Inkwell Cottage
Burford, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
On the outside, this pretty cottage built from The Cotswolds’ trademark honeyed stone, complete with twin chimneys and climbing roses framing the front door, looks as though it’s as sweet on the inside as warm cherry pie. But be fooled not, there’s not an ounce of twee between Inkwell Cottage’s walls. Handcrafted, atelier in style and ever-so fun, this self-catering home near Burford is a pocketful of luxury throwing all conventionality out of its mullion windows.
Introduction
Filled to the brim with playful fixtures and salient artwork made by friends, becoming acquainted with Inkwell Cottage is akin to meeting the most bodacious character in the room; witty, lively and overflowing with charisma. Kick off shoes at the door and breeze into the kitchen to put on a pot of coffee, before padding through the courtyard at the back of the cottage and into the artists’ studio, where a chaise-lounge and pile of books tempts guests to forget about the outside world. This modern retreat blows the cobwebs from traditional luxury Cotswolds cottages with vigour.
Inside
A deep, moss green velvet sofa settled in front of an inglenook fireplace invites guests to sink into relaxation during dark winter nights in Inkwell Cottage’s country-style living room, while all around, curious collectables adorn the walls and shelves. Up the wonky stairs to the bedroom, a king-size bed rests against a rustic, repurposed Champagne riddling rack and apothecary bottles sit alongside a wooden hand pinching a lightbulb, hinting to a time of touring Victorian magicians.
Outside
Amidst miniature topiary and a climbing virginia creeper, the bistro table in Inkwell Cottage’s courtyard is an idyllic spot for morning croissants or an al fresco summer supper. During the day, however, the AONB in which the cottage sits must be explored (if only for the glut of tearooms and gastro pubs serving treats aplenty), so lace up those trusty walking boots and head out into the rolling hills of The Cotswolds. For those who would rather browse than hike, nearby olde-worlde Burford is twinkling with antique shops and boutiques.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 2 guests
From £1,150 per week, £895 per short break - Bedrooms and bathroomsInkwell Cottage has one loft-style bedroom with king-size bed accessed by stairs from the living room, and one ground floor bathroom featuring a bathtub, overhead shower and WC.
View bedrooms - PetsSorry, no pets
- Arrivals and departuresArrival Day: Friday or MondayArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 9.30am (see calendar for late checkout options)
- FamilySorry, no children or babies.
- PracticalitiesThe property has a small garage, which a standard size car can park the bonnet in and the rest of your vehicle fits on the area outside of the garage. Should your car not fit, or you do not wish to park like this, alternative parking can be found in the village. The cottage kitchen is well-equipped for a romantic self-catering escape, featuring an electric Aga, Nespresso coffee machine, dishwasher, washer-dryer and fridge-freezer. Please note, owing to the charming nature of the property, due care is to be taken on the steep stairs as the bannister is askew, yet perfectly safe.
- Homestay includesLuxury welcome hamper, handmade soaps, waffle bathrobes, i-Box Bluetooth speakers, Nespresso coffee machine, firewood and kindling to get you started...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more little luxuries
- Private cateringDiscover your options for private dining and fully catered breaks.
- Additional extrasA handpicked selection of unique experiences are available at this property.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsEV charger locationsCheck mobile signalRecommend to a friend
Prices & Availability
Burford
Known as ‘the gateway to the Cotswolds’ and flaunting a very special olde worlde charm, Burford is set in a beautifully unspoiled corner of the UK where winding streets, curious antique shops, and quaint honey-hued cottages are the order of the day.
Getting there
- On the Map Inkwell Cottage is set on the outskirts of charming Cotswold village, Burford in Oxfordshire.
- By Car The house is approximately 2 hours from London, while Bristol and Birmingham are both around 90 minutes away.
- By Train The nearest train station is Charlbury, a 15 minute drive away, with direct links to London Paddington and Oxford station is around 40 minutes.
- By Air Both Birmingham and Heathrow airports are just over 90 minutes’ drive away, and Gatwick is a little under 2 hours.
From the owner
“The most charming aspect of Inkwell Cottage is its size! Very small, but perfectly formed. It´s cosy, quiet and so peaceful with all the essential creature comforts... Honestly, what more do you need?”
In order to create what it is today, I have spent many days and nights at Inkwell Cottage doing a lot of the interior decorating myself and I've realised that I actually don't need more than this. The beauty of this little gem is that I can live happily here with just a small suitcase, everything needed is wrapped up in one perfect package!
I'm a keen advocate of supporting talented people, especially the young. You will find all sorts of art pieces throughout the house, including abstract work by my niece which hangs above the television. Imo Orr has been studying in Florence for the last four years and you can see work about the house and her self-portrait is in the studio. Kirsty Elson has a lovely way of seeing potential in old things and transforms them into something new; the moose in the sitting room was once a rake. I find beauty in the history and peeling paint of old furniture, which you will find dotted throughout.
The added bonus of this little home is its proximity to the renowned historic town of Burford. It has everything from walks, to charming shops, fabulous pubs and local produce, as well as being surrounded by the beauty of the Cotswolds.
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Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Burford with an insider’s perspective.
To Do
Blenheim Palace
A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, Blenheim Palace (the birth place of Winston Churchill) provides an awe-inspiring experience for visitors. Various charming events are held every year, from car rallies to flower shows to food festivals.
To See
Bibury
This picture-perfect hamlet is a 15 minute drive from Burford, known for its honey-coloured 17th century stone cottages with steeply pitched roofs and is often, understandably, used as a backdrop in Hollywood films.
To Do
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
One of the largest zoological collections and most exciting gardens in the area, the park are well-known for their endangered spices breeding programmes, where recently a Giant Anteater baby (Nelson) made his debut!
To Eat
The Wild Rabbit, Kingham
The Wild Rabbit is a stylish reinvention of the traditional English Inn. Serving locally sourced, seasonal food and a selection of tipples in a relaxing and welcoming setting, a visit is definitely recommended during your stay.
Guest Testimonials
Inkwell Cottage reminded me of the film The Holiday! It was a dream cottage and was dressed amazingly well. Thank you for such a special and memorable stay, we were sad to leave!
We have dreamt of coming to The Cotswolds for years, and I don´t think we could have found a more idyllic holiday cottage. Every detail of Inkwell is magical. We felt like we were in a movie the whole time. We were happy to have met the owner upon our arrival and thank you so much for the warm welcome and your lovely recommendations. We can´t wait to come again someday.
Many many thanks. What a gem! What a treat! We loved everything in your beautiful home. Our week was spent walking, exploring the single-lane tracks, eating our way through the many wonderful pubs and drinking the best coffee.
Inkwell is an utterly charming cottage! Thank you for creating such a haven. We especially enjoyed your recommended walks. The facilities on offer were excellent, we had everything we needed!
Thank you for letting us share your beautiful cottage. We had a wonderful time at Inkwell Cottage. The property exceeded our expectations, we hope to visit again soon as we loved it so much!
Thank you so much for the faerie magic of Inkwell. We have had the most wonderful time. Cosy fire, cosy bed and everything you could possibly need in this tiny, perfect stone cottage that welcomed us every day, making us feel we were in the home of a dear friend.
Love, love, loved it, what more can we say that hasn’t been said already about this wonderful romantic property; We came here to celebrate our Wedding Anniversary and it was just perfect and everything we hoped it would be. We would love to come back one day in a heartbeat.
The owner was so welcoming and we immediately felt very much at home in the cottage. I absolutely loved the artist studio, with the log burner and spent many peaceful hours out there reading and painting. The idea of a guest´s gallery is lovely and really inspired me to paint something from the cottage. The Carpenter´s Arms was a really welcoming pub and the staff were wonderful. We enjoyed a couple of great evenings there.
We had such a wonderful stay, the cottage was just what I needed after the difficult months I´d had. I will be back! Both to Inkwell and to book via Unique Homestays for other destinations. Stay safe all, and good luck with this holiday season.
We greatly enjoyed our stay at Inkwell cottage. It is a beautiful property and very nicely set out. Thank you to the owner and the team at Unique Homestays for all of their assistance with our booking.
Inkwell Cottage was maintained to an excellent standard with several quirky little touches that gave a nod to the artistic leaning of the owner. The location was a perfect Cotswold setting which was incredibly peaceful and charming. We were very happy with the level of communication from Unique Homestays. They kept us informed of everything throughout the process from booking to our arrival. Responses to our emails were prompt and helpful. We would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone else.
Thank you for creating such a beautiful home. We have had a wonderful time here, celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary! We loved all the careful attention to detail, in particular the studio. We would love to return to Inkwell Cottage one day. Thank you!
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 Inkwell Cottage and 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
Idyllic Valentine´s Day cottages
House & Garden
February 2023Staycation in splendid isolation
Country Living
May 2023Britain´s best holiday cottages
The Telegraph
May 2023Best holiday homes in the UK
Conde Nast Traveller
May 2023A look inside The Fable x The White Company
House Beautiful
May 2023Britain´s best offbeat escapes
Country Living
May 2023Follying up the folly
Country Living
May 2023The hidden heart of Cornwall
Financial Times
April 2023
Collections > Luxury Christmas Breaks > UK > Oxfordshire > Burford > Inkwell Cottage
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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.
