The Blewbury Studio: country walks, pubs & piano.

Listed in The Sunday Telegraph as one of ‘10 coolest BnB’s in Britain’ The Studio is situated in a cosy Oxfordshire village, on the edge of AONB North Wessex Downs (thatched cottages, orchards, pubs & walks). Stunning, detached timber~framed barn: large living area with sofa & 2 armchairs, mezzanine & king size bed {via ladder}, kitchenette, shower room. Also parking, good Wifi, handmade crockery, microwave/grill, fridge/freezer, organic vegetable garden, Grand Piano (extra charge) (Currently set up for minimum 2 night weekend break. For stays longer than 3 nights please message us 🙏). For over 150 years the village of Blewbury has been a destination for artists, and, as such, The Blewbury Studio is flooded with light and colour. Beautiful paintings and objects, along with well-crafted fixtures, decorate the timber framed space, which we hope is inspiring and reflective. In keeping with the building's ECO credentials, many elements of the decor (coffee table, kitchen units etc) have been handmade on site, from upcycled pieces of timber, or found in charity shops and given a new lease of life. ‘The Blewbury Studio’ was listed both in The Sunday Telegraph and The Sunday Times as one of ‘The 10 coolest BnB’s in Britain’ (November 2020] Parking outside our house, you are invited to walk through the garden at the back of which sits the Studio, overlooking the organic vegetable garden. Outside the back door a small private table is provided which catches the morning sun....perfect for alfresco breakfasts, or an evening drink. You are welcome to wander around our organic vegetable garden or while away the hours by the pond in our vintage deckchairs. There is a small fire pit available for when the evenings draw in (logs charged extra) Inside, the Kitchenette comes with a decent sized fridge/freezer, and a microwave/grill for light meals. It's important to point out there is no plumbed sink in the Kitchenette; you are welcome to use the plastic wash tub/liquid and cloths provided. Breakfast (Luxury Muesli, milk, a locally baked Sourdough or Seeded Loaf, French butter, Raspberry Jam, fresh Coffee and Tea) is provided...or stroll along to the village Cafe for a Full English. For those who wish to stay in after a long day exploring, we offer a delivery service of delicious Asian inspired meals by local chefs 'Monsoon'. Using fresh local ingredients, this service is very popular with our guests..details will be emailed after booking. The Mezzanine is a stunning feature of the accommodation, giving a unique aspect of the space. It is 2.2m from ground level, and whilst the ladder is steep it is comfortable/easy to use (10 flat treads, with brushed steel handrails on the side and at the top..see the photos). For safety reasons 'The Blewbury Studio' is not suitable for young children. The bed is a comfortable, brand new, King Size futon made of sustainable hardwood, with luxury Egyptian cotton bed linen. There is storage on the mezzanine for clothes, but we would recommend leaving suitcases/bags on ground level. As professional musicians we take pride in our Boston Steinway grand piano. It's a stunning instrument which is available to hire by professional musicians or those engaged in serious study (payable in advance- variable rates-please message me). Otherwise the piano will be locked. There are extra music stands available to borrow. There is a large CD collection to peruse, and music system, as well as vocal scores and piano music. There is a selection of books on the local area, plus OS walking maps to borrow. The bird life is diverse in the area, with as many as 30 different species visiting our own garden, including Herons, Woodpeckers, Sparrowhawks, a Tawny Owl, Red Kites and a Mandarin Duck! There is also a guide to garden birds and binoculars to borrow. There is Scrabble and playing cards... but no telly! Before your arrival we'll email you a file detailing information on local restaurants, shops, beauty spot recommendations, local businesses, and fun excursions like hiking routes, wild swimming or hiring canoes on The Thames. White Company towels and Egyptian Cotton bed linen are all provided, along with 'Faith in Nature' Body Wash, Shampoo and Conditioner, and a hair dryer. The Studio is available in its entirety for your private use, along with an outside area. You are welcome to sit under the Hazel tree by the pond..a great place for a coffee, and wander about the vegetable garden. We live in the main house opposite, a historic Grade II Listed property, and someone is usually available and happy to help. Should you have any questions, we would ask that you text/phone as a first point of contact. Social distancing will be observed at all times. If we are away we will arrange a key box and provide you instructions for check in/out. Described by poet John Betjeman as 'This Venerable Village', Blewbury is a quintessentially English experience, with thatched cottages, village greens, ancient barns & gin-clear chalk streams. The Red Lion pub is moments away, serving delicious simple food and local ales. Blewbury is within easy access of the North Wessex Downs, with unlimited walking, cycling, horse riding possibilities. A short hop away, and with opportunities for boating, fishing and wild swimming, is the Thames. It winds gently from the 'Dreaming Spires' of Oxford to the Regatta-mad town of Henley-on-Thames, and onwards towards London. London itself is 37 mins on the train from Didcot Parkway (10 minute drive), and Oxford is a 10 minute train journey. Other areas within easy reach include The Cotswolds, and Bicester Village is a 30 minute drive. The riverside market towns of Abingdon, Wallingford, and the birthplace of King Alfred the Great, Wantage, are all nearby. The ancient Norman Church of St. Michaels can be seen from The Studio, and every Friday evening the bell ringers practice their peels. The village is characterised by a network of charming lanes, and shady streams, flanked by thatched 'Cob Walls' where getting lost is all part of the fun. Kenneth Grahame was inspired to write 'The Wind in the Willows' whilst living in Blewbury, so taken was he by the pretty little chalk streams that lace village. Indeed a Blue Plaque commemorates Grahame's stay here. 'Worzel Gummidge' was also penned by Barbara Euphan Todd when she lived in the village, and the great Edwardian artist William Nicholson lived and painted in Blewbury, along with many other artists. There is a very determined village policy of 'No Street Lighting', and as such strolling home late from the pub affords beautiful night skies, with infinite stars to behold...just watch your step! The Ridgeway, considered Britain's oldest byway, is a short hike up the hill. The surrounding Downs and Gallops have been, for many years, an area famous for Racehorse training, and the sight of a group of pedigree race horses at full tilt, on a crisp winter morning, is breathtaking. One highlight is to walk from Blewbury to Aldworth (bring sturdy shoes/boots) where the exceptionally unspoilt 'Bell Inn' (CAMRA Pub of the Year 2019) has to be seen to be believed. Family run for decades, and eschewing usual trends in pubs, the Bell is like stepping back into history. Highly recommended! There is a lot going on in Blewbury; festivals, dances, concerts, cricket matches. Another highlight during the summer is Tea and Cake in the church on a Sunday afternoon, and the annual theatrical production by the renowned 'Blewbury Players' in the outdoor theatre at nearby Orchard Dene House Other amenities in the village include a BP petrol station/shop (open late), and a very popular Farm Shop and Cafe. There is also a Driving Range for keen golfers. If coming by train, the regular London Paddington to Didcot Parkway service takes 40 mins. A 94/95 bus service from DP to Blewbury is available (although not so regular), or a taxi ride to Blewbury will cost around £13. Didcot Parkway also serves Oxford, Reading, Birmingham amongst other stations. There are good late night train services to Didcot Parkway from Oxford and London. Good walking routes abound in this area, whether setting off from The Studio or after a car/bus journey. For example, you could follow the Ridgeway at Uffington to visit the enigmatic White Horse, a giant Bronze Age figure carved into the chalky Downs? Blewbury is easily accessible from the M4, then A34, or if coming from the North, the M40. There will be a Welcome Pack on arrival: -Fresh local sourdough, butter and raspberry jam -Milk, freshly ground coffee and tea -Muesli -Iced water -Small bottle of Prosecco -After booking we will email a local info pack, along with details of how to order delicious ready meals from local company 'Monsoon'...Asian inspired meals, made with fresh local ingredients. If you're planning a night in after a long day's walking, this is a popular option for our guests (please give at least 24 hrs notice)