Cool stay of the week: an Edwardian summerhouse in the Cotswolds

In the postcard-worthy Cotswolds village of Shipton-under-Wychwood, The Summerhouse elegantly forms part of pretty Shipton Court.

Serving as a wonderful base for excursions around the region, the house can accommodate up to four guests. Filled with antiques – both art and furniture – The Summerhouse feels like the perfect place to return to after a day at Blenheim Palace or a trip to historic Oxford. Sink into a leather armchair and warm yourself by the wood-burning stove in the fireplace.

Outside, a 60-foot pond (complete with ducks) may distract you from your breakfast, prepared for you by owner Martin each morning. The smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, Full English and smoked haddock are recommended, so you can be sure you’ll be well nourished for the day ahead.

On your return to The Summerhouse, two bedrooms await you – both doubles with immaculate furnishings and a private, modern bathroom. One is the French Room, full of continental allure, while the Narnia Room is grand and spacious, with its own fireplace and seating area. A special ‘Narnia’ door (a clever reincarnation of an old linen press) leads you from one to the other. Before you retire for the night, you can enjoy a drink by the fireside – there might just be some waiting for you.

Just seven miles from Chipping Norton, you can continue the antique appreciation in the town’s many curiosity shops, while Burford – only four miles away – puts the Cotswold Wildlife Park within easy reach. Being on the eastern side of the Cotswolds, Oxford is just a 50-minute drive away, and you can reach Blenheim Palace in 25 minutes. It’s equally easy to head deeper into the Cotswolds to its unofficial capital, Cirencester, or out the other side to Cheltenham – neither should take you much more than 40 minutes.

Sleeps: 2 per room

Cost: From £140

To book: coolstays.com/the-summerhouse