As the morning mist gently lifts over the honey-hued buildings of the North Cotswolds, the quaint village of Bledington, near Kingham, quietly unveils itself as one of the region’s hidden gems. At its heart lies The Old Reading Room, a historic yet luxuriously renovated cottage ideal for couples seeking a serene Cotswolds escape.
Once a schoolroom where local children honed their reading and music skills, this Grade II-listed building has been thoughtfully transformed into a stylish, self-catering hideaway for two. Seamlessly blending period charm with modern amenities, guests frequently describe the one-bedroom cottage as a true home away from home.
Available through Sykes Cottages, The Old Reading Room is a cozy bolthole situated around a quintessential village green in Bledington. The location offers the perfect base for exploring local highlights—including the tranquil village stream frequented by ducks and the renowned Kings Head pub just moments away.
READ MORE: Cheltenham Rough Sleeper Tents Relocate Nearby After Council Enforcement
READ MORE: BBC Countryfile Legend Michaela Strachan Reflects on “Disappointing” Exit and Future Prospects
Additionally, the cottage’s proximity to Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington adds a unique appeal. Made famous by the Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm, the farm features a farm shop stocked with local produce, sweeping views from the Big View Café, and the British-only menu at The Farmer’s Dog pub in Asthall Barrow. Visitors are advised to arrive early to beat the weekend crowds and use main roads, as the alternative single-track route can be slow and challenging.
Inside, The Old Reading Room is designed for ultimate comfort and relaxation. The living space boasts a soaring vaulted ceiling, a sumptuous leather sofa, and a welcoming wood-burning stove complete with a complimentary log starter kit—ensuring warmth and coziness even during colder months.
The fully equipped kitchen features modern appliances, including a dishwasher and washing machine, all cleverly integrated into the cottage’s historic features. Upstairs, a mezzanine bedroom offers a king-sized bed and an en-suite bathroom for added privacy.
Outside, a private garden opens onto a peaceful meadow with a greenhouse and a fire pit, providing an idyllic spot to unwind. The well-situated cottage also grants easy access to iconic Cotswolds towns like Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water, both just a short drive away.
With travel uncertainties encouraging more Britons to embrace staycations, The Old Reading Room presents a perfect chance to relax amid timeless countryside charm, without the hassle of traveling abroad.
The Cotswolds’ enduring appeal lies in its “slow travel” essence. Positioned along the Oxfordshire Way, Bledington invites visitors to enjoy endless country walks, exquisite dining at places like Daylesford Organic, and the genuine village atmosphere. This part of Gloucestershire remains refreshingly untouched by the pace of modern life.
For those seeking slightly different settings within this tranquil region, other nearby cottages such as Oma’s Cottage in Moreton-in-Marsh and Crumble Cottage in Stow-on-the-Wold offer alternative escapes with their own unique blends of charm and accessibility.
Boasting a glowing 4.9-star rating and praised for its “home-from-home” hospitality, The Old Reading Room stands as a testament to the ease and joy of a perfect countryside getaway. As one delighted guest put it, “The place is full of charm, beautifully maintained, and perfectly balances comfort with character. Everything was spotless and thoughtfully arranged, exceeding all expectations.”
A honeymooning couple shared, “The cottage is stunning, with a huge comfy bed and a delightful log burner, especially lovely on rainy afternoons. The nearby pub and shop are just a few minutes’ walk, and close to Stow and Bourton-on-the-Water. Excellent value and highly recommended!”
Though overwhelmingly positive, one guest noted a minor downside: “Facilities were great, but the kitchen knives were blunt, which was frustrating.”
Another visitor appreciated the location, saying, “Just minutes from the village pub and community shop, with fantastic walking routes right on the Oxford Way and close to classic Cotswold trails. The cottage is well-equipped and very comfortable for cosy evenings in by the wood burner.”
The Old Reading Room can be booked via Sykes Cottages, offering an unforgettable and tranquil retreat in the heart of the Cotswolds.