Bruern Cottages, Oxfordshire
Bruern, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
Bruern Holiday Cottages in the Cotswolds are stunning - beautifully decorated with a tremendous sense of style and comfort they "offer the comfort and attention to detail of a good hotel; the privacy, independence and space of home and the civilised ease and style of country house living". I know it may sound like an Interiors magazine - but really you will agree as soon as you step through the door of your cottage.
Accommodation
There are 12 cottages, sleeping from 2 - 10, with furniture and soft-furnishings and wall-coverings to inspire you, as well as encourage you to relax. Each cottage has it's own outdoor space be it a gorgeous terrace, private garden or apple orchard with garden furniture and barbeques to either make the most of or to brave the weather.
Things get off to a wonderful start with the delectable welcome hamper containing eggs, milk, orange juice, coffee, tea, cereal, sugar chocolates, cheese, marmalade and jam - and a bottle of champagne - glasses are supplied in your tremendously well-appointed and equipped cottage.
The details - well the ‘essentials' equipment list is more than covered; wide screen tv, Sky, CDs, books, board games and videos are the in-house entertainment. Direct-dial phones with automatic billing and broadband are available in each cottage. Microwaves, fridges, freezers, mixers, blenders, waste disposal systems and washing machines and dryers fulfill the reality check criteria! All linen is provided for your stay - choose between blankets or duvets and pillows, either feather and down or not. There are fluffy bath sheets, hand towels, swimming towels and toweling robes and the power showers have power. Complimentary toiletries are provided by Aromatheray Associates.
For Babies
The Parents Peace of Mind Kit has been put together to give you immediate peace of mind and comprises baby alarms, plug socket covers, door wedges, bed guards, plastic cutlery and plates as well as the cot with linen, high chair and stairgate needed for babies. You can enjoy the cottage as it's child-proofed without your racing round like a lunatic trying to secure any doors or drawers with balls of string!
For the Kids
The huge bonus with Bruern is it is a children's paradise - they are spoilt rotten so be prepared for comparisons! Kids get to wander secret garden fashion through a walled garden to their own play area which includes a two storey wendy house, complete with canopied bed and dresser and tea set - that would be Aggie content - as well as a HEATED play cabin for year round escape where toys, dressing up clothes, Brio and such await to keep them entertained in their own special space - you get to relax on the sofa. The heated indoor pool allows for a splash any time of the year. The playground area with climbing frame provides for external fun, along with tennis and croquet kits kid size and gorgeous ride on toys they'll want to take home. From May to September children can use the heated outdoor pool in Mrs Astor's garden if supervised by an adult. Older children can enjoy the table football, ping-pong, pool table and ‘absence of their younger siblings' in the Games Room.
For the Grown Ups
For the grown ups there's Spa treatments using Aromatheray Associates oils and creams available from the on-site therapist - do book in advance. For exercise the gym has the latest equipment, the indoor pool mentioned above makes an early morning swim far more civilised and later after your equally civilized picnic you can decide on croquet or tennis. Local babysitters are available should you wish to take a night out and visit one of the nearby pubs or restaurants, galleries or theatres.
To Do
Trout fishing, golf, horse-riding, racing at Cheltenham, boating at Lechlade, theatre in either Stratford or Oxford, Sudeley Castle, Blenheim Palace, Hidcote Manor Garden local pubs and relaxing walks - it's a list I know but you have such a varied choice it's best you get there and you decide.
The champagne and the glasses are waiting for the celebration - and you should celebrate given the fact that you've found yourselves in a wonderfully decadent luxurious place to stay which is guaranteed to keep everyone happy. Bruern is expensive but it has substance and provides - it's worth it and if you can go then do!