Guests say
Athelstan Cottage is a charming and cosy property with stunning views and excellent walking opportunities. Guests appreciate the welcoming touches and the property's character, though some mention the need for updates and a deep clean. The steep stairs and access road are noted, and the property is not suited for those with mobility issues.
Several guests have raised concerns about cleanliness, mentioning cobwebs, bugs, and general grubbiness. However, not all reviews reflect this issue, indicating inconsistency in cleaning standards.
The location is highly praised for its spectacular views and proximity to walks, despite the challenging access road. The picturesque setting is a highlight for many guests.
The cottage is described as cosy and comfortable by many, but concerns about the steep staircase and the bed's proximity to the edge are noted. Some guests also mention the need for better maintenance of comfort-related items.
Facilities are generally seen as adequate but several guests suggest updates are needed, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom. The steep stairs within the property are also a point of concern for some.
Guests feel well looked after with welcoming touches like flowers, milk, and biscuits, although it's important to note that such gifts, while appreciated, are not guaranteed.
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
Reviews (26)
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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!
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Catherine
Sunny courtyard for afternoon sunshine and we enjoyed 4 consecutive days of afternoon sunshine out of the 6. Yes we loved it's traditional features and practical functionality/aspect great too for the dog in your life. Plus with the beautiful landscape you feel you're in a real rural Idyll. You even look over to slopes of local vineyard a 45 mins walk approx which does interesting tours and tasting events. Nice hospitality touches with milk in fridge and Foxes biscuits from friendly host. We hope to do another break at cottage next year.
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Anita
The furniture was ripped and the cottage was dusty. The shower was dirty and needs replacing. This propery needs updating.