A cozy cottage escape in the heart of the Cotswolds
“Stepping into this 18th-century stone house in the heart of the Cotswolds felt like being transported into a perfect countryside escape. I was struck by the warmth and charm of the place and the owner! We were late, and he was cooking outside for us to make sure we had something to eat. So so so sweet.”
It had been on my list for so long: this idyllic, classic English area. The limestone cottages, the rolling green hills, the magical villages… The Cotswolds. And then we spontaneously decided to go for a long weekend. Just like that, and it turned out to be easier than expected!
Hop in your own car, with a kid, dog, and as much luggage as you want (hello, English antique shops), straight onto the DFDS ferry from Dunkirk to Dover, and just a short drive later, you’re in the heart of England. Traveling by ferry was a delight (the idea of driving under the sea freaks me out a bit, haha). The two-hour crossing flew by: a bit of eating and drinking, some duty-free shopping, fresh air on deck, and Atlas had a blast in the playground. Before we knew it, we could already see the iconic white cliffs of Dover.
We found the perfect AirBnB (dogs and kids allowed!) and we loved it, so worth a publication! The exposed wooden beams, the romantic interior and the soft light streaming through the windows instantly made me feel at home. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and all you want to do is relax and savor the moment! And the garden is lovely. It’s big with hidden corners and wild flowers everywhere! The owners Stephen and Janet are the kindest people.
The cottage has two lovely bedrooms, each with its own cozy character. Waking up in the morning to the sound of birds chirping and the soft morning light filtering through the curtains was blissful. The bed was very comfortable. By the way, we saw a deer in the morning from our window! English countryside at its best.
The living area was very rustic and cozy, and the kitchen big enough with everything you need. But the highlight for me was definitely the hot tub in the garden. After a day of exploring the nearby villages, there was nothing better than slipping into the warm bubbles, gazing up at the stars, and just letting all the stress melt away.
Exploring the Cotswolds
Staying in the village of Ashton Keynes was perfect. It’s a quiet spot, but you’re just a short drive away from some of the most iconic Cotswolds villages like Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water. I loved wandering through the streets of these postcard-perfect towns, popping into independent shops, and stopping for a pint at one of the local pubs. The countryside walks around the area are stunning too, and we made sure to spend a few afternoons exploring the rolling hills and winding paths that make this region so special. We spent our entire stay just exploring the nearby villages. This area is so idyllic!
Getting there
We drove with our kid and dog to Dunkirk, just across the border in France, about a five-hour drive from home. You drive your car straight onto the DFDS ferry to Dover, and then you’re free to explore the boat. The two hours at sea fly by! There are plenty of seats, a duty-free shop, and a large restaurant with a play area, so we were well entertained. We had paid extra for access to the Premium Lounge — and it was totally worth it! It was wonderfully quiet, with comfy seats, a fantastic view over the sea, and all food and drinks included. The prosecco, snacks, fresh sandwiches, and wraps, combined with the relaxed atmosphere, made it the perfect place to unwind before the real adventure started. I would recommend it to everyone, though even outside the lounge, the ferry is a great place to relax. We spent quite a while there too because Atlas wanted to play in the playground.
The ferry crossing already felt like a mini-vacation! I really like this way of traveling. No rush, no long waits at the border — just the freedom of being on the water, walking around, and getting some fresh air. You can even go outside on the deck! It’s an ideal way to travel for a short city trip to London or as a gateway for your journey through England or Scotland.
All in all, this cottage exceeded my expectations. It’s the perfect base for a relaxing Cotswolds getaway, with all the comforts of home plus the luxury of a private hot tub. Whether you’re looking to explore the countryside or just curl up at the sofa and recharge, this is a place where you can truly unwind!
