with light from three windows on each side. There are lovely views both sides, over the courtyard to the front and over the gardens to Stow on the Wold to the rear.
Like all the Bruern cottages, Cheltenham is brimming with character, style and luxury, but this one is particularly charming thanks to its gorgeous four poster double bedroom and second bedroom, in which one of the two single beds is set into its own canopied nook - perfect for little princesses! Plus it boasts its own private summerhouse and terrace with BBQ and garden furniture set at the end of the gardens.
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.
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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%
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%
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One double bedroom and one twin bedroom, 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 villages and pubs within walking distance but they are accessed via country lanes and roads so those with little ones may find it easier to hop in the car. |
 | There is a big indoor pool heated to 29 degrees centigrade - perfect for babies and small children. The entrance is secured for safety |
 | There are onsite treatment rooms with a beauty therapist offering selected treatments. This service should be pre-arranged |
 | There is a communal play cabin on the grounds which has a selection of dressing up gear, tonnes of toys and art materials. Plus it's heated with comfy sofas so adults can relax whilst kids play. |
 | The owners can recommend a selection of local chefs who can be booked to provide meals for special occasions etc. |
 | Babysitting is available on request. It 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. |
 | Each cottage has a small selection of toys and books. Additional toys etc. can be found in the heated play cabin on the grounds. |
 | A seriously well stocked welcome pack of goodies from cake and champagne to locally produced bread, bacon, eggs and sausages is provided with all bookings. |
 | A fantastic selection of ride on toys and a brilliant two-storey play house is provided along with bikes, helmets, croquet and cricket sets. |
 | A spa therapist can be booked via the onsite treatment rooms. Prebooking recommended. |
 | Stairgates can be provided on request, although the spiral staircase approach to this cottage might make it unsuitable to those less steady on stairs. |
 | There is a small but well equipped gym. |
 | Multiple cots/highchairs can be provided. |
 | This luxurious character cottage comes with its own open fire (screen provided) and a basket of logs |
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