Description
Summary
The Old Forge is a beautiful detached property that sleeps ten people in five bedrooms, with four bathrooms, three reception rooms and a playroom in the eaves. Recently renovated to a high standard, this wonderful home has retained stunning character features including exposed Cotswold stone walls, wooden beams and impressive fireplaces with wood burning stoves. These period pieces have been complemented by modern facilities, including wireless internet access, two Smart TVs and a well-equipped kitchen.
There is a lovely garden at the rear of the property, with an outdoor table and seating for ten. At the front of the property there is off-street parking for three cars.
Location
Located in the pretty, rural village of Maugersbury, The Old Forge enjoys a peaceful setting on a quiet country lane. The village itself is positioned almost 200ft above the bottom of the valley it overlooks, and therefore benefits from lovely views of the surrounding countryside, with many scenic walks right on the doorstep.
Despite enjoying a tranquil setting, the picturesque market town of Stow-on-the-Wold is within walking distance, being located only half a mile away. Stow plays host to many independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, whilst nearby Kingham is home to two outstanding village pubs, with the Daylesford Organic Farm just down the road. Maugersbury is well situated for exploring the Cotswold region, as well as further afield places such as Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford and Bath.
Description
The Old Forge is a stylish home, perfect for friends or family looking for a relaxing countryside break. The house is laid out as follows:
| Room | Amenities |
|---|
| Living room |
This beautiful room blends contemporary style with many character features, including exposed Cotswold stone walls, exposed oak beams and wooden flooring. This wonderful living space contains:
- large inglenook fireplace with wood burning stove
- three-seater sofa, four armchairs and a window seat
- coffee table, occasional tables and two pouffes
|
| Kitchen/breakfast room |
This impressive, well-equipped room is ideal for those who enjoy entertaining. It contains:
- Mercury electric range cooker with two electric ovens
- five-ring induction hob
- American-style fridge
- pantry cupboard
- dishwasher
- Quooker hot water tap, kettle, toaster and microwave
- filter coffee machine and Nespresso coffee machine
- stand mixer, food processor and blender
- large wooden dining table with seating for ten
|
| Reading room |
A bright space, just off the kitchen/breakfast room. This room contains:
- two wicker chairs and an occasional table
- chic sideboard and comfy chair
|
| Snug |
This second reception room has just as much character as the first, and contains:
- inglenook fireplace with wood burning stove
- corner sofa with seating for four, armchair and pouffe
- Smart TV
- writing desk and chair
|
| Utility room |
Contains:
- sink, washing machine/tumble dryer and freezer
|
| Cloakroom |
Contains:
|
| Master bedroom with ensuite bathroom |
A beautifully bright room which contains:
- super king size bed
- built-in wardrobe and additional storage space in the hallway
- armchair
The master bedroom leads into an ensuite bathroom which contains:
- bath with overhead shower, toilet and wash basin
|
| Bedroom 2 |
This spacious bedroom has access to the family bathroom, enabling it to be used as an ensuite if desired. This room contains:
- two single beds or a super king size bed
- chest of drawers, bench seat and wicker chair
|
| Bedroom 3 |
A pretty bedroom which contains:
- king size bed
- chest of drawers, chair and clothes hooks
|
| Bedroom 4 |
Overlooking the garden, this lovely bedroom has:
- two single beds
- chest of drawers and a chair
|
| Family bathroom |
This "Jack & Jill" bathroom can be accessed from the landing or from bedroom 2, allowing it to be either a shared bathroom or bedroom 2's ensuite bathroom. This room contains:
- bath, toilet and wash basin
|
| Shower room |
Contains:
- walk-in shower, toilet and wash basin
|
| Playroom |
Ideal for older children and teenagers, this den-like space contains:
- bean bags and two chairs
- Smart TV, selection of board games and small table-top football table
- chest of drawers
|
| Bedroom 5 with ensuite shower room |
A step leads down from the playroom into the bedroom, which contains:
- two single beds
- hooks for hanging space and chair
The ensuite shower room contains:
- walk-in shower, toilet and wash basin
|
The large garden can be accessed from the rear of the entrance hall and the kitchen/breakfast room. The doors open onto a patio area which has a large table with seating for ten and a barbecue, perfect for al fresco dining. Two steps lead up from the patio to the lawn, which is bordered by mature trees and a low hedge.
There is off-street parking for three cars in front of the property, and further on-street parking is available in the village.
Key Features
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 £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 ten 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 ten 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 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
- Master bedroom (1st floor): Super king size bed
- Bedroom 2 (1st floor): 2 x single beds or a super king size bed
- Bedroom 3 (1st floor): King size bed
- Bedroom 4 (1st floor): 2 x single beds
- Bedroom 5 (2nd floor): 2 x single beds
Bathrooms
- Family bathroom (1st floor): Bath, toilet and wash basin (can be accessed from the landing or via bedroom 2)
- Master bedroom ensuite (1st floor): Bath with overhead shower, toilet and wash basin
- Shower room (1st floor): Walk-in shower, toilet and wash basin
- Bedroom 5 ensuite (2nd floor): 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 each of the wood burning stoves, and further logs are provided under a fair usage policy.
Services provided
The property has free wireless internet access and two Smart TVs.
There is no telephone at the property.
Due to the rural location, guests should be aware that in the absence of WiFi calling, mobile phone reception can be limited.
Parking
The property has off-street parking for three cars in front of the property, and free on-street parking is available in the village.
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
Two travel cots (without linen), two high chairs and two child gates are provided. There is a selection of children’s cups, plates and cutlery, as well as a small selection of indoor and outdoor toys.
Bedroom 5 in the eaves is best suited to adults and older children, as the stairs lead directly onto this floor and cannot be closed off with a stair gate.
Behind the hedge at the end of the garden, there is a low retaining wall to the neighbour’s property bordered by a wire fence. Whilst the garden is enclosed, we recommend that children are 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.
Welcome hamper
A welcome hamper is provided, which typically contains locally sourced produce such as milk, butter, free-range eggs, fresh bread and other breakfast provisions.
Accessibility, health and safety
This is a period property and has many character features, including narrow and steep stairs, low beams, multiple floors and steps into some rooms, all of 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.
Bedroom 5 in the eaves is best suited to adults and older children, as the stairs lead directly onto this floor and cannot be closed off with a stair gate.
Behind the hedge at the end of the garden, there is a low retaining wall to the neighbour’s property, so children will need to 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 is permitted throughout the property.
Hen, Stag and other same sex groups
Unfortunately, Hen, Stag and other same sex groups are not allowed at The Old Forge.
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
The Old Forge was launched as a Holiday Let with Character Cottages in November 2018. Customer reviews and feedback for this lovely property are provided below:
Other Guest Feedback:
-"A wonderful stay in a beautifully kept cottage in a charming village very close to Stow on the Wold", Adrian, January 2020
-"What a beautiful place! Perfect location, just a short walk from Stow-on-the-Wold and a short drive from other charming towns and villages. Beautiful interior design with cosy fires and the thoughtful touch of unlimited firewood. The welcome hamper was the icing on the cake - the milk and local bread and eggs were much appreciated. The beds were huge and ridiculously comfortable. We loved it so much we are hoping to come back every year. This is truly the nicest Airbnb we have ever visited. 100% recommend.", Lucy, January 2020
-"Beautifully decorated and appointed. We loved being able to have space to gather and space for solitude. Loved the location and the ability to walk to town. Thank you for sharing.", Bob and Judy, December 2019
-"Absolutely fabulous place to stay. Thoroughly enjoyed by all.", Anne, October 2019
-"A fantastic, warm and homely cottage in a beautiful location. We all had an enjoyable long weekend and would highly recommend this wonderful cottage.", Mandy, October 2019
-“Beautiful cottage lovely pubs to walk to and Stow just up the road would come back again”, Ian, September 2019
-“Wonderful property, beautifully furnished and in a great location. Would highly recommend.”, Lucy, September 2019
-“Would highly recommend this house. Beautiful decor, great location and everything you could need at hand.”, Lucy, September 2019
-“We loved this property! It was in a fantastic location and was great for our family of five. We enjoyed the outside games and easy walk into town.” Nicole, September 2019
-“Fantastic place.”, Harry, August 2019
-“Absolutely fabulous in every way, right from booking, all the way to checking out. Thank you so much.”, Rhys, August 2019
-"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Old Forge. We loved the location, the house’s special character and the little touches: from the Nespresso makes to the maps/books to outdoor & indoor games. It was a perfect spot for our family to all meet from afar and celebrate a special birthday! Thank you.”, Sherrin, August 2019
-“Highly recommend! Can be considered one of my best Airbnb experiences.”, Ji, June 2019
-“We were thrilled with our stay at the Old Forge. It could not have been any better. The Welcome Basket was fantastic, the toiletries wonderful, the well-appointed kitchen a dream to cook and gather in. The beds, linens all very comfortable. We also loved the decor and overall comfort of the home. Plenty of room for a large group to spread out or gather together. What a lovely place to relax in the Cotswolds. It was also spotless which we really appreciated. Top notch!”, Mary Kay, June 2019
-“Our family loved The Old Forge. The cottage was beautifully decorated with top quality furnishings, appliances, bed linen and towels. We couldn't fault a thing 10/10! Our stay was perfect. We also loved Stow-on-the Wold, a typical English village within walking distance. One of our favourites was The Hive. Excellent food and lovely staff. The owners welcome pack was so generous as was their supply of the general essentials. We have stayed in many flats/houses etc in London and this is not always the case. Thank you again for a wonderful stay!”, Jo and Ian, June 2019
-"A gem of a cottage!", Julie, May 2019
-“A truly exceptional cottage. We were a group of 10 and stayed for 3 nights over the bank holiday weekend. The property had plenty of room for all of us, and all bedrooms were a nice size. The room in the loft is on the smaller side with low ceilings, but that is to be expected in a property of this nature. It does have it's own en suite, which more than makes up for the smaller sleeping area. The kitchen is wonderful and the table could easily accommodate all 10 of us. Both lounges are extremely comfortable with plenty of comfortable seating. The weather was slightly on the cooler side so we did not use the outside dining table, but it was also big enough to accommodate all members of our group. The welcome hamper was a very nice touch, and included coffee, eggs, bread, cereal, honey and marmalade. The property also has a number of guides for local activities, walks and dining options, which we found very useful. Stow on the Wold is half a mile up the road and has plenty of dining options for all tastes. We highly recommend The Old Forge, and if we visit the area again will certainly look at booking this wonderful cottage.”, Nick, May 2019
-“We were really impressed with The Old Forge, it is a lovely old property that has been beautifully done up. It had everything that we needed to make our stay easy and comfortable. The welcome pack was extremely generous and enjoyed by all. Thank you.”, Susie, April 2019
-"Had a weekend stay in the Old Forge and everything was perfect. The property itself is in a great condition, being beautifully decorated and furnished. Everything you might need for your stay has been considered, down to the multiple umbrellas in the hall! It's also just a 10 minute walk into Stow-on-the-Wold so very conveniently located.
Would definitely return to the Old Forge if visiting the area again.", Tom, February 2019
-"A beautiful cottage which is perfect for a long weekend away. Modern decor but still has real character. The house was very clean, the kitchen well equipped and check in/check out was easy and fuss free. We loved having open fires and being able to go on long walks from the cottage. Would have loved to stay longer, thank you for having us!”, Ollie, February 2019
-"The stay was amazing! we came as a mixed group of couples and friends for my 30th birthday and I have to say this is the best cottage I have ever stayed in, the attention to detail was incredible, it came equipped with ever single thing you could imagine to want or need and was decorated to such a great standard both modern but in keeping with the cottage style and feel! we didn't want to leave we loved it so much!! we will be back again in the future hopefully. The process with Character Cottages was smooth and easy - very well managed.", Jade, January 2019
-"Very tastefully decorated, perfect large family accommodation, fully equipped for all our needs! Fabulous location in the heart of the Cotswolds and a short drive to Daylesford.", Tia, November 2018
Floorplan
Inventory
Our aim is for you to enjoy The Old Forge 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 |
Mercury electric range cooker with two ovens |
| Five-ring induction hob |
American-style fridge |
Freezer |
| Kettle & Quooker hot tap |
Microwave |
Outdoor table and seating |
| Large filter coffee machine (10-12 cups) |
Toaster |
2 x Smart TVs |
| Washing machine/tumble dryer |
Wireless internet |
Dishwasher |
| Stand mixer, food processor and blender |
Nespresso coffee machine (small initial supply of capsules provided) |
Radio and two mini Bluetooth speakers |
| 2 x travel cots (without linen) |
2 x high chairs |
2 x child gates |
| Selection of board games |
Small selection of chidren's indoor/outdoor toys |
|
| 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 |
|---|
| Clothes drying rack |
CO detectors |
Smoke alarms |
| Fire blanket |
Fire extinguishers |
First aid kit |
| 5 x hair dryers |
Iron |
Ironing board |
Travel
The Old Forge is located in the pretty village of Maugersbury, just half a mile from the historic market town of Stow-on-the-Wold.
Travelling by car
Maugersbury is located less than a mile from the A429 (Fosse Way), and is easily accessed by car.
Travelling by train
The nearest railway station to Maugersbury is Kingham (approximately five miles away), which has regular, direct services to London Paddington, with a typical journey time of approximately 90 minutes.
Travelling by plane
Maugersbury is within easy reach of a number of international airports:
- Heathrow International Airport: 73 miles, approximately 90 minute drive;
- Birmingham International Airport: 46 miles, approximately 60 minute drive.
