(November 2018)
LIVING amongst the trees is a promise kept by the owners of Winchcombe Farm in Upper Tysoe.
In Will’s Tree House – our lofty abode for the weekend – a sycamore trunk literally growing through the kitchen leaves you in no doubt you’re experiencing rustic living at its best.
And it doesn’t come any more charming than here, a breathtaking Cotswolds oasis which takes luxury to a level as high as its roofline.
The treehouse is one of three unique wooden lodges at the Farm designed with outdoor living in mind – but not at the expense of comfort. In fact, it’s so comfortable you won’t want to leave!
The accommodation, which affords the most tranquil vista, includes a (very inviting) four-person hot tub situated on a lower deck, and, while the weather was decidedly wintry, quality time luxuriating in here proved to be a big lure. The outdoor shower is a great bonus – but not perhaps in November – and the complimentary robes show nothing has been overlooked when it comes to convenience – and discretion!
Indeed, there is attention to detail in absolute abundance, including an extremely well equipped tree-lined deck area kitted out with charcoal pizza oven, gas barbecue (complete with fuel and coals), hanging chairs, giant beanbag, hammock, dining area and wooden ergonomic sun loungers.
Limited space is used ingeniously in its interior design. The main living space houses a king size bed and some clever full size single bunk beds that fold down from a hidden cabin behind the huge leather sofa. The very best of modern home comforts are laid on in the form of the 55” SMART TV & DVD with Netflix, free WIFI, speaker and – for those who do insist on bringing the kids – even a Wii U handheld console. (I suppose it buys the adults some bubbles time!)
The compact kitchen is up a couple of small steps from the main living room and is furnished with all high-spec accessories, including built-in gas hob, electric oven, fridge (with freezer compartment), microwave, dishwasher and coffee machine. And being greeted by the sight of a welcome basket comprising fresh milk, fruit and scones with clotted cream and jam was the perfect start to our stay. All those annnoying little essentials such as washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets, foil, clingfilm, salt/pepper, oil, tea and coffee etc. aren’t forgotten either. Even the least weary of travellers couldn’t help but appreciate a ‘healthy’ serving a tea and cake to kick off the holiday. We certainly did!
And for the culinary connoisseurs amongst us, there is even a mini herb garden on the outdoor deck to handpick fresh ingredients from. I told you they’ve thought of everything!
Ergonomic design wins through again in the small but sumptuous bathroom which accommodates a bath – with power shower over – plus complimentary toiletries and plenty of soft towels.
Outdoors, for those who want to make the most of this countryside retreat, they have also thought to include binoculars for spying on the wildlife by day – heron, woodpeckers, ducks and moorhens are a frequent sight – as well as a telescope for stargazing by night.
The woodland area in which the tree house nestles is a children’s paradise with pirate ship, lookout tower, climbing frame for toddlers and ground-level trampoline. And, for when the weather turns, there’s a selection of board games available for family time, plus reading material – for alone time.
When the LPG-powered underfloor heating didn’t always quite manage to keep the chills at bay in late November, a small but effective electric heater stored in the cupboard provided ample back-up when called upon.
When it comes to taking a break from the rat race Will’s Tree House (sleeping up to four), The Chicken Shed (sleeping up to four) and Bob’s Lodge (sleeping up to eight) are the epitome of quality over quantity at Winchcombe. And the tranquillity (we encountered more sheep than people) is a big part of its appeal. The downside? With only three lodges, demand is high as word spreads. So booking early is a must.
This really is the perfect escape. And, whether you’ve travelled from afar or just around the corner to get there, I guarantee it will feel like a million miles away.
Visit the site at: winchcombefarm.co.uk
