Swift Cottage
This quaint Cotswold stone cottage is full of original features and charm, nestled on a quiet street, walking distance from the centre of Blockley. It is located in an elevated position and is set over three floors to make the most of the beautiful, uninterrupted views from front and rear. Swift Cottage overlooks its own mature, cottage garden with sweeping views across a deer park and the Blockley valley. Set into the hill, the living and dining room are at street level, and the kitchen and breakfast area are below and open directly into the garden. On the first floor are two bedrooms, both with spectacular country views. You can enjoy walks from the door and a visit to Blockley Café is a must. Further afield Broadway, Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water are highlights.
Overview
This terrace of golden Cotswold stone cottages was once home to the Blockley silk mill workers and forms a picturesque backdrop to the rolling hills around. Named after the swifts that nest in the eaves during summer, Swift Cottage is a Cotswold country getaway where the views will take your breath away each morning.
Set over three floors you can enjoy the beautiful far-reaching views from the front and rear of the cottage. On the ground floor is an open-plan living and dining area with exposed Cotswold stone, oak beams and original elm floorboards. A traditional style open gas fire sits in a Cotswold stone fireplace, ready to warm your toes after a bracing winter walk. The dining table rests next to another original stone fireplace and looks out over the countryside scene beyond. Down the stairs is the kitchen with a breakfast area which opens out to the terraced garden. Up on the first floor are two charming king-size bedrooms, one of which has the flexibility to be a twin on request, making this cottage ideal for a romantic retreat or enjoying country walks with friends and family.
The garden slopes gently and has three seating areas, starting with a bistro table outside the breakfast area French Windows and leading to a gravelled terrace with sunny and shady corners where you can sit and watch the birds bathe in the ornamental bird bath. From here you are drawn down to the end of the garden where a dining table seating four provides a captivating setting for lunch or evening meals with drinks below the parasol while the deer in the field beyond keep you company. From here you can look out over the rooftops nestled down in the valley, to the fields, hills, and horizon beyond; this is a truly wonderful location.
Ground Floor
Living/Dining Room
This spacious, bright, quintessentially Cotswold, dual aspect living and dining room is full of original features which make this country cottage come to life. The original elm floor echoes the oak beams above and there is an exposed Cotswold stone wall and traditional gas-fired cast iron fire grate set in a large stone surround. Two sofas sit in front of the fire where you can warm yourselves after walking the hills. Enjoying the view through the window to the rear is a wooden dining table next to a decorative, original stone fireplace. Seating four, once the table is cleared after dinner you can play some restful music on the Bluetooth speaker and take advantage of the cottage board games or plan tomorrow’s adventure with the guidebooks and maps provided for guests to borrow. Comfortably furnished with antiques, the room draws you in to relax on a window seat below each of the windows and find time to finish off that book or browse your favourite magazine.
Lower Ground Floor
From the ground floor, wooden stairs take you down to the lower ground floor. Mind your head here as taller members of the group may need to watch out for the beams.
Kitchen:
Opening via French Windows to the garden, the kitchen has a breakfast area and a separate utility area at the rear, behind a traditional glazed door. The Belfast sink sits in a hardwood worktop and affords views across the garden. The shaker-style cupboards and dual electric ovens and gas hob provide everything you’ll need.
When sitting at the breakfast table, open the doors to let in the birdsong and the country air, or step out beneath the rambling rose and enjoy a coffee at the bistro table immediately outside. In the utility area is a second fridge, a freezer, and the washer dryer. An integrated dishwasher sits adjacent the Butler sink.
Shower Room:
Tucked away off the utility area is a shower room which is the second in this cottage. With a shower, sink and WC it provides guests with a shower room for each bedroom.
First Floor
Bedroom One:
Overlooking the garden, this king-size room is the larger of the two bedrooms. The window seat is a lovely place to stop and gaze across the valley. Furnished with an antique chest of drawers and large fitted wardrobes, you can make this room your own. The comfortable bed has Egyptian cotton bedding which you won’t want to leave in the morning.
Shower Room:
This shower room has a step up to the power shower and there is also a sink and WC. It is easily accessible from each bedroom or you can make use of the shower room on the lower ground floor.
Bedroom Two:
With a second king-size bed which can be split to a twin on request, this room provides flexible sleeping. From the window seat, you can look over the hedge to become lost in the expansive Cotswold view with only fields, hedges, and trees (and the occasional tractor!) interrupting the view. By day, watch for kites soaring the thermals or listen out for owls by night. Or just gaze at the stunningly bright stars in a clear sky. This comfortable room has a rustic country charm with a painted chest of drawers, bedside table, and antique style hanging shelf.
Outside
The garden has three sitting areas; a table with four chairs at the bottom for meals beneath the parasol or leisurely evening drinks as you watch the sun go down over the valley. There is also a bistro set by the kitchen French Windows, and a cool, shady bench between the two areas. Planted with shrubbery and flowers along the sides it is a paradise for guests and birds alike. Down at the end you can watch the red and fallow deer who may make an appearance during your stay and if you stay quiet for long enough may come right up to the fence to investigate! On-street parking is available on the quiet road outside the cottage: it is unreserved and with no restrictions.
Facilities
Indoor
Bedroom One - King-size
Bedroom Two - King-size (can Be Twin On Request)
2 Bathrooms - First Floor Shower Room And Lower Ground Floor Shower Room
Hairdryer - 1
Fire - Gas
Oven
Hob
Microwave
Toaster
Kettle
Fridge
Freezer
Dishwasher
Dining Table - Seats 4
Washing Machine
Tumble Dryer
Iron
WiFi *Please Note That Speeds Are For Guidance Only And Are Not Guaranteed - 200+ Mbps
TV
Sound System - Jongo T6 Bluetooth Speaker And DAB Radio
Outdoor
Garden
Outdoor Dining Area
No BBQ Available
Parking - On-street Parking
On your Doorstep
Eating Out:
Blockley Café, Blockley (5 minute walk)
The Great Western Arms, Blockley (6 minute walk)
Ebrington Arms, Ebrington (4.1 miles)
Walks: A short, flat loop to get your bearings: Turn right at the front door and pass through the five-bar gate on the left at the end of the cottages. Carry straight staying under the line of trees and then turn left across the centre of the field in front of the cottage. Turn left when you reach the road (Greenway Road) back down into the village at the bottom of Park Road. You’ve probably earnt some tea and cake from the village cafe! (Turn right down the hill towards the church, or left to go back to the cottage).
For the more ambitious, there is a nice walk across the fields to Broad Campden, starting as above but turning right immediately after the five-bar gate (lovely Sunday roast at the Bakers Arms - booking essential). Or you can carry on through Broad Campden and walk to Chipping Campden (The Eight Bells is good here).
Places to Visit:
Mill Dene Garden, Blockley (9 minute walk)
Upton Wold Garden, Blockley (1.5 miles)
Batsford Arboretum (3.6 miles)
There is so much to discover in the Cotswolds, why not have a look at some of our favourite Bolthole Retreats Experiences.
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.
- This property does not accept infants.
- Please note, if you would like bedroom two to be arranged as a twin, please clarify this on the booking form.
- This property does not accept dogs or other pets.
- Swift Cottage has steep stairs and as such may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.
- Due to the stairs and the open fire children must be supervised at all times.
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The Location
Blockley offers a picture-perfect escape for those looking to explore the Cotswolds yet stay away from the crowds. The village rose to prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries as a centre for the English silk industry, and it lies within the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, tucked into a valley away from the usual tourist trails. The Norman church, St Peter and St Paul’s, featured in the Father Brown series where it became the fictional St Mary’s church in Kembleford and the centre of period detective mysteries. There is a fantastic community-run village shop and café, and the Great Western Arms pub and Crown Inn, both just a short stroll away. It is ideal for exploring the North Cotswolds and with plenty of beautiful walks directly from the front door.
And relax..
Why book with us
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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
Pure relaxation
Swift Cottage was immaculately presented, a calm and well appointed property. It is one of the best that we have stayed in along Park Road. It is amazing to see the deer grazing in the fields at the back of the property. A friendly cat came to visit on a few occasions, We would rent this cottage again.
Jacqueline Scott
Swift Cottage was immaculately presented, a calm and well appointed property. It is one of the best that we have stayed in along Park Road. It is amazing to see the deer grazing in the fields at the back of the property. A friendly cat came to visit on a few occasions, We would rent this cottage again.
Jacqueline
Excellent well equipped cottage in a beautiful location.
Kelly
Only one week at Swift Cottage. Would happily have stayed longer. It is clean, pretty, and well-equipped. Gorgeous views from the east windows. We took so many photos! Every need met in the furnishings, down to throws to cuddle up under, in the evenings.
Meribeth
Lovely stay!
We had a wonderful week in Blockley. The cottage was excellent value for money, and we loved seeing the deer every day.
Kim Nip
We had a wonderful week in Blockley. The cottage was excellent value for money, and we loved seeing the deer every day.
Kim
We had a fantastic stay at this Bolthole Retreat. The house was spotless and well provisioned. Beautiful garden to sit and look over the hills. Recommend sitting out there in the evenings. Ideally located for all of the “typical” Cotswold spots. Thank you!
Alex
Lovely gem in the Cotswolds
This was such a great find! The photos do not do justice to the cottage or the outstanding views - probably the best I’d say - and great location. Jo, whose cleaning services are responsible for the upkeep, was prompt to respond and service any areas that needed it. She was also very helpful in providing suggestions for the area.
Only downsides are:
- No dedicated car parking spot, but we were able to find something out front everyday.
- No air conditioning. This was not as much a problem for us as the weather was lovely when we visited.
- A few of the seat cushions could use some refurbishing eg the dining area bench cushion and the sofa cushions.
Prasham Kamdar
This was such a great find! The photos do not do justice to the cottage or the outstanding views - probably the best I’d say - and great location. Jo, whose cleaning services are responsible for the upkeep, was prompt to respond. She was also very helpful in providing suggestions for the area.
Prasham
Lovely stay. Deers came to the backyard every day.
Ann
Beautiful stay with everything we needed. The stone cottage was charming inside and out. Big enough for 4 adults to stay comfortably.
Brittany
Great quiet location with beautiful views. Both bedrooms were comfortable. Property had everything that you could need. Perfect for two couples.
Linda
Autumn break
Excellent place to stay
Tea coffee milk left for us on arrival
Very comfortable every kitchen utensil provided.
Downstairs shower small
All in all a cute place to stay
I would book again.
Peter Naughton
Swift Cottage, Blockley
We thoroughkly enjoyed our stay at Swift Cottage. It was beautifully decorated and very cosy. We loved the welcoming ambience and the comfortable sofas and beds. Having the deer at the bottom of the garden was amazing and the views from all windows were just specatcular. Having so much on your doorstep, both in the village and further afield, was so convenient. We were able to park on the road directly in front of the cottage most days which was a great bonus. There was always parking available just a little further along the road.
The cottage was thoughtfully equipped with everything you could need to hand. A big thank you to Hazel from housekeeping for persevering and sorting out the problem with lighting the hob rings. Once the new knobs were replaced with the old ones, the problem with lighting the rings was instantly resolved. We were relieved to know that we had, in fact been following all the instructions to light the rings to the letter, but it was the newly replaced knobs which were at fault! A few small things we would recommend to make a fantastic stay at Swift Cottage even better:
A handtowel for use at the kitchen sink
Lighter weight duvets as the ones we had we felt were more suitable for colder winter months (we were staying in a very warm September!)
Clear instructions for disposing of food waste. We could not find any in the information book for the cottage. Details for the disposal of general waste and recycling were very apparent but not for food waste, which is such a shame,
Inform visitors that the neighbours either side of Swift Cottage have access through the garden on days when the bins are emptied. We had neighbours wheel their bins through, in the dark, when we had just arrived. Another neighbour then wheeled the bin belonging to Swift Cottage into the garden. We jumped out of our skins both times!
We were unable to use and enjoy the gas fire as we found the smell overpowering. This was disappointing as we were looking forward to using the fire. Possibly, it may just need servicing.
Clare Lewis
Lovely cottage in beautiful vllage
Characterful cottage in a beautiful village. Comfortable beds. Pretty garden. No problem parking on the road outside.
Clare Pennell
Swift Cottage
We had a lovely comfortable stay and Jo the housekeeper was very helpful. There were some issues with the gas and oven which Jo fixed for us on our arrival. Some items around the cottage would benefit from upgrading/replacing.
Guest
Charming small Cotswold cottage
Swift cottage was very well equipped i.e. kitchen knives etc. all in good condition.
Steep stairs not good for any with mobility problems, but we loved it!
Juliet Lomberg
Swift cottage
Lovely cosy cottage with amazing views. Enjoyed the peace and tranquility. Didn't like the carpets in bathrooms as did not seem clean.
Kate Jenkins
A charming cottage
Stayed for 3 nights. Very comfortable, enjoyed sitting in the garden watching the birds and deer. A good location for touring the Cotswolds.
Recommend the village café.
Pauline Fletcher
Superb Cotswolds stay
We used this delightful house as a base to explore the many villages and walks of the Northern Cotswolds . It had absolutely everything you could wish for in a holiday property - great location in a picture perfect village, gorgeous country views, great beds and linen, and cosy couches .
Melissa Finch
Blockley Retreat
My sister and I really enjoyed our stay at Swift Cottage. The beds and bedding were very comfortable and the kitchen was well equipped for cooking meals. Loved seeing the Stags out the back and the view is breathtaking. With Chipping Campden and Moreton in the Marsh just a few minutes away, this little Blockley cottage is a perfect place to enjoy the Cotswolds! We will be back.
Jennifer Manning
A New Favorite
I felt right at home as soon as I got to Swift Cottage! It is decorated in a comfortable and cozy style, and the view is captivating. I appreciated walking to the Great Western Arms for dinner, the Village Shop for breakfast, and the available parking right outside the cottage's door. Blockley is quiet and charming, and though I had never been there before booking this cottage, it's now one of my favorite villages in the Cotswolds!
Jenny Coleman
A quaint cottage with splendid views. Very well placed for visiting wonderful gardens.
Very enjoyable stay. Comfortable and well equipped. The views from the 3 tiered garden were lovely. Good parking . Well placed for visiting our long list of must see places.
Janice Kimpton
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.
