"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
Weir House at Bruern sleeps 10 and is a real find for larger families or groups. Styled with elegance and opulence the house manages to combine a sense of grandeur with family friendly comfort. The bedrooms are split across two floors which proves very useful for any elderly or less mobile guests within the party. Each of the five bedrooms are en suite and are designed with a wealth of antique furniture from dramatic four poster beds to Louis the XVI chairs and 19th century writing desk all complemented by the muted tones of the Farrow and Ball painted walls. Downstairs bedrooms comprise a double bedroom with king size four-poster bed facing the South terrace, a twin bedroom with two 19th Century French beds, and another twin bedroom with two mahogany four-poster beds facing the North terrace. Up stairs from the hall are the two other bedrooms. On the left hand-side of the landing, a twin bedroom with bed hangings and on the right hand-side the master bedroom. It offers an impressive 6 foot wide half tester bed and a large en suite bath and shower room up a few stairs facing the bed.
Weir house not only meets the appreciation of the adults in the group but the little ones will be overcome by the endless amounts of children's toys and games. From the vintage dolls house in the hall, children's den under the stairs, with puppet theatre and dressing up box, not to mention the traditional rocking horse, games room and home cinema. Outside the luxury continues with its pretty garden with pergola and dining terrace, croquet lawn, reading hammock and seesaw and swing set. The house has everything needed not just for a truly relaxing and luxurious family holiday but also is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion.
Please note: This cottage has space for only 3 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 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
![]() |
Two double bedrooms and three twin bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. There is room for either four additional camp beds for children, or four cots for infants, or any combination thereof. |
||||||
![]() | Heathrow airport is approx.1.5 hours drive away. |
![]() | Keen walkers can walk to several local pubs/villages although these walks are through the country so not buggy friendly. Families 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. |
![]() | 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 nighttime 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. Weir House benefits from a rocking horse, dolls house, Brio railway with big low level table for it and best of all, the special den under the stairs with a window, its own front door, with knocker and letter box which inside little ones will find a dressing up box and a puppet theatre. |
![]() | There is a games room with pool table, table tennis, board games and more. |
![]() | 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. Weir House's garden has a see-saw and swing. |
![]() | Stair gates can be arranged. |
![]() | The cottage has a private garden |
![]() | Wifi is provided. |
![]() | There is a wonderful gym with treadmill, cross trainer, bike, weights, rowing machine, multi-gym and Power Plate (particularly good for pelvic floor exercises). |
![]() | Additional housekeeping is available on request with prior arrangement. (extra cost) |
![]() | There is a large working fire in the living room. |