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 - Epsom Cottage
Built on the left-hand side of the courtyard for the stable grooms, Epsom is the mirror image of Goodwood located on the opposite side.
Pass the front door and a cosy drawing room/dining room welcomes you, flooded with light from the large windows. On your right, the French doors of the fully equipped kitchen open onto a private and enclosed large garden with furniture and BBQ.
Upstairs you will find three bedrooms; a double bedroom with a four poster-bed and an en suite shower room, a twin and a single bedroom with a faux bamboo four poster-bed, sharing a bathroom.
Please note: This cottage has space for only 1 x 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
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 a twin bedroom and single 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 pubs and villages within walking distance but it is through country lanes so not ideal for families. Those with young children may find it easier to hop in the car. |
![]() | There is a big indoor pool onsite which is heated to 29 degrees Centigrade - perfect for babies and small children. |
![]() | There are onsite treatment rooms with a beauty therapist offering selected treatments. This service should be pre-arranged. |
![]() | The heated, communal play cabin is home to dressing up gear, tonnes of toys and art materials. Plus it's heated. There are also two play houses. |
![]() | Bruern can advise of several local chefs available for hire. Perfect for families celebrating a special occasion. |
![]() | Babysitting can be arranged on request with prior notice. |
![]() | 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, cupbaord locks, stairgates and plastic crockery and cutlery. |
![]() | There are a small selection of toys in the cottages but the play cabin in the grounds has a selection of toys, dressing up gear and more. |
![]() | There is a games room with table football , table tennis and pool table. |
![]() | A generous welcome pack is provided on arrival. |
![]() | A fantastic selection of ride on toys and a brilliant two-storey play house is provided along with bikes, helmets, croquet and cricket sets |
![]() | Epsom has a large garden with walnut tree, paved terrace with vine covered pergola, garden furniture, barbeque and umbrella. |
![]() | Wifi is provided |
![]() | This cottage accepts a dog - a deposit of £250 is taken and refunded after your stay. |
![]() | There is a small but well equipped gym room onsite. |
![]() | Additional cleaning is possible on request. |
![]() | The cottage has an open fire which is great for cosy evenings in. |