"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 - Newmarket Cottage
Newmarket sleeps 8 and is perfect for larger families and groups. One of the largest cottages at Bruern it is finished with an elegant combination of antique furniture, indulgent soft furnishings and muted Farrow and Ball painted walls. Each of the four bedrooms is en-suite and the rooms range from opulent four poster doubles, to twins with replica 18th century, chic beds. However the Pièce de résistance which little princesses will fall in love with is the white four poster twin room, perfect for those whose dreams are packed full of castles, fairies and Prince Charmings. Outside there is a small private terrace which leads out onto the extensive walled gardens, perfect for the little ones to roam around on and is in easy reach of the wendy house and play cabin at the end of the lawn.
Please note: This cottage has space for only 2 x cots
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 tractor
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
![]() |
Two double bedrooms and two twin bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. There is room for either two additional camp beds for children, or two cots for infants, or one of each. |
||||||
![]() | Heathrow airport is approx.1.5 hours drive away. |
![]() | There are pubs and local villages within walking distance but the walks are through the countryside and not buggy friendly so parents may find it easier to hop in the car. |
![]() | The indoor heated pool is set next to the play area and has coded security access so children can only enter with an adult. |
![]() | There are onsite treatment rooms with a beauty therapist offering selected treatments. This service should be pre-arranged. |
![]() | The play cabin and wendy house on the communal lawn are packed with children's toys. |
![]() | Bruern can help arrange a private chef or catering service on request at additional cost. This must be pre-arranged. |
![]() | Day and evening 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 comes with a selection of toys and books, whilst the communal play cabin is home to dressing up gear, tonnes of toys and art materials. Plus it's heated with comfy sofas so adults can relax whilst kids play. |
![]() | There is a games room with table tennis, pool table, board games and more. |
![]() | A lovely welcome pack is provided on arrival. |
![]() | There is an shared outdoor play area and spacious lawn for little ones to play. A selection of bikes are also provided for guests use. |
![]() | The cottage has a private terrace area overlooking the communal lawn. |
![]() | Wifi is provided. |
![]() | There is state of the art gym with treadmill, cross trainer, bike, weights, rowing machine, multi gym and power plates. |
![]() | Daily/additional cleaning may be possible on request at additional cost. |
![]() | The cottage has a working fire. Perfect for cosy winter nights in. |