Rural Retreats

Specialist Reports Holiday by Accommodation Self-Catering Self-Catering British Isles Rural Retreats 

	Rural Retreats
Blockley, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire GL56 9DZ			MAP
tel: (01386) 701 177

A company focusing on comfort and quality with inclusive prices plus optional extras.

No of Properties

Around 275.

Location

Originally in the Cotswolds but now also Cumbria, Devon, Cornwall, East Anglia, Exmoor and The Quantocks, Gloucestershire, Hereford, Worcester, Hampshire & Isle of Wight, Kent, Northumberland, The Peak District, Scotland, Shropshire, The Welsh Marches, Somerset & Dorset, Wiltshire and Yorkshire.

Style

Cottages and a few independent houses. Furnishings tend to be new traditional, often showroom style. There is always a payphone and fully equipped kitchen, most with microwave, washing machine, dishwasher, dryer, video and barbecue. Most have open fires or wood burning stoves. 16 properties are suitable for adjoining families and there are 13 sleeping 9 to 20-plus guests. From 2002 has been in partnership with Trinity House to manage and let the organisation's former lighthouse keepers' cottages round the coasts of England, Wales and on the island of Alderney. Some are unsuitable for small children because of steep drops but they would be ideal for those with still immobile babies, or older, sensible children who need to burn off energy in the great outdoors. All these properties include a short Lofty the Lighthouse cartoon video about the role of lighthouses.

Linen

Included, with all towels.

Heating

Included, with fire logs where there is an open fire.

Facilities

A cot and high chair can be booked free of charge and a guest bed is available for £23.50. Babysitting can be arranged in advance of the stay.

Extras

Welcome hampers of bread, milk, tea, coffee, a cake and other provisions plus a bottle of wine are offered, as well as toiletries in the bathrooms. Maid service is available for a minimum of two hours for £22.50. Some properties, particularly those in the Cotswolds, also offer their guests a menu service. All clients in the Cotswolds have complimentary membership of a country club with pool and sports facilities. One property is particularly suitable for families with an equestrian centre, fishing, play area and games room.

Short Breaks

Available throughout the year.

Sample Price

£675 for a week for a cottage sleeping four over the May Bank holiday.