The Leat at Wynyard Mill
This quirky hideaway on the outskirts of the historic town of Malmesbury is a peaceful riverside retreat. Making the most of the far-reaching views, the rooftop balcony opens out from the spacious open plan living area. Flooded with light this is the perfect setting for evening meals while two cosy bedrooms show elements of the cottage’s history with exposed beams and an unusual layout. This dog friendly Malmesbury holiday cottage is near a pub and just a stone’s throw from the treasure trove of unusual history waiting to be explored here. Beyond Malmesbury, Tetbury is a delightfully picturesque Cotswold town famous for its antique shops and Highgrove Gardens.
Overview
The Leat at Wynyard Mill is a unique riverside retreat with enviable views across the rooftops of Malmesbury. Part of a 19th century mill this quirky holiday cottage is perfect for leaving the car behind and exploring on foot.
Take a break for some rest and relaxation, spending time in the elegant open plan living area on the top floor. Beneath the beamed apex this is a lovely space where you can put your feet up after a day spent exploring the historic attractions. Preparing meals is easy in the compact but well-equipped kitchen and there is a dining table you can set for four guests. The unusual layout means the two bedrooms are on their own floor making it feel as if you have more space to yourself. One of the bedrooms has an en-suite and there is a second bathroom on the top floor.
The sitting area opens out onto the balcony which is a fabulous addition to this house. Spend some time here with your morning coffee enjoying these fabulous views with the gentle soundtrack of the River Avon flowing beneath.
Ground Floor
Entrance Hall
Stepping into The Leat there is a handy space to leave your coats and shoes before heading up the stairs.
Bedroom One
This snug double bedroom has a super king-size bed which can be arranged as two singles if needed. Making good use of the cottage’s staggered layout, an attractive country-cream décor is brought to life by contemporary pops of blue alongside artwork of Malmesbury through the ages, evoking a sense of the cottage’s rich history as the town’s historic watermill.
En-suite
A small en-suite shower room with a hand basin and toilet offers guests a good amount of privacy.
First Floor
Bedroom Two
The cottage’s second bedroom is a spacious twin room that can be converted to a super king-size bed should you prefer. Bursting with light thanks to a bright bay window that overlooks the river below, here the cottage’s heritage shines through the exposed ceiling beams, with vibrant red fabrics giving an elegant pop of colour to the classic country colour palette. There is a spacious double wardrobe and handy additional chest of drawers, plus a large bay window; the perfect spot to watch the river as it flows beneath.
Second Floor
Kitchen/Dining/Living Area
Found up the winding staircase on the cottage’s top floor is the open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area. A light, bright space with views from every angle, this is a cosy spot to whip up a feast and put your feet up after a busy day exploring the winding honey-stoned streets of Malmesbury.
A compact but well-equipped kitchen area has wooden worktops, slate flooring, and country-cream units complementing the cottage’s heritage expertly. Perfectly kitted out with all you’ll need for a self-catered stay, there’s an electric hob/oven, microwave, small extendable dining table, and plenty of cookware and crockery to make use of, plus a washing machine and freezer tucked out of sight in a small utility room at the top of the stairs.
Leading on from the kitchen is the spacious living area, brightly lit by skylights and windows from every angle which floods the space with natural light. Attractive leather seating gives the living space a cool, contemporary feel, whilst exposed beams and country cream hues evoke a feeling of countrified elegance. Here, you can sit back and relax together (views into the kitchen mean that the cook of the group never has to feel isolated from the rest), or unwind in front of the TV, with plenty of DVDs to choose from.
Family Bathroom
A family bathroom, at the end of the stairs of the living area, features a bath and separate shower, toilet, and basin, flooded with light thanks to a Velux window.
Outside
A set of French doors at the end of the living area open up onto a pretty balcony area complete with an outdoor dining set; the perfect place to enjoy the views of the river below, tuck into an alfresco feast or watch a traditional game of bowls, courtesy of Malmesbury Bowls Club next door. The river flows directly beneath this old mill and provides some easy-to-follow walking routes right from your doorstep. A real benefit in this busy market town are the two parking spaces that come with the property, found on the driveway at the end of the Mill building.
Facilities
Indoor
Bedroom One - Super King-size (can Be Twin On Request)
Bedroom Two - Twin (can Be Super King-size On Request)
2 Bathrooms - 1 En-suite With Shower, Sink And WC; 1 Family Bathroom With Bathtub, Over-bath Shower, Sink And WC
Hairdryer
Oven
Hob
Microwave
Toaster
Kettle
Fridge
Freezer
Coffee Machine - Nespresso
Dining Table
Washing Machine
Iron
WiFi *Please Note That Speeds Are For Guidance Only And Are Not Guaranteed
TV
DVD Player
Board Games
Travel Cot (cot Linen Not Provided)
Highchair
Sound System - DAB/FM Radio With Bluetooth And Plug-in For Phones
Outdoor
Dog Friendly - 2 Well-behaved Dogs Welcome For An Additional Fee
No BBQ Available
Parking - Off-road Parking For 2 Cars
On your Doorstep
Malmesbury is well-equipped with a plethora of independent stores, eateries and supermarkets, making catering for your stay at The Leat a breeze. For a special treat in the morning, head to Hobbs House Bakery (5-minute walk) for a fresh loaf, pastry or piping hot coffee, before heading to Thomas of Malmesbury butchers (10-minute walk) for your fresh picks of the finest meat from across the region. Health food lovers should also pop their heads into The Wild Food Company on the High Street, where a host of healthy, organic and vegetarian goodies can be found. For those who prefer to buy all their groceries in one place, Malmesbury town centre is home to a Co-Operative Food and Premier Express, whilst a larger Waitrose store sits just on the outskirts of the town; a 2-minute drive or 5-minute walk from the cottage.
Eating Out:
- The Birdcage, Malmesbury - enjoy an Italian feast at this quirky restaurant (0.5 miles)
- The Old Bell Hotel, Malmesbury - fresh, local and seasonal food served in a beautiful restaurant (0.5 miles)
- The Dining Room at Whatley Manor, Easton Grey – Michelin starred dining in an elegant setting (3 miles)
- Hare and Hounds, Westonbirt – award-winning restaurant for delicious meals and a cosy bar with a fire for casual drinks (6 miles)
We recommend the Malmesbury River Walk, a fantastic circular walk which you can join directly from the cottage’s front door. Following the River Avon as it meanders its way around the outskirts of the town, this gentle 2-mile stroll through Malmesbury’s streets and picturesque fields takes in a host of the town’s ancient landmarks, including Daniel’s Well, Malmesbury’s 19th century Silk Mills, The Old Courthouse and the pretty Abbey House Gardens, as well as giving you the opportunity to experience the beauty of the riverbanks and the wildlife it attracts. The perfect way to discover this Saxon hilltop town’s rich history whilst enjoying as much fresh Cotswold air as you can.
Places to Visit:
- Malmesbury Abbey - home to King Athelstan's tomb this majestic abbey is a breathtaking building (0.5 miles)
- Althestan Museum, Malmesbury - discover Malmesbury's varied history through the variety of artefacts (0.5 miles)
- Highgrove House and Gardens, Tetbury – private residence of King Charles II and the Queen Consort. Advance booking required (5.5 miles)
- Westonbirt Arboretum – 600-acre arboretum with beautiful walking routes, treetop trail and Gruffalo statues to be discovered (7 miles)
- Train - Chippenham Station (10 miles), which has regular direct trains to Bristol and London
- Taxis - Malmesbury Taxis, Abbey Taxis Malmesbury, S A Taxi, Swift Taxi
Points of Note
This property has a check-in time of 16:00 and a check-out time of 10:00
- Book with us to get exclusive discounts to top attractions and experiences.
- Please note, if you would like bedroom 1 arranged as a twin, or bedroom 2 arranged as a super king-size, please clarify this on the booking form.
- Dog friendly: A maximum of two well-behaved dogs are permitted at an additional cost per dog.
- Please note: the property has three flights of steps and some low beams.
Check Availability
Spread the cost of your holiday balance with our flexible payment plan
Discover more
The Location
The cottage is located within easy walking distance of the charming and historic market town of Malmesbury, which dates back to the Iron Age. History lovers will enjoy visiting the hometown of King Athelstan, first king of all England (924-927), and the 12th Century abbey as well as England’s oldest hotel – Abbey House Gardens. As well as a multitude of shops and curiosities, Malmesbury is home to a number of fantastic restaurants, cafes, bistros and pubs.
Just 15 minutes away you will find Tetbury, the antique shopping capital of the Cotswolds The lovely town is teeming with unique antique shops, and an abundance of cafes, boutiques and pubs and of course, Prince Charles’ Tetbury residence inspired shop – Highgrove, where all profits go to The Prince of Wales’ Charitable Foundation. Westonbirt Arboretum, home to over 2500 different species of tree, is just a short drive away, as is the bigger market town of Cirencester.
And relax..
Why book with us
1.
Guaranteed
best price
Book your holiday home directly with us for the best possible price. Because we work exclusively with our owners; we guarantee you won’t find our properties cheaper elsewhere.
2.
Guaranteed
best price
Book your holiday home directly with us for the best possible price. Because we work exclusively with our owners; we guarantee you won’t find our properties cheaper elsewhere.
3.
Guaranteed
best price
Book your holiday home directly with us for the best possible price. Because we work exclusively with our owners; we guarantee you won’t find our properties cheaper elsewhere.
Read our reviews
We had a wonderful time! The cottage was really cosy and has everything that we need. The beds are good and the location 5 minutes walk to the town. The attention was really great, our daughter forgot her stuffed owl and the response to send it back home was quick and very friendly! For sure we'll come back!
Elizabeth
A splendidly relaxing week
The Leat is a lovely little cottage in Malmesbury, a town steeped in its rich history. The cottage has everything you need for your stay. Our previous Boltholes have always exceeded our expectations and this little gem was no exception. Special thanks to our Property Manager Dawn.
We sat on the balcony and watched the morning dog walkers, heard the clack of the bowls on the green and when we strolled out past the stream we were rewarded with the sight of the little egret wading past. A splendidly relaxing week.
Val Godfrey
Lovely stay for a couple of days, good communication.
Lucie
The Leat is a lovely little cottage in Malmesbury, a town steeped in its rich history. The cottage has everything you need for your stay. Our previous Boltholes have always exceeded our expectations and this little gem was no exception. Special thanks to our Property Manager. We sat on the balcony and watched the morning dog walkers, heard the clack of the bowls on the green and when we strolled out past the stream we were rewarded with the sight of the little egret wading past. A splendidly relaxing week.
Val
Absolutely everything there, very clean, loads of room. Can't fault anything. Great stay.
Stewart
Lovely stay with lots to do from your door.
Pros: We had a lovely weekend here, lots of walks recommended in welcome pack from the door which are easy to follow. There is also a lovely little balcony we sat out and watched the herons go by, however just watch where the chairs are, as the legs can fall down the gaps which happened to us. Great facilities and had everything we needed.
Cons: I think there was a wasps nest just on the balcony as there were a few going in and out, but they never really bothered us. If you are tall then this place may be difficult as there is slanted ceilings to bang your head on. Also if you are not a fan of stairs or find them difficult then here is not for you as 3 flights of stairs to the living area however there is a bathroom at the bottom and top.
There was a welcome pack of a a box of malteasers but that was it, personally I would have preferred a pint of milk for a cuppa when i got there but that is personal preference.
Overall a lovely value for money stay.
Julie Harper
Beautiful property in an ideal location just a few minutes walk into town. Clean and well equipped, everything was great and perfect for our stay. Particularly enjoyed having my morning coffee on the balcony with a beautiful view and sounds of birdsong. Lovely touch having tea/ coffee and some chocolates on arrival, and the property host was wonderful and helpful when we got in touch. Would absolutely stay again.
Jacinta
We had a lovely weekend here, lots of walks recommended in the welcome pack from the door which are easy to follow. There is also a lovely little balcony we sat out and watched the herons go by. Great facilities and had everything we needed.
Julie
Will come again! Very short walk to Malmesbury restaurants, shops and the beautiful abbey. Wonderful nearby walks. The house manager was very friendly, helpful and responsive, even over the Easter weekend.
Katie
A good place to stay in Malmesbury
Malmesbury is a lovely, historic town surrounded by the river Avon and a great place for 4 friends to meet. The Leat is a short distance from the centre of town on the banks of a tributary of the main river. It has a high standard of comfort with two bedrooms and a living space on the top floor full of light and with great views over the town. There is a little ducklng and diving under the sloping ceilings and lots of stairs but it makes a very interesting and warm place to stay.
Angela Pankhurst
Lovely quiet location
Great location, very quiet. Kitchen well appointed. Appreciated the on site parking also. Top room is very lovely, which great views over Malmesbury.
I would suggest caution if you have mobility issues, as there are steep stairs, and being an old house, the bathrooms are a little awkward.
Katherine Masiulanis
The Leat
Very enjoyable stay. The parking is a little tight, ended up parking by the local pub. Also the balcony could do with a clean, quite a bit of bird droppings . Otherwise excellent.
Philip Roberts
Excellent location and great balcony
Our third visit and very enjoyable. There was a Civil War exhibition and battle reenactment the weekend we stayed. Also we could see the Duck Race from the balcony, great fun. The Leat is very comfortable and has good WiFi and TV, all kitchen equipment that might be needed, and is in a great location for exploring the lovely town and surrounding countryside, or further afield.
Charmian Steven
The Leat is in an ideal situation to visit the town.
The only issue was with parking. A car had been left across the two allocated spaces and did not move all the time we were there. The caretaker was helpful in that we were allowed to use the allocated parking for another cottage which was empty during our stay, but when we went out someone else parked There as well! This probably needs to be mentioned/sorted with the owners as I imagine this happens regularly and there is nowhere else to park.
Susan Espley
The Leat at Wynyard Mill
Great location and lovely 'upside down' house........ like the top floor best.
Parking a bit tight if you have a wide car.
Well equipped.
Lots of stairs kept us active!
Simon Henderson
Perfect break .
Wonderful accommodation with lovely views all around , very comfortable and well equipped. Pleasant riverside walks and friendly hotel on the high street that did great food .
Megan Stacey
A wonderful place
We stayed in Malmesbury at the Leat- what a great place. Loved especially how quiet the location was. The fact that the property abuts an Avon tributary where we could observe the local wildlife (fish, ducks, and herons) made it even more special. This is a beautiful place and I would strongly recommend anyone staying in the Cotswolds to consider staying here.
Clarke McCants
Lovely stay
Really lovely stay in a well presented property in a great location and easy logistics. We would definitely stay here again.
Two nice bedrooms and a kitchen/lounge set over 3 floors so plenty of stairs, even up to get to the ground floor bedroom. Good exercise and it means the views from the balcony on the top floor are pretty.
Needs a little table to put your bags on in the main bedroom in the space under the stairwell that’s our only improvement suggestion (and more chopsticks - there are only 2 pairs).
Guest
Nice enough but slightly underwhelming
PRO's:
* Located down a quiet side road on the outskirts of town, next to the river with 2 dedicated parking spaces (located on the drive of the neighbouring property not the ones beside the river as shown on the Bolthole Retreats website).
* Just a short walk (uphill) to the town. Malmesbury is quaint and quiet with a small selection of independent shops, cafes and pubs (we'd recommend the Smoking Dog and the cafe in the abbey), there is also a Waitrose and Aldi nearby so you can stock up.
* Ideal for country walks with the dog or jumping in the car to visit nearby towns and attractions, e.g. Bath and the Cotswolds.
* Generally, the property is well maintained and well equipped.
CON's:
* As other people have commented, this property is split onto three levels and has steep stairs ... not one for small children or those with arthritic knees.
* Headroom is limited in places, so you're constantly avoiding walking into ceilings, doors and woodwork.
* The master bedroom was cold and slightly dark and directly overlooked the neighbour's back garden, complete with a less-than-scenic view of a large trampoline and an overactive security light that comes on at night. Perhaps personal preference, but we found the bed extremely hard and uncomfortable, the duvet wasn't heavy enough for winter use and the pillows were so firm that they made your ears numb.
* There were a few maintenance issues (loose fittings, broken armchair and the living room door which got jammed shut due to a faulty handle), all of which have been flagged up to the property management company, so hopefully these will all be rectified ASAP.
* Unfortunately, when we stayed there, builders were renovating the property underneath, meaning that there was lots of noise, banging, drilling, vans coming and going, etc … not exactly peaceful and relaxing, but hopefully short-lived.
Unfortunately, The Leat didn’t quite live up to our expectations of the ‘peaceful riverside hideaway’ described on the website. We’d booked for four nights, but by the third night of cold, interrupted sleep and uncomfortable seating arrangements we’d had enough and went home early.
Claire Robson
Lovely accommodation and location
Very comfortable property. Lots of stairs so maybe not suitable for this with mobility problems. Well equipped kitchen.
Roslyn Casson
Fabulous
A little gem of a place. Spread over 3 floors with a bedroom on the ground floor with en-suite and a 2nd bedroom on floor 2. The top floor has a bathroom with shower and as you walk pass this you enter the open planned kitchen , living area with a door leading on to a small balcony. With a view from every window and a stunning sunset, this is a perfect location.
The property is well maintained and has everything you need . There is off street parking up a drive for 2 cars but beware it will be tight if you have a large vehicle.
Jane Bowyer
Comfortable and charming
The Leat was a beautifully furnished house, spread over three floors. It was clean and well-equipped, with very comfortable beds and furniture. It is centrally located yet in a quiet lane overlooking a stream with entertaining ducks.
Just one small quibble - the toilet seat in the upstairs bathroom was not connected properly - easily sorted, I'm sure.
We highly recommend it
Mary Magowan
Excellent Location
The Leat is in an excellent position - particularly if you are bringing your dog on holiday with you - there are two good walking spots straight from the door.
It is a comfortable holiday let and we found everything we needed there. It is well positioned for walking into Malmesbury town centre.
We had some issue with the door lock but the property manager and owners sorted it out very quickly.
Tina Walker
Very well situated, comfortable property with great balcony
Malmesbury is an interesting attractive town with buildings and stories of historical interest. There are many walks within the town, trail leaflets at Visitor Information, and lots of countryside walks around. Also a good base to visit other places in the Cotswolds.
The Leat is very near the town centre and the balcony looks down onto part of the river. We saw an egret, a kingfisher, several white and other ducks, lots of fish. The balcony also looks down onto the Bowls Club and we enjoyed watching a few of the tournaments. The large top room is very comfortable and the kitchen and whole flat very well equipped. Beautifully clean with good quality towels and bedding.The property manager, Dawn, is very helpful. A couple of things cropped up and she quickly had them attended to as soon it was possible to arrange. Other reviewers have mentioned the stairs and tight parking, we found them ok but depends on individual situation.
Charmian Steven
Wonderful Stay
We had a lovely few days staying in Cotsworld, wonderful accommodation. Would highly recommend. Lovely property, location was also fantastic.
Jenni Gilbert
Perfect
We had a lovely 4 day break at The Leat.
It is cosy, very comfortable and a great location.
There is a lovely walk right from your door along the river.
The village is great with lots of eateries.
Highly recommend The Birdcage.
Loved The old Bell Hotel.
Joy Sullivan
A lovely place to stay and perfectly located
We stayed here for a long weekend. It was lovely place, a good size for 2 adults, 2 kids and a dog, it had everything we needed and was very comfortable. The stairs were quite steep and the cold air came in the front door but the rooms were very warm and cozy. It was spotlessly clean with plenty of books and DVDs to keep us occupied when we weren't out walking around Malmesbury and the surrounding countryside.
Louise Kinnaird
Lovely weekend
Comfortable and clean. Really lovely to stay somewhere where all ‘the little things’ have been provided, was staying in a home (tea towels, plenty of lamps, cushions, throws etc). Excellent supply of books and dvds too!
Only thing I’d pick up on was no toilet paper in en suite, but suspect that was just an oversight given the level of everything else provided. Lights had been left on for our arrival, which was really nice as was dark when we arrived, light by front door needs a new bulb.
We had lunch at Whatley Manor a few miles away for our anniversary, which was fabulous. Non-stop rain prevented too much exploration of Malmesbury fortunately, but very picturesque setting.
Francesca Cowell
Fab mini break
We stayed at the Leat in July for 3 nights, and despite there not being a lot of pubs and restaurants open (following lockdown) we had a lovely time. The flat was lovely. Very peaceful, but near to everything. We made full use of the balcony, sat in the sun with a glass of wine, watching the players at the bowls club. Would thoroughly recommend.
Linda Campbell
A great Christmas with the family.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Leat over the Christmas break. The apartment looked lovely when we arrived on Xmas Eve. A beautiful wreath hung on the front door, stockings (with chocolates!) hung from the beams in the lounge and there was even a bottle of champagne in the kitchen for us.
The apartment was very clean and well equipped and Vanessa had put in some extra cutlery and chairs as she knew we were seeing family during our stay.
There were excellent dog walks from the front door, and Vanessa had left us details of where to go.
A wonderful place to be .... we really enjoyed it.
Debby Luxton
Create Memories
Experiences designed to make your stay unforgettable
We have curated not only a portfolio of properties, but also a portfolio of experiences we recommend everyone try the next time they visit the Cotswolds and surrounding counties. This selection of ours is constantly growing as we discover more hidden gems and local stars. Many of the experiences are incredibly popular, and we encourage booking in advance because these little extras can turn your everyday holiday into a fantastic, fond memory, one you aren’t soon to forget.
