The Guest Cottage is furnished throughout with beautiful antiques, paintings, ornaments and an impressive collection of books chosen by Lady Ashcombe (whose office and studio are located at the rear of the cottage). The Guest Cottage is five minutes' walk to the entrance to Sudeley Castle and Gardens and just ten minutes' walk to the heart of historic Winchcombe.
Downstairs, the accommodation includes a welcoming hallway, a fully equipped country kitchen with dining table and an elegant, yet cosy, living room with a flat-screen TV and DVD player, plus a wide selection of books to curl up within a comfy armchair or window seat. Upstairs, the accommodation comprises two double bedrooms, one twin bedroom and two bathrooms, one en-suite with a walk-in shower and the other a family bathroom with walk-in shower and bathtub.
Ground Floor
Entrance Hall:
Step through the rose-covered porch into the tiled hallway. Straight ahead are the stairs to the bedrooms and bathrooms; to the left the Living Room; and straight ahead there's a handy under-stair cupboard housing cleaning items, ironing board and a highchair. (A locked door leads off the hallway to Lady Ashcombe's private office.)
Living Room:
The stylish Living Room overlooking the front garden has an air of 1930's glamour, with its original fireplace surround and tiles, wooden floor and rugs, sink-in sofa seating, comfy armchairs, antique card table and bookcases brimming with books of every kind, including Burke's Peerage. Complementing the antique feel is an up-to-date, large Freeview TV and DVD player.
Kitchen-Dining Area:
The country-cottage, dual aspect Kitchen, with its cream coloured cabinets and wooden work surfaces, is fully equipped for a self-catered stay. Up-to-date equipment includes a five-ring hob and double oven, Nespresso coffee machine, fridge/freezer with chilled water dispenser, microwave, utensils, dishwasher, toaster, kettle, washer-dryer and all the glassware, crockery and cutlery needed by six guests. At the centre of the kitchen is an oak dining table with seating for six guests on comfy dining chairs, and to the side is a handy desk with a lamp.
First Floor
Bedroom One:
The light and welcoming en-suite master bedroom looks out over the front and side garden. Furnished with a king-size double bed, Art Deco-style bedside tables and reading lamps, an antique dressing table, chest of drawers (with hairdryer and mirror above), wardrobe (housing luggage rack, travel cot and heater) and a delightful small armchair, this bedroom has everything you would need for a restful stay. Beautiful, thick floral curtains, the original, but ornamental, fireplace and antique paintings and prints bring character and charm to the bedroom. Two steps down into the:
En-Suite Bathroom:
The en-suite bathroom has a large shower (one step up) with detachable hand-held shower head, W.C., washbasin with vanity unit, heated towel rail and a full-length mirror, which can be viewed from the bedroom.
Bedroom Two:
Decorated in pale grey with accents of green, this pretty, double bedroom overlooks the front garden. It is furnished with a standard double bed, bedside tables with reading lamps, an antique, freestanding wardrobe and two dressing tables, one with a large mirror and hairdryer. Beautiful, thick floral curtains, the original, but ornamental, fireplace and antique paintings and prints add character and charm to the bedroom.
Landing leading to:
Family Bathroom:
At the back of the house, overlooking the rear garden, is the Family Bathroom featuring a roll top bath, walk-in shower, washbasin with vanity unit and mirror, and heated towel rail.
Bedroom Three:
The smallest and quietest bedroom, this room overlooks the side garden and features two single beds with a shared bedside table and reading light. The room is furnished with a chest of drawers with a large mirror above it, a luggage rack, spare heater and hooks for hanging clothes. (Note: this room does not have a wardrobe.)
Outside
The Guest Cottage has a large garden to the front, with a lawn divided by a lavender-lined pathway leading down to Castle Road - the main road from Winchcombe across the Cotswolds to Stow-on-the-Wold. The garden has a table with seating for six, a parasol and barbecue (please provide your own charcoal). To the rear is a huge garden laid to lawn with a towering yew tree, herbaceous borders and deciduous woodland leading down to a small stream. To the side are outhouses, one private and one open for guests' use. At certain times of the year, neighbouring horses graze in the adjoining fields.
Parents of young children: please note that because the garden is big and rambling and has a small stream running along the border of the rear garden, young children should always be accompanied by an adult while in the garden.
