A perfect little Cotswolds palace
OK, IT’S not quite as grand as its neighbour, Blenheim Palace, but Water Meadow Cottage is on the same estate, tucked away down a country lane.
It’s certainly as enchanting – and you can take your dogs, too.
This pretty two- bedroom, twof l o o r, 2 0 0 - year- o l d Cot s wolds t o ne hunt i ng l o dge may be small but i t’s big on boutique style – all sparkly mirrors, dinky bowls of blooms and t asteful knick-knacks.
There’s a fully equipped kitchen, comfy lounge and cosy little dining room downstairs.
Upstairs you’ll find two gorgeous bedrooms t hat can sleep four adults, and a big bathroom, while the summerhouse can provide extra accommodation. Facilities include a satellite TV, DVD player, iPod docking stations, wi- fi and parking for two cars.
One large or two small wellbehaved dogs are welcome at no extra cost and, if you book the c o t t a ge t hrough Pet Pyjamas, they will receive a personalised travel kit.
Helpful i nformation on l ocal walkies, sightseeing, pubs and restaurants is provided, too.
The riverside gardens include a fenced-off area in which dogs can romp around safely without fear of them disappearing, but inside pooches are not allowed on the beds or furniture. There’s not enough room for boisterous puppies, but luckily, our black lab Bruce is a very good boy.
The price includes breakfast. In-cottage meals can be supplied at extra cost, along with housekeeping and other services, and there’s a cupboard full of food you can buy if your supermarket haul runs out.
On certain dates during the year, there’s a minimum-stay policy of two or three nights.
Local sightseeing includes Blenheim Palace, of course, home of the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
The o ut l e t s hoppi ng c e nt r e Bicester Village is half an hour away, while Oxford is just ten miles.
The Old Swan and Minster Mill at Minster Lovell, just 20 minutes away, serves excellent food and is dog-friendly.
The place: Cosy, secluded stone cottage on the Blenheim estate, beside a little river. The accommodation: Two stylishly furnished double bedrooms, l arge bathroom, small l ounge, dining room, kitchen, WC and utility room with washing machine and dryer.
The food: Eggs, milk, bread, butter, tea and coffee are suppli ed; delicious heat- and- serve gourmet meals a r e a vai l a bl e at extra cost, as is a selection of hampers. Travel facts: Booked t hrough PetsPyjamas ( petspyjamas. com, 020 3642 3164), Water Meadow Cottage costs from £500 a night. The price includes a personalised pet travel kit with jaunty bandana, treats and toys.