"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
Wychwood Cottage is located between Goodwood and Newmarket, on the right-hand side of the courtyard, bathed with light from both east and west.
Downstairs the large and comfortable kitchen leads into a cosy drawing room. The French doors open onto a private terrace overlooking the wisteria alley and it is equipped with garden furniture and a BBQ.
Upstairs you will find a double bedroom with a mahogany four-poster bed and a twin bedroom, both of which are en-suite.
Please Note: This cottage only has room for 1 x cot. 1 small dog may be accommodated F.O.C (please add in booking extras section).
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 and one twin bedroom, both with ensuite bathrooms. 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 villages and local pubs within walking distance but it is via country roads/lanes so those with small children 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 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 are also two play houses. |
![]() | Bruern can help suggest a private chef or catering service on request. The cost varies depending on chef, style of meal and number of guests. |
![]() | Babysitting can be provided on request. This 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. There's even digital thermometers! |
![]() | Each cottage comes with a selection of toys and books but the communal play cabin in the grounds has a wider selection of toys, dressing up gear and more. |
![]() | There is a games room onsite with pool table, table tennis and table football. |
![]() | The owners provide a generous welcome pack. |
![]() | A fantastic selection of ride on toys and a brilliant two-storey play house is provided along with bikes, helmets, croquet and cricket sets. |
![]() | The cottage has a terrace with steps down to wisteria and apple tunnels: garden furniture and barbeque. |
![]() | Wifi is provided. |
![]() | There's a small onsite gym which is well equipped. |
![]() | The cottage has a fireplace which is great for cosy nights in |