Locations
At the Perfect Cottage we are aware that the location of your cottage can be as important as the accommodation itself. Therefore, for every property listed on this site we have also included background on the village it is in - its size, history, appearance and facilities - to give you a better idea of where you are looking to stay.
Bourton-on-the-Hill
With a population of just over 300, Bourton-on-the-Hill is one of the best known villages in the North Cotswolds and winner of the prestigious Bledisloe Cup "Best Kept Village" 2008. Predominantly made up of 17th and 18th century cottages the village has at its centre a beautiful early medieval church.
Bourton-on-the-Hill
As the name suggests, the village sits on a hill, or more accurately an escarpment, leading to the beautiful and unspoilt Bourton Downs.
Essentially a linear development from the 17th and 18th centuries, it has as its heart the wonderful medieval church of St Lawrence, where stone pillars dating from 1157 can be found in the south side of the nave.
At the top of the village is the Horse and Groom, an award-winning gastropub (for which booking is essential) and near the bottom is Bourton House and Gardens. The village is surrounded by rolling countyside and a short walk away in one direction is Batsford Arbotetum and Falconry Centre, and in the other the colonially-inspired Sezincote House and Gardens.
The village is less than two miles from Moreton-in-Marsh, which boasts a mainline railway station as well as antique shops, gift shops, pubs, restaurants (both eat in and take-away), tea rooms and an upmarket Budgens (which makes home deliveries).
Broad Campden
Broad Campden is an exquisite village nestling in a small valley, surrounded by woodland and ancient orchards. Many of the centuries-old, thatched houses huddle around a small village green opposite which is a delightful Victorian chapel.
Broad Campden
Broad Campden is an exquisite village nestling in a small valley, surrounded by woodland and ancient orchards. Many of the centuries-old, thatched houses huddle around a small village green opposite which is a delightful Victorian chapel.
A short walk away is an 18th Century Quaker meeting house, with much of the original furnishings unchanged despite still being used today. Close by is the Bakers Arms, an award winning pub renowned for its local ales and good food.
A number of spectacular walks can be taken from the village itself and a level walk of just over a mile will bring you into the heart of Chipping Campden, the jewel of the North Cotswolds.
Condicote
First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, Condicote is the perfect sleepy country village, unravaged by the passage of time. The ancient church of St Nicholas overlooks the 'Pound', the walled village green, a view that will have remained little changed down the centuries.
Condicote
First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, Condicote is the perfect sleepy country village, unravaged by the passage of time. The ancient church of St Nicholas overlooks the 'Pound', the walled village green, a view that will have remained little changed down the centuries.
Close by is a Neolithic 'henge', a huge circular earthwork dating back to the time of Stonehenge. It is also possible to walk the Roman 'white way' between Condicote and Eyford, surfaced with crushed Cotswold stone, the only remaining one in this part of England.
Todenham Village
Todenham village has a population of 240, a considerable number of these still employed in agriculture or equestrianism; indeed a recent Grand National winner has chosen to make his home here. The village is quite linear, straddling both sides of a rural lane and centred on the Farriers Arms and the church of St Thomas.
Todenham Village
Todenham village has a population of 240, a considerable number of these still employed in agriculture or equestrianism; indeed a recent Grand National winner has chosen to make his home here. The village is quite linear, straddling both sides of a rural lane and centred on the Farriers Arms and the church of St Thomas.
The pub has a wonderful cosy atmosphere and meals are served every lunchtime and evening. Within a fifteen minute stroll of the village there is also the Fox and Hounds at Great Wolford, another great pub which serves meals every day except Monday evening.
There are a variety of wonderful walks that emanate from the village, most notably down the side of the impressive Todenham Manor and across the fields following the direction of the old road to Burmington.
Little evidence is left other than a small stone footbridge and a fording point across the river, now home to a range of wildlife including otters, kingfishers and crayfish.
In the other direction you can visit the site of the medieval village of Ditchford, its streets still clearly visible from the air, and continue on to Lemington Lakes where you can buy a daily pass and enjoy a spot of coarse fishing on one of its four lakes.