Vacation Rental Description
Accommodation
Cats Abbey was designed and built with one thing in mind. It’s the sort of place where both sides of the family can get together for granny’s birthday, or a wedding, or a small business group. Whilst there are many holiday lets sleeping 6 to 8, or more, there are very few that can sleep 24. No smoking anywhere inside please.We can offer self catering, or bed and breakfast, or a range of catering options by arrangement.
Bedrooms
Our stunning barn, which has taken 7 years to complete to a very high standard, now has 10 double bedrooms available, all with en-suite showers and w.c. Bedroom 10 is in fact 2 rooms, for a family, nanny or whatever, so we are able to sleep between 20 and 24. All bed linen and towels are provided.
Living Space
The big barn has a magnificent high timbered roof, and a gallery looking down over an open plan living area, with a stone chimney and wood burning stove. A baronial dining table for 20 stands on a warm flag stoned floor, under a chandelier.
A big screen TV with Satellite Freeview is concealed in an oak cupboard beside the fireplace, and a Hi Fi CD set in a massive bookcase, plus various games for children.
A Wi-Fi receiver allows for any number of lap-tops to connect.
Up on the gallery there are two sofas and two single chair beds making a cosy sitting area.
The Terrace
Adjoining the barn is an open fronted terrace facing south across a landscaped courtyard. For winter months sliding glass doors will keep out the weather, and the stone flagged floor has under-floor heating, cosy seating and a wood burning stove. At the far end is a two room family suite, with cots, baby alarms etc.
Outside
The site is set in 6 acres, part of which is an old quarry, now grown over and destined to become a nature reserve. There will be decks and seating areas from which to enjoy stunning views over the Cotswolds, and the Windrush valley.
Laundry
We will have our own laundry on site, to look after the 10 rooms, with good quality equipment, which guest are free to use. We can offer house-maid services if required, by arrangement.
Catering
Self catering is simple enough, but for 20 people it can present more of a challenge. We can help in a number of ways by taking care of some or all of the problems.
We have an account with The Oxford Wine Company, who have an excellent website: www.oxfordwine.co.uk. You can order on our account for delivery on a Friday, chargeable to your card. We will receive delivery, and put the whites to chill in the wine fridge.
For food there are the following six options, subject to prior arrangement.
1 DIY.
However there will always be a welcome hamper, with coffee, tea, bread, butter, free range eggs, milk, olive oil, etc. The kitchen always has salt, pepper, sugar, a range of spices, dried pasta, fresh herbs, washing up liquid, cleaning materials, and tablets for the two dishwashers.
2 Bed and Breakfast
Ideal for wedding guests at Cripps Barn, (we are 10 minutes from Bibury).
3 Pre stocked larder.
We have several farm shops close by, including Daylesford, plus the usual Waitrose, Tescos etc. Most of these will deliver, but for orders well in advance, our housekeeper can stock the larder and fridge.
4 Evening meal on arrival.
A home-cooked evening meal can be prepared for your arrival.
5 Outside Catering
There are several companies in the area.
6 Country Cook
A country cook or chef can be booked in advance.
Pets
There are two cottages adjoining the site. In one, Richard has a spaniel gun dog. In the other, Mike and Carrie have two golden retrievers, Harry and Ebony, and two cats, Abbey and Spot. If your animals will get along with this lot, they are most welcome. The Fox Inn at Barrington, by the river, serves great food, and also allows dogs.
Facilities
Cable Satellite
Cleaning Service
Cooking Utensils
Dishwasher
Dryer
DVD
Heating
Ice Maker
Kitchen
Linen Service
Microwave
Open Fire
Amenity Parking
Refrigerator
Sterio
TV
Washer
Our huge open-plan barn allows for 24 to dine together.
Alternatively, our long covered terrace allows another dining area that would seat up to 30, thus allowing space for extra diner guests.
Activities
Adventure Sports
Biking
Boating
Fishing
Golf
Horse Riding
Kayaking
Mountain Biking
Restaurant
Sailing
Shopping
Rafting
Theater
Water Skiing
Water Sports
Zoo/Wildlife
The Cotswolds are one of the most beautiful parts of England, and such a central location for everyone to reach. Oxford, Cirencester and Cheltenham are all about 20 minutes away, Bibury, Bourton on the Water and Burford, about 10 minutes.
Things to do:
Racing at Cheltenham (Gold Cup).
Walk directly onto the National Trust Sherborne Estate.
Chedworth Roman Villa; one of the largest in UK.
Bibury Trout Farm; Catch your own trout (guaranteed!) have tea, admire the view.
Cotswold Water Parks, near Cirencester. Water ski by overhead wire. Sail, swim, picnick.
Cotswold Wildlife Park; Nr Burford, a great day out.
Bourton-on-the-Water; Tourist mecca, but very pretty. Birdland, Model Village, Vintage Cars inc Brum.
Also do a tour of the Perfumery.
Moreton in Marsh; largest Cotswold street market every Tuesday.
'FOXSTOCK' The free Jazz festival at The Fox Inn, on the Windrush River; August bank holiday all weekend.