We left Devon and Greenway behind to travel up to the Cotswolds. With us not being able to get into the next cottage until 4pm, we decided to have a look if there was anything of interest on the route. We found a National Trust property which sounded very impressive, and it certainly was! The property was Stourhead House and Gardens (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-stourhead/). This was a house and parkland/gardens built by the Hoare banking family in the 18th century. We didn’t go in the house but the parkland, surrounding a lake, and gardens were stunning. We could have easily spent a full day there, well worth another visit if in the area again.
The cottage we are staying in is near the picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Water. The owners have a large house and three holiday cottages, all separate and with their own private sitting out areas overlooking the countryside. We even got some provisions in the kitchen; milk, coffee (proper!), orange juice, cookies, bottle of wine and a Kellogg’s Variety Pack – very impressive! There are also two very fussy black Labradors who are always up for a play and stroke and keep guard on the properties! It is a very peaceful place to relax in.
Looking forward to visiting lots of the little hamlets and villages in the area!
