Locke's Cottage at Alscot Estate
Overlooking the peaceful green, in the oh-so-charming estate village of Preston on Stour, Locke’s Cottage is an enchanting, Grade II listed black and white cottage. Surrounded by wonderful walks, a delightful village shop and café, and the historical appeal of Stratford-upon-Avon on your doorstep, Locke’s is a gorgeous base for Shakespearean escapades and Cotswold adventures. Step inside and you’ll find a beautifully designed cottage packed with charm and personality by the bucket load! There’s a cosy living room with a wood-burning stove, whilst upstairs a spa-inspired shower room and indulgent four-poster bedroom await. Locke’s Cottage is a glorious 16th-century hideaway that has been stunningly brought into the 21st century and is the perfect spot for romantic adventures in the countryside. A four-legged friend is also welcome to join you.
Overview
As you enter Preston on Stour it really is as though time has stood still. Lying in the heart of a conservation area, the village remains beautifully unspoilt, under the gaze of the ancient medieval church of St Mary’s where sheep are still used to keep the grass in check and the yew trees date back more than 500 years. Locke's Cottage forms one-third of a pair of black and white timber-framed cottages on the green.
The character and original features of Locke's have been allowed to shine through with old timbers, polished flagstone floors and a wood-burning stove. However, the clever use of colour and textures ensures this is a beautifully contemporary place to stay. A sumptuous olive-green sofa is the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring and there’s a smart TV for cosy evenings in. The small but perfectly formed kitchen has everything practical needed for a self-catering stay. A stylish bathroom and a pretty bedroom with a four-poster bed are on the first floor.
The cottage garden overlooking the green is a peaceful spot to relax and watch village life pass you by, and there is parking for one car.
Ground Floor
Living/Dining Room:
The focal point of this lovely room is the fireplace with its wood-burning stove. The contemporary, modern touch enhances the character features of polished stone floors, heritage art and original beams, and the ever-so-slightly wonky floors simply add to the charm. There is ample seating for two with a soft velvet sofa to cosy up on as well as an armchair, and the antique table and chairs are perfect for romantic meals. There is also a Smart TV.
Kitchen:
The bespoke and bijou kitchen has been well-fitted to make the most of the space available. Features include an oven with an induction hob, a built-in fridge with a freezer box, a microwave and a boiling water tap for instant hot water.
First Floor
The original wooden staircase to the first floor has been given a new lease of life with a bright and bold makeover and is a vibrant shade of pink.
Romeo & Juliet:
Taking centre stage is an indulgent four-poster king-size bed for restful nights. The room is also furnished with a dressing table, walk-in wardrobe space, and an original feature fireplace. It’s a romantic hideaway just for two.
Bathroom:
The spacious spa-inspired bathroom is beautifully finished with a large walk-in shower, a feature mirror, a basin, and WC.
Outside
There is outside space in the form of a pretty garden which overlooks the green. Relax with your morning coffee at the cute bistro table and chairs. There is one allocated parking space by the garden gate.
Facilities
Indoor
Bedroom One - Four-poster King-size Bed
1 Bathroom - Shower, Hand Basin And WC
Hairdryer - 1
Fire - Wood-burning Stove - Logs Are Provided For An Initial Fire (1st October - 31st March)
Oven
Hob
Toaster
Fridge
Freezer - Compartment In Fridge
Dining Table - Seats 4
WiFi *Please Note That Speeds Are For Guidance Only And Are Not Guaranteed
TV - Smart
Outdoor
Dog Friendly - 1 Well-behaved Dog Is Welcome For An Additional Fee
Garden
No BBQ Available
Parking - 1 Space By The Gate
On your Doorstep
Places to Eat
- The Bell at Alderminster – excellent food and service (2 miles)
- Village Café, Preston on Stour – superb coffee and selection of wonderful cakes (1.5 miles)
- The Boathouse, Stratford-upon-Avon - lovely, riverside bistro (4 miles)
- Howard Arms, Illmington – truly delightful Cotswold pub steeped in history, offering superb local ales and an interesting menu (5 miles)
- The Chequers, Ettington – an 18th-century pub with good food and craft beers (7 miles)
- Stratford-upon-Avon (3 miles) has an excellent selection of places to dine ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants and elegant bistros to gastro pubs, tearooms and casual coffee houses.
Walks: The whole area is surrounded by walks and there are some lovely walks right from the front door.
Places to Visit:
- Stratford-upon-Avon – revered historical town, birthplace of English playwright William Shakespeare and home to the Royal Shakespeare Company ( 3 miles)
- Ann Hathaway's Cottage – the family home of Ann Hathaway, Shakespeare's wife-to-be (5 miles)
- National Trust Hidcote – beautiful Arts and Crafts-inspired garden (7.5 miles)
There is so much to see and discover, why not take 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.
- 1 well-behaved dog is permitted at the cottage for an additional fee.
- A barbecue is not provided or permitted at Locke’s Cottage
- Guests should be aware that Locke’s Cottage is a listed 16th century cottage, and the floors do slope in places, particularly in the bathroom.
- There is shared access through the garden to the other cottages, however, the garden space is private for guests of Locke’s Cottage.
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Handpicked by us
Why we love this
- Preston on Stour is in an unspoilt conservation area and this Grade II listed 16th-century cottage blends bags of historic charm with chic interiors
- Shakespeare’s birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon is just moments away.
- The cottage garden overlooking the village green is a tranquil spot to unwind and watch village life unfold
Discover more
The Location
The pretty village of Preston on Stour forms part of the beautiful Alscot Estate and on your doorstep, you'll find the delightful village shop and café. Run by Ben and Hana, this is where you can find local produce, freshly baked bread and superb coffee from the multi-award-winning local artisan coffee roasters, Monsoon Estates and vegetable boxes can be pre-ordered. There is also a yoga studio in the old school.
Stratford-upon-Avon is 3 miles away and a thriving town with an excellent dining scene, several festivals, and the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre (RSC). The northern reaches of beautiful Cotswolds are just a few miles away with highlights such as Broadway, Chipping Campden, and Chipping Norton within a 30-minute drive.
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
A great stay, and fantastic host!
Adele was really helpful sorting a Wi-Fi issue, helping provide extra logs to keep us warm!
Thank you!
Kate Duffy
Comfortable cosy cottage
Locke Cottage is in the perfect location for lovely walks across the Alscot Estate and for visiting Stratford upon Avon. The cottage accommodated 2 people very comfortably for the 5 days of our stay. We enjoyed the wood burner in the evenings which made the downstairs very cosy.
David Mack
Locke's Cottage is in the perfect location for lovely walks across the Alscot Estate and for visiting Stratford upon Avon. The cottage accommodated 2 people very comfortably for the 5 days of our stay. We enjoyed the wood burner in the evenings which made the downstairs very cosy.
David
What a gem
A very cosy cottage in a pretty & friendly village. Spotlessly clean on our arrival, a beautifully renovated bathroom with luxurious fluffy towels, comfortable bed with crisp clean bedding. Definitely recommend the local cafe for breakfast, the Full English needs to be pre-ordered.
Petra Hesketh
Main issue. Heating
With colder nights found heating antiquated and difficult to control.heating in living room inadequate for its size.Why not oil fired central heating. Small things but why no washing up bowl, no mugs .
Wouldn’t recommend in cold weather
Alexander Hannan
A very cosy cottage in a pretty & friendly village. Spotlessly clean on our arrival, a beautifully renovated bathroom with luxurious fluffy towels, comfortable bed with crisp clean bedding. Definitely recommend the local cafe for breakfast
Petra
Beautiful cottage in a stunning location
We had the most wonderful stay at Locke’s Cottage, which is bursting with character. Every comfort has been thought of and the setting is beautiful and tranquil.
We would love to return!
Sarah Amies
We had the most wonderful stay at Locke’s Cottage, which is bursting with character. Every comfort has been thought of and the setting is beautiful and tranquil. We would love to return!
Sarah
Gorgeous retreat
Stayed for 4 days, gorgeous property in idyllic setting. Took our small dog who had a lovely time with all the walks in and around the village. Crisp white luxury bedding and fluffy white towels, gorgeous bath products. The property is unique with lots of history it has been refurbished in my opinion to 5 star comfort. Will take away very happy memories of our stay in this little hamlet.
Lisa Witney
A delightful cottage with all the modern home comforts
I had a wonderful stay in Locke's Cottage which was beautifully furnished, nestled in a pretty little village just outside of Stratford-upon-Avon and close to many attractions. It was very comfortable with lots of delightful features. Everything needed for a short stay was there. I would definitely stay here again!
Shari Lewison-Frisch
Stayed for 4 days, gorgeous property in an idyllic setting. Took our small dog who had a lovely time with all the walks in and around the village. Crisp white luxury bedding and fluffy white towels, gorgeous bath products. The property is unique with lots of history it has been refurbished in my opinion to 5 star comfort. Will take away very happy memories of our stay in this little hamlet.
Lisa
I had a wonderful stay in Locke's Cottage which was beautifully furnished, nestled in a pretty little village just outside of Stratford-upon-Avon and close to many attractions. It was very comfortable with lots of delightful features. Everything needed for a short stay was there. I would definitely stay here again!
Shari
Lovely cottage, great location
Lovely cottage, lots of character, high spec finish would very happily stay again. Preston on stour is a picturesque village on the edge of the Cotswolds, feels very rural but also only a couple of mins drive to good pub one direction and 5 mins to a big Waitrose and Stratford in the other.
Guest
Pleasant stay in a nice village
Beautiful old house in a lovely quiet scenic friendly village. Superb bathroom & comfortable bedroom. Large lounge diner. Could do with a new rug on the flagstone floor! Kitchen is well equipped but very small. Little room for storing your food as all cupboards used already. Awful pink stairs, that don't fit in a listed building. Nice to have some outside space. Sadly the lovely village shop was closed over Easter. Nice fresh coffee left, however have had much better welcome starters. Didn't like the plastic plants & would expect fresh flowers in a cottage environment. This apart it is a very nice place to spend a few days.
Karen Welch
A historic gem!
We loved our stay in Locke's Cottage. The village was so peaceful but only a short drive from the centre of Stratford, so an ideal location for sightseeing.
Pauline Morton
We loved our stay in Locke's Cottage. The village was so peaceful, but only a short drive from the centre of Stratford, so an ideal location for sightseeing.
Pauline
Christmas Stay
We chose to stay at Lockes Cottage over Christmas and had a lovely time. We were happily surprised with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree on arrival and a bottle of bubbles in the fridge.
We made use of the wood burning fireplace which was warm and cosy, as well as the kitchen which is small, but we managed to cook our Christmas dinner easily.
The village was very quiet, with plenty of areas to walk our dog.
All in all, we had a cosy Christmas in a beautiful cottage, so a big thank you from us!
Amy Jennings
We chose to stay at Lockes Cottage over Christmas and had a lovely time. We were happily surprised with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree on arrival and a bottle of bubbles in the fridge. We made use of the wood burning fireplace which was warm and cosy, as well as the kitchen which is small, but we managed to cook our Christmas dinner easily. The village was very quiet, with plenty of areas to walk our dog. All in all, we had a cosy Christmas in a beautiful cottage, so a big thank you from us!
Amy
Welcome Weekend Getaway at Lockes Cottage
We had a wonderful stay at Lockes Cottage in spite of the horrendous weather that storm Darragh brought in. We were very cosy and had everything we required. Lovely village surrounded by wonderful places to visit. We would definitely recommend a stay and Lockes Cottage and we shall definitely be returning.
Matthew Tew
Wonderful short break
We couldn't have found a more suitable cottage for our needs than Locke's cottage. It is firstly full of charm and is typically a chocolate box property , quirky and characterful , mainly due to it's age . If you are wanting a quiet bolthole , away from the stresses of modern life , then Preston on Stour is perfect , and the villagers that we met were very friendly and helpful. It is also an excellent base for discovering the whole region of Stratford on Avon and the Cotswolds .
The only difficulty that we faced , was a delay on getting the security number for the key safe , which meant that we lost a few hours before we were able to get access. This was mainly due to not being able to contact the property managers on the telephone numbers that we had . However once this had been sorted , the rest of our weekend was perfect , and we will definitely be visiting again.
Peter Blackshaw
A lovely location is you want to restore your energies.
I wanted a quiet place to restore my energies and thoughts. All was good except for the ugly noise that emanated from the house next door every evening for about an hour or so. I presume it was the children practising but it was very off putting and noisy and loud enough to be heard over the television. This was NOT what I wanted to hear. The other observation is that it should be made more aware of the unevenness of the floor upstairs and downstairs - NOT AT ALL suitable for the elderly. I found it quite unnerving especially in the night when I wanted to use the toilet.
Yvonne Huckle
Delightful Cottage
We stayed for 3 nights. Whilst the details do refer to the fact that the cottage is very old and rickety, it really is a bit of a challenge for anyone with less than good mobility. There is no dishwasher - which I suspect most people take for granted these days - and beware if you have a pacemaker like my wife because the hob is induction!
Overall nicely done but I'm not sure really thought through from the users perspective. I would recommend but only to those whose mobility in completely unimpared.
Richard Hemmings
Very relaxing
Cottage was lovely, very compact but comfortable and perfect for a couple. Nice walks nearby for our dog and the village was very peaceful. The village shop wasn't open during our visit, but it's a lovely amenity to have a few minutes walk away.
Jennifer Cunningham
Lovely little cottage
We stayed here as a last minute booking and we were really happy we did. The cottage is absolutely stunning in a really beautiful area. We had everything we needed and more. The decor is beautiful and everything is really nice quality and really well done. The location is excellent, a stones throw from the Cotswolds and on the doorstep of Shakespeare country too. Definitely recommend.
Danielle McLoughlin
A lovely stay
The cottage was a total delight located in a beautiful village. Nicely equipped and furnished. Kitchen tiny but adequate you wouldn’t want to do much cooking in it. We really enjoyed our stay at Lockes cottage - thank you
Michele Tarsh
Idyllic cottage
Loved Lockes Cottage! It’s a gorgeous cottage in an idyllic setting. The cottage is so well equipped and beautifully decorated, very comfortable bed & luxurious bedding, excellent shower room . The village is also perfect , lovely walks on doorstep & brilliant cafe. Preston-on-Stour is great base to visit all North Cotswolds has to offer. Highly recommend.
Julie Tyson
2nd visit - nice place and lovely area
Our 2nd visit didn’t disappoint . Lovely house in a gorgeous village and close to all the amenities . Will be back !
Andrew Brine
Our stay at Lockes Cottage
Lockes Cottage is a delight and so is Preston on Stour. The cottage was easy to find with very easy access to a main road. For the places we wanted to visit, Hidcote Gardens and Kiftsgate, it was ideally situated.
The interior of Lockes Cottage is of a very high standard, but you do need to get used to the sloping floors! Loved the shower, though the toilet was a little temperamental at times. The bed was adequately comfortable, but could do with some softer pillows, my husband had to resort to a cushion from the sofa. And on that note I personally did not find the sofa that comfortable to sit on. And thank you so much for having an easy to use oven, the number of places we've been to that you need a degree to work the oven is unbelievable.
A delight and so pleased I found it by chance.
Louise Clare Saunders
Lovely cottage in a very quiet and pretty village
Pro’s
Very well furnished and decorated cottage
Welcome book very useful and full of great great information.
We like the location in the small and typical village
Con’s
European plug adaptor for UK would have been appreciated.
Mind your head when passing doors
Washing machine would be a plus
Jean Luc Boissonnat
Relaxing stay at Locke's Cottage
Just returned from a lovely Easter break at Locke's cottage.
The cottage is absolutely gorgeous and has been upgraded and styled to be so lovely and comfortable. Great sleep in a comfy bed and lovely renovated bathroom with great water pressure considering the age of the cottage!
Also a very well equipped kitchen if you do want to stay in and cook.
The fireplace was lovely and generates an amazing heat so you felt warm and cozy.
It's a quick drive into Stratford-upon-Avon if you want to explore the history of the town and get your Shakespeare on. We actually walked it which took about 1.5 hours if you're keen. Also an easy bike ride. The nearby Bell pub (great food and service) and walks were also lovely.
Carolyn Cranfield
Beautiful cottage
We had a wonderful stay at Locke Cottage. The village is lovely and the cottage is stunning inside and out, it had everything we could need for our stay. It is very well equipped and beautifully decorated and furnished to the highest standard. We loved the cosy feel and the fire. The garden was also lovely to sit out in and ideal for our pooch. Great communication and early check in was a bonus. The location is perfect near the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon. Would highly recommend!
Amanda Cowburn
A very enjoyable stay in a magnificent location
We booked this cottage because of its history and location and because it was dog friendly. It is a perfect blend of historical interest and contemporary fittings. Although small, the kitchen was very well equipped. There was a large screen, smart TV with wi-fi. A lot of thought has gone into decorating and modernising this property. The bedroom, with a four-poster bed, and modern bathroom with walk-in shower was wonderful. The house had flag-stones and original floor boards. My only criticism was inadequate heating. One under-powered radiator in living room. Although there was a log-burner, I could not get this fired-up due to lack of kindling wood. ( I was a Boy Scout). This needs some attention, particularly in the winter months. We loved our stay here ( 3 miles from Stratford On Avon and a Waitrose). Recommended for a couple and a dog.
Philip Bevan
New years stay at Lockes cottage
We LOVED our stay in this beautiful cottage.
Customer service and communication was excellent from booking, and we were treated a bottle of champagne and some wonderful coffee from local roasters on arrival.
The cottage itself has everything you need, and was wonderfully cosy. The fire was perfect.
It’s just a 10 minute drive to Stratford upon Avon, and there are several lovely walks around Preston-on-stour itself.
Hopefully we’ll be back soon!
Amy Aloia
Lovely short stay
Had a lovely stay at lockes cottage. Everything was done to the best quality and the toiletries and reed dispensers smelt amazing - comfortable bed and great towels. Appreciated the early check in too. Communication was great and welcome gifts were appreciated. Would recommend.
Andrew Brine
Stunning cottage
Absolutely loved our stay in this beautiful cottage. There has been no expense spared in refurbing this home. The decor and furnishings are beautiful and it was spotlessly clean. Perfect location for visiting Stratford upon Avon and the Cotswolds with plenty of walks on your doorstep. Highly recommend a visit to the Bell Inn in Alderminster for food.
Juliette Sladen
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.
