Bix Cottage

At a glance Sympathetically renovated modern converted Byre Stunning countryside location Outdoor swimming pool (Open from May bank holiday to end of September only) About the property As part of an 18th century cluster farmyard surrounded by rolling fields, Bix Cottage promises a tranquil retreat in the heart of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Formerly a byre, the cottage has been converted and renovated to a high-end finish and is a superb choice for a family or a small group of good friends to relax and enjoy country walks and pub lunches, yet is conveniently located just a few miles away from the pretty town of Henley-on-Thames. The space Bix Cottage is a former byre that has been sympathetically and exquisitely converted into a light and bright luxury holiday let. The interiors highlight English country style with a modern twist from features including decorative Pooky light fittings, a high-spec kitchen and oak-beamed ceilings. All the accommodation is set out over one, ground-floor level to offer easy living and is ideal for anyone who might be less mobile. The layout is open-plan and features a stunning kitchen that's kitted out to a top-end spec, with features such as a boiling water tap, and is sure to tempt you to stay home, cook up delicious dinners and sip drinks together into the small hours. Special mention must be made here about the Bix cheese that will be waiting for you on arrival. It's produced at the local, award-winning Nettlebed Creamery and we can highly recommend it ourselves. The kitchen leads into the dining area which has plenty of space for you to spread out and get comfy, whilst the sitting room area is a comfortable place to retire to in the evening and chat about the next day's plans, or watch a film. There is a Smart TV with access to a Plex movie library, as well as access to Netflix and Amazon Prime (but guests need to log in to their own accounts). If you're looking for a digital detox, there are retro board games and playing cards to keep you entertained instead. There are two bedrooms, both with king-size Hypnos beds, one of which is a zip-link to offer the option for two single beds – perfect if you're staying with children. Meanwhile, there's a family bathroom that serves both bedrooms and features quality Burlington fittings. Outside there is a small courtyard area from where you can access the swimming pool which is a wonderful place to cool off on hot, summer days, and a pool towel is provided for each guest. Guest access Parking is available just outside the property and a self-check-in is available. The cottage is part of a cluster farmyard with other buildings on it, however it is private and the swimming pool will be shared use with the owners family during your stay. The owners of the property live nearby and are available if you have any queries or need any recommendations for good walks or restaurants during your stay. Sustainability The property owners have renovated the byre sympathetically and incorporated a number of features to make it as ‘green' as possible. For example, there are low-energy LED light bulbs and an air source heat pump that provides underfloor heating and hot water. There's also a heat recovery system that ensures maximum heat retention and has the benefit of providing ambient fresh air without the need for opening the windows. The cottage also has its own well which supplies all the water, including un-softened drinking water to the kitchen and garden tap. If you'd like to offset the carbon emissions from your trip get in touch and we can arrange this for a small fee. Keep in mind Check-in: After 16:00 Check-out: 10:00 Deposit: Bookings are subject to a non-refundable deposit of 30% of the booking value plus applicable booking fees with the balance payable 60 days before the date of travel. Pool: The pool will be open from the first bank holiday weekend of May until the last weekend of September. The pool lies at the heart of the farm and access is shared with the family Accidental Damage Deposit: To maintain the highest standards in our properties, guests will need to pay a refundable Accidental Damage Deposit of £200 prior to their stay. An advance payment of 3% of the rental price can be made to waive this requirement. Book with confidence: If your booking is affected by new Government travel restrictions which were not known at the time of booking, and you're legally unable to travel, we will arrange with the property owner to refund 100% of your holiday cost. The owners have two small dogs, so if you are nervous around dogs, do let us know so that we can advise the owners not to bring them along if they need to visit you. Due to the location and the heavy insulation of the cottage, WiFi calling is sometimes the best way to make a call. Children must be supervised around the swimming pool area and guests should take extra care as there is a drop of several inches to a non grass area near to the pool. House rules Strictly no smoking on all the premises or grounds No parties and events Day guests not permitted without prior agreement Pets are allowed by prior arrangement