West London Living – August 2018
“Bruern Cottage’s relaxed surrounds and extensive facilities is definitely worthy of a spot in every west London Mummy’s little black book,” says Jessica Baldwin
The Credentials:
This rural retreat is the ultimate find for parents wanting a family staycation with a luxurious boutique vibe. Set in the heart of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding National Beauty, the renovated stables now house 12 luxury self-catering cottages. With beautiful English country gardens, a Tatler rated spa and a tropically warm pool, you can be forgiven for feeling as if you are on a decadent girly spa break. However, with everything from a giant walk-in doll’s house to a well-equipped toy shed and games room, there is no denying that Bruern Cottages has been created with young families in mind.
Sleep:
Dating back to 1882, Bruern Cottages were in fact once the equestrian stables, for neighbouring Bruern Abbey; a grand baroque-style stately home. The cottages each sleep between 2 and 10 and all feel wonderfully private, despite the shared gardens. The smallest cottage is Cope; previously an old mill, today it exudes the elegance of a breezy chateau. The largest is Weir House which comes with its own gardens, games room and dining room.
We were bound for Aintree, a classically decorated three-bedroom cottage which was a horse’s stable in its previous life. We arrived to find a delicious homemade lemon drizzle cake and a tea set ready to spring in to action. A quick nosey around and we soon found the impressive welcome hamper, filled with local delicacies and artisan produce; chilled champagne, thick-cut bacon, homemade marmalade and a smart box of Cracklebean eggs – their sunset orange yolks made even the most vibrant Burford Browns look anaemic.
For the grown-ups, there was a comfortable sitting room, with antique furniture and hand-stencilled walls by parsimonious design guru, Jocasta Innes herself – a hit with the grandparents. Upstairs the master bedroom had a grand four-poster bed and bathrooms were overflowing with Elemis goodies and fluffy gowns. And for little Rosie, hidden away beneath the staircase, there was a genius secret play den – as I took in the elegant lounge I wondered how our sitting room had become so shamelessly engulfed by her colourful plastic and began planning cupboard conversions!The cottage’s grand lounge led out to the main courtyard at the front, with views towards the abbey.
At the rear, neatly manicured lawns and a floral arbour awaited. Hidden away at the end of the garden was the stuff kid’s dreams are made of; a pool, slides, swings, a life-sized doll’s house and a shed bursting with toys.
Dine:
You genuinely are spoilt for choice in this area of the Cotswolds. For healthy organic brunches and everything from over-priced flat whites to rosemary water and turmeric smoothies, head to nearby Daylesford Organic. The glass-fronted sassy sage emporium is a one-stop-shop offering everything from massages and childcare to floristry lessons and yoga sessions. Carol Vorderman was flitting through on our last visit – she really is good with numbers, isn’t she? She only looked about 20.
For a relaxed gastropub head to The Angel, just two minutes’ drive away its dark and moody interior is home to candlelit tables and a creative and well-executed seafood-heavy menu. For a slightly flashier affair head to The Chequers in Churchill. A favourite with the ‘Chipping Norton Set’, which includes everyone from David Cameron to Jeremy Clarkson, this friendly pub is a dimly-lit warren of cosy rooms with an eclectic clientele – we were sat near Amanda Holden on our last visit. Or for more of a restaurant feel, check out Wild Rabbit; a fancy off-shoot of Daylesford.
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