Key Features
Key Features
Booking and payment
Character Cottages is a marketing agency and we do not own any of the cottages listed on our website. We manage a proportion of cottages within our portfolio and the remaining properties are managed by a third party property manager or the property owner – your pre-arrival email will contain confirmation and contact details for your property manager. Bookings made via us form a legal agreement directly between you and the property owner.
For bookings commencing more than 10 weeks in advance, a 30% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm the booking. The balance payment is then due 10 weeks prior to arrival.
All payments are made subject to the cancellation policy set out in the standard Booking Conditions.
Security deposits
A security deposit of £250 is payable, which is returned after the letting period, subject to an inspection of the property. For the avoidance of doubt, guests are requested to leave the property in a reasonable condition, consistent with the property's appearance upon arrival. In the event that the owners, or their appointed housekeepers, have to spend additional time tidying up after your departure, then the cost of this extra time may be deducted from your security deposit. The security deposit is payable prior to arrival at the property, via a bank transfer or a valid debit or credit card.
Occupancy
The maximum occupancy of the property, including its grounds, is 10+1 guests, at any point during your stay (with the +1 option being a day bed in bedroom 1). Unauthorised over occupancy is a breach of our terms and conditions and may result in the cancellation of your booking and additional charges. Please consult us prior to booking if you wish to discuss the possibility of having more than 11 guests at the property.
Infants who sleep in a cot do not count towards the occupancy figure, however, due to space restrictions, the occupancy figure may only be exceeded by up to two additional infants.
Pets
Up to three medium sized dogs are accepted, at a cost of £20 per booking per dog.
For the comfort of future guests, we ask that dogs remain downstairs, stay off the furniture and that no trace of a dog remains after your departure.
Bed linen and towels
Bed linen and towels are provided for guests.
Arrival and departure times
Arrival time is after 4pm and departure time is by 10am. Access is via a key safe, therefore it does not matter if you are arriving late at night.
Bed sizes and configurations
- Bedroom 1: King size bed, plus an additional day bed suitable for a child or teenager
- Bedroom 2: Super king size bed
- Bedroom 3: Super king size bed or 2 x single beds
- Bedroom 4: Super king size bed or 2 x single beds
- Bedroom 5: Super king size bed or 2 x single beds
Bathrooms
- Family bathroom: Bath, walk-in shower, toilet and wash basin (this bathroom can also be accessed from bedroom 1)
- Bedroom 2 ensuite: Walk-in shower, toilet and wash basin
- Bedroom 3 ensuite: Walk-in shower, toilet and wash basin
Heating, fuel and logs
The property has an oil fired central heating system.
Electricity and oil are included in the rental price. An initial basket of logs is provided for the wood burning stove and further logs are available at the property for a small charge.
Services provided
The property has free wireless internet access and two Freeview TVs, a DVD player, and a radio in the kitchen.
There is no telephone at the property.
Mobile phone reception is variable, typically being better outside the property than inside.
Parking
The property has a driveway with parking spaces for four cars. There is further free on street parking available.
Housekeeping
Where a letting exceeds nine nights, a mid-stay clean, bed linen and towel change may be included in the price. Please check with us to confirm. Additional housekeeping services may be available on request.
Child friendly facilities
A travel cot (without linen) and high chair are provided.
Initial consumables
A small quantity of initial consumables is provided for your convenience (eg. tea, coffee, sugar, dishwasher tablets, washing up liquid, soap, washing powder, toilet rolls, etc), however, you should not expect the quantity of these provisions to be sufficient for the duration of your stay.
Accessibility, health and safety
This is an old property and has many character features, including low beams, a low doorway on bedroom 5, and three floors, which could pose difficulty to guests with limited mobility, or carrying babies, both in terms of their general movement and their ability to quickly exit the property in the event of an emergency.
A fireguard has been provided for guests to use as a safety requirement when the wood-burning stove is lit.
The smoke and CO detectors operate on a sound only basis and, therefore, those who have serious impairment of hearing may not be able to hear the alarm systems and could be at risk.
Smoking
No smoking or vaping is permitted throughout the property.
Hen, Stag and other same sex groups
Unfortunately, Hen, Stag and other same sex groups are not allowed at Barnsley Cottage.
If you would like to enquire as part of a same sex group, please contact us, as these may be accepted at the sole discretion of the property owner. Please note that same sex family groups are welcome.
Other
A CCTV camera is installed on the outside of the property, for security purposes.
Photographs
In order to provide you with as much detail of our properties as possible, we sometimes use wide angle photography, which can make certain rooms, or spaces, appear larger than they actually are. Wherever possible, we try to include a floorplan, with detailed dimensions of rooms and areas.
If you have any queries regarding the size of any rooms or spaces, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Reviews
Barnsley Cottage was launched as a Holiday Let with Character Cottages in January 2017. Customer reviews and feedback for this lovely property are provided below:
Other Guest Feedback:
-"We, a family of eleven, plus dog, had a wonderful weekend to celebrate our diamond wedding. We enjoyed being in the cottage because it was so different for all of us, and we did different things in groups at different times. It really was so memorable.", Barbara, August 2019
-“The property is idea for a family gathering and has all the little things that make a house visit run smoothly. We had our young two grandchildren with us and there was plenty to keep them happy.”, Paul, July 2019
-“Everything about our stay was perfect. We were greeted with a generous hamper, homemade cake and a bottle of Prosecco. Had everything we needed there from kitchen equipment to garden games! We would 100% recommend staying here, literally a 30 second walk to the pub! Even the local farmer found our lost drone in his field and returned it!! Beds were so comfy! Had a really lovely homely feel. Thank you for letting us stay at your beautiful cottage :)”, Katy, June 2019
-“We had a lovely stay at Barnsley Cottage - two families and a dog! Our children loved the garden, and we found plenty to do in the local area. The house was very well equipped and beds very comfortable. Thanks to Annabel for everything!”, Stephen, April 2019
-“We had a lovely time at this cottage. The owner was extremely helpful and gave us advise on the local area. Had lots of toys in small sitting area for our young grandchildren and a big secure garden for them to play in. Also had a farm opposite with calves that they visited every morning. Would highly recommend Barnsley Cottage for families”, Diane, April 2019
-“Fabulous homely cottage which accommodated our family group superbly for our daughters wedding at near by Cripps Barn. Annabel (the owner) was lovely and very friendly and we were overwhelmed by her kindness when we returned back very late on the wedding night to discover she had been in and cleaned up all the chaotic mess that had been left on the morning of the wedding! Very touching indeed ! Would love to return with my family in the near future again as it holds very special memories of a fantastic week and wedding event x”, Alison, April 2019
-“Barnsley Cottage was perfect for our son's wedding weekend, it is very spacious but still feels like a "cottage". It was so well equipped, even down to birthday candles and napkins! We had four seasons in 3 days, even snow one evening, but it was very cosy and warm.”, Robin, March 2019
-"Fabulous cottage. We had 9 adults from 85yrs down to 31yrs two young children and two babies. Very comfy beds and great showers. The table was plenty big enough for all of us. The games room was a winner with all the grandchildren. And the Wood burner was definitely a winner with all the adults. Loved playing in the snow in the garden and had a beautiful walk through fields of snow.", Nina, February 2019
-"Lovely warm house, with mulled wine which smelt divine when we entered. Would definitely recommend this property close enough to Cirencester, great country walks and Cotswold village views.", Samantha, January 2019
-"Beautiful property with very helpful owner. We loved our stay in Barnsley Cottage.", Lucy, December 2018
-"We stayed here for a friends wedding and the cottage was absolutely perfect! It was cosy but spacious, the beds were very comfy and the little touches like the cake and hamper on arrival were so thoughtful.", Victoria, November 2018
-"We stayed here to celebrate our Golden wedding anniversary with family, coming from West Yorkshire and Kent. After long car journeys we felt instantly relaxed in this homely cottage, lots of comfy sofa's, big screen TV's, toys and games for every age group. French doors lead to lovely garden with good quality garden furniture and gas barbecue. Beds are so comfortable, with top class bedding. Would love to stay here again, Pub across the road with lovely food, lovely area with lots to see and do. Bibury, 2 miles is a must see, as is Cirencester, 4 miles. Welcome basket with tea coffee wine and a gorgeous cake mas much appreciated.", Dolores, October 2018
-"Barnsley cottage is an amazing place with a warm, cosy feel - a real home from home, with everything you need. The bedrooms are immaculate & super comfy. We stayed for a joint 40th & 70th & wanted something special - it certainly delivered!! Annabel was the most lovely lady & was at hand to help if needed. Will definitely be recommending & looking to visit again.", Emma, October 2018
-"This cottage was great for my family adults and children, the owner has catered for everything you could need on a break away from home. It is well appointed with a superb farmhouse style kitchen with all appliances, and underfloor heating should it get chilly. It is situated just a couple of more led from the town of Cirencester, great for all your shopping needs. To sum up, a great cottage, for a great break way.", John, September 2018
-"Well equipped and beautifully laid out house with plenty of room for big parties.Perfect for families with children. Restricted parking though if more than 3 cars.", Joanna, September 2018
-"Great house. Perfect layout for a big family. Shame about the weather, we didn't get to enjoy the lovely safe garden.", Nicole, May 2018
-"What a fantastic holiday home! I’d like to thank Annabel for a fantastic stay at Barnsley Cottage for my mum’s 50th birthday. The cottage is beautiful and felt like home away from home. On arrival there was a hamper of goodies for us all to enjoy which was a really lovely touch. Myself and my family will have fantastic memories of our stay. We will certainly be recommending the cottage to our friends and family.", Gemma, April 2018
-"The owner was very helpful when we were there during a very snowy weekend.", Lindsay, March 2018
-"Thank you so much. That is very kind of you. We really enjoyed our short stay at Barnsley House where we felt very much as if we were in our own home. It is a super place to have the whole family together and we are all looking forward to coming back soon to stay for a longer time when the weather will be hopefully kinder. Our best wishes for a happy 2018 to you and all your family, Mike & Ann.", January 2018
-"It was a fabulous cottage and perfect for our needs - there were 11 of us - 6 adults and 5 children and we all had an amazing time! Annabel, the owner, was very nice to us and baked a lovely cake one day while we were out, and that was such a lovely gesture and great with a cuppa after a day out.", Jacqueline, November 2017
-"Really lovely stay with 10 family members. Cottage is very well equipped and comfortable for a family weekend.", Jill, October 2017
-"Great cottage, very spacious and comfy. the garden is also amazing. we got lucky with the weather and got a chance to visit the lovely area.", Tatiana, October 2017
-“A very homely stone cottage with stunning garden and with every conceivable requirement catered for by the caring cottage owner. We enjoyed a lovely week in your wonderful cottage -in a pretty location so close to a very lovely village pub serving good food we all enjoyed the facilities of this well stocked home with lovely comfy beds and sofas designed with lazy days in mind, along with great meals sat around the kitchen table. Thank you for a lovely stay. Highly recommended.”, The Quelch Family, July 2017
-“A wonderful location for a family gathering and a comfortable and well-equipped cottage. We enjoyed a delicious meal at the village pub, a barbecue in the garden and meals at the kitchen table good walks for the energetic members and much enjoyed outings to Bibury, Cirencester and Chedworth Roman Villa. Thank you for the warm welcome and the wine and flowers, all much appreciated.”, Margaret and family, July 2017
-“Thank you for letting us stay in your beautiful Barnsley cottage -we have had a great couple of days and fun evenings. The cake on arrival was delicious and the lovely sunflowers were greatly appreciated!! All the bedrooms were fab and an amazing kitchen dining area, thank you so much for having us. The best bits are:
*the village pub pudding
*big open space for socialising
*local countryside walks
*"30 seconds" board game
*up the river, down the river
*upper and lower slaughter are beautiful
*The Swan in Bibury
*Lucy's Tearoom in Stow-on the -wold
*Greyhound pub - live music last Friday of the month
*Barnsley House Hotel - tea in the garden
*Cotswold Edge Golf Club
Laura, Rob & family, July 2018
-“We thoroughly enjoyed celebrating our 50th birthdays with a group of friends. Your cottage is fabulous and very homely with comfy beds and lots of interesting props around, you have thought of everything! The village pub was an added bonus with not far to walk home! Your scrummy cake was very welcome on arrival. Thank you once again for the wonderful memories-x-“, Jan, Rob & Friends, June 2017
-“Enjoyed celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary on the 20th in a charming part of the country. House was perfect for our family what with plenty to occupy the younger generation and something I know we will all look back on with happy times spent together.”, Jack & Alan, Liz Beth & Mark, Caroline, Nick, Izzy and Will, May 2017
-“Dear Annabel, thank you for a wonderful long weekend in your charming house. The nine family members gathered together to celebrate a 50th birthday. Beautiful setting, enjoyed the garden, a lovely country walk and afternoon tea at Barnsley house hotel. The house was really comfortable in all areas and thank you so much for the beautiful welcome cake.”, Natalie, Noel. Elaine, Tina, Philip, Sam, Henry, Stacey and Mavis.” May 2017
-“Thank you so much we had a wonderful stay! The cottage was perfect for the kids and the rooms gorgeous! Whilst here we went to badminton horse trails , visited a farm, played in your garden and ate a lot of food and cake! Very relaxed weekend. Thank you.”, Jess, mike Rosie, Chris, Flo & Orson, Jenna, Pete, Mick, Maria, Jan, Tizzy & Ella, May 2017
-“We have had a fabulous few days away celebrating a birthday. A truly comfortable cottage which came with a welcome hamper. I have to say the bed linen is top notch. The village pub this time but we will be back definitely. Thanks for the extras.”, Libby ,Andy, jane ,Ben, Jacque, James. Sam, Mollie, Isaac, Oliver, nip & Bailey., April 2017
-“We really enjoyed staying here & are very grateful for your generous extra touches, like the welcome hamper. This is a real home from home.”, Gary, April 2017
-“Thank you letting us stay in your beautiful house, we loved it, Josh.!”, April 2017
-“Lovely cottage so welcoming , a home from home, Annabel you are the perfect host.”, Julie, April 2017
-“Thank you so much for letting us stay in your charming cottage. The eight of us(and 4 children) had a wonderful Time together in this ‘home from home’. Highlights included :- the wonderful bedrooms, kitchen, log fire and the lovely local pub! We’ve found it very hard to leave and are already planning our next visit here!”, Andrea, February 2017
-“We've had a wonderful long weekend celebrating a family birthday. Bourton-on-the–Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cirencester and a long walk through the countryside . The house is full of character and warmth in such a beautiful setting. We’ve enjoyed cooking and long family meals around the large kitchen table. Three generations of our family playing games and chatting in front of the fire, plus a trip to the pub. Many thanks for your welcome and the lovely hamper. Best wishes” Lisa, Dave, Alf,Katie, Julie, Paul, Maya, Ru, Dave, Mel plus Lola the dog, February 2017
-“We’ve had a wonderful weekend celebrating mums 60th in your beautiful house ! It's been the perfect location for a family get together and everyone has loved staying here. Thank you for the lovely welcome hamper and cake-feet much appreciated. Many thanks.”, Lara and family, February 2017
