River Barn - Self-catering house in Gloucestershire

The prettiest village with the river Eye running through – drive through the ford to this old stone barn conversion. French doors at the back open into a lovely big, open-plan sitting/dining/cooking space. The feel is peaceful and airy with natural colours, linen curtains, kilims on painted boards. There’s a log-burner and comfortable blue sofa, and the kitchen area is sleekly done with a long dark work top and all the gadgets for proper cooking. The bedroom has a king-sized, deep bed topped with good linen, a quirky fish painting and windows overlooking the farmhouse next door; there’s space for a couple of children in a single and extra pull-out bed too. The gravelled garden at the back is edged with herbs, flowers, box and crab apple – perfect for sunny drinks and al fresco dining; or you can walk to the pub for supper - dip your toes in the river on the way. Cheltenham is 25 minutes: great shopping, the races and jazz and literary festivals. Next door is The Chapel, for two, so if you want to come with family or friends you can spill over there and have both the gardens – there’s a gateway in between.