Review: Water Meadow Cottage
What is it
An 18th century cottage owned and restored by the luxury lifestyle company Unlisted. Located in a serene setting right on the edge of the River Evenlode, outside Bladon, Oxfordshire. the house has been beautifully and thoughtfully refurbished into a high-end luxury, two-bedroom cottage, it has every modern comfort you could need for a middle-of-nowhere getaway.
The History
Over two hundred years old, the 18th century cottage is on the Blenheim estate, home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and birth-place of Sir Winston Churchill. So, safe to say it’s steeped in history… www.blenheimpalace.com
Sleep
There are two surprisingly decent sized bedrooms, sumptuously decorated with Zoffany wallpaper, monogrammed sheets and a mix of interesting and inspiring furnishings. Unlisted also have an interior design service.
Eat
Unlisted will come up with a seasonal gourmet menu to suit you, whether kitchen supper style or delectable four course meal with Berry Brother’s wine to match. There is an ‘honesty larder’ which is very difficult to stay away from with everything from Chegworth Valley juice (try the Apple and Elderflower) www.chegworthvalley.com to an array of organic foods, all reasonably priced.
Little details
* The table is magically set for your meals if you happen to be out on a country ramble, name places and all.
* There are two open fires to cosy up next to.
* Massage therapists can be booked to set up in the stunning summerhouse (above) to ease away those aches and pains.
* Pretty fresh flowers are left in every room
* Underfloor heating in the bathroom is total heaven
Local attractions
Blenheim Palace is gentle country walk away
Nearby Woodstock is excellent for a long pub lunch, a cream tea and some quirky shopping
Oxford, the ‘city of dreaming spires’ is a fifteen-minute drive
Bicester Village is also close by for some essential discount designer shopping
Good for
Romantic getaways
Weekends with friends
Writer’s retreats
Country walks
Not so good for
Children or teenagers
Pets allowed?
Yes – two small dogs or one large
Quirky fact
The deer on the wall in the dining room is named Faire Rosamond…!
Prices
From £425 per night (2 night minimum), or £2,525 per week
£25 surcharge per night for 1 large or 2 small dogs
Massages £100 for an hour (the therapists come from London)
Catering from £75 per head for 3 courses
Berry Brothers wine starting at £12 per bottle
Find out more: www.watermeadowcottage.co.uk; 0870 225 5007 ; wmc@unlistedlondon.com
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