In Clover
Witney, Oxford, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
Wrap yourself in clover at this once-forgotten Cotswolds cottage encircled by private bluebell woods four miles north of Witney. A luxurious take on the bucolic country retreat, this sumptuous self-catering homestay invites groups to sink into a wood-fired hot tub under the moon and unfurl within its golden stone walls. Think Soho Home furnishings, piles of stylish books and vintage vinyl awaiting its turn after a prelude from the crackling open fire.
Introduction
Left to nature for half a century, In Clover stood within a jumble of outbuildings overgrown with nettles when new owners discovered it in 2018 and saw calm amidst the chaos. Working with the Woodland Trust to revive the sylvan surrounds, the neglected Cotswold cottages were remodeled to create one large, luxury self-catering homestay in which families could enjoy a wholesome slice of country life. Whether watching baby deer play at the end of the garden, dancing in the rain at Wilderness Festival or tucking into a round of aperitifs in the rustic gastro pub down the lane, you will never tire of ways to while away the time.
Inside
There is not an ounce of chinz in this English country house; instead a simple, sophisticated scheme is achieved by the use of ethnically-sourced designer furnishings interwoven with honest materials such as wool, oak, slate and stone. The ground floor was designed to create flowing social spaces that, at the same time, conceal hidden nooks for those wanting to pull up a velvet pew and thumb through the stacks of stylish books. Five double bedrooms painted in chalky Atelier Ellis hues overlook the vegetable gardens and, in the outbuildings, an old woodshed serves as an office, another a games room of teenagers' dreams.
Outside
A charming cottage garden frames the house, along with two acres of ancient woodland crossed by trails. Children preoccupied (there’s also a treehouse and campfire area complete with den building supplies), grown-ups can prep a slow supper in the al fresco kitchen, or sink into the hot tub with a tipple from the ice bucket and watch the world go by. Here is a place where all four seasons come with vigor. Spring starts with an explosion of cherry blossom confetti, followed by balmy summers and sienna-hued Autumns when the orchard groans under the weight of ripe fruit begging to baked in an Aga crumble. Winters? Imagine Narnia-meets-Soho House.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 10 guests
From £3,250 per week, £2,450 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 6 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsPerfect for multi-generational families, this large country home has five bedrooms in total. On the ground floor is a private king-size suite with shower room and doors leading to the garden. Up on the first floor await four double bedrooms; the master featuring a king-size bed and stylish open plan shower. Bedecked in luxury linens and chalky hues, two of the double bedrooms share the family bathroom (with roll top bath and separate shower), while the third enjoys an en suite shower room and views over the vegetable garden.
View bedrooms - FeaturesLarge wood-fired hot tub, games room with pool table, air hockey, ping pong and darts board, plus a trampoline, tree house and al fresco kitchen
- PetsTwo dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Day: Monday or FridayArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10amTimes may vary due to Covid-19 requirements, please refer to your booking.
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome; one travel cot and highchair are available along with a stairgate and Tripp Trapp highchair for toddlers, plus plenty of games.
- PracticalitiesThere is parking for five cars by the house, plus two more on the grass if needed. The kitchen is impeccably designed and features a Zanussi double oven, electric induction hob, boiling water tap, Belfast sink, integrated dishwasher, microwave, toaster and large American fridge freezer with filtered water dispenser and self-filling ice box. A washing machine, dryer and cupboard of luxury eco-friendly cleaning products can be found in the utility. The garden is enclosed (other than a one-metre entrance way), ideal for dogs and children.
- Homestay includesLuxury welcome hamper with Daylesford farm produce, apples and plums from the orchard, organic vegan toiletries, luxury bed linen, fluffy towels, board games, superfast fiber broadband, marshmallows and toasting forks, firewood to get you started...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more little luxuries
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsCheck mobile signalRecommend to a friend
Prices & Availability
Witney
Dubbed ´the pretty Cotwsolds town the tourists are yet to discover´, there´s something wonderfully secret about Witney. The historic market town hides 12 miles west of Oxford on the River Windrush and takes its name from the Old English for "Witta´s island".
Getting there
On the map This luxury country rental is four miles north of Witney and 13 miles west of Oxford on the edge of the Cotswolds AONB.
By car The property is approximately 20 minutes from Oxford and just less than two hours from London. Birmingham and Bristol are both around 90 minutes by car.
By train The journey time to Oxford from London Paddington is approximately one hour, followed by taxi to the house. Otherwise guests can catch the train to Hanborough station via Great Western Railyway
By air Heathrow Airport is just over an hour's drive away, while Gatwick is a little further. Both have taxis and car hire available.
From the owner
“Our family of five followed a dream and moved out of London to create a new life, with a little more purpose, fun and space to enjoy what´s most important.”
We spent two years planning and creating somewhere where family and friends could come together to enjoy hot summer days and cosy winter nights.
The original house was built in the 17th century with thick stone walls, inglenook fireplaces and oak beams. It has been added to over the years, with an additional cottage and outbuildings. Our job has been to reinvent the buildings and gardens to keep the original features at the heart of the home, whilst creating modern spaces which are beautiful and practical.
When we're not here, we invite groups to make themselves at home. Keep an eye out for the deer that come to visit in the early mornings and evenings, watch the sunset over the meadow from the hot tub, find a vinyl LP you haven't heard for years and play it as loud as you can in the games room. Whether watching the children get as dirty as possible in the woodland, enjoying a quiet coffee in the kitchen or tucking into supper by the Aga, we are sure you will have a wonderful time.
The Byrne Family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Witney with an insider’s perspective.
To Eat
The Bird in Hand, Witney
Perfect for a Sunday afternoon, this charming Cotswold pub is just a five minute stroll up the road. The food is delicious, the staff are super friendly and the vibe is all exposed stone walls, black labs and log fires.
To Do
Cogges Manor Farm, Witney
Made for children, 15 acres of picturesque farmland include play areas, gardens, orchards, wildlife meadows and woodland. Picnic in the orchard in the company of the resident goats, ponies, sheep, chickens and ducks, or use the ´picnic mushrooms´ by the river.
To See
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, Blenheim Palace (the birth place of Winston Churchill) provides an awe-inspiring experience with its stunning state rooms and extensive formal gardens. The ‘Upstairs’ tour takes visitors through the Marlborough family’s private apartments.
To Eat
The Wild Rabbit, Kingham
Named among the top 10 best pubs in the Cotswolds, The Wild Rabbit is a stylish re-invention of a traditional English inn. Serving locally-sourced, seasonal food and a selection of tipples in a relaxing setting, it comes highly recommended during your stay.
Unique extras
Enhance your stay with a unique experience from one of our preferred suppliers. From professional in-house chefs to luxury at-home spa therapists and wine delivered to the door, see what’s on offer for your bespoke 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.
complete an image bank request
The Best Log Cabins in the UK
Harper´s Bazaar
November 2020Taking Off
The Times
November 2020Luxury Pink Cob Cottage
House Beautiful
November 2020Hip Home Counties: 20 Chic Places
The Telegraph
November 2020The Best Holiday Cottages in Cornwall
Conde Nast Traveller
October 2020Four of the UK´s Best Rural Restaurants
Elle Decoration
October 2020Blow-the-Budget Elopements
The Telegraph
October 2020Escape the Everyday
The Times
October 2020
Collections > Impulse Escapes > UK > Oxfordshire > Oxford > In Clover
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.
