Cheltenham

"If you have the dosh, don't bother looking elsewhere."


That was the verdict of Jane Knight, deputy travel editor of The Times newspaper. Greeted by elegant interiors, access to an indoor, heated pool and champagne on arrival (selected stays), most guests would find it very difficult to disagree. In fact, taking into account the brilliant kids facilities, BFB would wager that more than a few families would consider moving in for life!


Converted from the Victorian stableyard and outbuildings of Bruern Abbey, this pretty cluster of 12 cottages sleep from 2 to 10 and are stylish, luxurious and well-equipped, country houses in miniature with the added benefits of an indoor pool, treatment rooms, fantastic facilities for mini guests and optional housekeeping and chef service on request (must be pre-booked).


Modern comforts like seriously powerful showers, underfloor heating and state-of-the-art kitchens blend with elegant antiques, pretty fabrics, four poster or tester beds, and open-fires (guards provided). Fans of Osborne & Little, Sanderson and Nina Campbell will be in heaven! Outside, the beautifully landscaped grounds hide communal gardens, a croquet lawn and a heated indoor pool with fitness suite and treatment rooms. Mini guests and their parents are exceptionally well catered for with a raft of nursery equipment, toys and books provided in the cottages, plus a walled garden complete with elegant two-storey 'wendy house' (be warned, some may want to move in for good!), heated play cabin with dressing up gear, more toys and arts materials.


Accommodation Overview – Cheltenham Cottage

Best suited to families with older children, Cheltenham Cottage is reached via a spiral staircase from its entrance in the centre of Bruern's courtyard. It is formed from the first and second floors of the estate's former carriage house and benefits from a large airy living space, flooded with light from three windows on each side. There are lovely views both sides, over the courtyard to the front and over the gardens to Stow on the Wold to the rear.
Like all the Bruern cottages, Cheltenham is brimming with character, style and luxury, but this one is particularly charming thanks to its gorgeous four poster double bedroom and second bedroom, in which one of the two single beds is set into its own canopied nook – perfect for little princesses! Plus it boasts its own private summerhouse and terrace with BBQ and garden furniture set at the end of the gardens.