"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
Cope is beautifully presented one bed cottage perfect for a romantic getaway for two adults and 1 baby. Set in the converted mill house next to the three bed Bookers cottages it has an impressive 30 ft by 15ft open plan library/dining and drawing room with high pitched roof and Gothic stone fireplace. Large, fully stacked bookcases frame the windows and the desk to the rear of the room whilst in the centre is a large round table perfect for a candle lit supper. The lounge area is focused around the fireplace with a comfy leather sofa, buttoned leather tub chairs and large mulberry foot stool. A jib door to the right of the fireplace leads to the east terrace, overlooking the river.
The bedroom has gleaming, dark polished wood floors, a high pitched, beamed ceiling and four windows which make it lovely and bright. The luxurious 6ft bed is framed by gold and blue bed hangings flanked with 18th century prints and there is plenty of space for a cot. A door leads to a trellised terrace which is ideal for an evening drink surrounded by fragrant lavender, cistus, sage, thyme and roses. The en-suite bathroom has marbelised tiles , a marble topped vanity unit and power shower over the bath.
The kitchen is flagged in cream Cotswold fossil stone with cream units and wooden work surfaces. It is very well equipped with a Britannia range cooker, six burners, two ovens, a US style fridge and freezer, two dishwashers, a washing machine/dryer and. For larger groups at Bruern Cope can be used as an extensive dining or party room with space for seating 25-30 guests- ideal for a family banquet.
Prices based on 2 adults + 1 x baby in a cot.
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%
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. There is room for 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 the country walks aren't very buggy friendly so it may be easier for families to hop in the car. |
![]() | There is a big indoor pool heated to 29 Degrees Centigrade - perfect for babies and small children. |
![]() | There are onsite treatment rooms with a freelance beauty therapist offering selected treatments. This service should be pre-arranged. |
![]() | The communal play cabin is home to dressing up gear, tonnes of toys and art materials. Plus it's heated and with comfy sofas so adults can relax whilst kids play. |
![]() | Bruern can help arrange a private chef or catering service on request at additional cost. This must be pre-arranged |
![]() | Babysitting is available on request, please book ahead. |
![]() | 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 children can make use of the wide selection of toys in the communal play cabin. |
![]() | There is a shared games room with table tennis, pool table and more. |
![]() | The cottage offers a generous welcome pack. |
![]() | There is a communal outdoor play area and a selection of bikes for guests use. |
![]() | The cottage has a small private terrace. |
![]() | Wifi is provided. |
![]() | There is a small but well equipped gym. |
![]() | Daily/additional cleaning can be arranged on request at extra cost. |
Please click the text to scroll through reviews.
Fabulous stay for our daughter's first birthday. A real home from home with added luxury. We've already booked another stay for my husband's birthday.Review dated 04/12/2016
*Ratings by verified BFB guests who stayed here with young children.
Rated by 1 guests.