Rambler's Reward

With a stone facade and chocolate-box windows, this cottage in the Cotswolds is as cute as can be. It’s in the ancient Anglo-Saxon market town of Winchcomb, a fifteen-minute drive from Cheltenham. In Winchcomb, you’ve got cosy, timbered inns, tea rooms, indie shops, galleries and a Michelin-starred restaurant, all on your doorstep. It’s also known as a walker’s paradise with traffic-free trails snaking across the countryside and pints by the fireside as a reward after. Speaking of firesides, it doesn’t get much better than settling by the wood-burning stove at the heart of this home, especially after a day on the trail. Bookshelves are stacked high with board games for quality time together and the solid wood dining table is perfect for family meals. The cottage blends right in with the historic feel of Winchcomb, with flagstone floors underfoot, exposed stone walls and timber beams on show inside. A little bonus is the conservatory-style hall at the back door, which has a monk seat as a sunny reading nook. Beyond this, the private garden has outdoor dining on the lawn, and a cute bistro set for two on the patio.

Home truths:
*Your host can provide a travel cot and high chair for infants, just ask.
*There is a charcoal barbecue which guests should provide their own charcoal for and clean after use.
*Set over two floors with some low ceilings and steep stairs, this place may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.
*There are five steps up to the garden lawn.
*The host supplies a start set of logs for the wood-burner.
*You won't find a welcome hamper or basic essentials here, so we'd recommend packing some bits and bobs to get you started.
*Your host provides an initial supply of toiletries, but you might want to bring your own to top this up.