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Cotland House - Burford

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The perfect Cotswolds B&B

A lovely Cotswolds B&B in a lovely Cotswolds village - what could be more of an escape than that? Cotland House, a beautiful detached Victorian cottage has been transformed by owners Shelly and Tim into a stunning, fresh and stylish place to stay, with airy bedrooms and lots of little luxurious trimmings. Small enough to keep its romantic, rustic atmosphere, yet big enough to avoid treading on anyone’s toes, it’s one of the new breed of British B&Bs you’d actually kill to stay in.

In the bedrooms, comfy, antique-y beds are dressed with crisp linens and chic throws, while classy, neutral colour-schemes make the rooms’ lovely views the main attraction. Period features, sloping eaves and stylish, lovingly-chosen accessories are just the icing on the cake. All rooms are have fab white-tiled, en-suite bathrooms with either a bath or shower.

Breakfast is served in an equally gorgeous dining room, with wood pannelling and a mish-mash of vintage chairs and tables. A big emphasis is placed on local and organic produce, with freshly-baked bread and eggs laid by local hens a particular treat. It’s all very relaxed and the perfect way to start a Cotswolds day.

Where is it?

Cotland House is just a few minutes’ stroll over the River Windrush from the stunning Cotswolds town of Burford, once a popular Georgian stop-off between Oxford and the West Country, a perfect base for exploring the area. Its magnificent high street, flanked by honey-coloured buildings built in Cotswold stone, sweeps down to a medieval bridge crossing the River Windrush, and tourists-in-the-know flock to enjoy its unspoilt character and inevitable plethora of antique shops. It’s a bona fide potterer’s paradise.

But it’s the countryside that’s really the star round here, and while the miles and miles of rolling hills, country lanes and picturebook villages that are the Cotswolds are there on your doorstep, walkers in Burford can get their fix of fresh air without even touching the ignition. A gorgeous, 4-mile walk through the Windrush Valley, taking in ancient burial grounds, Norman manor houses and tiny villages, starts and ends in town (log on to www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org for a full map and directions). If you don’t mind exploring on four wheels (or two), this area - the biggest Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty in England - is your oyster. The lovely Cotswolds town of Stow-on-the-Wold is just 9 miles from Burford, while the even lovelier Broadway is only a little further. For loads more Cotswolds walks, things to see and places to eat, read The Weekenders Guide to the Cotswolds.

Eight miles south of Burford is the pretty market town of Lechlade, famous as the last navigable point of the River Thames, before it gets too piddly (its source is about 18 miles upstream, in a field near Cirencester). A statue of Old Father Thames at St John’s Lock, the highest lock on the river, oversees proceedings, but you can make your own pilgrimage complete by getting afloat. Cotswold Boat Hire (www.cotswoldboat.co.uk Tel: 01793 727083) by the pretty Trout Inn hires out rowing boats, or cute little electric boats for the lazy.

Downstream of Lechlade, and just 19 miles from Burford, are the scene-stealing, dreaming spires of Oxford. They’re hard to ignore and why would you want to anyway? For the best things to see, do and eat in this British weekending mecca, read The Weekenders Guide to Oxford.

Where can I eat?

The Carpenter’s Arms (www.thecarpentersarmsfulbrook.co.uk Tel: 01993 823275) in Fulbrook, within spitting distance of Cotland House, is a deservedly popular gastropub, loved by locals and critics alike. Fantastically fresh and seasonal fine dining menus, that change daily, are delivered by head chef, Paul Griffith, a former chef for the Saudi royal family no less! It’s definitely a no-brainer dining option for an amazing (and super-convenient) evening meal.

Over in Burford, The Angel (www.theangelatburford.co.uk Tel: 01993 822714) is a gorgeous 16th century inn, with a light and airy dining room. The lovingly-compiled menus, with a distinct Brit flavour, are mouthwatering. Oh, and the puddings are particularly fab. Otherwise, Burford Lodge (www. burfordlodge.com Tel: 01993 823354) has a great restaurant serving food that’s comfort eating at its best - great starters, followed by Brit classics include fish pie, beef wellington and duck, cooked and presented with real flair.

A little further out of town - a couple of minutes’ drive to be precise - is The Inn for All Seasons (www.innforallseasons.co.uk Tel: 01451 844324), an elegant, Cotswold-stone country inn, with timbered ceilings and stone-flagged floors. Internationally experienced head chef, Matthew Sharp, describes his style as ‘British Continental’ and delivers a gorgeously vibrant award-winning menu. Fresh fish is delivered daily from Brixham, and the inn’s speciality is an amazing separate menu full of zingy seafood dishes. Of course, Burford is a definite do-able drive from Oxford, if you want to sample a whole range of great restaurants. For more information on the best eateries in town, read The Weekenders Guide to Oxford.

One last mention has to go to Mrs Bumbles Deli (www.mrsbumbles.co.uk Tel: 01993 822209) on Burford High Street - a haven for picnic lovers. Stock up your hamper and venture out on the Thames for an idyllic, ‘mole and ratty’ day out.

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A lovely Cotswolds B&B in a lovely Cotswolds village - what could be more of an escape than that? Cotland House, a beautiful detached Victorian cottage has been transformed by owners Shelly and Tim into a stunning, fresh and stylish place to stay.