The Ruby Barn
Sandford St Martin, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
Bringing a touch of Californian chicness to the Oxfordshire countryside, this luxury self-catering barn conversion near Chipping Norton has been fashioned with a bursting heart. Gentle colours and patterns combine with honeyed Cotswold stone, while the ever-present feel of a life well-travelled emanates from the furnishings, art and ceramics found throughout.
Introduction
Tactile and satisfying for all the senses, The Ruby Barn is filled with treasures collected over many years; thick drapes, sheepskin throws and roaring woodburner offer a warm welcome for hibernation season; in summer on the other hand, its all about the lofty ceilings, windows flung open with the sound of birdsong drifting in and cool bathroom tiles underfoot. Originally built for breeding quails and later re-designed by a celebrity stylist who has spent much of her time between California and London, here is a luxury self-catering home where two worlds exquisitely collide.
Inside
A blend of mid-century furniture and collected furnishings from the owner's glittering life make this home an almost-familiar acquaintance, a place where one can sink into the rhythms of a holiday away from the norm; a place where comfort and delight have been prioritised throughout every design decision. Classic and bright with hints of playfulness peeking out from unlikely corners, The Ruby Barn's breezy disposition could just as easily reside in a Malibu Beach shack. There are two double bedrooms on the ground floor while, upstairs on the mezzanine level and over an internal bridge, guests will find the third.
Outside
Walled gardens at both the front and back of the house ensure sun worshippers can follow the sun from their morning coffee up until their final cocktail before supper, while a children's climbing frame and slide ensure little guest's imaginations are nurtured with make-believe games of dungeons and dragons. Raised beds filled with heady lavender and wildflowers encircle the al fresco lounge and dining areas, where after-dinner conversations are twinned with floral intoxication. Further afield, busy farmer's markets, thatched inns and miles upon miles of undulating footpaths tempt explorations into the Cotswold hills.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 6 guests
From £2,150 per week, £1,595 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 2 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are three double bedrooms and two bathrooms. On the ground floor, there is one bedroom with super king-size bed and one bedroom with king-size bed, along with a shower room with WC and rainfall shower, while the first floor bedroom contains a king-size bed and a family bathroom with rolltop bathtub, WC and walk-in shower.
View bedrooms - FeaturesChildren´s play area with slide
- PetsTwo well behaved small dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyBabes-in-arms and children aged five and above are very welcome. Children aged five and below are welcome on prior request (due to the quirky layout). One cot and one highchair are available.
- PracticalitiesPlease note, access to the property is via the front garden where there are five steps to the main entrance. There is parking for one car available on the road outside the property, with plenty of surplus across the street by the war memorial. The kitchen includes a Smeg oven and induction hob, fridge, freezer, Nespresso coffee machine, dishwasher and washer-dryer. The garden is fully enclosed; perfect for children and dogs. Please note that the gardener attends every Wednesday at 9 am.
- Homestay includesLuxury hamper of locally sourced produce, Weber charcoal barbeque, Smart TV, Sonos sound system, WiFi internet, freshly cut flowers, luxury linen and towels...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.
- RestrictionsParties considered on prior permission from the owner
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Chipping Norton
A thriving high street, lively atmosphere and easy access to hiking routes through the Cotswolds; Chipping Norton is a popular stop for visitors to Oxfordshire. Independent boutiques and eateries line the streets while the monthly farmer´s market is not to be missed.
Getting there
- On the Map This luxury country rental is eight miles east of the Cotswold market town of Chipping Norton.
- By Car The property is approximately half an hour from Oxford and just less than two hours from London. Birmingham and Bristol are both around 90 minutes by car.
- By Train The closest train station to The Ruby Barn is Kingham in Chipping Norton, around a 20 minute drive away, with regular services to London Paddington.
- By Air Heathrow Airport is just over an hour's drive away, while Gatwick is just under two hours away. Both have taxis and car hire available.
From the owner
“I have poured a lot of love into my Cotswold stone home and I adore everything about it; it has become my sanctuary away from the world.”
Built in the mid-1700s as a quail house to the now neighbouring farm, The Ruby Barn has become my pride and joy. With a combination of Hollywood meets rural England inside, this home is a place where I have learnt to relax among the things I love the most.
The surrounding village of Sandford St Martin is a conservation area and a sleepy, golden retreat amidst Oxfordshire's rolling countryside. Just a 30-minute walk across the fields from Soho Farmhouse, members can indulge in a luxury spa treatment or two.
My favourite things about the house are how the light floods in through the giant panes of glass every day, the authentic exposed Cotswolds stone and high beamed ceilings, plus the two walled gardens which trap the sun from early spring until the clocks go in October.
Cher
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Chipping Norton with an insider’s perspective.
To Do
Daylesford Organic Farm
Luxury Cotswold living at its very best; visit the farm, garden and farm shop before settling down for a feast in the Trough Café. For those who wish to delve a little deeper, spend an afternoon learning new skills on a cookery course.
To Eat
Wild Thyme, Chipping Norton
Whether spending an evening sampling the set menu of the Dining Club (booking essential) or picking up a three-course meal to take home, one thing is for sure; fresh, seasonal, local unrivalled foodie delights.
To See
The Rollright Stones, Chipping Norton
A 4000-year-old stone circle, a weathered standing stone and a 5000-year-old burial chamber; those looking for a place to celebrate the solstice will find it here Not just a ceremonial space, this is also a place for theatrical performances and stargazing too.
To Do
Hook Norton Brewery
Take a tour of the traditional family-run brewery, sample its award-winning beers and pop into the Malthouse Kitchen for a bite to eat. After, wander through the museum before picking up a few bottles to enjoy back at The Ruby Barn.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
We had the most lovely time, it was terrific and the house was beautiful. We will definitely be back! Thank you for allowing us to enjoy The Ruby Barn, we are already looking forward to our return stay!
The house was gorgeous! There was plenty of space and a full kitchen as well as several different seating areas. The very high standard of decor, comfort, quality of amenities and supplies, ease of booking and checking out alleviated some of the common hassles of renting vacation homes. Another very helpful feature is the house book with all sorts of recommendations from walks to restaurants and pubs to shopping and areas of historical significance or natural beauty was so helpful.
Thank you so much for opening your amazing house to us. We enjoyed it so much, it really is a beautiful home, so welcoming and comfortable. We certainly hope to return to The Ruby Barn one day.
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
Snow white
Country Homes & Interiors
December 2024The UK´s cosiest boltholes for Christmas
The Times
December 2024Natural beauty
25 Beautiful Homes
December 202425 of the best autumn getaways
The Times
November 2024Good manors
Condé Nast Traveller
November 2024Ways to improve your life—from our experts
The Times
October 2024The UK´s most relaxing riverside stays
The Times
October 2024At one with nature
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2024
Collections > Holiday homes within 3 hours of London > UK > Oxfordshire > Chipping Norton > The Ruby Barn
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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.
