Guests say
Athelstan Cottage is a charming and cosy property with stunning views and excellent walking opportunities. Guests appreciate its character, location, and the welcoming touches from the host. While some find the steep stairs and the cottage's quirkiness endearing, others note the need for maintenance and a deep clean. The property is dog-friendly and offers a peaceful setting, though it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or who prefer modern amenities.
Cleanliness has received mixed feedback. Some guests reported issues with cobwebs, woodlouse bodies, and general grubbiness, suggesting a need for a deep clean. However, others found the cottage comfortable and cosy, implying an acceptable level of cleanliness.
The location is highly praised for its spectacular views and proximity to walks, with an enclosed garden ideal for dogs. The steep hill access and challenging road are noted, but the views and setting are considered worth the effort.
Comfort is generally well-regarded, with the cottage described as cosy and homely. However, some guests mentioned issues with the bed and furniture, and the steep stairs could pose a challenge for some, affecting the overall comfort.
Facilities are seen as functional but in need of updating and maintenance. Guests have mentioned worn furniture, a small kitchen, and the need for more kitchen equipment. The steep indoor steps are also a recurring point of concern.
The host's thoughtfulness is evident in the welcome touches such as flowers, milk, and biscuits. While these gestures are appreciated, it's important to note that such gifts, though delightful, are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
Stroud 2.9 miles. This former weavers' cottage dates back to 1772 and offers charming and cosy accommdation for a couple wanting to explore Gloucestershire and the stunning countryside of the Cotswolds AONB. This characterful end-terrace rests in Chloe Mead, just outside of Stroud and boasts stunning countryside views from nearly every window. Parking is available just up the road from Athelstan Cottage, and you can enter the property through the front gate, which needs to kept closed to prevent roaming cows from nibbling on the plants! Here, you will pass a small, enclosed courtyard with furniture, where you can enjoy a morning coffee or celebratory glass of fizz, and up a small set of six steps to the front door of the property.
There is a shower room with walk-in shower, which provides adequate space for you to get ready for each day, while the compact but well-equipped kitchen/diner has lovely wooden work tops, adorned with a Belfast sink, microwave, kettle and toaster, as well as an electric oven and a washing machine, with the dining table providing a great spot to enjoy a romantic home-cooked meal and the pretty window seat allows you to enjoy the countryside views. There is a wooden door that opens to reveal a steep and winding staircase that will take you to the first-floor sitting room, a cosy and homely space with an exposed stone wall, featuring a woodburning stove, plus a TV and DVD Player you can enjoy your favourite films on as you sit back and relax on the sofa.
A second steep staircase leads up to the second-floor double bedroom, a spacious room with vaulted ceiling, stunning wooden beams and fantastic Velux windows, allowing you to enjoy the lovely countryside views. This area of Gloucestershire has some lovely walking routes, and there are two charming village pubs within walking distance of the property. The market town of Stroud is less than three miles away, the former centre of the Cotswold’s woollen industry, tucked into the green hills, which once housed countless sheep. Here you will find a wonderful selection of cafés, independent shops and delicious eateries, as well as regular farmers' markets and a thriving art scene, while the 19th century, Gothic Woodchester Mansion Trust is a short drive away, surrounded by a beautiful secluded wooden valley and provides scenic walking routes.
Venture into the Cotswolds AONB, a walker's dream, to discover chocolate box villages, lined with traditional thatched roof cottages, as well as rolling countryside, and you can join the 102-mile-long Cotswolds Way National Trail to enjoy the best of the sweeping views available to you. Athelstan Cottage is a charming couple's retreat in idyllic walking country.
The town of Stroud is in a quieter part of the Cotswolds, and is the former centre of the area's woollen industry, tucked into the green hills which once housed countless sheep. Today, Stroud welcomes visitors to its cafes, quaint bookshops, independent shops and tempting eateries. Described by Jasper Conran as the ‘Covent Garden of the Cotswolds’, Stroud has a regular farmers' market, year-round programmes of music and theatre, a thriving arts scene and a state-of-the-art cinema. Head out of town to explore the five sweeping valleys which surround it, with country lanes just made for walking or cycling.
Accommodation
Over three floors: Second-floor double bedroom.
Ground-floor shower room with walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen/diner.
First-floor sitting room with woodburning stove
Gas central heating with woodburning stove.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, washing machine, TV.
Fuel, power and starter pack for woodburning stove included in rent, additional wood can be purchased.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Roadside parking around the corner from the property.
Enclosed front courtyard with furniture.
One well-behaved pet welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 1.4 miles, pub 0.6 miles.
Note: The staircases are steep and winding, not suitable for guests with mobility issues
Nearby points of interest
- Corinium Museum
- Taurus Crafts
Reviews (28)
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Catherine
Really lovely touches with milk and biscuits from the caring owners who checked everything was ok shortly after our arrival. The cottage is so cosy, clean and well-appointed. The living room furnishings have been updated since our previous stay. We enjoyed amazing walks in the area and walked to purchase essentials from the village community shop in Amberley. Very friendly peaceful area for relaxing break. Hope to return in the future.
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Arran
. very much recommend
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Clive
The listing did warn of the steep stairs. They were certainly steep, but we got used to this. We loved the views - from the living room and for the bedroom. It was a bit of a walk to unload on arrival and to load on departure - as there is no parking next to the cottage - but it was worth it to stay here. We would come again!