The Studio
Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
A time-travelling home tends to have a certain kind of oomph. Maybe it has cooing dovecotes, an ancient river, or stacks of storied stone that speak to its dairy days. Or perhaps it has Crittall walls, mid-century loungers, and punchy art installations that turn the living space into a loft. In the beating heart of Upper Slaughter, one of England’s “doubly-thankful” villages, The Studio brings creative energy to an unsuspecting pocket of the Cotswolds.
Introduction
It could be the real-life Repair Shop, every inch of it restored, retained, repointed, and resurrected. And yet, an elevation happened here that took this barn in the Cotswolds from humble cream-and-cheese beginnings to something that wouldn’t be out of place amidst the warehouses of artsy Tribeca. As much a lived-in exhibition as a couples’ residence, as much an upholding of heritage as the making of an honest-to-goodness personal space, The Studio put the Grade II rubric on a pedestal, then anointed it in pink cement tiles, poured concrete floors, and dark mustard cabinetry. You might expect Basquiat to be reclining in the Eames chair, or perhaps a certain Q.
Inside
Good design is a subtle phenomenon; using all sorts of genius, yet ensuring we don’t think much about those efforts at all. Here, the focal point is not the authenticated Eero Saarinen tulip table or the one-of-a-kind Fornasetti armoire, not the giant Stovax woodburner or the “stick em up” art from Frieze London. At The Studio, soul is the pearl in the oyster. An ode to the owner’s father — who came from the Highlands, tools in tow, to handpick and carve each beam and truss — the barn is the encore of a craftsman who introduced substance to style. Here, industrialism brings modernity to a heritage space; think of it as "museum meets Manhattan".
Outside
In one of the twin villages of Slaughter (from the Old English slohtre, meaning mudland), The Studio is one of just fifty homes in England’s fairest hamlet. Close to the market town of Stow-on-the-Wold — with its antiques stores, fine art galleries, and old inns — yet far enough from the bustle to hear the nuthatches. Its private walled yard, flanked by a slow-flowing river and outfitted with a pizza oven, brings Tuscan zhuzh to the county; a place for tearing mozzarella and swirling black-fruit Barolos. And just a mooch away, over an ancient footbridge and past a red telephone box, you'll find a revered eatery; not bad for a place where time stood still.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 2 guests
From £1,495 per week, £1,095 per short break - Bedrooms and bathroomsThere is one bedroom with a king-size bed and en suite with walk-in rainfall shower and WC.
- FeaturesPizza oven and fire pits
- PetsSorry, no pets
- Arrivals and departuresArrival Day: Friday or MondayArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilySorry, no babies or children
- PracticalitiesThere is parking for one car on the gravel next to the barn. The well-equipped kitchen has an oven, induction hob, dishwasher, and under-counter fridge and freezer. There is no washing machine or tumble dryer. Please note that there is a low original beam between the kitchen and dining area, so do mind your head.
- Homestay includesA luxury welcome hamper with baked goods and little dailies sourced from Daylesford Organic, iPad, Wi-Fi internet, Apple Smart TV with Netflix and Amazon Prime, Bang & Olufsen speaker system, Miele bean-to-cup coffee machine, charcoal Weber barbecue, books and board games, luxury linens, and logs and kindling to get you started...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more little luxuries
- 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-friendly11kw EV charger (available via the Tap Connect app or RFID)
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsEV charger locationsCheck mobile signalRecommend to a friend
Prices & Availability
Upper Slaughter
Burrowed in a sleepy Cotswolds valley, Upper Slaughter is oft-voted the prettiest village in England for a reason. Expect every quintessential biscuit tin scene, but without a hint of cliché; think local community, oodles of soul, and perhaps a sighting from the silver screen.
Getting there
- On the Map This luxury barn is located in Upper Slaughter near Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds, ideally located for visiting Bibury and Stow-on-the-Wold.
- By Car The Studio is thirty minutes from Cheltenham and Cirencester, one hour from Oxford, and two-and-a-half hours from London by car.
- By Train Kingham is twenty minutes away by car. There are regular trains from London Paddington with GWR with a journey time of under one-and-a-half hours.
- By Air Gloucestershire Airport is one hour away, whilst Birmingham, Bristol, and London Heathrow Airports are each less than two hours away by car. There are private airstrips and helipads nearby.
From the owner
“Our story in the village started in 2008, when we fell in love with both the pristine beauty and local community of Upper Slaughter; The Studio is our biggest labour of love, restored with warmth and integrity.”
The barn was originally built in the 18th century to support the dairy farm, which was operational until the late 80s. Its previous owners began renovations of the main farmhouse and grounds, but The Studio lay largely untouched.
After we acquired Lower Farmhouse, we set about extensive and sensitive renovations, with the barn being the final project. Our brief was to retain its history and design integrity, whilst making it a warm, cosy, and inviting space.
We took inspiration from local barns and places we love like The Newt and Soho Farmhouse, styling it with classic Cotswolds materials, but mixing in statement contemporary art and iconic pieces like the Vitra Eames Lounge Chair and Knoll Saarinen table. The shower room is a spa haven, with cocooning Bert & May tiles and underfloor heating that helps ease you into the day.
There are walks from the door, and quintessential market towns all around. The area is a magnet for foodies; for those who like to cook, there are delis, bakeries, and one-stop farm shops like Daylesford. Those who prefer swilling and chatting to chopping and stirring will find lively pubs and Michelin-starred restaurants just minutes away.
Lee
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Upper Slaughter with an insider’s perspective.
To Eat
The Fox at Oddington
With a central village setting and organic food from the Daylesford estate, it has open fires, a choice of places to eat and drink, and a private garden; call it a Cotswolds institution.
To See
Broadway Tower, Worcestershire
The brainchild of the great 18th Century landscape gardener Capability Brown, Broadway Tower is an iconic landmark and the Cotswolds´ official highest castle.
To Do
Daylesford Organic Farm
Visit the farm, garden, and shop before settling down for a feast in the Trough Café. For those who wish to delve a little deeper, spend an afternoon learning new skills on a cookery course.
To See
Arlington Row, Bibury
Set in the parish of Bibury, Arlington Row has its roots in the 14th-century; once a wool store, then a row of weavers houses, and today one of the most photographed National Trust properties.
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.
complete an image bank request
Inside a maximalist fairytale castle at Christmas
House Beautiful
December 2023Brilliant Christmas escapes
The Times
November 2023The UK´s best holiday homes
Condé Nast Traveller
November 2023Natural world
25 Beautiful Homes
November 2023The world´s best stays for art-lovers
The Times
November 2023Sense of purpose
Country Homes & Interiors
October 2023Glastonbury is extortionate - here´s what else you can get for your money
The Telegraph
October 2023The best woodland stays in the UK
The Times
October 2023
Collections > Luxury Christmas Breaks > UK > Gloucestershire > Upper Slaughter > The Studio
Related Collections
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.
