cottage accommodation in the Cotswolds

[Lindy]

DH & I will be in the Cotswolds this Fall for 4-5 nights. Have looked here, there and everywhere for a cottage for two within a budget of 50-70 pounds a night (long overall trip, have to stay within budget). Preferably in the area of Chipping Campden, Chipping Norton, or Stow on the Wold, but will of course consider elsewhere, hearby. Came across Twinkle Toes in Oddington at a very good rate. Does anyone know of this small but cute cottage?

Or has anyone found other treasures we should look at? Appreciate any help.

Lindy

 

[Pauline]

There are hundreds of cottages in the Cotswolds and many local agencies with good cottages. Have you looked through my list on the website?
http://www.sloweurope.com/vacationrentals/england/gloucestershire/

Oddington is a pretty village but I don't know the cottage.

How about http://www.broadwaymanor.co.uk - we stayed there and liked it.

This hotel owner in Broadway has two cottages http://www.cotswoldholidays.co.uk

We stayed in this cottage near Painswick - http://wellfarmcottages.wordpress.com

I live in the Cotswolds and can answer any questions for you about the area.

 

[Lindy]

Yes, we had looked at most of the ones on your list. Although, must admit there were a couple we had not previously found. We've been at this for days on end it seems.

We have found a few that could suit but as yet have not committed to. Twinkle Toes, in Oddington being one, as it has such a reasonable rate and is near to where we want to be. We just wanted further comment from other members, if they know the property.

Do appreciate your help.

Lindy

 

[Pauline]

Have you asked the owner what the square footage is? I think it is very small. The reviews on homeaway.co.uk are pretty detailed (and positive). The price is very good.

 

[Lindy]

Yes, it's small - actually shades of many Paris apts! The owner has been very helpful with details. We have booked the cottage based on the owner's helpfulness and reviews posted. Will post a review after our stay.

Thanks for your help

 

[Lisa in Ottawa]

Lindy,
It looks very sweet. In a lovely area. I think we ate in 1 of the pubs. I think it would be great for 2 for a short stay.

 

[Lindy]

DH went to a lot of trouble making up a floor plan based on photos (ie placement of windows etc) on the different sites along with the info that was available. Think it's going to work out just fine, especially considering we will be out and about most of the time. It will be a nice cosy spot in the Cotswolds!

I am surprised that the accommodation sites don't insist on good descriptive photos of all rooms (not just the decorative touches) for all types of accommodation. There are definitely certain criteria most travellers look for. For instance to say that there is a shower, doesn't tell one a whole lot. Size of bed is another important issue especially for north American travellers who generally are used to larger beds than the Europeans. Space can be dealt with, lack of sleep is a bad start to the next day. They say a picture is worth a thousand words - so so true. This was one of the problems we were having in selecting a rental.

 

[Pauline]

I am doing a search now for a France trip and I find it difficult to have to read every detail and closely examine every photo. One place I was looking at did not mention that you have to climb a ladder to the bedroom - but one of the reviewers mentioned it.

Size of bed is important to us too and many places in France have a double, not a US Queen. I have a page on the site about sizes of beds in Europe.

At least on HomeAway they have the list of amenities where everything is listed - number of bathrooms and if they are showers or tubs, number of bedrooms (and if you are lucky, the size of the bed).

I get frustrated with agencies that don't have availability calendars.

And you have to look at a lot of photos to figure out if a place might be dark - with very few windows.

 

[Lindy]

Pauline,

Touche. When we first started seriously travelling in 09, one of the first things we did was to make the same sort of chart re bed sizes. Very useful, as it hangs on the computer.

However, a ladder? Well that really should have required a photo. It's just such tidbits from other travellers that are so very helpful and we are all so thankful for them.

Kudos to all who bring them to light.

 

[Lisa in Ottawa]

Pauline,

Touche. When we first started seriously travelling in 09, one of the first things we did was to make the same sort of chart re bed sizes. Very useful, as it hangs on the computer.

However, a ladder? Well that really should have required a photo. It's just such tidbits from other travellers that are so very helpful and we are all so thankful for them.

Kudos to all who bring them to light.

I also hate it when there isn't an availability calendar. A lot of time is wasted sending a message when the place is already booked. Another pet peeve is no price.

 

[Flo]

There are hundreds of cottages in the Cotswolds and many local agencies with good cottages. Have you looked through my list on the website?
http://www.sloweurope.com/vacationrentals/england/gloucestershire/

Oddington is a pretty village but I don't know the cottage.

How about http://www.broadwaymanor.co.uk - we stayed there and liked it.

This hotel owner in Broadway has two cottages http://www.cotswoldholidays.co.uk

We stayed in this cottage near Painswick - http://wellfarmcottages.wordpress.com

I live in the Cotswolds and can answer any questions for you about the area.

My husband and I are looking for accommodation in the Cotswolds for two months; May and June. Finding it very frustrating after weeks of looking, especially as we need wifi and laundry facilities, when it's that long. I'm not sure why so many sites limit your search to 14, 21, or 28 days. Any insights? Thank you very much.

 

[Pauline]

Hi Flo! Are you looking for May and June in the same place? For this year? If so, it may be hard to find because these are busy months and will book up. If it is for next year, then you should be able to find something. If it is for this year, it might be easier to look for 2 - 3 places.

Most agencies and rent from owner websites are set up for people booking one week, so won't have easy search options for longer rentals. Your best bet would be to contact one of the local agencies and talk to them, to see if they have something that might suit your needs. Or contact the owners directly and tell them what it is you are looking for.

Wifi is more common now than it used to be. For laundry, you will usually get a washing machine but not always a dryer. There will be a clothes rack or outside line for hanging clothes.

Give me a few more details and I may be able to suggest something.

 

[Flo]

Hi Flo! Are you looking for May and June in the same place? For this year? If so, it may be hard to find because these are busy months and will book up. If it is for next year, then you should be able to find something. If it is for this year, it might be easier to look for 2 - 3 places.

Most agencies and rent from owner websites are set up for people booking one week, so won't have easy search options for longer rentals. Your best bet would be to contact one of the local agencies and talk to them, to see if they have something that might suit your needs. Or contact the owners directly and tell them what it is you are looking for.

Wifi is more common now than it used to be. For laundry, you will usually get a washing machine but not always a dryer. There will be a clothes rack or outside line for hanging clothes.

Give me a few more details and I may be able to suggest something.

I found a place for 6 weeks, which will make the remaining 17 days easier to book. Thanks.

 

[Pauline]

A friend of mine just emailed that he has a new vacation rental in Snowhill, outside of Broadway. He and his wife ran a B&B for years. Their location is beautiful.
www.broadway-cotswolds.co.uk/sheepscombe.html

 

[Flo]

A friend of mine just emailed that he has a new vacation rental in Snowhill, outside of Broadway. He and his wife ran a B&B for years. Their location is beautiful.
www.broadway-cotswolds.co.uk/sheepscombe.html

Somewhat above our price point, but it looks lovely.