ENGLAND - Quintessentially Quaint in the Cotswolds

Charity Farm Manor House

MonksRetreat, Charity Farm - Stanton Village, Cotswolds

Monk's Retreat Cottage

A charming, quiet cottage situated next to a classic Cotswold farm house. With its spectacular views and great location, Monk's retreat is perfect for that idyllic Cotswold getaway vacation.

Living myself in one of Colorado's most  breathtaking towns - Telluride, Colorado - and frequenting my other home in bustling Oxford, England (Check it out!), I often like to begin or end my holiday visiting Oxford in a more tranquil setting, with lovely country walks right out my door.

View over Stanton Village from the Cottage and Charity Farm

On my second visit  already in a year, Monk's Retreat is perfect for all my needs. Easy to get to and not much more than an hour's drive from Oxford, one is transported to a sleepy part of the Cotswolds many have never yet discovered. 

Cottage bench and table with stunning views

Only four miles away from the famed Broadway Tower, many never venture further afield to discover this charming area tucked away amongst rolling hills, woods and fields.

Quiet lane leading up to Charity Farm and the Cottage

View from Cottage

Sounds remote? Not really. The cottage is located down a picturesque lane on a lovely country farm, yet is actually in one of the Cotswold's most lovely and un-spoilt 17th century villages called Stanton. 

The Cotswold Way

Right out the cottage door one has a plethora of delightful Costwold walks from which to choose, including the famed Cotswold Way and many other walks leading to other charming villages such as Snowshill with it's famed Lavender Farm and Manor House.

Snowshill on the horizon

Belas Knap - A 5800 year old Neolithic Tomb

The delightful village of Winchcombe is also not far away with it's lovely castle to explore and many more Cotswold walks out to Hailes Abbey or up to the Cotswolds hightest hill (Cleeve Hill) on which sits a well preserved Neolithic Long Barrow or Tomb: Belas Knap.

Upon arrival, Valerie, her farming hubby, John, and their sweet black lab, Ember, welcome me warmly.

The locals :)

It is here, I find my inner peace and "self" again. 

Nature has always been my tonic, and to awaken to the birds chirping and the baby lambs calling out for their Maaaa...is a dream.

Charming living room

I add my own flowers
for that personal touch.

The cottage is thoughtfully furnished, very clean, and has that homey, warm feeling of wanting to settle in immediately. 

Bread, Tea, Coffee
Basket

Well appointed for self catering, I can get up and fix breakfast when I decide to leisurely arise - on no one's agenda!

Indeed, Valerie thoughtfully provides a starter kit of milk, juice, tea, coffee, butter and a basket of lovely bread, granola and jam to get one started. 

Well appointed "farm house" kitchen

Bed hidden away
in an open loft

After a great night's rest on a very comfortable bed, I can have a bit of breakfast and then quite refreshed, embark on a walk or ramble across fields and fell to explore neighboring Cotswold villages.

Comfy bed in the loft

Spacious bathroom with large tub

As a final bonus - after a long day's adventuring around the countryside and a warm bath to soothe the feet, Monk's Retreat is located just steps away from one of the region's best pubs, The Mount Inn, with fantastic home made (gourmet) food and spectacular views on a clear night.
 

The Mount Inn Gastro Pub

Homemade Venison Pie

Following yesterday's 12.5km (8 mile) hike, I chose their hearty home cooked Venison Pie, which was accompanied with boiled potatoes and an amazing, revitalizing dish of fresh veggies. Yum!

I shall make a separate review of this fabulous restaurant at a later time! But if you are in the area, please do stop in for a great lunch or dinner.







So, for now, off on a new day's adventure in this magical area!

********

Thank you for having me back Charity Farm! This shall not be the last time you see me!

You can make reservations directly with Valerie through their WEBSITE

Enjoy your stay!