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

Security deposits are not required (please note that guests are still liable for any damage or additional cleaning required as a result of their actions).

Occupancy

The maximum occupancy of the property is 5+1 guests at any point during your stay (the +1 option is a 75cm wide pull out bed in bedroom 3 – when in use, there is very little additional space in the bedroom). 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 six 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 one additional infant.

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 3pm and departure time is by 10.30am. Access is via a key safe, therefore it does not matter if you are arriving late at night.

Bed sizes and configurations

• Bedroom 1: 2 x single beds
• Bedroom 2: Double bed
• Bedroom 3: 1 x single bed + 1 x 75cm wide single pull-out bed, upon request (please note that, when the pull-out bed is in use, there is very little additional space in the bedroom)

Bathrooms

• Family bathroom: Bath with overhead shower and handheld shower attachment, toilet and wash basin
• Downstairs cloakroom: Toilet and wash basin

Heating, fuel and logs

The property has a gas central heating system.

Electricity and gas 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 and a SMART Freeview TV.

There is no telephone at the property, however mobile phone reception is generally OK.

Parking

Free on street parking is available close to the property.

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), high chair and stair gate are available on request. 

There is a small enclosed courtyard garden.

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, which has narrow stairs that 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 cottage 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 the property.

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 Smithy was launched as a Holiday Let with Character Cottages in July 2016. Customer reviews and feedback for this lovely property are provided below:

Other Guest Feedback:

-“The Smithy is a very clean and comfortable place to stay for a group of up to 6 people. The amenities are all there—a fully equipped kitchen, a large dining area, a smart tv in the living room, a delightful garden, and even a washer/dryer! The beds were very comfortable as well. Chipping Norton is a lovely town with some several good restaurants and pubs. It is also near other wonderful towns such as Stow on the Wold, Bourton on the Water, Oxford and Stratton on Avon. We would highly recommend this home for your vacation in the Cotswolds.”, Ronnie, August 2018

-"We had a lovely Easter break at The Smithy. Janet, Alex and Peter (the owners/managers) and Character Cottages were excellent in their pre-arrival information and communication, and we found lovely fresh flowers and much appreciated welcome treats when we arrived, and lots of information about local attractions. Very comfortable stay - would recommend.", Elena, March 2018

-"I loved the additional little touches especially the beautiful tulips. To see such blooms on such bleak and cold days was most important. The cottage was warm and inviting. The beds comfortable and crispy clean in their white linens. Kitchen well equipped for all our home entertaining as outside was so cold. Many thanks to the owners for their eye to detail and welcome pack. Most appreciated. I sometimes think that it’s the small things that leave the biggest impression.", Roseanne, March 2018

-"We had a lovely stay at The Smithy, great accommodation which is very well presented, great location and ideal for us as we have family in Chipping Norton.", Robyn, November 2017

-"Beautiful cottage in a lovely location. Walking distance to the shops, good food and lovely pubs. The information folder provided in the cottage was fantastic, no stone left unturned. We could not recommend The Smithy more. Would love to return!", Nancy, November 2017

-"Very central, comfortable and convenient - would definitely stay there again. Loved the place and the chocolates - just didn't have time to drink the champagne! Everything worked out perfectly.", Peter, July 2017

-"An amazing cottage, perfect for a weekend away with friends." Kate, April 2017

Floorplan

Inventory

Our aim is for you to enjoy The Smithy 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.

Travel

The Smithy is peacefully located, yet is close to the centre of the well known market town of Chipping Norton.

Travelling by car

Chipping Norton is easily accessed by car, being located on the A44, one of the main roads through the North Cotswolds.

Travelling by train

The nearest railway station to Chipping Norton is Kingham (approximately 5 miles away), which has regular, direct services to London Paddington, with a typical journey time of approximately 90 minutes.

Travelling by plane

Chipping Norton is within easy reach of a number of international airports:

• Birmingham International Airport: 46 miles, approximately 60 minute drive;
• Heathrow International Airport: 64 miles, approximately 75 minute drive;
• Bristol International Airport: 78 miles, approximately 100 minute drive.