Description
Summary
Middle Gable is one of the most picturesque and historic properties in the Cotswolds, forming part of an original 17th century manor house, dating from the time of the English Civil War, over 350 years ago. This grade II* listed property sits in peaceful gardens, in the heart of the famous Cotswolds market town of Bourton-on-the-Water, often referred to as the "Venice of the Cotswolds". This lovely town has numerous shops, restaurants and pubs, and is ideally located for exploring the entire Cotswolds region and beyond.
The house has been sympathetically refurbished and retains a wealth of character features, including dovecotes (square holes on the outside wall, originally intended to house doves or pigeons), stone mullion windows, wooden beams, a grand fireplace, original wooden flooring and a “wig and gown” cupboard, to store the wigs and gowns worn by people of the period. Complementing these period features, Middle Gable has modern facilities, including wireless internet access, two satellite TVs, a Blu-ray home theatre system and a well equipped kitchen.
Middle Gable sleeps up to five people, in two bedrooms: two in a spectacular four-poster bed in bedroom 1 and three in single beds in bedroom 2. There is a bathroom and a shower room. The living room and both bedrooms look out over beautifully maintained gardens, which include a paved seating area for Middle Gable guests, and there is off-street parking for two/three cars, a distinct advantage in Bourton-on-the-Water. The layout of the house makes Middle Gable an ideal retreat for a family or a group of friends.
Description
Middle Gable is accessed via its garden, which leads to the beautiful wooden front door. Inside the house, a small entrance hall leads into:
- Living room: A grand room, which has been newly refurbished in a traditional style, enhancing the abundance of period features, including stone mullion windows, a large fireplace with wood-burning stove, wooden beams and a centuries old alcove. The refurbishment includes a limestone flagged floor, with underfloor heating, and the provision of a flat screen satellite TV and Blu-ray home theatre system with an iPod docking station.
The living room then leads into the Inner Hall, which in turn leads to:
- Shower room: Contains a shower, basin and toilet;
- Kitchen/dining room: The kitchen is well equipped, including a cooker with hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, freezer and washer dryer. There is a good sized dining table, with five chairs, and the layout of the room ensures that all guests can socialise whilst cooking is in progress.
Returning to the Inner Hall, a grand wooden staircase leads up to the first floor hallway, off which are:
- Bedroom 1: The initial highlight of the room is the spectacular super-king size four poster bed and this impressive room also has what is believed to be the original wooden flooring, stone mullion windows and the original “wig and gown” cupboard. There is a flat panel satellite TV in the room;
- Bathroom: Contains a bath with shower attachment, basin and toilet.
The staircase then continues up into the gable of the house, giving access to:
- Bedroom 2: A very spacious, dual aspect eaves bedroom, with beautiful original wooden beams. The room contains three single beds, two of which can be pushed together and one of which doubles up as a sofa (it is a full size adult bed, however).
Heading back downstairs and out of the front door, the lovingly cared for open plan gardens spread out in front of you. In Middle Gable’s garden, extending from the front of the house, there is a bench, for relaxing and looking out over all the gardens, as well as a paved seating area, which contains an outdoor table and chairs. At the end of the garden is a double garage for guest use.
Key Features
Booking and payment
Character Cottages is a marketing agency and we do not own or manage any of the cottages listed on our website. 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 £150 is payable to the property owners, which is returned by the owner after the letting period, subject to an inspection of the property less any deductions for breakages or damage incurred. 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.
Guests are specifically requested not to move furniture, or beds, around within the property and material failure to abide by this rule may result in a deduction from the security deposit.
For UK based guests, the owner's preferred payment method is via a cheque (for arrival dates more than 14 days in advance). Overseas guests must pay the deposit via Paypal. Further details of how to pay the security deposit will be provided with your booking confirmation.
Occupancy
The maximum occupancy of the property, including its grounds, is five guests, at any point during your stay. Unauthorised over occupancy is a breach of our terms and conditions and may result in the cancellation of your booking and additional charges.
Pets
Regrettably, Middle Gable does not accept pets.
Bed linen and towels
Bed linen, bath towels and hand towels are provided for guests.
Arrival and departure times
Arrival time at Middle Gable is after 4pm and departure time is by 10am.
Bed sizes and configurations
- Bedroom 1: Super-king size bed;
- Bedroom 2: Three full size single beds. Two of the beds can be pushed together (although they are not zip and link beds).
Fuel and logs
Electricity and gas are included in the letting price.
Logs for the wood burning stove can be purchased locally.
Services provided
Middle Gable has wireless internet access, two satellite TVs (one in the living room, one in bedroom 1, both of which receive the same signal) and a Blu-ray home theatre system in the living room. There is also a telephone available, for incoming calls only.
Parking
Middle Gable has a double garage with off street parking directly outside the garage for one additional car.
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 are available on request.
Child friendly facilities
A travel cot (without linen) is provided.
Initial consumables
Toilet rolls and cleaning products are provided. Guests should bring all the other consumables that they will require with them.
Accessibility, health and safety
Middle Gable is an old, Grade II* listed property and has many character features, including some low beams and ceilings, and multiple 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 house in the event of an emergency.
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 is permitted throughout Middle Gable and the owner politely requests that guests do not bring any candles, or other similar products into the cottage.
Hen and Stag parties
Hen and Stag parties are not allowed at Middle Gable.
Corporate and commercial bookings
Unfortunately, this property does not accept corporate, work related or commercial bookings of any kind.
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.
Other
The owners of Middle Gable are proud supporters of www.giveustime.org.uk, which provides holidays to servicemen and their families, to help them adjust to life after combat.
Reviews
Middle Gable was launched as a Holiday Let with Character Cottages mid-December 2011, and as such is in the process of building its customer feedback. With its outstanding presentation and ideal location, we have little doubt that Middle Gable will be nothing less than one of our best holiday homes. Recent guest posts include the following:
Other Customer Feedback:
- “Just wonderful, we had a great time and thanks again!”, Laura, July 2017
- “Middle Gables was a delightful place to stay in Bourton-on-the-Water. The character of the home was so lovely, and the furnishings were beautiful. Check-in and communication was easy, and the location is perfect. I highly recommend Middle Gables for your stay in Bourton.”, Ann, June 2017
- "The place was great. Ideal location to High Street. Loved the downstairs heated floor. Cate & Chris were great - they were quick to respond to any inquiry. The view from the living room and main bedroom was marvellous. The place was a perfect base for touring the Cotswolds and the countryside was beautiful. It was great coming back each evening after a busy day of sightseeing. Stay there once and you will want to go back..." Jon Livingston, April 2017
- Excellent week-long visit with 8 month old baby. Lovely property, which is very attractive and well equipped. The owners are very well organised and attentive (without being overbearing) and kindly went out of their way to bring over a high chair for our use. Village enjoys plenty of amenities for a very young family - lots to do within metres of the door, making for very easy & enjoyable trips between nap times! December 2016
- This was a fantastic cottage, homely comfortable and full of character, in a superb location just a few moments stroll from the high street with its many shops and tea rooms. Even though it was so close to the high street it was so quiet and peaceful with a beautiful garden to relax in. Anne the lady who lived nearby was a great help with her recommendations of local restaurants. Would recommend this to friends and would love to go back. August 2012.
- The best cottage we have ever stayed in although it's unfair to call it a cottage as it's so much more. July 2012.
- This was a wonderful cottage, everything had been very thought through and comfort and amenities excellent. May 2012.
- A very spacious cottage that is very central yet with gorgeous private views of a lovely garden. Lots of places to eat in the village all within strolling distance. A few nice easy walks from your door which are also ok for children to manage. April 2012.
- Perfect location in the village and in an area of great beauty. A few restuarants/ pubs to go to in the evenings. April 2012.
- The cottage is ideally located for walks around the surrounding area therefore you don't need your car once there! The owners are lovely - very helpful and thoughtful. The cottage is fab - beautifully decorated and presented. Feb 2012.
- Absolutely beautiful location and accomodation. We had everything we needed. Middle Gable is the perfect location for a romantic, relaxed holiday with plenty to do with other Cotswolds villages nearby and a 1 minute stroll to the centre of one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds. Dec 2011.
- Ideally situated, beautiful property and garden. Lovely features in old building. Picture perfect place for a break. Oct 2011.
- This cottage has the perfect location to explore the Cotswolds. We took several day trips, even Port Isaac was within reach. Everything was clean and comfortable and the neighbours are very helpful in recommending restaurants etc. Make sure you take a walk to the Slaughters, it can be easily done in 2 hours. Sept 2011.
- Bourton is a lovely place to stay, despite it being crowded during the day it felt very relaxed almost like going back to another era, when the pace of life was much slower. I would recomend it to anyone and Middle Gable is the ideal place to stay, just a few hundred metres from the main high street, it oozes charm and personality. This was our first visit to the Costwolds and hopefully not our last as there was so much to do and see, a week was nowhere long enough to do it justice. In summary would i go back to Bourton and would i stay at Middle Gable the answer is a massive 'YES' to both. July 2011.
- Nice area if you like tea rooms, plenty of restaurants, few pubs, busy with day trips. June 2011.
- We were a party of 5, Mum and Daughters and we had the most fantastic time! The house is beautiful so full of character and in the most superb location. Everyone really friendly and made us feel very welcome, would definitely recommend and will certainly be returning! May 2011.
- The character and proximity of the property to the centre of Bourton on the Water make this an ideal holiday retreat. May 2011.
- Lovely period cottage. Very quiet but close to amenities. Feb 2011.
- Met our expectations from the description on the website. Brilliant location, helpful owner and good all round standard of accommodation and facilities. Feb 2011.
- Lovely large sitting room with underfloor heating and woodburner. Feb 2011.
- Very pretty and well maintained. Central to everything but in a fairly quiet location. Dec 2010.
- Exactly what we wanted. Finished to a high standard. Owners friendly and helpful. We will definitely re book. Dec 2010.
- The property is tastefully decorated and furnished to a good standard throughout. It is in a very good location just 200 yds from the centre of Bourton-on-the-Water with easy access to pubs and restaurants. Nov 2010.
- We like to stay in older, individual properties and the Middle Gable built around 1650 was perfect. It is appropriately furnished and has good kitchen and bathroom facilities. It is in the centre of Bourton-on-the-Water so the car could stay in the garage whilst we walked around the area and sampled local places to eat. Oct 2010
Floorplan
Inventory
Our aim is for you to enjoy Middle Gable as if it was your own home and this information is provided to ensure that you are aware of, and are able to use, all the facilities that are available.
| Main appliances, furniture and facilities |
|---|
| Cooker |
Bed linen, bath sheets and hand towels |
Blu-ray home theatre system |
| Washing machine/tumble dryer |
Fridge |
Freezer |
| Kettle |
Microwave |
Outdoor table and seating |
| Travel cot (without linen) |
Toaster |
Flatscreen TV |
| Dishwasher |
Wireless internet |
iPod dock |
| General provisions |
|---|
| Bin bags |
Toilet roll |
Hand soap |
| J cloths & scourers |
Washing up liquid |
|
| Other equipment and facilities |
|---|
| First aid kit |
CO detectors |
Smoke alarms |
| Fire blanket |
Fire extinguishers |
|
Travel
Middle Gable is located off a quiet street, right in the picturesque centre of the village of Bourton-on-the-Water.
Travelling by car
- Bourton is located approximately 1 mile away from the A429 (Fosse Way) and is easily accessed by car.
Travelling by train
- The nearest railway station to Bourton is Kingham (approximately 8 miles away), which has regular, direct services to London Paddington, with a typical journey time of approximately 90 minutes.
Travelling by plane
- Bourton is within easy reach of a number of international airports:
- Birmingham International Airport: 50 miles, approximately 60 minute drive;
- Heathrow International Airport: 73 miles, approximately 90 minute drive;
- Bristol International Airport: 66 miles, approximately 90 minute drive.
