Lavender Cottage is a charming, peaceful and comfortable two bedroom cottage set over three floors within the grounds of a former farm that was once owned by the local Monastery. In Medieval times, the Monks used the farm as a safe haven, seeking refuge from the atrocities of King Henry VIII. The cottage itself is spacious, inviting and fully equipped with everything guests should need for a relaxing stay whilst in the midst of stunning countryside.
The front door of Lavender Cottage opens into a warm, spacious and inviting kitchen complete with all mod cons including an under counter fridge, a separate freezer, a washing machine, a full sized dishwasher and a microwave. Basic condiments (salt, pepper, oil), tea, coffee, sugar, a cafetiere, washing up liquid, tea towels, tin foil, cling film, sponges, dishwasher tablets, laundry materials and bin bags come as standard. A large table completes the space with ample seating for 6+ guests and plenty of room for home dining.
Adjacent to the kitchen is the large yet cosy ground floor lounge where guests will find a Smart TV (including Netflix, Amazon Music, Prime Video and Freeview Play), sumptuous armchairs and a comfortable settee. A small selection of games, toys and books is provided for guest use both in this lounge and upstairs.
On the first floor of the cottage rests a tastefully refurbished twin bedroom with ample storage space, a shower room with toilet and sink plus an attractive second living room with views that stretch towards the Cotswolds and beyond. For bookings of more than 4 guests, there is a comfortable sofa bed suitable for one adult or child and a single junior bed within this room, but the area serves equally as well as a play room, a study or simply a place to escape and unwind in total peace. There is a second television in this room. It is important to note that a staircase leads from this second living room to the top floor.
On the second or top floor of Lavender Cottage is a gorgeous master bedroom with king sized bed and a second bathroom with toilet, sink and bath. There is a generous sized landing with views through the window to the Cotswold hills. On clear days, Wotton under Edge and the surrounding villages can be seen, as can Wotton Hill and the famous Tyndale Monument.
Both the twin bedroom and the second living room have space for a travel cot or two if required (available upon request) and a safety rail for one of the twin beds is also available if needed. A high chair comes as standard as do various cleaning tools. Towels and bed linen are provided including bedding for the sofa bed and travel cot as appropriate. Wifi is available throughout the property free of charge. Heating and hot water are included in the fee.
The outdoor space for Lavender Cottage comprises a raised terrace area exclusively for Lavender Cottage guests. This has recently been constructed and planting is still in its infancy but it looks lovely and is the perfect place for outdoor dining and that cheeky glass of wine!
In short, Lavender Cottage has everything and more that guests should need during their stay.
Access to the cottage is from the car park. There is a small step leading to the front door and a small downwards step just inside the front door, into the kitchen.
Guests have sole use of the cottage and, as mentioned previously, the outdoor raised terrace. Please be aware that the outdoor space overlooks the main car park to Highwood Farm and the paved area immediately outside the cottage is the main thoroughfare for guests walking to adjacent properties. Disturbance is minimal.
The fields surrounding Highwood Farm are easily accessible. Guests are simply reminded to stick to the Countryside Code, to close gates where appropriate and to keep away from livestock.
Access to Highwood Farm itself is via a quiet concrete track leading from the main road. Once inside the gate of Highwood Farm, there is parking for a maximum of 2 cars within the car park adjacent to Lavender Cottage. Guests are asked to park sensibly and courteously as there may be guests staying in the other cottages on site.
We live at Highwood Farm too but believe it is important for guests to have total space and to enjoy their stay in peace. We both work but we are easily contactable if needed and are very discrete.
Lavender Cottage is situated at the end of a quiet farm lane and is a perfect base for exploring the Cotswolds and surrounding areas. There is no through access hence it is utterly tranquil and a haven for those seeking beautiful countryside and an escape from the normal stresses of daily life. The surrounding fields are a paradise for walkers and the local village of Kingswood is just a short drive away. It can also be reached on foot if so desired. Within Kingswood, there is a handy and friendly Spar which doubles as a Post Office / cash point. Guests will also find a delightful Public House that serves good tasty food, a gym with 'pay as you go' classes, a park and play area, the local church and the remains of the Abbey. There is ample parking at the park with further parking in and around the village.
The friendly market town of Wotton-under-Edge is a further mile away by car and here guests will discover several eateries, a butcher, a couple of bakeries, several barbers and hairdressers, two grocery stores, two medical centres, two dentists and an array of local craft, produce, antique and gift shops. There is also a traditional cinema, a Tourist Information Office, free parking, an art centre and an open air pool (open during the warmer months). The pool has recently been extensively refurbished and is a real oasis on hot summer days.
The beautiful town of Chipping Sodbury is just a short distance away and the cities of Bristol (30 mins), Bath (35 mins) and Gloucester (40 mins) are all within easy reach. All three cities abound with history, activities, shopping and wonderful sightseeing walks and tours. A particularly lovely way of taking in Bristol is via 'cycle the city', guided or self guided. Just ask us for details if interested.
Again only a short drive away and guests will reach the stunning Cotswolds where places like Tetbury, Westonbirt, Uley, Bradford on Avon, Cirencester, Minchinhampton, Painswick and Malmesbury are well worth a visit. These beautiful artsy places and the surrounding villages teem with history and are stuffed to the brim with cafes, antique palaces and boutiques. Lavender Cottage is a handy gateway to this beautiful part of England.
The 102 mile Cotswold Way is also on the cottage's doorstep where guests can sample breathtaking views, dramatic gorges, rolling hills, forests and every kind of landscape a person could wish for, not forgetting the abundance of numerous castles, historic houses, country parks, museums and art galleries. The delights of the area are arguably some of the best in the UK and we can offer more details upon request.
Guests looking to book Lavender Cottage need to know that there is no public transport available nearby. A means of independent transport is a must. We can advise on taxi services in the area as well as the nearest train stations. If guests wish to bring bicycles, these can be stored in an outbuilding on site. The outbuilding is dry but not secure so guests must bring their own security devices.
Lavender Cottage is one of five rental dwellings within Highwood Farm, plus the owner occupied portion and there is a working Farm next door.
Guests need to know that there may be occasional Farm smells during their stay - part of being in the countryside. We have no control over these but the smells are not unpleasant and sure beat city smells any day of the week!
The countryside surrounding Highwood is beautiful and local wildlife includes rabbits, pheasants, squirrels, foxes and an array of birds. Early morning risers and walkers alike may be lucky enough to see the local family of deer. We look forward to sharing our environment with nature loving guests.
Guests are invited to check out our Facebook page entitled 'Highwood Farm Holiday Cottages'. We update the page regularly with photos and appropriate information.
