Four Hundred Summers
Ablington, Bibury, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
With walls of random tumbled limestone and an ashlar chimney that sends hail-fellow smoke signals curling above the gable roof, arriving at Four Hundred Summers has all the feeling of flapjack-scented homecoming. Vegetables turn plump in a Victorian greenhouse, yew hedging makes foliate compartments of the topiaries, and a hot tub brings Nordic clout to what is otherwise an utterly quintessential luxury Cotswolds cottage in Ablington.
Introduction
Would you like an adventure now, or would you like to have your tea first? Those glittering words, tumbled from the mouth of Peter Pan, were penned by J.M. Barrie here in the Wolds. And Neverland, they say, was his ode to the golden whiskers and botanical nurseries of these milk and honey hillocks. Places like Four Hundred Summers. Proof that there are still realms in England that retain storybook feeling, where one can dwell in quietude without want of much more than figs from the garden, this might be the most becoming luxury Cotswolds stone cottage in Ablington; a place lost in time.
Inside
Oh, Four Hundred Summers, a snug cottage with many a pleasant corner and Romanesque stained glass windows to boot. Throw off the eiderdown and pad down a curving staircase that shepherds early risers to the stove of a garden kitchen, lingering over the butler sink with hand-picked tea. With cuts of sourdough from the Bibury bakery and a skillet thick with Cacklebean eggs, cottagers can live like John Brown, its 19th century proprietor who waxed so lyrical of his life of mirth and jollity that he was mentioned by name in the book A Cotswold Village; a copy of which was found in the beamed loft.
Outside
Whensoever you are inclined to leave, there’s village pursuits that take the shape of potters, chocolateries, and curio markets. Here in Ablington, there's inns held up by ship timbers and more routes to travail than there are mongers carving Stinking Bishop in all of the Cotswolds. No matter where you roam, you’ll stroll homeward musing on the hot tub hiding by the rose garden and making grand plans to stay outdoors all of tomorrow. Bursting with beetroot, basil, and blackberries, the fragrant gardens at Four Hundred Summers give nearby Highgrove a run for its money; sundowners have never felt so organic.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 2 guests
From £1,595 per week, £1,195 per short break - Bedrooms and bathroomsThere is one first-floor bedroom with a king-size bed and an en suite shower room at this luxury Cotswolds cottage.
- FeaturesWood-fired hot tub
- PetsSorry, no pets allowed
- Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- PracticalitiesThere is an off-road parking area for two cars with a Ring security camera. The kitchen has an ESSE electric range cooker with induction plate and hob plate, AEG washing machine and dishwasher, and fridge-freezer. There is underfloor heating throughout. Guests with limited mobility should be aware that the garden is tiered with steps. Guests should also be aware there are low beams and doorways throughout the property.
- Homestay includesA luxury welcome hamper including local Harry´s Honey and fresh bread from The Twig, iPad, Wi-Fi internet, 42-inch TV, music speakers, Nespresso coffee machine with pods, charcoal barbecue, books and board games, luxury bed linens, towels and bathrobes, and 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.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsView floor plan
Prices & Availability
Ablington
A chocolate-box hamlet in the Coln Valley, Ablington is one piece of the stone and elm mosaic that makes up the Cotswolds. Just a saunter down the lane from world-famous Bibury and one of the prettiest streets in all of England – Arlington Row.
Getting there
- On the Map This luxury cottage is near Cirencester within the secluded Cotswolds village of Ablington, perfectly located for visiting Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold.
- By Car Four Hundred Summers is around 20 minutes from Cirencester, 30 minutes from Cheltenham, an hour from of Oxford, and under three hours from London.
- By Train Kemble train station is 25 minutes away, while Swindon, Stroud, and Cheltenham train stations are around 40 minutes away by car. There are regular trains from London Paddington to Kemble with a journey time of just over one hour.
- By Air Bristol, Birmingham, and Heathrow airports are all approximately one and a half hours' drive from the cottage.
From the owner
“Our quintessential cottage sits in the beautiful hamlet of Ablington, one mile outside of Bibury and in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Our summer garden is alive with mauve and white alliums, topiary plants, strawberries, blackberries, and herbs in the form of mint, thyme, sage, coriander, and basil.”
The 19th century artist and craftsman William Morris called Bibury “the most beautiful village in England", and we tend to agree. With its elevated position that enhances its beauty, and proximity to the Coln River that flows through the hamlet, the cottage has an atmosphere of tranquillity. Grade II listed, and dating back to the mid-17th century, we instantly fell in love with the cottage as soon as we walked through the front gate. The fragrance of the garden, especially during the midsummer, makes it an idyllic place to be.
One of its most classic features is the lovely stone fireplace; the wood burning stove creates such a warm and homely atmosphere year-round. The garden is nothing short of mesmerising. It extends to about a quarter of an acre, laid out in sections, and divided by yew hedging and dwarf stone walls - its beauty is such that it has even been approved for the National Garden Scheme. We have retained the cottage's original charm and character, including its oak and stone windows and exposed timbers, and used a colour palette of natural earthly tones and fabrics to enhance its natural beauty.
Oliver and Marte
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Ablington with an insider’s perspective.
To Eat
The Twig, Bibury
Come to The Twig for truffle cheese toasties, chai lattes, and hazelnut doughnuts; all the trademarks of a trendy city deli, but tucked behind a classic Cotswolds sage-and-stone exterior.
To Eat
Barnsley House, Barnsley
Wrapped in landscaped gardens designed by its former owner Rosemary Verey, this country pile offers unstuffy fine dining, seasonal fare, and a wildflower-wrapped spa.
To See
Arlington Row, Bibury
Set in the parish of Bibury, Arlington Row has its roots in the 14th-century; once a wool store, then a row of weavers houses, and today one of the most photographed National Trust properties.
To Do
Highgrove House, Tetbury
The private residence of Their Majesties The King Charles III and The Queen Consort, visitors can tour the gardens between April and September. After, have a celebrated Highgrove cream tea.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
Four Hundred Summers is a beautiful cottage in a beautiful area, and a lovely place for a long weekend break. We would be very happy to return sometime! Thank you so much.
A delightful cottage which suited us perfectly for a quiet, restful, and peaceful weekend. A perfect location close to some Cotswold Gems. We look forward to visiting again throughout the seasons.
A great escape from all the hustle and bustle. A delightful cottage which suited us perfectly for a quiet, restful and peaceful weekend in the perfect location close to some Cotswold gems. We look forward to visiting again throughout the seasons. Many thanks for preparing such a wonderful home.
Four Hundred Summers was beautifully appointed, with the quality and attention to detail being excellent. This is very important to us. A small, private and exquisite home.
The most peaceful cottage ever, time seemed irrelevant at Four Hundred Summers. The perfect short break we needed with lovely walks, and such pretty towns and villages. The garden here is incredible, if I could kidnap the gardener I would!
I came away for a few much-needed days and was beyond impressed upon arrival. The cottage and gardens are absolutely stunning, rain or shine, but the peace and tranquillity when the sun is shining, and the birds and bees are singing and buzzing happily alongside you is like nothing else. The cottage is cosy, comfy and beautifully decorated. I absolutely would not hesitate staying here again, I felt safe, relaxed and joyful.
We spent a wonderful few days enjoying the peace and quiet, the cottage is beautifully furnished and equipped and the gardens and grounds are simply stunning. We spend a few days visiting Cirencester, Gloucester and Tewksbury, all within easy driving distance and worth exploring. We hope to be back in the near future. Thank you.
Four Hundred Summers is a little piece of paradise in one of the most beautiful places in the world. We loved every detail of the interior design and manicured gardens. How grateful we were for the welcome hamper, the books, soft linens, and sweet birdsong that woke us every morning. The whole property is filled with a precious and rare serenity....we are already looking forward to returning.
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.
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25 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 2024Healing waters
Condé Nast Traveller
September 202425 of the UK´s best lakeside stays
The Times
September 2024Highland fling
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2024
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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.
