Description
Summary
The Old School House is a beautiful, historic house, dating back to 1869 and located in the Conservation Area of the idyllic Cotswold village of Lower Swell, surrounded by the stunning Cotswold countryside. Lower Swell is just one mile from Stow-on-the-Wold, which is well known for its many antique shops, pubs and restaurants, and the location is also ideal for exploring the wider region, including the many beautiful towns and villages of the Cotswolds, as well as further afield places, such as Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford and Bath.
Originally built for the village school mistress, the house contains various character features, including a large fireplace, with wood burning stove, original walk-in pantry and a romantic bathroom with clawfoot bath and stone fireplace. Complementing these period features, The Old School House has been decorated, furnished and equipped in a warm and contemporary style, making the house a perfect holiday choice for families or groups of friends.
The Old School House sleeps up to 12 people in five bedrooms, with two family bathrooms. There is a private, enclosed garden and off street parking for up to five cars is available.
Description
The Old School House is situated at the end of a short lane, from which the garden is accessed. A path through the garden takes you to the front door of the house, which leads to:
- Kitchen/dining room: The kitchen and adjoining dining room are the heart of the house, with the dining room containing a large wooden table that comfortably seats 12 guests. The dining room also contains a book library. The kitchen is bright and spacious, and is equipped to a high standard, including a cooker with ceramic hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher and coffee machine. Adjoining the kitchen is a walk in pantry and a utility room, containing a washing machine and tumble dryer.
From the dining room, a door leads to the:
- Living room: The large, yet cosy living room contains a wood burning stove (initial logs provided), a TV with a home cinema system and Freesat HD, and comfy seating for 12. There are also two portable iPod docks.
A door from the living room leads to stairs to the first floor:
- Bedroom 1: Double bed;
- Bathroom: Beautiful roll top bath, basin and toilet, with stone fireplace;
From the first floor landing, stairs go up to the second floor:
- Bedroom 2: Contains a double bed;
- Bedroom 3: Contains a double bed and a single bed. This bedroom is accessed via bedroom 2.
Returning to the dining room, another set of stairs leads to:
- Bedroom 4: Double bed;
- Bathroom: Walk-in electric shower, wash basin and toilet;
- Bedroom 5: Contains an antique Victorian double bed and a single divan bed.
Returning to the kitchen, the front door leads out directly into a fabulous, peaceful garden, with distant views towards the church in Stow-on-the-Wold. The enclosed garden has a flagstone terrace, with teak garden furniture and a charcoal barbecue, overlooking the lawn and shaded woodland areas. All the main rooms in the house look out onto the lovely gardens.
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 deposit
A security deposit of £100 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 is 12 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 12 guests at the property.
Pets
Regrettably, The Old School House does not accept pets.
Bed linen and towels
Conran bed linen and two bath towels per guest are provided.
Arrival and departure times
Arrival time at The Old School House is after 3pm and departure time is by 10am, unless prior arrangements are made with the owner. Access is via a key safe, therefore it does not matter if you are arriving late at night.
Bed sizes and configurations
- Bedroom 1: Double bed
- Bedroom 2: Double bed
- Bedroom 3: Double bed and a single bed
- Bedroom 4: Double bed
- Bedroom 5: Double bed and a single bed
Please note that bedroom 3 is accessed via bedroom 2.
Fuel and logs
Electricity and oil for the central heating are included in the price. There is a wood burning stove in the living room and an initial supply of logs is provided for guests.
Services provided
The Old School House has free wireless internet access and a flat screen TV with home cinema system and Freesat HD. A telephone is available with free calls to standard UK land line numbers.
Parking
Off street parking for up to five cars is 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.
Child friendly facilities
Two travel cots (without linen) and two high chairs are available.
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, etc), however, you should not expect the quantity of these provisions to be sufficient for the duration of your stay.
Health and safety
The Old School House is an old property and has many character features, including narrow and steep stairs, and multiple floors, which could pose difficulty to those with limited mobility, 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.
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 School House was launched as a Holiday Let with Character Cottages mid-November 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 The Old School House will be nothing less than one of our best holiday homes.
Other Guest Feedback:
- "Yes we had a brilliant time. The house was perfect for 4 couples and 3 children – total 11. The only criticism was that there was no shower, other than over the baths! But would definitely go again if opportunity arises." - Rebecca, November 2012
-" The Old School House is absolutely beautiful. We literally could not believe our eyes when we got there. Very well appointed and gorgeous furnishings. It felt thoroughly indulgent! I was there for a hen-do and we all had a wonderful time. The spacious lounge and huge tv were perfect for a girls movie night, and since the weather was so glorious we also made good use of the bbq and beautiful outdoor space. I haven't got a single bad thing to say about this place. I was very sad to leave." - July 2012
- "Yes, we very much enjoyed our stay. It was a perfect location and a lovely house. Exactly as described, it was very well equipped and had all the facilities we were looking for. Also, it was very welcoming with the owner providing some wine and snacks for us when we arrived. Wouldn't hesitate to stay again and/or recommend. Thanks!" - James, June 2012
- "Very spacious and comfortable cottage. Owner was very helpful too. Thank you." - Feb 2012.
- "I like the fact that there were in effect 2 self-contained bedroom wings which is ideal for 2 families wanting their 'own space'." - Dec 2010.
- "Excellent place in an excellent location. Two minutes away from Stow which is a beautiful town" - Aug 2010.
- "Immaculate. A beautiful setting for an exciting weekend away with good friends. Lots of space. Helpful and friendly owners. Everything we needed was there for us, and more. We had a really lovely time staying here, and would strongly recommend it to anyone - one of our party members is already planning a similar do there next year!" - July 2010.
Floorplan
Inventory
Our aim is for you to enjoy The Old School 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 |
|---|
| Cooker and hob |
Freezer |
Fridge |
| Kettle |
Microwave |
Washing machine |
| Dishwasher |
Toaster |
Tumble dryer |
| Slow cooker |
Barbecue and utensils |
Outdoor table and seating |
| High chair x2 |
Travel cot x2 (without linen) |
TV |
| Home cinema system, with Freesat HD |
iPod docks x2 |
|
| General provisions |
|---|
| Bin bags |
Dishwasher tablets |
Hand soap |
| J cloths & scourers |
Small quantity of instant coffee |
Small quantity of sugar |
| Small quantity of tea bags |
Toilet roll |
Washing up liquid |
| Bathroom spray |
Cling film |
Duster |
| Flash All Purpose |
Kitchen roll |
Multi-surface polish |
| Tin foil |
Washing powder |
|
| Other equipment and facilities |
|---|
| Dustpan and brush |
Mop and bucket |
Tall brush |
| Vacuum cleaner |
CO detectors |
Fire blanket |
| Fire extinguishers |
First aid kit |
Smoke alarms |
| Torches |
Appliance instructions |
Iron |
| Ironing board |
Tourist information |
Clothes dryer |
| Maclaren buggy |
Books |
|
Travel
The Old School House is located in the small and peaceful village of Lower Swell, one mile from Stow-on-the-Wold.
Travelling by car
Lower Swell is easily accessible by car, being one mile from Stow, which is located at the junction of seven roads, including the A429 (Fosse Way).
Travelling by train
The nearest railway station to Lower Swell is Kingham (approximately 6 miles away), which has regular, direct services to London Paddington, with a typical journey time of approximately 90 minutes.
Travelling by plane
Lower Swell is within easy reach of a number of international airports:
- Birmingham International Airport: 45 miles, approximately 60 minute drive;
- Heathrow International Airport: 75 miles, approximately 90 minute drive;
- Bristol International Airport: 70 miles, approximately 90 minute drive.
