Sevastopol Sketches

A charming little cottage in the Oxfordshire countryside, it's so idyllic that House & Garden magazine deemed it worthy of gracing their pages. With exposed beams, original flagstone flooring and a reassuringly solid oak dining table, your host has ensured not to lose that quaint cottage feel by bringing everything into the twenty-first century. After kicking your boots off in the utility room, the cosy sitting room with its inviting fireplace and antique furniture makes for a lovely spot to warm up after bracing winter walks. Like any kitchen with an Aga, its warmth attracts people like moths to a flame and you'll soon be moving people out of your way as you look for a clear space to chop, while they chat. The upstairs bedrooms offer endless views over the stunning cottage garden and rolling fields towards the Thames. The children's room comes equipped with lots of books, while there's another small single for gran or grandad. Head out with the children and follow the footpaths leading from the cottage gate down to the lock and watch the riverboats or head to Tadpole Bridge for a well-deserved pint at the Trout.

Home truths:
*This home allows for self check-in, so you won't meet your host
*You'll need to climb stairs in this home
*In summer the Aga is switched off, but the left-hand unit acts as an electric oven for you to use instead
*We recommend bringing a car here, and free on-street parking is available
*The shower fitting in the bath is very powerful – be careful to not flood the bathroom
*Your host can provide all sorts of childcare equipment, just ask in advance
*Realistically, we only recommend this home for three adults who can sleep in bedrooms one and two, bedroom three has two narrow singles and another that's one foot shorter in length
*There's a separate office outdoors that's great for catching up on work