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Self-catering luxury holiday cottages in the UK & Ireland

Established 1983
Flexible booking dates
Complimentary welcome hamper
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Our Chosen Properties

Beckwood Cottage
Blockley, Moreton-In-Marsh, Gloucestershire

x4 x2

Guest Reviews

(19)

19 guests have reviewed Beckwood Cottage

6 NOVEMBER 2017

Beautiful character cottage in picturesque location. Make sure you heed the warnings about the spiral staircase though, it’s definitely not suitable for anyone with any mobility issues.

2 OCTOBER 2017

Beckwood cottage was cozy, beautiful, comfortable and provided excellent entertainment through the beautiful sheep covered hill side out it's windows. The village was walkable and we enjoyed our stay immensely.

3 OCTOBER 2017

We are delighted that you had such an enjoyable stay at Beckwood. Thank you for your lovely comments.

12 SEPTEMBER 2017

It was quirky (as advertised), probably in need of a freshen up.
Fun for 4 days, but any longer would have been a bit limiting.
TV was tiny.

12 SEPTEMBER 2017

Thank you for your feedback for our converted 17th century silk mill.

30 AUGUST 2017

Great location and cosy cottage but the winding steps over four floors presented some problems carrying items up and down safely.

14 AUGUST 2017

Quaint cottage; I'm not sure that the website advised about the steep stairs - it didn't matter to us but could to other families.
Instructions on how to use the central heating may have been useful though and how to get the towel rail to work.

16 AUGUST 2017

Thank you for your feedback. Yes we do mention the stairs on the website - 'Sadly this property is unsuitable for babies, children under eight years old or people with mobility difficulties, due to the number of floors and steep spiral stairs'. I will ask the housekeepers about the instructions for the central heating and towel rail.

23 JUNE 2017

This cottage was small but very cosy. The sound of the rushing water in the little brook at the end of the garden gave it an extra idyllic, peaceful note. The view from all the back windows was very beautiful. The kitchen in the cottage was well resourced and the open fire in the living room was pleasant. The cottage is situated in a small beautiful village, with good hiking routes all around. We loved our stay and had a great time.
Although it was comfortable enough for us for the four days we spend there, it is however not a place for people that have problems with stairs and are rather on the tall side. It is a vertical cottage, with four levels and only one bathroom. That is, it is inevitable to have to go up and down the stairs several times during the day (and maybe night, for some). The stairs are, if not completely spiral, close to it and rather steep. One has to be also careful with some parts of the celling in the top bedroom, as well as in the entrance to the kitchen from the back garden. There is the danger of “banging heads”.

29 JUNE 2017

Thank you for your lovely feedback - I am really pleased that you had a great time. As a former silk mill it is indeed an unusual property with steep spiral staircases leading to all levels.

7 MAY 2017

We very much enjoyed our Cotswold holiday as the weather was fine and the gardens we visited spectacular.
However, the cottage Beckwood was a bit disappointing. Up to now, we have been happy to pay Rural Retreats premium prices as in the past we have always been very impressed by [and relied on] their premium products - ie very high quality cottages immaculately presented and equipped.
Sadly Beckwood is tired and in need of an upgrade - it is no longer a premium product of the usual RR standard.
3 examples - very poor paint work with much chipping [and some missing plaster] throughout the house; 2 dessert bowls for a 4 person cottage.... - really?; a very dirty [and hence unhygienic] sofa - loose covers are loose so they can be cleaned when needed!

8 MAY 2017

Thank you for taking the time to review your stay at Beckwood. I am sorry about the issues you encountered. We will inspect the cottage and make arrangements to restock the crockery and clean the sofa covers. With regards to the plaster and paintwork, we'll contact the property owner.We do hope this singular occurrence will not deter you from booking with us in the future.

9 MAY 2017

An update on the previous reply - the owner has arranged for redecoration the stairways

27 MARCH 2017

It's a lovely little cottage. I should have taken more notice of the layout - that the rooms are spread across 4 floors, with short, but steep spiral staircases joining all floors. Not designed for knees that are not as young as they were, but the cottage is worth it and Blockley is a lovely little village.

8 MARCH 2017

We loved Beckwood Cottage, quaint layout in a lovely little village, ripple of the stream really calming, all our needs catered for, clean warm & welcoming, fab hamper, thank you very much, a memorable stay.

6 DECEMBER 2016

The cottage was exactly as it had been described on the website, and had everything that you could possibly need to enjoy your stay.

23 NOVEMBER 2016

It was a stunning cottage. Very cosy indeed. The beds where very comfortable. The garden is beautiful. We would definitely stay here again. Blockely is a beautiful village. The great western arms is good pub to eat in also. You need to book a table.

10 OCTOBER 2016

Fabulous, especially the kitchen. We had everything we needed for cooking. Also loved the fireplace and extra wood. Very cosy.

7 OCTOBER 2016

I would have said excellent but we had a problem with lots of tiny flies in the bedroom.

11 SEPTEMBER 2016

The welcome pack was amazing, the best we have experienced. The cottage was clean and very well presented but it seemed a bit tired. The carpets have seen better days and the bathroom could be updated. The side bath panel was marked. Although care had been taken to mention the steep stairs and age limit for people staying at the cottage nothing was mentioned about the low beam in the top bedroom and the extremely low back door. This was particularly leathal. My husband is only 5ft 6 ins and he knocked his head several times, especially when putting things in the recycling bins outside the back door. For Health and Safety reasons this should be addressed with the door lintel being marked as low. We loved the quirkiness of the cottage and the beds and bedding were lovely. It was also very nice to have sample toiletries, cotton wool and cleaning products in the kitchen. We would definitely use Rural Retreats again and would recommend them to others.

19 AUGUST 2016

Very good cottage such a relaxing and tranquil holiday

19 JULY 2016

Accommodation very well equipped, everything we needed was available, lovely clean and nicely furnished cottage. Welcome food basket was a treat. Will most certainly be booking again. Thank you.

27 JUNE 2016

This holiday cottage - Beckwood cottage in Blockley - is in need of a facelift. We were really disappointed with it - broken outside chairs, drab decor throughout, even an ugly pay phone in the living room! Honestly not at all close to the standard we have come to expect from the several RR cottages I have stayed in over the years. Disappointed.

7 JUNE 2016

Your cottage was wonderful - very clean and tidy with an incredible hamper. We did find it difficult to locate the actual cottage as the name had been covered by overgrown plants. We LOVED our stay! With thanks.

30 DECEMBER 2015

Perfect stay for Christmas.

Guestbook (65)

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Felltree Cottage
Broadwell, Gloucestershire

x2 x2

Guest Reviews

(11)

11 guests have reviewed Felltree Cottage

26 FEBRUARY 2018

Really nice cottage in a really beautiful location. The only downside was that there wasn't sufficient heating, so we needed to put the fire all the time but the first night it was freezing in the bedroom.

The following day, after calling Rural Retreats, the brought an electric heater that did the trick.

21 SEPTEMBER 2017

As before:
Most importantly a glass screen MUST be fitted to the over-the-bath shower. The shower is brilliant but as it is so powerful, when used it turns the bathroom into a wet room. It is also, I suggest, dangerous as the water must seep through the wooden floor.
A Grab Rail is needed on the stairs to the main bedroom.
A couple of the light switches do not appear to do anything.
On arrival there was a very pungent smell of soot/smoke which was difficult to eliminate.
A rug on the kitchen flagstones would be good.

4 SEPTEMBER 2017

Everything was perfect and thought about. Tin foil had run out but left a note for the house keeper but plenty of tea, coffee, sugar, toilet roll. Hamper was good for breakfast and afternoon tea.

29 AUGUST 2017

Beautiful. Modern but quaint.

2 FEBRUARY 2017

The cottage itself was just as we expected in terms of the facilities, with a superb welcome pack waiting for us. We were disappointed on the day of our arrival when frost was expected and occurred, that the heating had not been turned up more than just back ground - after a day of increasied settings, mastering the wood burner and buying a hot water bottle we were more comfortable! It should be pointed out that a couple of the bottom stairs are angled downwards which makes negotiating the bottom turn a challenge. We felt safer by holding on to the lintel above, but someone less agile might find it a bit awkward.

10 JANUARY 2017

Beautiful and cosy cottage in lovely village and area. Would have been excellent if there was a rug/carpet on kitchen floor plus blinds to make it warmer in mid winter. Stairs were a bit tricky too

4 JANUARY 2017

Everything very good except the bathroom! The low beam is directly over the sink. And no shower and shower curtain/door either! The WC and sink could have been the other way round making the sink easier to use.

8 DECEMBER 2016

Charming cottage, with a very well stocked hamper.
Loved the location, a very good starting point in the Cotswolds!

21 NOVEMBER 2016

The cottage was adorable. The welcome basket was a lovely touch and very much appreciated. The upstairs shower was lacking some water pressure, which made washing a bit difficult. But other than that the property was stunning. Clean and charming and absolutely beautiful. So cozy, we would definitely come back.

16 NOVEMBER 2016

Surprised the precipitous stairs to the second bedroom were not given special mention.
The hot water was a bit of an issue. The water got VERY hot, bordering on the dangerous and the hot tap for the bath was very slow, so slow it took over an hour to run enough water to have a bath. The hand held shower couldn't be used, the water didn't make it down the hose.
However it was a lovely cottage and we thoroughly enjoyed our 3 days. The hamper was second to none!

24 OCTOBER 2016

There was no hot water the evening I arrived as the hot water tank had been turned off. Took a couple of hours even with the boost on to get hot water. Not a great welcome after s long journey and long day at work. Otherwise the cottage was very lovely.

Guestbook (25)

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Thatch Barn
Burlingham Green, Burlingham, Norfolk

x8 x4

Guest Reviews

(5)

5 guests have reviewed Thatch Barn

29 AUGUST 2017

BEAUTIFUL BARN IN A QUIET LOCATION BUT CLOSE TO NORWICH AND THE BROADS. REALLY GOOD FACILITIES AND THE OWNERS WERE EXCEPTIONALLY HELPFUL IN ACCOMMODATING A DISABLED MEMBER OF OUR PARTY .

1 SEPTEMBER 2017

Thank you for your lovely review and kind comments about Thatch Barn.

7 JUNE 2017

Lovely property, very clean and spacious. Had everything you needed. Beautiful location and not far from broads. Only thing would add is would be nice to have a hot tub. Would definitely recommend this property.

29 JANUARY 2017

Would have been excellent, but having to give a deposit, then deal with the owner directly afterward, to get the deposit back, losing nearly half of it in the process for a wine spillage on a table and unfortunate blood on the linen left a bit of a sour note for our group.

5 OCTOBER 2017

Thank you for writing following your holiday at Thatch Barn. The owner has a security arrangement that is direct with his guests. Rural Retreats are not involved in this arrangement. The owner discusses the security payment with guests separately and gives his bank details etc. Our web site page for Thatch Barn does mention the deposit in two areas and our Bookings Advisers reiterate the requirement during the booking process. I am sorry that this has had a negative impact on an otherwise enjoyable stay.

9 JANUARY 2017

Excellent

26 JULY 2016

Beautiful Barn. Excellent facilities of a high standard, comfortable and very clean. Location is peacfull. The welcome basket had some lovely essentials in and was greatly appreciated as we all wanted a cuppa when we arrived. Meet the owner Stuart and Rosie and they were very welcoming . I would recommend Thatch Barn without hesitation.

Guestbook (6)

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The Loft (Oxfordshire)
Goring On Thames, Oxfordshire

x2 x1

Guest Reviews

(12)

12 guests have reviewed The Loft (Oxfordshire)

17 APRIL 2018

We had the most amazing long weekend staying at John and Paula's little farm loft. The loft is very easy to reach from Central London by taking a train from Paddington to Goring. Since it was just a long weekend, we did not rent a car and John went above and beyond helping us with transportation from and to the station.

All the details in the loft were perfect, and the bed is very comfortable. They left some amazing products and homemade goodies in the welcome basket.

It was lambing season so we got to see the baby lambs, and John and Paula also have two sweet dogs. It is easy to get to walks and a pub nearby.

I am sad that it was just a short visit this time, but we hope to visit again soon!

- Michelle & Kevin

9 JANUARY 2018

Stayed at the Loft for a few days between Christmas and New Year. Accommodation was clean and comfortable and welcome hamper left by the owners was excellent, containing some additional seasonal items such as home made Christmas cake. There was also a small Christmas tree, complete with lights, and a book about Christmas Carols. The owners were helpful and checked in with us to make sure we had everything we needed. They gave some good recommendations on local places to eat, and, as with previous Rural Retreats accommodations, we would not hesitate to return here in the future. Perfect place to stay if you like country walks and peaceful surroundings!

10 JANUARY 2018

Thank you for your excellent comprehensive feedback. We are delighted that you enjoyed your festive stay at The Loft.

19 SEPTEMBER 2017

Well equipped property, which although close to the owners house was still private. Owners very helpful and provided items such as great local walks on laminated cards.
Recommended for a peaceful stay in the beautiful countryside.

12 JUNE 2017

Lovely place to get away from it all. The hosts were very nice left us to privacy but there if we needed.

23 JUNE 2017

What a lovely review thank you so much.

30 MAY 2017

Really lovely location and such a warm welcome by John and Jane. Perfect for couples on a relaxing break. Would definitely visit again 🙂

17 MAY 2017

Fantastic experience would recommend to all.

3 APRIL 2017

The Loft was wonderful and the welcome basket was delicious and full of lovely local food. Lovely hosts too.

12 SEPTEMBER 2016

Amazing place! Stunning view of sunset over the fields right from the living room! Beautiful rurual walks from your door. Wonderful, friendly hosts. Lots of homemade/home reared treats to welcome you. Decorated to a very high standard and impeccably clean. A perfect break away.

26 AUGUST 2016

Loved every minute of our stay. Great hosts who couldn't do enough to make us comfortable. Fantastic property which was clean, well appointed and perfectly located.

19 AUGUST 2016

Very comfortable and fully equipped. Generous welcome package. Very welcoming and hospitable owners. Highly recommended

29 JULY 2016

Excellent condition. Well situated and private

13 MAY 2016

Absolutely lovely. Very kind and welcoming hosts, excellent facilities and beautiful location. Thankyou so much.

Guestbook (23)

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The Rural Retreats portfolio represents the cream of self-catering luxury holiday cottages throughout the UK and Ireland. With over 400 stylishly presented country houses and cottages to choose from, each carefully selected to meet our high standards of comfort, Rural Retreats makes it easy to find just the holiday home you are looking for.

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