Do you dream of escaping to a private country bolthole but want hotel-level accommodation? Tucked away in the heart of the Cotswolds is Bruern Cottages, a handful of secluded, luxury properties in Chipping Norton that sleeps anything from two to ten people.
Our home for the weekend at Bruern was Wychwood, a stunning two bedroom, two en-suite cottage that fulfilled practically every fantasy one can have about a countryside home. Quaint and elegantly decorated in a quintessentially British style with sleek modern appliances. Wychwood also features a patio with a wooden table and chairs that overlooks a heavenly garden filled with cherry blossoms, luscious green grass and even a woodland stream. The shared garden space is great for families with young children – or any guests wishing to take a stroll and fill their lungs with crisp country air.
Each self-catering property comes with a welcome basket featuring fresh local produce such as eggs, bacon, sausages, bread, cheese, butter, milk, and more, as well as premium cereals, condiments and even a bottle of champagne – perfect for knocking up an epic breakfast. Kitted out with all the necessities like a family home-away-from-home, it’s possible to cook and serve a three-course meal yourself in the properties, although should you wish to have outside catering, Bruern has a selection of talented local chefs they can recommend.
Onsite, you’ll find a small gym, children’s play area with a Wendy House and a heated indoor pool. There’s also a games room with table tennis, table football and a pool table; filled with DVDs and board games available for guests to borrow during their stay.
Bruern’s remote location is perfect for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The Cotswolds is undeniably one of the most beautiful places in Britain, full of honey-coloured cottages, cosy pubs, tiny tearooms and narrow, cobbled streets.
If you fancy getting out and about, there’s plenty to discover in the local area. A short, scenic drive away there are a number of villages to explore, all featuring thatched houses from your wildest country-dwelling dreams.
For lunch, we suggest The Peacock in Oxhill. Just outside Stratford-upon-Avon and about a half hour drive from Bruern, this 15th-century pub serves cask marque beers and delicious homemade food. Everything is made fresh to order, from risotto to roasts, burgers and salads.
There’s a good choice of agreeably-priced wines available to suit whatever mood you may be in – red, white, rose, champagne, and even dessert wine. The starters are surprisingly large, so if you plan on trying a few dishes, make sure you arrive with an empty stomach!
The Peacock is also known for its dog-friendly policy. The owner’s beloved, docile labrador can be spotted wandering around the bar section or dozing quietly in a corner. Overall, wth a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great place to fill your boots after a night out at the local pubs, or simply somewhere to enjoy a hearty meal after a day’s jaunt.
Sometimes we forget that we need time to switch off and unwind. Wherever you live, life can get hectic. Bruern is an idyllic escape where a weekend is enough to recharge one’s batteries.
