Luxury self-catering accommodation in Oxfordshire
A big pull of this county is the ancient city of Oxford, with its gleaming spires and famous university; but once the bags are unpacked there are also rolling hills and tiny towns to explore from a gorgeous cottage.
Renting a private house in the verdant Oxfordshire countryside makes for a great long weekend. Encircled by the cities of Bristol, London and Birmingham, this area has the benefits of both town and country. Set down the cases in a historic townhouse tucked away in a picturesque village (think pretty stone houses with village greens), lace up the walking boots and head out to sprawling pastures and wildflower meadows. Explore on horseback, by rental bike, or from a punt on the River Thames, with a follow-up picnic on the bank as a reward for all that arm-work.
Larger parties can book a luxury mansion then pop out to visit another, such as Blenheim Palace, a World Heritage Site and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Garden-lovers will enjoy Oxford Botanic Garden, the first of its kind in the UK, set in 130 acres of stunning landscape. Families can rent a country cottage to enjoy a special occasion, and children will love watching the planes go 'whoosh' overhead at the Abingdon Air & Country Show. Foodies may prefer to whip up a tasty supper, or sample the fine food and local ales from one of the many nearby village pubs.
Little Scarlet
Burford, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
This luxury Cotswolds cottage is set in the heart of pretty Burford in Oxfordshire. Little Scarlet offers lovers a romantic retreat for stolen weekends and holidays in the rolling countryside, pottering between tea rooms and boutiques.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests
From: £1,650 per week, £1,195 per short break
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Inkwell Cottage
Burford, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
Handcrafted, atelier in style and ever-so fun, this self-catering home in Burford is a pocketful of luxury throwing all conventionality out of its mullion windows.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests
From: £1,150 per week, £895 per short break
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Little Red Lock
Claydon, Banbury, Oxfordshire, UK
An English country home that truly embraces its idiosyncrasies, Little Red Lock's wooden picket fence and waterfront position on the Oxford canal oozes tranquillity, while inside its brick walls, a carnival of eclectic rustic charm awaits.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
From: £1,995 per week, £1,495 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Hot tub, fire pit, kayaks and life jackets for the canal
The Ruby Barn
Sandford St Martin, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
Bringing a touch of Californian chicness to the Oxfordshire countryside, this luxury Cotswold stone barn conversion has been fashioned with soul.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
From: £2,250 per week, £1,695 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: Two well behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Children´s play area with slide
Atticus
Burford, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
Treacle-toned Cotswold stone, iron gates and heavy antique doors hint at this striking home’s colourful past. Once a court house and a later jail, Atticus can be found jostling amongst a row of fine period buildings at the end of Burfords' golden high street.
Sleeps: Up to 8 guests
From: £3,250 per week, £2,450 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Baby Grand Piano and fire pit
White Crow Cottage
Little Haseley, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
A biscuit tin cottage that sees your old-world charm and raises you poured concrete and Picassos, this luxury thatch was designed for family living, with plenty of slumber spots for dogs too.
Sleeps: Up to 8 guests
From: £2,995 per week
Pets: Two well behaved dogs are welcome
