To take the title of ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, the environment has to be pretty spectacular. With The Cotswolds being one of only forty-six places awarded this coveted accolade, this lush countryside region certainly matches its description. But just as you thought it couldn’t get any more outstanding, how does staying on a castle estate sound? Just a twenty-one-minute drive from the bustling city of Cheltenham, this apartment offers a regal base to come home to after a day at the races. While you could spend all day perusing Sudeley Castle and its ten gorgeous gardens (which you can do as much as you want, with free entry as a guest of the cottage), you’ve got history to discover closer to home. Your cottage is set in an old paper mill, where you can admire original timber beams and exposed stone walls throughout. Within these cosy interiors, the lounge exudes a certain warmth that feels unique to rural England. Recline on a chequered chaise longue with a glass of champagne, or cook up Sunday roast to serve on the wooden dining bench. And make sure you put those fabulous sash windows to use – your river views offer the most calming Cotswolds scene.

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Additional fees

• Your host works with local vendors to provide a variety of in-cottage services for an additional fee, including wine and cider tastings, private chefs and dining experiences, hampers and food boxes, cooking classes, yoga sessions, floristry workshops, craft kits, massages, and beauty treatments

• Your host can also help arrange paid experiences in the local area – these include horse and bike tours, helicopter rides, paddleboarding, spa days, and a wide range of days out

Additional fees subject to a 3.5% handling charge.