They are uniquely stylish and luxurious, and exceptionally well equipped, with open fires, antique furniture and four-poster beds, as well as state-of-the-art kitchens and bathrooms.  Each cottage is decorated differently, and has a private enclosed terrace with garden furniture, a big white umbrella and a barbecue; many have their own secluded gardens too.   

All cottages have full oil central heating (thermostatically controlled), a stereo system, CDs, satellite TV, DVD/videos, and access to an excellent video library.  Each cottage has a good collection of books and board games as well.  They all have direct-dial telephones with automatic billing, power showers, microwave ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers and fridge-freezers.  Cots, high chairs and stairgates can be supplied.  Cleaning equipment, towels and linen are included: guests can ask for backboards, and choose duvets or blankets (non-allergenic if preferred).  There's a wonderfully generous welcome basket with cheese, butter, milk, tea, coffee, cereal, eggs, chocolate, a bottle of champagne, and homemade bread, jam, cakes and biscuits.

The cottages are for people who mind about their surroundings, who have beautiful homes themselves, and don't see why they should lower their standards on holiday.  When she designed them, the owner's criterion was that they should be places in which she would like to live permanently, and our guests clearly agree, since they tell us that they never want to go home.  They say that there's nothing better than arriving at the cottage, tired after a long journey, to find the lights on, fire ready, a beautifully laid tea tray with a cake waiting on the table, a bottle of champagne in the fridge, and the candles just waiting for a match.

‘Superb quality, giving visitors a taste of what’s best in England, and welcoming children too.’ English Tourist Council.

Bruern is a tiny hamlet in the Evenlode Valley, an officially designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ in the heart of the Cotswolds.  Nearby are famously beautiful villages like Great Tew, Bibury and the romantic ruins of Minster Lovell, and handsome towns of golden Cotswold stone, like Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold and Moreton-in-Marsh.