As the night draws to a close a little sooner and the opening of a window in the morning offers a refreshing crispness to the air, the urge to withdraw and retreat pulls, an invisible thread beckoning us to embrace the winter months coming. Time seems to slow down at this time of year, the demands of summer’s productivity easing, offering a chance to focus on closing one chapter and preparing for the next. The countryside is becoming its best, the trees beginning their transformation into a sea of golds, coppers and reds which line the freshly farmed fields of the hills and enhance the golden hues of our honey-stone houses here in the Cotswolds. The harvest season brings with it wonky squashes, glistening sweetcorn plucked straight from the fields and brassicas bigger than your shopping basket - a call to arms for those leisurely, slow-cook afternoons where a simmering pot fills the house with the smells of autumn. It is the perfect time to embrace a quieter life, one where you can step away from the demands of modern day and retreat into simplicity and comfort.
The Cotswolds may have its share of grand manor houses which boast stables, fine dining and kitchen gardens larger than a sports field, but autumn calls for something cosier. As the instinct to nest grows, it is the thoughtful details which draw us in - the soft glow of a lamp, a wool blanket folded enticingly over the arm of a chair, steam gently puttering from a stovetop kettle. In these bolthole escapes, time moves without urgency, offering an opportunity to celebrate the pleasure of doing less, but experiencing more. Instead, an afternoon spent by a window with a novel, a walk down a familiar footpath or the rustle of grass as a deer softly moves become a luxury beyond price.
Hidden Gems & Off-Grid Sanctuaries
The Cotswolds is peppered with hidden gems nestled away in unexpected places. A simple walk to the woods can reveal a field with renovated tin shepherds huts lining its edge, perhaps with a simple but timelessly delightful woodfired hot tub. Look a little closer and you may find a small wooden sign promising yurts or safari glamping or treetop hideaways - as farmers find new ways to use their land and the Covid times offer a resurgence of the staycation. These carefully curated retreats provide the perfect balance between rustic authenticity and cosy luxury.
The T Barn With king-sized beds, wood-burning stoves and views that stretch out across the fields, The T Barn’s collection of cabins, shepherds huts and camping pitches are an invitation to slow down and embrace a connection to nature. Offering cast-iron tripod over a firepit and bundles of food available to cook over the fire, The T-Barn provides a secluded escape with breathtaking views and opportunities to stargaze under the unspoiled skies.
Campwell Woods & Farm Offering not only secluded huts and yurts for couples and small groups, but opportunities for larger groups to gather and enjoy wild swimming, yoga and foraging during off-grid work retreats or zen parties in their eco-village of woodland huts, yurts and bell tents. Located on a fifth generation farm near Bath, guests can enjoy a forest spa, which includes forest bathing and a wood fired sauna, ending with herbal tea around the fire for the perfect restorative opportunity to connect with nature.
Warbler’s Meadow, Slimbridge WWT A unique opportunity to rest amongst the birds of Slimbridge’s famous wetlands, the WWT opened their shepherd hut accommodation this summer, with free access to the wetlands included. Guests are encouraged to enjoy a digital detox and listen to the sounds of cuckoos, woodpeckers and owls which provide a welcome soundtrack to your stay. Why not book a private canoe safari or wildflower walk to make your stay even more special?
Upsticks Glamping Three magnificent accommodations sleep six guests each, combining rustic countryside charm with modern comfort through thoughtful design that includes indoor and outdoor kitchens, cosy lounges with wood burners, and private hot tub areas. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Malvern Hills, it's the ideal base for exploring one of England's most beautiful regions while enjoying the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and contemporary comfort.
Buzzard’s Reach An enchanting romantic escape, perched within the heart of the Ebworth Valley's ancient beech woods. The cabin's thoughtful design includes three distinct outdoor seating areas that follow the sun's path across the sky, a covered deck for morning tea made on the wood burner, and a Japanese plunge bath for ultimate relaxation. Inside, armchairs invite long afternoons with good books while the wood burning oven encourages romantic dinners surrounded by stunning valley views.
Rewild Things Located on the grounds of Elmore Court, on a portion of the land they have dedicated to rewilding, these six treehouses include outdoor copper baths, wood-burning stoves and treetop views across the estate. Guests can soak up the sweeping sights whilst nestled into sheepskin rugs on the large outdoor decks whilst preparing an alfresco meal in outdoor kitchens.
In the Cotswolds, the art of seasonal living moves in time with nature. Like the sun rising early as the birds awaken, summer is a hive of bustle and activity, a burst of creative energy. Autumn arrives fairly suddenly, with whispers and hints revealing themselves before a flurry of orangey tones suddenly falls over our countryside, from the amber hued trees to pinkened sunsets and seasonal squash in the farmers markets. It is the perfect template for living more thoughtfully, more gently, and with greater attention to seasonal rhythms. A weekend may only last two or three days, but the time spent in these intimate nature getaways will create memories that warm us long after the fire has died down and normal life has resumed.