
Guest testimonials
What a wonderful week we have had at Nightjar. Our family reunion was everything we’d hoped for and more. The weather treated us to an unforgettable heatwave which made daily swims both a necessity and a cherished ritual. Thank you for providing the perfect setting for making memories we’ll talk about for years to come. The laughter, the food, the swims and most importantly, the time together have made this a truly special stay.
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Nightjar
Ampney Crucis, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Where the Cotswolds unfold in gentle hills and honeyed stone, Nightjar stands luminescent – a contemporary interpretation of centuries-old craft. Set in Ampney Crucis near Cirencester, this luxury self-catering country house honours the region's farmstead tradition in material and form. Sun-drenched interiors spill onto pastoral views of grazing alpacas and rescued miniature donkeys, whilst a heated pool, sauna, private cinema and games room invite multi-generational gatherings. Read more...
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Introduction
In the tawny Cotswold uplands, where the Ampney Brook threads through storied pastures, life follows the land's ancient rhythms. Nightjar, conceived by Houston Morris Architects with interiors by Catherine Mitchell, lies moments from Cirencester. It sits in harmony with its rural location, yet is thoroughly contemporary. The home unfolds as three interconnected volumes: a soaring double-height 'living house' awash with shifting light and architectural lines; a tranquil 'sleeping house' offering cocooning repose; and a high-spec 'service house', adjoined by glazed links. Together, they shape a luxurious cadence of rural living for families.
Inside
Bespoke oak panelling, curated artworks and mid-century pieces lend soul to modern spaces designed for gathering. A hand-blown glass chandelier descends through the living area where furnishings in bespoke Pierre Frey fabrics invite backgammon by firelight. In the sleeping house, five luxurious en suite bedrooms provide retreat for up to ten guests, the master suite complete with a private deck and hot tub. Below, a velveteen cinema room offers hushed escapism, complemented by vintage arcade games. As guests move between sunlit rooms and atmospheric spaces, the house reveals its duality: pastoral calm and all-generation entertainment.
Outside
Encircled by sweeping grounds designed by award-winning garden designer Marcus Barnett, Nightjar opens seamlessly to its surroundings. Expansive terraces capture last light, whilst an indoor-outdoor fireplace and al fresco dining area welcome evening feasting. The heated pool invites contemplative laps and, for those seeking further restoration, there's a sunken hot tub, sauna and steam room. Beyond the garden perimeter, nearby historic villages lie latticed with weather-softened stone: Ampney Crucis with its historic church and Cirencester with its Roman heritage and artisanal fare.
There are five bedrooms at Nightjar, all of which are en suite, and there are two additional, separate WCs.


Bedroom One
Super-king Bedroom
This ground floor bedroom features a super king-size bed and en suite bathroom with a separate shower and deep bath.


Bedroom Two
Zip-and-Link Bedroom
The second ground floor bedroom features a zip-and-link bed, which can be arranged as either twins or a double. It also benefits from a feature fireplace and an en suite shower room with Jack-and-Jill access to the hallway.


Bedroom Three
King Bedroom
This king-size bedroom, with en suite shower room is one of three bedrooms on the first floor.


Bedroom Four
Super-king Bedroom
Also on the first floor is this super king-size bedroom flaunting a standalone bath and a separate en suite shower room.


Bedroom Five
King Bedroom
The final bedroom on the first floor is this king-size bedroom, with en suite shower room.
- PricingFrom £7,495 per week, £5,595 per short break
- FeaturesOutdoor swimming pool (available May - September), hot tub, sauna, cinema room and games room with table tennis and a pool table
- PetsSorry, due to the proximity of livestock dogs are not permitted
- FamilyChildren and babies are welcome
- PracticalitiesThere is private parking for up to four cars. The kitchen is well equipped with two ovens, a gas hob, microwave, dishwasher, wine fridge, Nespresso coffee machine and commercial fridge/freezer. A well appointed utility room features a washing machine and tumble dryer. Please note the fire is gas and there are CCTV cameras in operation - only those directed at the entrance and perimeter will be active when guests are in residence. There are also donkeys and alpacas grazing in the garden. The property is a much-loved family home, and the owner wishes for it to be enjoyed in the same capacity by families. Please note, parties are not permitted at this property.
- Private cateringWhether you're looking for a fully catered stay or a one-off meal for a special occasion, discover your bespoke catering options
Explore private dining - Eco-friendlyAir source heat pump and high-performance glazing
- RestrictionsParties are not permitted at the property
Arrivals & departures
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Other information
Fresh produce
- Crusty loaf of fresh bread
- Milk
- Free-range eggs
- Butter
- A selection of local cheeses
- Savoury biscuits for cheese
- Wine
- Local fruit jam
- Fresh fruit
- Chocolates
- Biscuits
- Fresh mint, thyme and parsley from the garden (when in season)
Please note - the owners strive to source the best produce for your welcome hamper, however, the contents may vary slightly depending on the season and amount of people comprising your party. Please indicate any dietary requirements on your booking form.
Those all-important little luxuries
- Luxury toiletries
- Scented candles
- Luxury bed linen and towels
- Pool towels
- Fluffy bathrobes
- A selection of breakfast and herbal teas
- Coffee pods/beans
- Olive oil
- Magazines
- Board games
- Hairdryer
- Marshmallows and a toasting fork
- Condiments, dried herbs and spices
- Recipe books
- Highchair and cot
House book - your property and destination guide
Together with the owners, we've collated everything you'll need to make the most of your experience, from insider tips on local gems to practical property information, all in one digital house book, shared the moment you book.
Ampney Crucis
A stone´s throw from the vibrant market town of Cirencester, Ampney Crucis dates back to Roman times and clusters around two former water mills. Honey-coloured cottages and graceful manor houses peek through evergreens. Beyond the village edges, patchwork fields and open farmland unfold.

Getting there
- On the map Nightjar sits in the Cotswolds village of Ampney Crucis near Cirencester in Gloucestershire.
- By car Approximately two and a half hours from London and half an hour from both Gloucester and Cheltenham.
- By train Kemble is the nearest station, about 15-20 minutes away by car.
- By air Both Birmingham and Heathrow airport are just over an hour's drive away.

“Built in warm, luminous Cotswold stone by highly skilled local craftsmen, Nightjar is the perfect blend of pleasing modern design, grounded in centuries old techniques and traditions.”
Shortlisted for the prestigious BHA Home of the Year Award, the architect was inspired by the area's heritage of clustered agricultural barns and out-buildings. They used double height spaces, glass walkways and expansive glazing to maximise countryside views and spectacular sunsets.
Bordering a working estate where alpacas and rescued donkeys graze the pasture, the aim was to create a refined yet relaxed country retreat with interior and exterior spaces, seamlessly flowing together. Enhancing the sense of escape, an inviting oversized hot tub, swimming pool, sauna and steam room create the perfect environment to kick back, relax and unwind. There's an indoor/outdoor fireplace with a generous, heated terrace and an outdoor kitchen serving as a focal point for long lazy lunches, afternoon tea and sundowners.
Inside, comfort, sophistication and thoughtful design guide everything. Tactile fabrics, lovingly sourced mid-century pieces and modern accents were chosen to create a calm, layered, original aesthetic. From the games room to the bar and state of the art cinema room, we hope the house provides a little luxury to all who stay.
Discover the best destinations, experiences and restaurants to visit during your stay in Ampney Crucis. A larger selection of recommendations will be available in the property's digital house book.
To Eat
The Village Pub, Bibury
A quintessential Cotswolds local, The Village Pub serves proper pub food in a setting of oak beams, dimly lit corners and roaring fireplaces. Settle in for nostalgic, home-cooked dishes – from Thursday steak nights featuring local Jesse Smith meats to hearty Sunday roasts and traditional bar snacks. The perfect spot for a post-ramble pint.
To Do
Talland Riding School, Ampney Knowle
Family-run riding school Talland offers exceptional riding experiences for all abilities across its expansive facilities. From hacking across cross-country courses to dressage lessons in the 60m indoor school, this local equestrian centre blends expert instruction with Cotswold living.
To Shop
Elkstone Studios, Elkstone
Contemporary Cotswold living at its finest, Elkstone Studios is the perfect place to while away an afternoon. Savour seasonal dishes in the food hall, browse independent boutiques for homeware and lifestyle finds or unwind with a therapeutic massage or a yoga session in the tipi. A former farmyard reimagined.
To Eat
Wild Thyme & Honey, Ampney Crucis
Set on the banks of the Ampney Brook, a stone´s throw from the house, Wild Thyme & Honey offers seasonal, farm-to-table dining inspired by its idyllic Cotswold surroundings. Think elevated British classics with global influences served in a beautifully restored 16th century country inn.
Whether you're curious about pet policies, the nearest walkable pubs, or wild swimming spots, we have the answers to common property-specific queries here. For everything else, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Will we see the animals up close?
It is very likely that guests of Nightjar will see the donkeys during their stay. They often graze right in the garden, separated from the social areas by a ha-ha.
Is there CCTV on the property?
Yes, but only the cameras directed at the entrance and perimeter are active while guests are staying.
Is there parking at Nightjar?
Yes, there is private parking for up to four cars.
Where is the nearest train station?
The nearest station is in Kemble, which is 15 to 20 minutes away by car.
Where is the nearest restaurant?
The Pig-in the Cotswolds is two and a half miles away.
Where can I buy groceries from?
Cirencester is less than five miles away and there is a Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Lidl and Aldi in the town.
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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Wild at heart
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August 2026
The entrepreneurs cashing in on the £1.3tn wellness holiday boom
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August 2026
5 waterside stays to book
Country Living
August 2026
Time to cool off
The Times
July 2026
Broad horizons
Harper´s Bazaar
July 2026
The Times art critic’s favourite holiday homes with artful interiors
The Times
July 2026
5 beach houses to book
Country Living
July 2026
How to spend a long weekend in the Cotswolds
SheerLuxe
July 2026
Related collections
Collections > Holiday homes within 3 hours of London > UK > Gloucestershire > Cirencester > Nightjar





