Autumn staycation season has arrived, and a 300-year-old Grade II listed stone thatched cottage in the Cotswold village of Broad Campden is drawing praise from guests. Inglenook Cottage, located around 40 miles from Birmingham, is available for seven-night stays from £726 via Rural Retreats, with availability from mid-September and short breaks in October, November and December.
Original features and modern comforts
The cottage, which once served as the village smithy, retains original features including exposed beams, a stone staircase and a large inglenook fireplace. It accommodates two guests and a dog, making it suited for couples seeking a romantic Cotswolds getaway.
On the ground floor, guests find a living room, kitchen and utility room, while upstairs there is one bedroom, a shower room and a study. Modern appliances are installed throughout, allowing visitors to enjoy period charm alongside contemporary conveniences. Outside, a small courtyard garden offers a spot for autumn sunshine, and numerous picturesque walks begin from the doorstep.
Local amenities and nearby attractions
The village pub The Bakers Arms is a short walk away, and the historic market town of Chipping Campden is reachable within five minutes by car. Chipping Campden's high street features parts dating back to the 14th century and hosts independent shops and eateries.
Further afield, the Cotswold towns of Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold, Upper and Lower Slaughters are popular destinations, and Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace, is a half-hour drive away. Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre, 15 minutes from Broad Campden by car, offers a notable autumn display, and the National Trust's Hidcote Garden is a similar distance away.
Guest reviews and property considerations
One guest wrote in a five-star review: "Absolutely beautiful, words cannot explain how stunning this cottage is, the village is stunning and so welcoming. Everything was catered for and the welcome pack so thoughtful. Will definitely be back."
Another visitor praised: "Beautiful village with an abundance of lovely dog walks. Very quiet and peaceful. A lovely courtyard garden which was a suntrap." A third echoed: "Such a beautiful cottage in a pretty little village, It had everything you could possibly need and the fireplace was amazing."
Some guests noted challenges with the property's period features. One said: "Sadly we found the low beams tricky and kept banging our heads," while another commented: "Difficult stairs to manage getting to the bedroom and bathroom."
The Rural Retreats property description advises: "Some low ceilings and beams and uneven treads on the stone stairs. Please take care when using the stairs, due to its age, the stone staircase leading to the first floor is uneven in places, winding and quite steep but does have a solid wood banister. Unsuitable for guests with limited mobility."
Alternative accommodation in the area
For those seeking other options, holidaycottages.co.uk lists several self-catering properties in Chipping Campden, including Pear Tree Cottage for couples, Jacksons Cottage sleeping four, The Sheppey for up to six, and Honeystone House accommodating 16 with a pool and hot tub. The Ebrington Arms, a village pub in Chipping Campden, is the top-rated hotel choice on Booking.com, offering rooms with countryside or village green views and a hearty breakfast.
