Keen walkers, history lovers, and holidaymakers simply looking for a peaceful place to relax will be in their element at Painswick Cottages, where you can choose from Barn Cottage, sleeping six, and Stable Cottage, housing four. Located in the grounds of a local Georgian manor house, you're surrounded by Gloucestershire countryside.
Barn Cottage is a three-bedroom, pet-welcoming holiday home, refurbished to a high standard. Standout features include a wood-burning stove, an enclosed private courtyard and a pale blue Cookmaster range. Characterful and tastefully decorated throughout, the two-story property has a large living/dining space, plus a well-equipped kitchen (two fridges and freezers) with stylish dark blue units, mosaic tiles, wooden beams, and an attached utility area.
On the ground floor is the first en-suite bedroom, overlooking the courtyard, while upstairs, the large king-size master has a roll-top at the foot of the bed (plus an en-suite shower). The first level is also home to the third bedroom – king-size with a shower en-suite.
Meanwhile, dog-friendly Stable Cottage is a two-bedroom barn conversion, renovated with love and care into a four-person retreat while retaining original features such as wooden half doors. Step inside and take in the dining area that leads down to the comfy living space, complete with glass doors leading out to the beautifully kept enclosed garden, where you'll find a Pétanque piste. Back inside, at the far left, is the well-equipped, spacious kitchen with an Aga-style oven, a microwave, a dishwasher and a fridge/freezer with an ice dispenser.
Also on the ground floor is the charming super-king master decorated in shades of green, and a big en-suite with a whirlpool bath and a separate shower that even has its own seat. From the bedroom, double doors lead straight to the terrace, letting the outside in. Upstairs, there's a twin in the eaves plus a surprise space – a large walk-in wardrobe and dressing room that's perfect for longer stays. From there, make your way to the sleek tiled wet room with a walk-in shower.
The pretty town of Painswick is known as the 'Queen of the Cotswolds', filled with characterful honey-coloured stone buildings to admire as you wander the narrow streets. When you're planning your days, checking out trails along the nearby Cotswold Way will no doubt feature, or perhaps you'll prefer visiting the famous parish church in Painswick, with its 99 yew trees. The renowned Rococo Gardens are also close by, as are the quaint villages of Sheepscombe, Edge and Slad.
Slightly further afield is picturesque Badminton, where you can enjoy an eight-kilometre circular walk, and Cheltenham, with its array of shops, restaurants and bars, plus the horse jump racing festival every March. But Painswick Cottages will soon call you back with their outdoor dining areas for warm evenings, and welcoming lounges to snuggle up in on cooler ones.
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