Enjoy your stay at
Oak House and Stables
Everything you need to get the most out of your stay
Arrival
Where We Are
Oak House
Bran Mill Lane
Nr Aston Magna
Moreton-in-Marsh
Gloucestershire
GL56 9LJ
Check-in & Check-out
Check-in | 4pm |
Check-out | 10am |
Check-out for Sundays | 4pm |
Contact for check-in: Alison | 07906 290961 |
PLEASE NOTE: We reserve the right to change check-in/check-out times in exceptional circumstances.
Useful Contacts
Emergencies
In the case of a serious emergency, dial 999
Other emergency contacts can be found below.
Nearest Hospital
North Cotswolds Hospital
Stow Rd, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0DS (15-minute drive)
0300 421 8770
Amenities
Banks
Moreton-in-Marsh is a 15-minute drive away and has a range of banks.
Post Office
Warner’s Budgens Supermarket, High St, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0AH (15-minute drive)
Petrol Station
Esso
Stow Rd, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0DS (15-minute drive)
01608 651494
Getting To Us
Best postcode to use for satnavs | GL56 9LJ |
Nearest train station | Moreton-in-Marsh (15-minute drive) |
Nearest airport | Birmingham (1-hour drive) |
Taxis | ETC, Moreton-in-Marsh | 01608 650343 / 07800 957646 / 07800 957651 Cotswold Taxis | 07710 117471 |
Directions
It is essential that everyone travelling to Oak House has directions with them – we are easy to find with the directions but difficult without!
N.B. We have learnt that most satellite navigation systems will take you the wrong way across a redundant farm track when you enter this postcode, (you will then have to reverse half a mile down a muddy track!), with the exception of the Tomtom system which brings you straight to our entranceway. Unless you have Tomtom please follow the directions below. It is important to give this same advice to anyone you may have ordered deliveries from or anyone else visiting the property on your behalf e.g. taxis. If using a route planner (www.theaa.com) please enter Aston Magna (not Paxford) as your destination and follow our directions from Aston Magna (below). We are midway between Paxford and Aston Magna but the Paxford route is longer and harder to follow. Please note that when entering Aston Magna as your destination on AA route finder, it may give directions to turn left or right off the A429 (“The Fosseway”) (depending on your start point) but does not mention that there is a sign to “Aston Magna”. When you arrive at the property drive down the long winding gravel drive signposted to Oak House and Brook House. Please do not carry straight on to our neighbour’s property, signposted “Stapenhill Fam House”. The first property on your left is Oak House and parking is adjacent to Oak House. Continue down the gravel drive and you will find Brook House straight ahead of you.
From the North
Travel South on the A429 (“The Fosseway”) towards Moreton-in-Marsh. About two miles before Moreton-in-Marsh take the right hand turn signposted to Aston Magna. Drive through countryside for a few minutes and immediately upon arriving at the village of Aston Magna take the right hand turn signposted “Paxford 2 miles” (this is a small sign on the left hand side of the road at the edge of the village). Drive past Church Farm Stables and a Severn Trent water plant and continue along the country road bordered by open fields for 2-3 minutes and as soon as you arrive at a small cluster of houses look out for the “Bran Mill B & B” sign on your left. Drive straight past Bran Mill B & B for 50m, over a stone-walled bridge and 25 metres after this on the left hand side is the drive and sign for “Oak House” and “Brook House”. Turn left into this drive then take the right hand fork for “Oak House” and “Brook House”. Please do not carry straight on to our neighbour’s property signposted to “Stapenhill Farm House”.
From the South
Travel North on the A429 (“The Fosseway”) towards Moreton-in-Marsh. Drive through the town and straight out of Moreton-in-Marsh. About 2 miles after Moreton-in-Marsh take the left hand turn signposted to Aston Magna. Drive through countryside for a few minutes and immediately upon arriving at the village of Aston Magna take the right hand turn signposted “Paxford 2 miles” (this is a small sign on the left hand side of the road at the edge of the village). Drive past Church Farm Stables and a Severn Trent water plant and continue along the country road bordered by open fields for 2-3 minutes and as soon as you arrive at a small cluster of houses look out for the “Bran Mill B & B” sign on your left. Drive straight past Bran Mill B & B for 50m, over a stone-walled bridge and 25 metres after this on the left hand side is the drive and sign for “Oak House” and “Brook House”. Turn left into this drive then take the right hand fork for “Oak House” and “Brook House”. Please do not carry straight on to our neighbour’s property signposted to “Stapenhill Farm House”.
From the East
Travel West on the A44 to Moreton-in-Marsh. At the roundabout in the centre of Moreton-in-Marsh take the right hand exit, signed A429 Stratford. Travel North out of Moreton-in-Marsh on the A429 (“The Fosseway”). About two miles out of Moreton-in-Marsh take the left hand turn signposted to Aston Magna. Drive through countryside for a few minutes and immediately upon arriving at the edge of the village take the right hand turn signposted “Paxford 2 miles” (this is a small sign on the left hand side of the road at the edge of the village – do not drive into Aston Magna). Drive past Church Farm Stables and a Severn Trent water plant and continue along the country road bordered by open fields for 2-3 minutes and as soon as you arrive at a small cluster of houses look out for the “Bran Mill B & B” sign on your left. Drive straight past Bran Mill B & B for 50m, over a stone-walled bridge and 25 metres after this on the left hand side is the drive and sign for “Oak House” and “Brook House”. Turn left into this drive then take the right hand fork for “Oak House” and “Brook House”. Please do not carry straight on to our neighbour’s property signposted to “Stapenhill Farm House”.
From the West
Travel East on the A44 to Moreton-in-Marsh. At the first roundabout in Moreton-in-Marsh take the left exit, signed A429 Stratford. At the second roundabout head straight on through and out of Moreton-in-Marsh. Travel North out of Moreton on the A429. About two miles out of Moreton-in-Marsh take the left hand turn signposted to Aston Magna. Drive through countryside for a few minutes and immediately upon arriving at the edge of the village take the right hand turn signposted “Paxford 2 miles” (this is a small sign on the left hand side of the road at the edge of the village – do not drive into Aston Magna). Drive past Church Farm Stables and a Severn Trent water plant and continue along the country road bordered by open fields for 2-3 minutes and as soon as you arrive at a small cluster of houses look out for the “Bran Mill B & B” sign on your left. Drive straight past Bran Mill B & B for 50m, over a stone-walled bridge and 25 metres after this on the left hand side is the drive and sign for “Oak House” and “Brook House”. Turn left into this drive then take the right hand fork for “Oak House” and “Brook House”. Please do not carry straight on to our neighbour’s property signposted to “Stapenhill Farm House”.
Directions from Paxford
If you do find yourself in Paxford, please follow the following directions. Coming from the direction of Blockley with the The Churchill Arms pub on your right, turn right as if going to the Churchill. If travelling from the direction of Chipping Campden or travelling into Paxford from the A429 with The Churchill Arms pub on your left, turn left to the pub. Drive past the pub and veer to the right past the old Hovis sign, taking the right hand turn out of the village (this is the road to Aston Magna and there is a sign saying road unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles). Drive through open countryside for a couple of minutes. Drop down the hill, round a sharp right bend, followed by a sharp left hand bend. As you come round this left bend you will see a cluster of houses, one of which is Bran Mill B and B. Just before this, on the right, is the drive and sign to Oak House and Brook House. Turn right here and take the right hand fork to Oak House and Brook House (please do not carry straight on signposted to Stapenhill Farm House).
For help with finding the house on your arrival day please call Alison on 07906 290961, or if you are unable to contact Alison, please call Michael on 01242 235151.
Cooking & Dining
Chef & Catering Services
DineInDulge
A unique & truly special private chef experience brought direct to you. Combining a personal chef hire service with restaurant-quality cuisine, DineInDulge is designed to be affordable, accessible & simple to book for anyone.
www.dineindulge.co.uk/?ref_code=KATETOMS
Côte at Home
Get bistro-quality food delivered to your door. From starters, mains and desserts, to picnics, breakfasts and barbecue favourites – the professional chefs at Côte at Home can freshly prepare a wide range of dishes, which you can simply serve up, or pop in the oven or microwave to heat. That means less time spent prepping and cooking, and more time enjoying your holiday!
https://coteathome.co.uk/?aff=Z49Q55Y2
Love Bites
An excellent catering company that provide adventurous, tasty canapés for any event, be it a small family gathering or birthday party. Contact them soon as they also get booked up quickly. Local produce that the area is renowned for As we’re sure you’re well aware, the Cotswolds is a foodie’s paradise: literally everything and anything is grown and raised on these vast, green expanses. The buying and selling of organic foods has long been a tradition within these villages, and the successes of the Cotswolds farmers markets has now led to a national trend in‘localised ethical shopping’, a movement spearheaded by the Prince of Wales, who has his own market shop in Tetbury, and firmly believes strong local markets creates a strong local economy and a vibrant society.
www.lovebites.events | [email protected]
Kelly: 07774 725187
Rachel: 07979 690163
The Holistic Chef
The Holistic Chef, Jamie Raftery, can offer bespoke menus to suit all occasions and dietary requirements. He has also worked alongside some of the best chefs, including Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal.
07585 708693 | www.holisticchef.co.uk
Local produce that the area is renowned for
As we’re sure you’re well aware, the Cotswolds is a foodie’s paradise: literally everything and anything is grown and raised on these vast, green expanses. The buying and selling of organic foods has long been a tradition within these villages, and the successes of the Cotswolds farmers markets has now led to a national trend in ‘localised ethical shopping’, a movement spearheaded by the Prince of Wales, who has his own market shop in Tetbury, and firmly believes strong local markets creates a strong local economy and a vibrant society.
Great Places to Eat & Drink
Pubs
The Churchill Arms, Paxford
A great dining pub within walking distance of Oak House.
www.thechurchillarms.com
The Howard Arms, Ilmington
Previous Dining Pub of the Year winner with a lovely pub garden.
www.howardarms.com
The Horse and Groom, Bourton-on-the-Hill
Run by the sons of the owners of the Howard Arms.
www.horseandgroom.info
The Ebrington Arms, Chipping Campden
www.theebringtonarms.co.uk
The Noel Arms, Chipping Campden
www.noelarmshotel.com
Restaurants
Russells of Broadway
A Remy Martin Award Winner
www.russellsofbrodaway.co.uk
The Lygon Arms, Broadway
The Cotswolds House Hotel, Chipping Campden
www.cotswoldhouse.com
Best places to eat out with children
Moreton-in-Marsh
Pop into Ask Pizza for a quick meal or visit The Cotswold Tearoom for tea, cakes and light lunches. The Cotswold Cheese Shop serves a good selection of delicatessen food for picnics.
The Ebrington Arms, Ebrington
Less than 15 minutes drive away is a friendly pub with a pub garden serving fresh, local food. There is a separate dining room suitable for around 20 people – please phone to book. Tel (01386 593223)
Stratford-upon-Avon
Popular for a day out. Lots of shops and restaurants including Carluccios.
Hicks Terrace, The Cotswold House Hotel, Chipping Campden
Lovely gardens and terrace serving delicious, fresh food.
Shopping for Food
Takeaways
There is a Chinese takeaway on Sheep Street in Chipping Campden (also serving fish and chips).
The Volunteer Inn in Chipping Campden has a good Indian menu.
Cotswold Spice on the A429 Fosseway offers Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine and a stylish and spacious interior that is ideal if you want to dine out.
There are also Thai and Indian restaurants serving takeaways in Moreton-in-Marsh.
Local Supermarkets
Blockley Village Shop and Café. A lively, community-run shop in Blockley. www.blockleyshop.com
Warner Budgens, Moreton-in-Marsh. Great quality food with lots of local produce.
Tesco Express, Moreton-in-Marsh, in the centre of Moreton
Butchers
Rightons, Shipston on Stour
PG Checkett, Moreton-in-Marsh
Greengrocers
Drinkwaters, Chipping Campden
Bakers
Le Petit Croissant, Chipping Campden
Organic/Local Produce
Taste of the Country, Shipston on Stour
Daylesford, near Kingham (the largest, smartest organic shop in the country!)
www.daylesfordorganic.com
Wine Merchants
Toke’s
www.tokesfoodanddrink.co.uk/
Home Deliveries
Tesco – www.tesco.com
Ocado – www.ocado.com
For home deliveries please enter in the notes: Oak House, between Paxford and Aston Magna, near Bran Mill. The postcode is GL56 9LJ
Things to Do
Cotswold Tours & Travel
Tour company offering 35 unique luxury experiences across the Cotswolds and South West of England. From sheepdog demonstrations, private house and estate tours, private falconry experiences on their family farm, private castle and garden tours, blacksmith experiences, farming experiences in the countryside, learning how to play polo and even baking an afternoon tea in a cottage are just a few experiences Cotswold Tours & Travel can offer.
www.cotswoldtoursandtravel.com
Quad Bikes
The nearest site is about 40 minutes away in Warwickshire at Adventure Sports and worth the trip for quads and full on action with 4×4 off roading, argo cats and much more.
Clay-Pigeon Shooting and other Country Pursuits
Visit Rob Ireland Country Pursuits for an exciting range of country pursuits. From a couple of hours of clay pigeon shooting or archery to a whole day of activities with a steak barbecue, you can design your own day. Rob’s website is www.robireland.co.uk and his phone number is 07860 783013.
Horse Riding
For horse riding there is The Vine Stables, near Broadway offering hacks and lessons for individuals or groups. Their telephone number is 01386 584250 and the website is www.cotswoldsriding.co.uk
Adventure Sports
Paintballing is held in a wood nearby. Visit www.letsgoout.co.uk/to/cotswold-paintball-games-moreton-in-marsh for details or phone 07836 657397. There’s also information on the website about country pursuits – which are provided by Rob Ireland (see above).
Photography
Make the most of being together with a photography session at your Cotswolds country house from James Crockford, a fantastic photographer who will come to your holiday house to take photos of family and friends. Follow the link below to see some lovely examples of James’ photography at our Cotswolds houses.
www.jamescrockford.com/portraits/bigcottage/
Pampering
Glo Pamper
At Glo Pamper mobile massage & beauty therapists bring spa quality treatments to you. Their organic and truly indulgent service delivers tailor-made treatment packages for individuals, couples and groups of all ages to the comfort of the house. To book please use the contact details below and remember to quote ‘kate & toms’. Guests are advised to book well in advance.
0207 096 0385 | www.glo-pamper.co.uk
Wine Tasting
Little Oak Vineyard in Chipping Campden aim to produce wine of the highest possible quality using a range of grape varieties, primarily Siegerrebe. Offering wine tastings at the vineyard to give you an insight into operation and a tasting of the products. You can also book to join them for lunch, which consists of local hams, cheeses, chutneys, bread, and an extra glass of your favourite still wine. www.littleoakvineyard.com
Wine Cellar Tour
The Hidden Secret of Shipston
Extensive tour of the Cellars and Board Room finishing with Tutored Tasting of some fine wines and free time to browse in the shop.
6 New Street, Shipston-on-Stour, CV36 5EN (20-minute drive)
01608 661 409 | [email protected]
Distillery Tour
Cotswolds Distillery
Nestled in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside, The Cotswolds Distillery is the first of its kind in the area, and the closest working distillery to London. Surrounded by an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the distillery has been built in traditional Cotswolds stone and set in beautifully landscaped gardens. The shop and tasting room is open Mon-Sat from 9am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 4pm and has been designed with visitors in mind. Much like a home from home you can sit back, relax and enjoy a tasting in front of the cosy log fire. Tours run at 11am and 2pm daily.
Phillip’s Field, Whichford Road, Stourton, Shipston-on-Stour CV36 5HG (20-minute drive)
01608 238 533 | www.cotswoldsdistillery.com
Top Things to Do for Children
Cotswold Wildlife Park
Burford. Open every day except Christmas Day. Fantastic parkland setting with a train ride through the grounds in peak season, an adventure playground, café and of course lions, zebras, hippos, penguins, fruit bats and monkeys to name just a few of the animals.
www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk Tel (01993 823006)
Batsford Arboretum and the Falconry Centre
Bourton-on-the-Hill. Next door to each other, the Batsford Arboretum has some lovely woodland walks and is spectacular in the Spring and Autumn. There is also a great café with wonderful views, delicious homemade cakes and a garden centre, www. batsarb.co.uk. At the Falconry Centre you can watch exciting displays of falconry, www.cotswold-falconry.co.uk
Cotswold Farm Park
Near Guiting Power. Open March – September. Especially for younger children, a great place to feed the animals, ride on a tractor and learn about rare breeds. www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk Tel (01451 850307)
Warwick Castle
Definitely a whole day out. Arrive early to avoid ticket queues. Jousting, archery, falconry, medieval displays and mighty trebuchet catapult throughout the Summer. Ice rink in December. Open all year. Info 0870 442 2000/ booking 0870 442 2371 | www.warwick-castle.com
Moreton-in-Marsh
For a quick trip out there is a lovely playground opposite Warner Budgens in Moreton-in-Marsh suitable for younger children. Pop into Ask Pizza for a quick meal or visit The Cotswold Tearoom for tea and cakes.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Apart from all the connections with Shakespeare, Stratford is a great place for picnics, boating and shopping. You can park at the Butterfly Farm Car Park (follow directions to the Butterfly Farm as soon as you enter Stratford). There are always boats to hire or boat trips in the summer and the Butterfly Farm is worth a visit – great for a rainy day as it’s warm and dry inside!
01789 299288 | www.butterflyfarm.co.uk
Bourton-on-the Water
Touristy but very pretty with the stream running through and lots to do for children including: Birdland Park and Gardens – open all year. www.birdland.co.uk/Miniature Village; Cotswolds Motor Museum with the TV character Brum. www.cotswold-motor-museum.co.uk; and a Miniature Railway exhibit within the Toy Shop on the main High Street Hidcote Manor Gardens Open March to September. One of the most visited National Trust gardens in the UK, Hidcote is a beautiful place and fun for children as there are lots of garden “rooms” and grounds to run around in.
Sudeley Castle
Winchcombe. Explore the castle, the gardens and the big fort in the adventure playground. The wooden fort is full of hidey-holes and towers. Closed in the Winter months.
www.sudeleycastle.co.uk
Corinium Museum Cirencester
Fascinating museum about the Romans. Holds holiday events.
www.coriniummuseum.org
Woodstock and Blenheim Palace
A little further afield (about 40 minutes) but a great day out. As well as the Palace there is an adventure playground, butterfly farm and miniature train. Check for limited opening hours in the Winter months.
www.blenheimpalace.com
In Woodstock there are lots of shops to explore and there is the local Oxfordshire museum on the High Street – worth a quick visit and enjoy a coffee and cake in the airy glass-fronted café.
Heritage Motor Centre and Museum Gaydon
Open all year. Perfect for car enthusiasts and older children. Outdoor activities in peak periods include Land Rover 4×4 driving, Go Karting and Miniature Roadway. Open all year apart from Christmas week.
www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk Tel (01926 641188)
Useful Information
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
- Sleeps 12
- 6 bedrooms
Bedrooms | Sleeps | Beds | Features |
Bedroom 1 | 2 | King or Twin | En-suite |
Bedroom 2 | 2 | King or Twin | En-suite |
Bedroom 3 | 2 | King or Twin | En-suite |
Bedroom 4 | 2 | King or Twin | En-suite |
Bedroom 5 (Stables) | 2 | King or Twin | En-suite |
Bedroom 6 (Stables) | 4 | 2 x King Zip & Link | En-suite |
- Two guest beds available
- Downstairs WC
Cooking and Dining
- Dining table seats 14 comfortably
- Fantastic chef available for a special meal or throughout the weekend
- Drop-off meals available
- Gas powered range cooker
- Gas BBQ, gas provided
- Tables and chairs on terrace
- Excellent dining nearby at award winning Cotswold pubs and restaurants
- Online deliveries including Waitrose and Tesco
Children Welcome
- Toys, books and DVDs for children
- Games Room
- Swings and trampoline
- Playhouse and adventure tower with slide
- Swimming pool fenced and entered through a lockable gate
- Three travel cots available
- Three high chairs available
Where We Are
- The nearest village is Paxford
- The nearest station is Moreton-in-Marsh, a 10-minute drive away
- The nearest airports are Staverton, Coventry and Birmingham International
- Taxis available
- Parking for four cars
- Moreton-in-Marsh | Gloucestershire | GL56 9LJ
Inside
- Stargaze or birdwatch with the telescope
- Large 50″ TV
- Wi-Fi
- DVD player and DVDs
- Large library
Outside
- Heated outdoor swimming pool open May to September
- Games room with table football and pool table
- Cricket and croquet sets and footballs
- Swings, playhouse, climbing frame and trampoline
- Seven acres of gardens and paddocks
Activities
- Country pursuits available nearby, including clay pigeon shooting and archery
- Hire bikes and venture out into the beautiful countryside
- Brace yourselves for some paintballing
- See it all from a bird’s eye view in a hot air balloon
- Indulge in some pampering and beauty treatments at the house
For Children
- Have fun learning at the Cotswold Farm Park, Warwick Castle, Cotswold Wildlife Park, the Batsford Arboretum and the Falconry Centre
Autumn and Winter
- Log burner in the Kitchen/Dining Room
- A short walk to the award winning Churchill Arms gastro-pub
- Great local food on offer in Chipping Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh and Blockley
- Cotswold walks straight from the house
Payment Process
- We take a one third deposit at the time of booking
- The balance is due three months before the date booked
Cautionary Deposit
- £500 refundable deposit
House Restrictions
- Not suitable for stag or hen parties
- Up to two well behaved small dogs welcome however dogs not permitted in bedrooms or on furniture
- Noise policy in place
- No fireworks
- Please note that The Stables is roughly 50m from Oak House
Arrival and Departure
- Check in 4pm
- Check out 4pm on a Sunday
- Check out 10am on other days
What’s Included
- Linen, towels and essentials
- Please bring your own swimming towels
- Extra housekeeping available on request
- Hairdryers and first aid box