Cozy Retreat at a Cotswolds Cottage

A Charming Escape in the Cotswolds

Hey, cozy travelers! Ava and Theo here, still dreaming of our stay at a stone cottage in Bourton-on-the-Water, the heart of England’s Cotswolds. This picture-perfect village, with its honey-hued houses and babbling river, was the ultimate retreat. Our rental cottage was a slice of rustic bliss—here’s why we loved it.

Settling into Our Home

We found our cottage on Airbnb, a 17th-century gem with ivy-covered walls and a red front door. Inside, exposed beams, a crackling fireplace, and a squishy sofa welcomed us. The host left a basket of local goodies—homemade jam, fresh eggs, and a loaf of crusty bread. Theo, our foodie-in-chief, was already planning breakfast.

Exploring the Village

Bourton-on-the-Water is nicknamed the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ for its charming bridges over the River Windrush. We wandered the streets, popping into antique shops and the Model Village—a tiny replica of Bourton that had us giggling. Ava fell in love with the local bakery, where we grabbed warm sausage rolls and eccles cakes for a picnic by the river.

Evenings were spent cooking in the cottage’s quaint kitchen. We whipped up a shepherd’s pie using ingredients from a nearby farmer’s market, paired with a bottle of Cotswolds cider. The fireplace kept us toasty as we played board games, laughing over Theo’s terrible Scrabble skills.

Beyond Bourton

We took day trips to nearby villages like Stow-on-the-Wold and Bibury, each as idyllic as the last. The Cotswolds’ rolling hills were perfect for leisurely walks, and we stumbled upon a tearoom serving scones with clotted cream that were pure heaven. Back at the cottage, stargazing in the garden felt like a private show—the sky was dazzlingly clear.

Why We Loved It

• Cozy Vibes: The cottage was a warm, inviting haven.
• Foodie Joy: Local markets and tearooms were a delight.
• Charming Scenery: The Cotswolds’ beauty is straight out of a storybook.

Our Cotswolds cottage stay was the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Where’s your dream vacation rental? Let us know in the comments!