Apples & Oak

The perfect Cotswolds cottage, this home has been tastefully modernised to maintain its character while adding touches of luxury. Set just a short drive from one of the area's most beautiful towns, it was once two small farm cottages but has now been merged to create one spacious country home. Having been in the owner's family for the past hundred years, a great deal of love has gone into the conversion and we love the creative flair shown in the decor (look out for some of their family heirlooms displayed around the house). The open-plan ground floor has a great, sociable flow to it, with flagstone floors, a modern kitchen with a breakfast bar, a dining area that can seat up to ten and a seating area with a log burning stove. Stylish French doors lead out to a patio, where you can eat in the summer. We particularly love the sitting room, with its comfy velvet sofas, inglenook fireplace and colourful rug – the perfect spot to play a few board games over a drink. Bedrooms are spread over the first and second floor, and they're all beautifully styled, comfortable and of a good size. Set in the village of Broadwell, with a local pub a short stroll away, there are plenty of walks and cycle routes from your doorstep. You can drive into Stow in just five minutes, or walk there in around half an hour, while Cheltenham is a thirty-five-minute drive.

Home truths:
*There's off-road parking for three cars and an electric vehicle charge point
*While mobile reception can be poor, there's strong Wifi
*You'll need to bring your own charcoal and clean the barbecue after use
*A starter supply of wood is provided in the colder months – you can buy more in the local shops or from the owners, who live nearby
*There are some fairly low ceiling beams upstairs and sloping ceilings in the master suite
*Two guests can sleep on the sofa bed in the living room
*Up to two infants would be accepted on top of the maximum occupancy of ten
*Stow Horse Fair is held in May and October (please check specific dates) – it will be very busy and some local amenities will close.