A thatched hideaway on the edge of Lower Swinbrook
Two bedrooms, one inglenook and a walled garden. Booked directly with us, the owners.
Built in 1682, and still the quietest house on the lane
Foxglove is a Grade II listed cottage of Cotswold stone under long-straw thatch, ten minutes' walk from the Windrush. We restored it ourselves over four winters and kept everything that made it a cottage: the low beams, the bread oven, the door you have to duck through.
It sleeps four in two bedrooms. There is a fire laid for your arrival, a loaf from the village bakery on the table, and nobody between you and us if you need anything.
Have a look around
Six rooms over two floors. Every photograph was taken this spring, so what you see is what you will walk into.
Ground floor The sitting room
Inglenook with a wood burner, a sofa long enough to sleep on and a basket of seasoned logs included.
Ground floor The kitchen
Range cooker, butler sink, dishwasher and proper knives. Stocked with oil, salt, tea and coffee.
Ground floor The dining nook
A round oak table for four beside the garden window, with a window bench for whoever reads longest.
First floor The eaves bedroom
King-size brass bed under the beams, Egyptian cotton linen and a dormer that looks over the fields.
First floor The twin room
Two full-size singles that zip together as a super-king on request, and a shelf of well-thumbed paperbacks.
First floor The bathroom
A roll-top bath with a hand shower, heated towel rail and thick towels. Hot water is never rationed.
A walled garden, all yours
- Fully enclosed, dog-safe walled garden
- Terrace table for four and a charcoal barbecue
- Logs and kindling for the wood burner
- Bed linen, towels and bathrobes
- Travel cot and high chair on request
- Washing machine and drying rack
- Smart TV, board games and OS maps
- 7kW electric car charger
Pick your dates
Changeover days are Monday and Friday. The calendar is live, so a free date here is a free date.
September 2026
October 2026
| Season | Dates | Per night |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Nov to Mar | £145 |
| Spring and autumn | Apr, May, Sep, Oct | £165 |
| Summer | Jun to Aug | £195 |
| Christmas and New Year | 20 Dec to 3 Jan | £240 |
Where we send our guests
You can leave the car where it is for most of these.
The Swan at Swinbrook
Low ceilings, a fire in winter, a river garden in summer. Book Sunday lunch before you travel. 8 minutes on foot
The Windrush valley loop
Five miles along the river to Widford's tiny church and back over the hill. Route card in the cottage. Starts at the garden gate
Upton Downs farm shop
Sourdough, single-herd cheese and the best sausages for miles. They will pack you a breakfast box. 6 minutes by carWhat people say after they leave
We lit the fire at four and did not move until bedtime. The dog has asked to go back.
Exactly as photographed, which never happens. The bed is the best I have slept in away from home.
Margaret answered a question about the oven in three minutes. Booking direct was simpler and cheaper.
Margaret and David Ellery
Owners since 2014, live two doors down
We are not an agency. When you write, one of us answers, usually within the hour. We will meet you with the key if you would like that, or leave you entirely alone if you would not.
Ask us a questionGood to know
When can we arrive and leave?
Arrive any time after 4pm; the key safe means you are never waiting on us. Please leave by 10am so we can get the cottage ready for the next guests.
Is the cottage suitable for young children?
Yes, with care. The stairs are steep and the beams are low, as you would expect of 1682. We provide a stair gate, travel cot and high chair free of charge.
Can we bring our dog?
Up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome at £20 each per stay. The garden is fully walled and there is a hose and towels by the back door.
What if we need to cancel?
Cancel 30 days or more before arrival for a full refund. Inside 30 days we refund everything if we can re-let your dates.
The fire is laid. All that is missing is you.
Autumn weekends are going quickly. Book direct with us and pay no platform fees.
See free dates