Anthology Farm
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
With a 300-year-old history, an indoor pool that could have been lifted from a members-only health club, and a network of fairy trails, streams, and caves that make the surrounding acreage something of an enchanting playground, Anthology Farm left nothing to chance. Restored and curated, this collection of modernised barns near Cheltenham has all the feel of faraway travel, but with an indelible English heritage that speaks to its Cotswolds roots.
Introduction
One of the most sought-after private wellness retreats in the Cotswolds, we call Anthology Farm "the place where Om meets home." Not far from the Regency town of Cheltenham, with all of its artsy undercurrent and side street eateries, this is the place to be for friend groups and reuniting families looking for a place to unfurl in secluded comfort, whilst staying a stone's throw from all the coffee and croissants that civilisation offers. Think of it as an English estate all of one’s own, with a tennis court, a purpose-built yoga studio, a cinema room, and a heated pool to rival the county's most luxurious spas; and all this in a modern heritage home constructed from local stone, with clawfoot baths and gnarled wood that speak to its rustic modernity.
Inside
Before you pick which room is yours, allow us to set the scene: your biggest family group, late-night chats under scalloped chandeliers, the big kids having pancake-flipping tournaments next to bowls of red berries, and the grown-ups swan diving in the heated pool. A Cheltenham country retreat that’s one part summer spa, one part wilderness barn, Anthology Farm is the creation of a young family and an award-winning London design house, explaining its snug-luxe aesthetic and modern country feel. Expect gables and lead-paned windows and Scandic details that lend a contemporary nod to farmhouse chic. This is a place for the most unforgettable of multi-generational retreats, with a long banquet table that calls to the county's famed private chefs.
Outside
It’s the rural setting that gives this place its charm: 500 acres of picturesque farmland are a stunning backdrop for long walks past arable crops, fields piled high with hay in sultry summer months. The farm is part of a countryside stewardship scheme and much respect is paid to local arable life; including conservation of the rare Bee Orchid, thriving in nearby meadows. Guests can embrace their inner rambler by exploring the network of woodland walks, cooling hot feet in a local brook and pit-stopping in local inns for a game of cards and round of ales. While sports fans get stuck into rounds of tennis and croquet, diners can wander over to the outdoor eating area, drink in hand, as the sun sets over the Cotswold hills.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 18 guests
From £9,450 per week, £7,550 per short break
Day hire options are available - Alternative group optionUp to 10 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThe Cotswold barn has five bedrooms, two on the first floor with king-size beds and en suite shower rooms, two on the second floor with king-size beds and freestanding baths in the room, and an en suite WC and sink, one on the top floor with a king-size bed, as well as a separate WC on the first floor. The Meal barn has four bedrooms, one on the ground floor with a king-size bed, one twin bedroom on the ground floor and a shared family bathroom. On the first floor, there are two bedrooms with king-size beds and en suite bathrooms with standalone baths and showers, and one of these bedrooms has two single beds tucked into the eaves.
View bedrooms - FeaturesHeated indoor swimming pool, cinema room, tennis court, table tennis, gym equipment, purpose built yoga studio and electric car charging point
- PetsPets are considered on prior agreement
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome. There is one cot and one highchair available.
- PracticalitiesThere is ample parking for ten cars. In the Cotswold barn, the kitchen has a large Rangemaster cooker with five-zone induction hob, a double oven and grill and two further ovens, plus a large double fridge and full-length fridge-freezer, wine cooler, coffee machine, kettle and two dishwashers. In the second barn, the kitchen has a double oven with four-zone induction hob, fridge-freezer, wine cooler, dishwasher, kettle and Nespresso machine. There is WiFi internet throughout each property and underfloor heating in the Cotswold barn, porch, hall and in all bathrooms. Please note that the owners live on-site should you need them during your stay. If arriving by air, helicopters are welcome to land on the grounds.
- Homestay includesLuxury welcome hamper, Sonos sound system in the main dining room, a projector screen, Smart TVs with Netflix, Amazon and Sky TV including Sky Sports, PlayStations and Bluetooth radios, iPad, gas barbecue, linen, towels, logs and kindling to get you started...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.
- Eco-friendlyElectric car charging point, spring-fed filtered water, biomass heating and hot water, solar-supplemented energy
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsView floor plan
Weddings
If this stunning set of luxury Cotswolds barns for the bridal party weren’t enough, Anthology Farm boasts 500 acres of private farmland for romantic elopements and all-out affairs for up to 50 guests, all finished off with stylish Sunday pool parties. For a weekend-long wedding in your own rural paradise, it’s got to be Anthology Farm.
Prices & Availability
Cheltenham
Cheltenham lies within the heart of Gloucestershire beneath Cleeve Hill – the highest point in the Cotswolds. With an interesting heritage and a full calendar of events throughout the year, a holiday in Cheltenham promises an enjoyable visit for couples and families alike.
Getting there
- On the Map This luxury farmhouse is located in Whittington near Cheltenham in the Cotswolds AONB, ideally located for visiting Bibury and Stow-on-the-Wold.
- By Car Anthology Farm is around fifteen minutes from Cheltenham, under one hour from Oxford and Bristol, and two hours from London by car.
- By Train Cheltenham Spa is fifteen minutes away by car, or one hour by public transport. There are regular trains from London Paddington with a journey time of two hours with GWR. Kemble, Gloucester, and Moreton in Marsh are all within thirty minutes.
- By Air Gloucestershire Airport is twenty-five minutes away, while Birmingham Airport, Bristol Airport, and London Heathrow Airport are each less than one-and-a-half hours away by car. If you wish to arrive by helicopter, please enquire for further details.
From the owner
“What a dramatic first impression Anthology Farm makes, to us and to our guests as well. With the majestic backdrop of Doddle´s Hill and a huge arched window set into the end wall, we think it´s a truly stunning building for a relaxing weekend.”
The Barns were originally built in 1740 and built of traditional Cotswold stone from the mines opposite the barns. The dressed stone and straight beams of the Cotswold barn indicate it was built to the highest standards of the time.
Its original use would have been agricultural, built to store the grain harvested on the farm from the surrounding fields, facing East to West with slit openings to let the prevailing wind in to dry and preserve the grains, which would of been used to feed the livestock, to make bread or to be sold at the local markets.
We purchased the farm in 2016 and relocated from Staffordshire, bringing with us over 30 years of hospitality experience. With the help of some funding from the European Agricultural fund for rural development, we lovingly converted the barns into what they are now; a fabulous space for luxury group gatherings in seclusion and comfort.
We worked with interior designers, to help us create a modern and stylish feel to the interiors yet with the feeling of cosiness and comfort you would want from a luxury stay in the Cotswold countryside. A great starting point to explore the beautiful Cotswold countryside yet a stone's throw from Cheltenham and surrounding picturesque villages, with plenty to do for young and old alike.
The Barnes Family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Cheltenham with an insider’s perspective.
To See
Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe
Visit the 10 stunning gardens and estate at Sudeley Castle, a hidden gem just 20 minutes by car, where the 15th century west wing is open to explorers and the South Hall contains exquisite examples of Dutch painted glass. There’s a restaurant on-site and a big activity area for children keen to re-enact historical scenes.
To Do
Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham
Pack a race hat and head to Cheltenham Racecourse for a day of equine action. Book a restaurant package and soak up the atmosphere over lunch: the Panoramic Restaurant has views across the course and makes a great base for the day. Keep an eye out for seasonal events.
To Eat
Slaughters Country Inn, Lower Slaughter
Sitting right on the River Eye, this sprawling Cotswold stone pub has spacious grounds meandering down to the water, boasts local meats and generous Sunday roasts on the menu, and has plenty of interesting ales to sample. With board games and books available, this place was made for lazy afternoons.
To Do
Wine Tasting with Charlie Womersley, Whittington
Charlie has enjoyed a career indulging in his wine obsession since 1981, travelling the world and discovering fabulous wines. Whether it´s providing a family-friendly tasting or simply supplying and delivering wines to the house for you to enjoy during your stay, Charlie is more than happy to help.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
Absolutely wonderful property with every comfort and luxury. Everything has been considered, the owner was delightful.
The owners were incredible hosts and made our stay even more special with the extra touches such as breakfast, home baked cake and biscuits and messages across the week. The property was absolutely stunning and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
The property itself has left a life-long impression on my whole family - all 18 of us! We will live on the memories of our stay for some time to come! The owner was very friendly and helpful. She responded immediately to our texts and asked after us at opportune moments. I have nothing but excellent things to say about our whole experience! What a truly amazing property! Thank you.
It was entirely the best weekend we could have had to celebrate my husband´s 60th. All the guests thought Anthology Farm was outstanding, the quality of the rooms, the shared spaces, the grounds and the swimming pool. The owner was really easy to deal with and texted me throughout the stay to check all was well. We had an incredible time and will definitely use Unique Homestays again. Thank you to everyone for all your assistance throughout the booking process - it felt really easy and seamless.
We absolutely loved our stay at Anthology Farm. What struck me most about the property was the generosity and attention to detail permeating every part of our stay. The indoor pool was lovely and warm, the children discovered a toy cupboard and we had everything we could possibly need in terms of kitchen equipment and provisions. It felt like being in a luxury hotel. We will definitely be back!
Anthology Farm is something very special and we instantly felt relaxed the moment we walked through the door. We enjoyed wonderful meals at the amazing dining room table, we cooked in the beautiful kitchen and relaxed on the comfy sofas. Waking up to pheasants at the window and endless rolling countryside was such a treat. We didn´t want to leave!
Anthology Farm is just stunning. It was everything we hoped for and so much more, and it exceeded all expectations! All mod-cons and appliances throughout are top-notch, all kitchenware and utensils of great quality and all soft furnishings and linen and towels felt luxurious. Everything has been thought of and nothing forgotten. All of this whilst still making the property feel cosy, homely, and relaxed. It is just gorgeous!
The owners have not only created a beautifully styled space but a truly peaceful sanctuary. It’s rare to find somewhere that’s so luxurious yet also manages to make you feel as relaxed as if you are at home. We loved waking up to the secluded views and watching the mist lift over the fields. I arrived back home and met my cottage with a sigh. We would love to return!
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Anthology Farm has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
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All together
25 Beautiful Homes
December 2022Cosy sleep spaces
Living Etc.
June 2022The best UK wedding venues
Harper´s Bazaar
February 2022Soaring demand for converted barns
Tatler
January 2022Twin barns reborn
Country Living
January 2022Contemporary 18th century farmhouse
Country Living
December 2021A Modern Rustic Barn Conversion
Living Etc.
July 2021A Cotswold Christmas
Country Homes & Interiors
December 2020
Collections > Last-Minute Luxury Breaks > UK > Gloucestershire > Cheltenham > Anthology Farm
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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.
