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Under the Yew Tree | Luxury Cotswold Holiday Cottage | Cheltenham

Under the Yew Tree

Syde, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK

We’ll see your luxury Cotswolds cottage and raise you a softened monastery, infused from doorknocker to chimney with monkish aestheticism and riddled with French-Greek fingerprints. Pass the ancient yew tree, dip under a rose-crowned lunette doorway, and enter a modern dog-friendly homestead of Anglo-Saxon parentage; with sacrosanct paintings and limewashed walls, Under the Yew Tree is the early medieval darling of Cheltenham.

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Introduction

When Under the Yew Tree’s first oolitic limestones were laid a millennium ago, William the Conqueror was overlord of England. The year was 1086; a time when terracotta stem stitches tacked the Bayeaux Tapestry, the riches of Byzantium flooded the land with wine and spices, and monks set about their worship in the shade of folkloric yew trees. All to say, this luxury dog-friendly Cotswolds cottage is British history incarnate. These days, its modernised insides are part Provençal, part Aegean; but leaded windows and penny-plain monastery walls are the heart on its stone sleeve that speak to age and provenance.

Inside

Part ancient monastery, part modernised cottage, there's space to lounge and dine and dance at Under the Yew Tree. While pianists tinkle a tune in the snug, pad up the circlet staircase with a goblet of Merlot in-hand and flump on the pillowed chaise. Let your gaze drift between the listed alcove and inglenook where, in a pop of pistachio and Prussian blue, an heirloom landscape painting by Lord Wogan Phillips brings the palette of the Cotswolds in. It was a twist of fate — long after the piece's stint on these puritanical walls began — that revealed the artwork's origin story in the neighbouring hamlet.

Outside

A humble cloistered courtyard, a handful of wild orchids, a blanket of white snowdrops, and a listed well; with heart-scrolled chairs and picnic spots aplenty, the land that surrounds Under the Yew Tree feels like a French cottage garden that’s been let loose. You might vacate by day, wading through the Regency emporiums and delis of artsy Cheltenham — but by golden hour you’ll be back to gather the spoils from the ancient fruit tree, securing a sweet supper of apples, goats cheese and wildflower honey. All this while the dog scuttles about for grouse and condensation drips down the sangria pitcher.

The Facts

  • SleepsUp to 4 guests
    From £1,795 per week, £1,450 per short break
  • Alternative group optionUp to 2 guests
  • Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are two bedrooms at this luxury Cotswolds cottage; one with a king-size bed in the historic monastery (with an en suite with clawfoot bath and frameless shower enclosure), and a one with a king-size bed in the newer side of the property (with access to a shower room on the ground floor).
    View bedrooms
  • PetsOne well-behaved dog is welcome
    Pets are charged at £60 per week or part thereof
  • Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
  • FamilyBabes-in-arms and children aged six and above are very welcome. One travel cot and highchair are available on request.
  • PracticalitiesThere is off-road parking for three cars. The kitchen has an induction three-ring hob, cooker, grill, coffee machine, and dishwasher, and there is an outhouse with washer-dryer and boot store. Guests with limited mobility should be aware that both bedrooms are on the first floor with tightly spiralled, steep staircases and the garden is sloped with uneven steps. Please note that there is a historic, listed well that is fenced off. Pheasants sometimes enjoy the garden, which is not fully enclosed, so please exercise due diligence if you are holidaying with dogs or children.
  • Homestay includesA luxury welcome hamper including chocolate brownies and cheddar cheese, iPad, WiFi, Smart TV, coal barbecue, books and board games, luxury bed linens, towels, and logs and kindling to get you started.House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
  • Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay. Details are shared through our house book on confirming your booking.
  • RetreatsFrom foraging weekenders to crash courses in cold-water therapy, our bespoke retreats bridge the gap between luxury and back-to-nature philosophies. Create a hand-crafted stay that puts connectivity at the fore.
  • Eco-friendlyElectric car charging point
  • Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsEV charger locationsCheck mobile signalRecommend to a friend

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Modern spider lighting brings a contemporary touch
The humbly anointed rooms speak to monkish minimalism
Carefully curated interiors make the main bedroom come alive

Prices & Availability

Cheltenham

With its acclaimed art museum, Victorian theatre, and proximity to Britain’s most famous racecourse, Cheltenham earned its jolly moniker: The Festival Town. Today, this Regency town brings Georgian architecture, hip watering holes, and jazz lifestyle together.

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Cheltenham
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Getting there

  • On the Map Under the Yew Tree is just 20 minutes from Cheltenham by car, set within the secluded Cotswolds village of Syde, perfectly located for visiting Chipping Norton and Stow-on-the-Wold.
  • By Car The cottage is around two hours from London and 25 minutes from the city of Gloucester.
  • By Train Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud, and Kemble train stations are each 25 minutes away from Under the Yew Tree by car. There are regular trains from London Paddington with a journey time of under two hours.
  • By Air Birmingham and Heathrow airports are both approximately one and a half hours' drive from Under the Yew Tree.

From the owner

“From the antique wrought-iron chandeliers and reclaimed beams, to the contemporary glass shower enclosure and modern light fixtures, it was our goal to restore this historic property with both authenticity and flair.”

From the owner

We stumbled across this mystical place at the beginning of 2020, and there its journey to transformation began. We were mesmerised by the history of Under the Yew Tree; in its former life, it was a monastery used by Anglo-Saxon monks, and the cottage dates back to 1086. We had no idea about the level of dedication and care that would be involved in its restoration, but by working together with Heritage England, we were able to retain its incredible features while breathing new life into the cottage. It is infused with personal touches and inherited items.

What we have always found most enchanting is the yew tree; we have been informed by local experts that monasteries were typically built around a yew tree in early medieval times, so we believe that the tree pre-dates the property itself. One of our favourite features is the stone sink, which was bought in from North Yorkshire and weighs over 200 kilograms; we wanted something in-keeping with the cottage’s history, which would reflect how monks would bathe during those days.

Natasha

Owner recommendations

Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Cheltenham with an insider’s perspective.

The Green Dragon Inn, Cockleford

To Eat

The Green Dragon Inn, Cockleford

This renowned 17th-century inn, located in neighbouring Cockleford where the heirloom painting was created, is praised for its great food, fine wines, and real ales. Think roaring log fires and beamed ceilings with the dog at your feet.

City of Bath

To See

City of Bath

The city of Bath is one of the nation´s most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Spend a day discovering Roman remains like the Temple of Sulis Minerva, before finding a delicious dining spot among the Georgian architecture.

Blenheim Palace

To Do

Blenheim Palace

Sitting in 2,100 acres of parkland landscaped by Capability Brown, Blenheim Palace is home to the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. You won´t need to be a history buff to enjoy it.

The Bell at Sapperton, Cirencester

To Eat

The Bell at Sapperton, Cirencester

A charming eatery that sits in sleepy Sapperton, The Bell is known for its long canal tunnel and association with the 20th century Arts and Crafts movement. Come here for cosy corners in winter and a courtyard brunch in summer.

Guest Testimonials

The host was so welcoming. The home was amazing. Every space was carefully thought through. Calm and peaceful. It was a little piece of heaven. We were so grateful for the EV charger. A beautiful, historic property with a contemporary and modern touch.

As always Unique Homestays, have unearthed another little gem. Under The Yew Tree was undoubtedly a property to remember, from its origins of 1036, quirky but wonderful and beautifully furnished and decorated to a high standard. Just wanted to say also a big thank you to Elin at Unique Homestays who made the rental effortless.

We had an amazing weekend at Under the Yew Tree, please thank the property owner and let her know that the house is so beautiful and tastefully finished. Thank you for everything.

Under the Yew Tree is a gorgeous property in a fabulous location. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, thank you for allowing us to stay in your wonderful home. We would love to return!

Unique extras

From private chefs to luxury at-home spa therapists and adrenalin-fuelled retreats, once you’ve booked your stay we’ll introduce you to our owner-recommended suppliers to create a truly bespoke, memorable escape.

Press

Below are a selection of features in which Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.

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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.

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