If you’re staying in the Cotswolds, the Lodge at Kiftsgate Court Gardens and its environs can’t be beat.
The house is an historic gem. You get a sense of what is was like to live here centuries ago, but with the comforts of the 21st century. It has been exceptionally maintained, and the recent renovation makes the home very comfortable with all modern amenities, including strong WiFi. It was impeccably clean. Luxurious linens and towels are provided. The beds were dream-inducing comfortable. A large bathroom has a full length tub with a gorgeous view of the fields typical of the region.
In the mornings, we’d take our coffee from the sizable, updated kitchen with dining area to sit outside in the hedge-enclosed garden, enjoying the baa-ing of the sheep and the coo-ing of the mourning birds. Near the garden door, we discovered a lemon balm shrub to use in afternoon tea.
We visited when the temperatures were beginning to rise into the record-breaking heat wave. But the house is kept cool by the very thick plaster walls and high ceilings.
Rob kept up excellent communications with us, with good instructions at the house, including places to catch a meal in the area. He was promptly responsive to our questions. In short, he made everything easy to settle-in quickly and to get our bearings.
The location is magical. While nestled in the quintessential Cotswold countryside, it’s also on the grounds of one of the most beautiful botanical gardens I’ve ever seen, the Kiftsgate Court Gardens. And the sheep-dotted vistas from this vantage point are stunning. Rob provides tickets for free entry. You can catch lunch or afternoon tea there too!
Adjacent to the property is access to walking paths. Rob provides laminated surveyor’s maps which are necessary for hiking the region. On our first evening hike there, an owl greeted us with a swoop across our path. Words cannot describe adequately the glorious views from these walks. Sometimes they will take you along sheep paths where you can almost reach out and pet the sheep who use them. You can even hike to a nearby hamlet or town for a meal at a pub or restaurant.
There’s easy access surrounding towns by car. During our short stay, we visited Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, delightful Chipping Campden, and Broadway for fine shopping (including Cotswold Chocolates and the Distillery).
I strongly recommend Rob’s property. I would stay here again!