Little Scarlet
Burford, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
Guaranteed to set hearts racing is this undeniably romantic Grade-II listed cottage in Burford. Little Scarlet is a quintessential Cotswolds cottage with lashings of spice, offering a luxury self-catering couples-only retreat which has been designed with pure indulgence in mind. Spend days pottering around Burford's boutiques and tearooms followed by Champagne-fuelled evenings in the twin set of slipper baths!
Introduction
Located in the bosom of the absurdly pretty Burford, Little Scarlet offers a unique couples’ escape between the dreamy rolling hills and creamy stone cottages of the Cotswolds. Once an old spice store, the cottage retains much of its past. When not exploring, candlelit dinners in the private courtyard and deep soaks in the twinset of crimson red rolltop baths are both highly recommended at this luxury self-catering home. After a day of countryside cavorting there'll be nothing cosier than retreating to the inglenook fire and unfurling on the sofa.
Inside
Contemporary meets classic inside the lavish Little Scarlet; a traditional Cotswold cottage with a naughty twist. A whirlwind affair of exposed beams, stately graces and sumptuous furnishings create a real feast for the eye throughout the luxury cosy living spaces. The shamelessly romantic master bedroom with super king-size bed nestles in the eaves at the top of cottage, while occupying the entire second floor is the cottage's pièce de résistance: two crimson red slipper baths poised in the middle of the bathroom calling for bubble-topped soaks.
Outside
Little Scarlet's alluring, rose covered courtyard is dinky but divine. Tucked outside the kitchen's French doors, this small al fresco haven the perfect place for weekenders to enjoy a glass of Bolly and a nibble on a selection of the finest local artisan produce as the afternoon drifts into dusk. For adventures further afield, wildlife enthusiasts will love a trip to the Cotswold Wildlife Park, whilst history buffs may prefer to visit the birthplace of Shakespeare at Stratford-Upon-Avon and catch a live performance of an old favourite.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 2 guests
From £1,650 per week, £1,195 per short break
Day hire options are available - Bedrooms and bathroomsOn the second floor is the double bedroom with super king-size bed, while occupying the entire of the first floor is a large bathroom with two slipper baths (each with a handheld shower attachment), his-and-hers sinks, and heated towel rails.
- PetsSorry, no pets
- Arrivals and departuresArrival Day: Friday or MondayArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyThis is an adults-only retreat.
- PracticalitiesThere is parking on the road outside and there is also a free car park five minutes´ walk away in the centre of Burford. The property is well-equipped with Smeg oven, microwave, washing machine, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, Nespresso coffee machine, and underfloor heating.
- Homestay includesProsecco, welcome hamper of fresh produce, Smart TV with Netflix, iPad, Bose Bluetooth speaker, board games, WiFi internet and underfloor heating, linen, towels, logs 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
Often called ‘the gateway to the Cotswolds’, the town of Burford is located in a beautifully unspoiled corner of the UK and retains a very special olde worlde charm which exudes from each and every golden cottage that lines its winding streets.
Getting there
- On the Map Little Scarlet is set in the Cotswolds village of Burford in Oxfordshire.
- By Car Approximately one and a half hours from London, just off the A40 between Oxford and Cheltenham.
- By Train Charlbury is the nearest station, nine miles away with direct links to London Paddington. Oxford is 19 miles and Cheltenham 22 miles.
- By Air Both Birmingham and Heathrow airports are just over an hour's drive away.
From the owner
“Little Scarlet is our Grade-II listed quintessential Cotswold cottage situated in the beautiful old town of Burford. Stylish, cosy and romantic, we topped the cottage off with a warming log burner and two roll top baths sat side by side in front of the feature fireplace.”
Little Scarlet was a classic merchants house, originally running across two of the current properties in Priory Lane. The Priory at the end of the lane was actually inhabited by monks for 300 years, although sadly they moved out about five years ago.
The ground floor of the house was used to store spices, food, and materials whilst the upper floors were the drawing rooms - hence the fireplace in the bathrooms and top bedroom. One of the cottages on the lane still has the winch and opening which would have been used to hoist goods onto carriages.
Little Scarlet was originally a two bedroom cottage when we bought it, and we made a huge decision to get rid of the second bedroom and make one big fabulous bathroom complete with double baths (which was brave and against all advice!) but turned out to be Little Scarlet's defining feature.
What we really wanted was to create the ultimate couples' retreat for romantic getaways. We carefully chose the artwork and thought a great deal about how it would all come together to create a special love-nest, channelling a classic 1940's and 50's interior with modern twists.
Jacqui
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
Hidcote Manor Gardens, Chipping Campden
This Arts and Crafts-inspired garden showcases intricately designed outdoor spaces. Explore the maze of narrow paved pathways and discover secret gardens, magnificent vistas and plants that burst with colour.
To See
Blenheim Palace
A world heritage site and the only non-royal country house to hold the title of palace in England, Blenheim Palace is home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough. Visit the palace, gardens and park and check out their event´s calendar too.
To Eat
The Wild Rabbit, Kingham
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 and welcoming setting, it is definitely recommended during your stay at Little Scarlet.
To Do
The Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
The Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens exhibit over 260 different species of animals. Find the majestic rhinos grazing in front of the grand manor house, catch a falconry flying display and organise to be a keeper for the day!
Guest Testimonials
The property was beyond idyllic, absolutely perfect and nicely in keeping with the Cotswold cottage and area; a lovely blend of contemporary and classic. The host was one of the kindest most generous hosts I’ve ever met for a rental. She really did go above and beyond to make my stay extremely comfortable, with ample wood for the fire, and a very carefully chosen hamper of foods for a vegan, which isn’t easy.
Thank you for an amazing time. We came here for our Baby Moon and it has been one to remember. The cottage is everything that we could have asked for and the log fire was our favourite. We are leaving The Cotswolds well-rested and well-fed.
This place has really lived up to our expectations. Brilliantly located and just a hop, skip and a jump from the Cotswolds cheese shop! Stock up here for an evening by the fire and red wine flowing before retiring to the comfy bed. In the morning, relax in the baths while you contemplate your day! Thank you for sharing this special place.
Thank you so much for such a wonderful start to our married lives together! Our honeymoon at your cottage was perfect and we have really enjoyed relaxing in the Cotswolds! The owner has been a fantastic hostess and nothing has been too much trouble. Many thanks once again, we shall remember our stay here always.
All previous guests have said it all, but to echo their sentiments – Little Scarlet has it all! The owners are to be applauded for creating this beautiful sanctuary and allowing the rest of us the opportunity to experience pure bliss! Many, many thanks for your warm welcome and for the little luxuries, as well as the big ones. The attention to detail and the décor is sublime and inspiring! We made some life-changing decisions whilst cocooned from the day to day adventures of our normal lives. We will never forget our time here – thank you so much!
Thank you for a wonderful welcome, a beautiful hamper and for allowing us to stay in your beautiful cottage for our honeymoon! We had an amazing few days. A day in Burford, a day out and about in Broadway, Chipping Campden and Stow. A lovely afternoon looking around the garden centre – we’re going to change our whole house when we get home! The best day by far for us was a day at ‘home’ enjoying the house and the baths, and the yummy goodies you left us whilst we just mooched about and completely relaxed! Thank you!
We cannot begin to express how much of a fantastic time we have had here at Little Scarlet. The weather has been perfect, the cottage perfect and Burford itself is perfect! So perfect in fact we did not leave once and found we had everything and more that we needed, here in the town. This was always going to be a special trip for us, and it was more special than we could have ever imagine. Thank you!
It has been an absolutely beautiful stay for our honeymoon, it’s a very special little cottage and we have enjoyed every minute! Well done on creating this amazing home from home – your attention to detail is superb! Thank you also for being so helpful and welcoming, your recommendations made our stay even more special!
Thank you so much for providing us with the most idyllic cottage to spend our mini-moon after our recent wedding! The cottage provided us with a perfect place to relax and just enjoy being husband and wife. Every aspect of this gorgeous cottage was perfect for us from the record player and log burner, to the Smart TV and Nespresso machine. On top of all of that, the twin baths made this a little slice of heaven! See you again soon hopefully.
The cottage is amazing and just what we needed to relax before the arrival of our first baby. We loved Burford and had lots of lovely meals in various pubs and cafes throughout the town, all of which we would highly recommend. We will 100% be back.
Thank you for a fabulous weekend. The cottage is perfect and everything you could ever need was provided. Burford is such a lovely town and again, everything you needed was there and was just a short distance away. We didn´t use the car once! Hope to be back very soon.
We´ve had such a lovely time here, the cottage is absolutely gorgeous and we´ve been so relaxed. A massive thank you goes to the owner for such a warm welcome. We have had a fabulous stay.
Thank you so much for sharing this little piece of heaven. You have a special gift for creating magic, we have thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Little Scarlet and will return. Thank you!
What a find... the cottage, the village, everything that you need to relax we found here. Many thanks to the owner for the warm welcome and the recommended places to visit. Now we know it´s here we shall certainly return!
Little Scarlet was beautifully designed, and the owner added some lovely personal touches that made our stay extremely comfortable. Our favourite property booked through Unique Homestays to date!
Burford as a pretty Cotswold location takes some beating. We liked the unusual double slipper baths in red, the lovely little courtyard garden and the 6´ bed. All in all a really pretty and well-equipped holiday home with beautiful original 1950´s-themed artwork. Little Scarlet must be the only holiday house with a throne in the bathroom. We love it!
We stayed here for our mini-moon and loved every minute. Such a gorgeous cottage in a fabulous location, everything is on your doorstep. Top tip - go to the Hare at Milton - incredible food and amazing service!
This place is gorgeous! As previous guests have said, the attention to detail is amazing. When we arrived we had chilled champagne, glasses to go with it and a fire ready to light. We tucked straight into the lemon drizzle cake left for us. All in all, Little Scarlet has been the perfect place to spend some time. We would love to see the area at Christmas. Thank you!
What a wonderful cottage! Before we came, we dreamt of walking to the bakery, buying a paper and having breakfast in the courtyard garden. We were not disappointed. This has been a lovely place to spend our 10th wedding anniversary. Thank you
When can we move in!? The decor was outstanding, sympathetic to the property and exactly how I would like it decorated if I owned this little piece of luxury.
The property itself was excellent, really well maintained and it really does live up to the stunning photo´s on the website. There were good guides for things to do and the area itself was very pleasant. The Housekeeper couldn´t have been more helpful, she provided a great introduction to the property and was really friendly, the welcome basket was also excellent and well thought out. Overall we couldn´t recommend the property highly enough.
I just arrived home yesterday, but plan to write to you all on what an extraordinary property Little Scarlet is and how incredibly kind the housekeeper was throughout my stay. I am already thinking of which of your properties to visit next or if I just want to return to Little Scarlet.
We fell in love with little Scarlet when we came across the website. We love the cotswolds and loved the idea of having a long weekend break there in a perfect little cottage.
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 Little Scarlet 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
Cabins and Cottages
The Times
February 2019Best cabin stays in the UK
The Times
May 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 2023
Collections > Working Remotely > UK > Oxfordshire > Burford > Little Scarlet
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.
