Luxury self-catering accommodation in Oxfordshire
A big pull of this county is the ancient city of Oxford, with its gleaming spires and famous university; but once the bags are unpacked there are also rolling hills and tiny towns to explore from a gorgeous cottage.
Renting a private house in the verdant Oxfordshire countryside makes for a great long weekend. Encircled by the cities of Bristol, London and Birmingham, this area has the benefits of both town and country. Set down the cases in a historic townhouse tucked away in a picturesque village (think pretty stone houses with village greens), lace up the walking boots and head out to sprawling pastures and wildflower meadows. Explore on horseback, by rental bike, or from a punt on the River Thames, with a follow-up picnic on the bank as a reward for all that arm-work.
Larger parties can book a luxury mansion then pop out to visit another, such as Blenheim Palace, a World Heritage Site and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Garden-lovers will enjoy Oxford Botanic Garden, the first of its kind in the UK, set in 130 acres of stunning landscape. Families can rent a country cottage to enjoy a special occasion, and children will love watching the planes go 'whoosh' overhead at the Abingdon Air & Country Show. Foodies may prefer to whip up a tasty supper, or sample the fine food and local ales from one of the many nearby village pubs.
Inkwell Cottage
Burford, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
Handcrafted, atelier in style and ever-so fun, this self-catering home in Burford is a pocketful of luxury throwing all conventionality out of its mullion window
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests
From: £1,250 per week, £995 per short break
Pets: Sorry, no pets
The Ruby Barn
Sandford St Martin, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
Bringing a touch of Californian chicness to the Oxfordshire countryside, this luxury Cotswold stone barn conversion has been fashioned with soul.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
From: £2,150 per week, £1,595 per short break
Pets: Two well behaved small dogs are welcome
Features: Children´s play area with slide
Little Red Lock
Claydon, Banbury, Oxfordshire, UK
A luxury country home on England's finest waterway, Little Red Lock is perched on the Oxford Canal and reachable by narrowboat; a place for firepit s'mores and fizz in the hot tub.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 4 & Up to 2 guests
From: £1,850 per week, £1,295 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Hot tub, fire pit, kayaks with life jackets for the canal
Atticus
Burford, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
Made of treacle-toned Cotswolds stone, with antique doors that hint at its history, Atticus is a luxury period townhouse at the end of a golden high street in Burford, Oxfordshire.
Sleeps: Up to 8 guests
From: £3,395 per week, £2,550 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Baby Grand Piano and fire pit
The Dancer´s Room
Little Haseley, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
A biscuit-tin cottage full of old-world charm, and even some Picassos, The Dancer´s Room is a luxury thatch that was designed for peaceful living in Oxfordshire's Little Haseley.
Sleeps: Up to 8 guests
From: £3,295 per week
Pets: Two well behaved dogs are welcome
