Description
Summary
Orchard House is an elegant and spacious home away from home which sleeps eight guests, in four bedrooms, with three stylish bathrooms. Built in the late 20th century from natural stone, the property has been finished to a high standard with neutral tones, well-chosen works of art and decorative pieces. The warm and inviting living room is the heart of the home and the addition of the light and airy conservatory allows the garden to be enjoyed all year round. The property has a wealth of modern facilities including wireless internet access, two Smart TVs, a well-equipped kitchen and underfloor heating in two of the bathrooms. There is a large garden at the rear and off-street parking for two cars is available on the driveway.
Location
Great Rissington is one of four villages that are fondly known as ‘The Rissingtons’, traditional settlements with fine stone cottages surrounded by the breathtaking countryside that falls within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Just a stone’s throw from the property is The Lamb Inn, a popular 14th century country pub which serves delicious local food and offers stunning views over the Windrush Valley. There are many enjoyable walks and cycle routes to discover, including those across to nearby Bourton-on-the-Water, one of the best loved villages in the region, or shorter strolls which take in the Sherborne Water Meadows.
Affectionately referred to as the 'Venice of the Cotswolds' due to the low arched bridges that cross over the River Windrush, Bourton has a number of popular pubs, restaurants, tearooms and shops to enjoy and a wide range of tourist attractions on its doorstep, including the Model Village, the Cotswold Motoring and Toy Museum and Birdland. There are many other lovely towns and villages just a short drive away, including the medieval market town of Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cirencester and Kingham, all offering high quality dining options. Further afield destinations such as Oxford, Blenheim Palace and Stratford-upon-Avon are easily accessible for day trips.
Description
Orchard House is the perfect retreat for a gathering of friends or family who are seeking an idyllic Cotswold getaway. The house is laid out as follows:
Room | Amenities |
Kitchen/breakfast room/utility room |
The wonderful dual aspect kitchen has been finished in a contemporary style with smart limed oak units and a central island. This room contains:
- double electric oven with five-ring gas hob
- dishwasher, kettle, cafetière and toaster
- integrated fridge
- wine fridge
- island with two breakfast stools
- DAB radio
A doorway in the wood panelling leads through into the utility room which contains:
- microwave, washing machine and tumble dryer
- butler sink
- coat hooks
|
Dining room |
Leading through from the entrance hall, this tastefully decorated room contains:
- bleached oak dining table with seating for eight
|
Cloakroom |
Contains:
|
Study |
This fabulous room is perfect for wet and windy days when indoor entertainment or relaxing with a good book are on the agenda. It contains:
- Smart TV with Netflix access for account holders only
- PlayStation 4 with two controllers and small selection of games
- two leather armchairs and two footstools
- writing desk and chair
|
Living room |
This impressive room is great for relaxing with friends and family. It contains:
- modern fireplace with wood burning stove
- five-seater corner sofa, wingback chair and large footstool
- Smart TV with full Sky package including Sky Sports and Sky Movies
- selection of board games and books
- Bose soundbar
|
Conservatory |
The living room leads out into the gorgeous conservatory which is flooded with natural light and overlooks the attractive garden. This living space has eye-catching exposed stone walls and contains:
- round wooden table with seating for four
- two armchairs, loveseat and footstool
|
Master bedroom with ensuite bathroom |
Overlooking the garden and Cotswold hills beyond, this elegant bedroom contains:
- super king size bed
- chest of drawers and built-in wardrobes
- two chairs
- mirror
The bedroom has a spacious ensuite bathroom and underfloor heating. This room contains:
- walk-in shower, toilet, twin wash basins and heated towel rail
|
Bedroom 2 with ensuite bathroom |
This delightful bedroom contains:
- king size bed
- full length mirror
- button bedroom chair
- chest of drawers and wall-mounted hooks for hanging clothes
The bedroom has an ensuite bathroom which contains:
- walk-in shower, toilet, wash basin and heated towel rail
|
Bedroom 3 |
A lovely bedroom which contains:
- super king size bed or two single beds
- chest of drawers and wall-mounted hooks for hanging clothes
- mirror
- bedroom chair
|
Bedroom 4 |
Overlooking the garden, this well presented bedroom contains:
- super king size bed or two single beds
- chest of drawers and wall-mounted hooks for hanging clothes
- mirror
|
Family bathroom |
This modern bathroom has underfloor heating and contains:
- walk-in shower and bath with handheld shower attachment
- toilet, twin wash basins and heated towel rail
|
Accessed via the kitchen, utility room, living room and conservatory, the wonderful garden comprises two separate areas, those being a patio garden and a grass lawn. The enclosed patio area has an outdoor table with seating for eight, along with a fire pit and charcoal barbecue, and is a great spot for al fresco dining in the warmer weather. A pathway behind the garage and through a gated fence leads to the lawn, beautifully maintained and bordered by mature trees and high hedges which create a sense of privacy. A picture-perfect summerhouse looks out across the lawn, and with electricity, heating and a suite of furniture, this botanical inspired annexe is a superb place to take in the sights and scents of the garden. At the far end lies a wild nature garden, home to mature shrubs and a shallow stream which feeds the pond (please note that a fence is due to be installed to separate this area). Hidden amongst the foliage is a bench, great for those hoping to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife.
The secure double garage has storage space for bicycles and contains a freezer which guests are welcome to use. The gravel driveway in front of the property provides off-street parking for two cars and further free on-street parking can be found in the village.
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 eight 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. Please consult us prior to booking if you wish to discuss the possibility of having more than eight 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
Regrettably, pets are not accepted.
Bed linen and towels
Bed linen and towels are provided for guests.
Arrival and departure times
Arrival time is after 5pm 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
- Master bedroom: Super king size bed
- Bedroom 2: 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
Bathrooms
- Family bathroom: Bath with handheld shower attachment, walk-in shower, toilet and twin wash basins
- Master bedroom ensuite: Walk-in shower, toilet and twin wash basins
- Bedroom 2 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 log supplies can be purchased locally.
Services provided
The property has free wireless internet access, two Smart TVs, one with a full Sky package including Sky Sports and Sky Movies, a PlayStation 4 with small selection of games, a Bose soundbar and a DAB radio.
There is no telephone at the property.
Mobile phone reception is variable inside the property, typically being stronger in the garden.
Parking
The property has a gravel driveway with off-street parking for two cars in a designated parking area. No more than two cars are permitted on the driveway at any one time, however free on-street parking is available nearby should you be travelling in more than two vehicles.
Please note that this is a shared gravel driveway and that guests must drive slowly to avoid any damage being caused to the neighbour’s cars as loose stones can fly up. Please park with consideration for other residents.
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.
A shallow stream flows through the garden and beyond this there is a nature pond. A fence is due to be installed to separate this area from the main garden, however young children should be supervised outside at all times.
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
Between the driveway and property there is a steep drop which guests should be mindful of. A shallow stream flows through the garden, beyond which there is a nature pond. A fence is due to be installed to separate this area from the main garden, however young children should be supervised outside at all times.
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 Orchard House.
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.
Corporate and commercial bookings
Corporate, work related and commercial bookings will require clearance from the owner. If you would like to enquire as part of a corporate group, please contact us.
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
Orchard House was launched as a Holiday Let with Character Cottages in October 2019. Customer reviews and feedback for this lovely property are provided below:
Other Guest Feedback:
-"Harvey’s place is incredible! Every little detail has been thought out from the bar to the living room to the bedrooms. One of the nicest places we have stayed. Perfect for a country getaway to break from the city.", Joe, October 2020
-"Very clean cottage, fits so many people and the kitchen is very spacious.", Muna, October 2020
-"Great property and location", Judy, September 2020
-"House was incredibly clean, well-stocked and beautiful inside. Would definitely return, without hesitation.", Billy, August 2020
-"Lovely house in a great location we would definitely recommend.", Ben, August 2020
-"Found the property to be a very high spec. Fantastically clean and a very well stocked kitchen. Complimentary item such as milk, tea, coffee, bread, gorgeous butter etc very nice touch.", Fiona, March 2020
-"Perfect Cotswolds retreat - excellent touches including a welcome pack with local products, absolutely spotless throughout, charming location - only 1 min walk to the pub, and 50 min walk (or 5 min car ride) into the beatiful Bourton on the Water, and excellent size - the stunning property was perfect for 8 people. Could not have asked for a better stay... and will hopefully return in the summer.“, Jeanette, March 2020
-"Property is to a very high spec, very clean and tastefully furnished cottage throughout. Good location, great pub less than 2 minutes walk away. Although there were 8 adults staying, we never felt that we crowded each other out. Would definitely recommend.", Fiona, March 2020
-“Such a beautiful home, lovely area and modern, luxury touches that made our weekend away extra special!”, Clare, January 2020
-“Wonderful place, Hosted 10 of us. Nice local area, clean, spacious with a great lounge to relax in”, Chris, January 2020
-"We had an absolutely wonderful time at Orchard House. Gorgeous furnishings and thoughtful touches throughout. Perfect for family members of different generations to share the home together.", Michelle, November 2019
-“Wonderful location for an authentic Cotswolds experience. Snug, well stocked with thoughtful touches and a great location. Would highly recommend for a family break in a beautiful area.”, Jeremy, November 2019
Floorplan

Inventory
Our aim is for you to enjoy Orchard House 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 |
Charcoal barbecue (without coals) |
Bed linen, bath sheets and hand towels |
Wine fridge |
Five-ring gas hob |
Fridge |
Cafetière |
Kettle |
Microwave |
Outdoor table and seating |
Double electric oven |
Toaster |
2 x Smart TVs, one with a full Sky package including Sky Sports and Sky Movies |
Washing machine |
Wireless internet |
Dishwasher |
Travel cot (without linen) |
High chair |
DAB radio |
Tumble dryer |
PlayStation 4 with 2 controllers and small selection of games |
Selection of board games |
Freezer (located in the garage) |
Bose soundbar |
|
General provisions |
Bin bags |
Dishwasher tablets |
Hand soap |
J cloths & scourers |
Salt and pepper |
Small quantity of instant coffee |
Small quantity of sugar |
Small quantity of tea bags |
Toilet roll |
Washing up liquid |
|
|
Other equipment and facilities |
CO detectors |
Fire blanket |
Smoke alarms |
First aid kit |
Fire extinguisher |
Ironing board |
4 x hair dryers |
Iron |
Clothes drying rack |
Travel
Orchard House is located in the quiet Cotswolds village of Great Rissington, close to the popular village of Bourton-on-the-Water.
Travelling by car
Great Rissington is easily accessed by car, being located close to the A40, the A424 and the A429 (Fosse Way), three of the main roads running through the North Cotswolds.
Travelling by train
The nearest railway station to Great Rissington is Kingham (approximately seven miles away), which has regular, direct services to London Paddington, with a typical journey time of less than 90 minutes.
Travelling by plane
Great Rissington is within easy reach of a number of international airports:
- Heathrow International Airport: 70 miles, approximately 90 minute drive;
- Birmingham International Airport: 51 miles, approximately 75 minute drive.