The Knapp
Slad, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
A place where bees drum from one golden pistil to another on air thick with sun; where the earth oscillates between dust and the smell of petrichor after spring showers; of barefoot running through orchards, and where big-blue skies are the backdrop to love stories. Settle within the pages of Laurie Lee's Cider with Rosie at The Knapp in Gloucestershire, where the everlasting magic of a Slad Valley childhood meets the Cotswolds of the 21st century.
Introduction
An immersed-in-nature tonic for those seeking a soulful escape, The Knapp—meaning "the crest of the hill" in Middle English—has no neighbours beyond kites soaring overhead, and deer grazing on the lawn between the morning mist. A 10-year devotion has framed the reimagining of this luxury country house into a historic abode where its age has been reinforced and cemented into its legacy. A prolific artistic community makes up the surrounding pictorial village of Slad; a pilgrimage for writers, painters, and appreciators of creatives, who come in search of inspiration and fresh air.
Inside
Hand-painted ceramics adorn shelves, confiscated masts from pirate ships reside over fireplaces, Hungarian folk furniture passed down through the generations; The Knapp may seem typically Cotswold on the outside, but it has global sway within. Designed by the owners in partnership with local conservationists, the interiors are a celebration of the home and its history, its inhabitants and their stories; a Yoruba-beaded chair brought back from Africa and Lynn Chadwick prints a homage to the local pub's landlord. A whole world preserved between these Tudor walls.
Outside
A shade-speckled courtyard, its borders stuffed with bluebells and sweet-pea tipis, is primed for languid lunches. Pile high your table with Stroud Market fodder; a Cotswold tapas of weighted pies, and warm, ripened tomatoes drizzled with olive oil, accompanied by local cider for a real taste of this honeyed land. Roses and wildflowers scatter and scramble as far as the eye can see, a chaos of blossoms the scrim to cooking in the al fresco kitchen. For those whose feet must roam beyond the boundaries, this is valley country, and walking trails are as abundant as field daisies.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 8 guests
From £3,250 per week, £2,450 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 4 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are four bedrooms, all on the first floor, two with en suites, and one family bathroom.
View bedrooms - FeaturesCinema, games room and outdoor kitchen
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyChildren are very welcome, one cot and highchair are available.
- PracticalitiesThere is parking for six cars; the access track is bumpy and not suitable for low-slung cars. The kitchen has a large electric Range oven, gas and induction hobs, two dishwashers, fridge, freezer, coffee machine, and boiling tap. The utility room includes a washing machine, and tumble dryer. There is underfloor heating throughout the kitchen, lounge, main bedroom, and ground floor of the play barn. Please note that there is restricted head height throughout, with steep, winding stairs, and frequent level changes. There are CCTV cameras on the premises covering the outside, (which can be turned off by prior request.) There are electric fences surrounding the chickens by the greenhouse, and guests are asked not to enter any restricted areas, which are clearly signposted.
- Homestay includesSmart TV with Netflix, Nespresso machine, underfloor heating, Sonos, Bluetooth speaker and Weber coal barbecue.House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
- Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay. Details are shared through our house book on confirming your booking.
- RetreatsFrom surf lessons to dawn yoga and adrenalin-fuelled adventures, we work with the most inspirational of experts to ensure a truly tailored stay. On confirmation of booking, these details will be shared within your house book.
- RestrictionsParties considered on prior permission from the owner.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Slad
Slad has all the trimmings of a picture-perfect Cotswold village; a scattering of stone cottages, traditional-pub-cum-community-hub, rolling hills, and green as far as the eye can see.
Getting there
- On the Map The Knapp sits in the Cotswold AONB, just three-and-a-half miles from Stroud.
- By Car Approximately two and a half hours from London and half an hour from both Gloucester and Cheltenham.
- By Train Stroud is the nearest train station, 12 minutes away by car.
- By Air Birmingham and Heathrow airports are around an hour and two hours away respectively.
From the owner
“Welcome to our lovely home, The Knapp, which we bought 10 years ago after falling in love with the Slad valley. We´ve spent the last few years restoring the house, as it was a tumbledown cottage when we first laid eyes on it.”
Parts of the house date back to Tudor times, around the 16th century, and we think at some point, hundreds of years ago, it was two cottages that were joined together. That might explain the two staircases.
Have a look for the oval notches in the beams above the fireplaces. These were once pirate ship masts salvaged from Gloucester dockyard.
The house has had a long and wonderful history and was once owned by Diana Lodge, an artist of some repute and contemporary of Laurie Lee and Lynn Chadwick. One of Diana's art works hangs above the door to sitting room and we've kept the old front door the same shade of blue as in her painting. More recently the house was used as the location used for the BBC's adaptation of Cider With Rosie. We have a DVD of it in the snug if you want to immerse yourself in local history.
The barn is new and built for fun, so please enjoy everything it has to offer. But most of all the Slad Valley is a very special place, and sitting in the garden you will have it all to yourselves. The walks around here will get your heart beating and are truly wonderful.
Jez and Tash
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Slad with an insider’s perspective.
To Do
Walking and Hiking
Miles upon miles of hiking routes criss-cross the Slad Valley, with many accessible right from the end of the garden. The Laurie Lee valley walk crosses the front of the house, and is a stunning eight miles not to be missed.
To Eat
The Woolpack, Slad
Laurie Lee´s local, which still retains oodles of charm. Come here for post-walk pints in the summer, piano recitals around the fire in winter, and 11/10 (according to The Times) food all through the year. Booking essential.
To See
Stroud Subscription Rooms
A vibrant music venue with a heavy events list of pop up cuisine, dance classes and gigs, which has been a rolling hub for cultural activity in The Cotswolds for decades. Prior booking advised via their website or box office.
To Do
Cheltenham Races
Taking place at the beginning of March, the world-famous Cheltenham Races need little introduction. Further races and events run throughout the year, so enthusiasts are sure to find something to pique interest.
Unique extras
From private chefs to luxury at-home spa therapists and adrenalin-fuelled retreats, once you’ve booked your stay our house book will introduce you to our owner-recommended suppliers to create a truly bespoke, memorable escape.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
The UK´s most relaxing riverside stays
The Times
October 2024At one with nature
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2024Healing waters
Condé Nast Traveller
September 202425 of the UK´s best lakeside stays
The Times
September 2024Highland fling
25 Beautiful Homes
September 202429 of the best beach retreats in the UK
The Times
September 2024The best last-minute breaks for summer
The Telegraph
August 2024The best Cornwall beaches to visit this summer
Condé Nast Traveller
August 2024
Collections > Dog-Friendly Escapes > UK > Gloucestershire > Slad > The Knapp
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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
