Court House, Cotswold stone home at Owlpen, c1620

A small but cosy listed building set in the ancient grounds of Owlpen Manor, one of the Cotswolds' most famous and romantic manor houses. Downstairs a dining room with a flagstone floor has views over the manor gardens. Modern bathroom with bath and shower. A narrow, steep and winding spiral stair leads to the first floor with a cosy living room and double bedroom. At the top of the house is a twin room with low ceilings. Pull back a curtain to reveal a queen-sized bed in cosy bedroom. A small Grade 2 listed Stuart garden house of 1620 on a private estate in the heart of the Cotswolds. Sleeps 2 to 6 on three floors. Loggia on the ground floor has views over the manor house gardens. The Court House with its romantic period charm is a favourite with honeymooners and history buffs. The front door opens directly into an attractive dining room with a Welsh dresser, views over the manor gardens and a 17th century flagstone floor. The glass doors, divided by a simple Tuscan column, here frame the view of the east wing of the manor house and its yew trees immortalized by the etching of the celebrated Cotswold artist F.L. Griggs. The loggia opens directly into a galley kitchen. The bathroom lies beside it, with a bath and over-bath power shower. A very narrow spiral staircase(!) leads up to a beautiful sitting room in the old Justice Room on the first floor, with vintage horsehair sofa and original oak floorboards. The small main bedroom with double bed and hand-basin are on this level. The stairs wind up again to two cosy bedrooms on the second, attic floor -- with low ceilings to suit the size of people in 17th century Stuart England. The first, with twin single children's beds nestled under the sloping eaves, leads through the trusses to the larger one, curtained off, with a small 4ft bed. The oval bulls-eye windows enjoy delightful views over the Owlpen valley and to Uley, whose church spire can just be seen among the trees below the bare summit of the hill fort at Uley Bury to the west. The Court House has its private entrance from the lane below, with sun terrace and small garden to the west. There is a baroque sundial on the wall which still counts the hours, and a small table for enjoying a sunset aperitif or breakfast coffee and with views beyond the lane over the farm pastures. A path leads up from the cottage to the richly textured Victorian Church, which stands above the manor house. Key Features Romantic Grade I listed Stuart cottage Quirky charm with 'doll's house' interior Delightful views on all sides Private garden Sleeps 4+ Pet friendly! The Court House is set in the private valley of the Owlpen estate, with its 900 year-history and romance, in the most picturesque part of the Cotswolds. 2 hours west of London. Miles of private walks in meadows, hills, valley and woodlands. Traditional village pub a short walk over the fields. Family (owners) in the manor house next door. Friendly staff in the reception office help you with your wants and queries, servicing requirements and sightseeing suggestions. Wander the gardens of the Tudor manor house at your leisure, and enjoy miles of walks in private woodland in this hidden corner of the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds are one of England's best known touring regions of picturesque hills, limestone villages, ‘wool’ churches and wealth of scenic attractions. The magical deep wooded valleys around Owlpen form its most spectacular and characteristic scenery. "Is this the most beautiful place in England?"--Fodor's Britain Guide Golf, gliding, riding, antique shops, historic houses, castles and gardens nearby. But many visitors never leave the Owlpen estate, with its miles of footpaths and 800-years of history. Friendly staff in the Reception office deals with your wants and queries, Nicholas and Karin Mander and their family live in the manor house on site. The Cotswolds are one of England's best known touring regions of picturesque hills, limestone villages and scenic attractions. The magical deep wooded valleys here form its most spectacular scenery. Extra details Golf, gliding, riding, antique shops, historic houses, castles and gardens nearby. But many visitors never leave the privacy of the Owlpen estate, with its miles of footpaths and 800-years of history. The Owlpen valley has long been recognised as one of the most romantic places in England and provides guests with an exclusive and relaxing hideaway, surrounded by private woods and hills and many miles of walks--from a gentle stroll round the estate trails to a 20 mile trek along the Cotswold Way. This is Laure Lee country, situated in the Royal Triangle in the heart of the Cotswolds hills. The historic cities of Bath, Cheltenham and Cirencester are all within an easy drive, as are the cultural and scenic attractions of Oxford, Blenheim and Stratford Upon Avon, which are popular day excursions. An ideal base for the Horse Trials at Badminton and Gatcombe Park and racing at Cheltenham. Newark Park (National Trust) and Woodchester Mansion are three miles away, as well as many historic houses, including Berkeley Castle, Chavenage House and Sudeley Castle. The choice of attractions and things to see and do is huge and you will want to return to see and explore it all. Car recommended. 2 hours from Heathrow Airport, 1 hour from Bristol Airport. Stroud and Kemble stations (London line) a few miles away. Cam/Dursley junction. Prime area for bicycling and walks. Horseriding. Gliding and ballooning nearby ... in calm weather. Please note: this is an ancient listed building with bags of character, and all the nooks and crannies that come with it. If you're looking for a modern building we have other more appropriate properties on the Owlpen Estate which are also available to rent. Beware the steep stairs leading to the upper floors, which are unsuitable for those with mobility issues, or very young children (no stair gates!). If you plan to bring children, there are lots of things for little explorers to do on the estate, whether it's building dens in the woods, meeting the farm animals or playing in the carefully tended gardens. We can provide additional accessories on request to help with your stay and limit the amount of child equipment you have to bring, such as toys, books, children's cutlery and dinnerware, and changing matts.