Delightful homelike Cotswold Cottage.Tranquil hidden village setting. Sleeps 4
- Cottage
- Sleeps: 4
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 2
- Min Stay: 3–7 nights
Roomy Comfort In Extremely Well Equipped Quiet Courtyard Cottage. 2 Bed/2bath.
Bedrooms
Owner
Felicity Ausden
- Languages:
- english, french, german
About Felicity Ausden
My name is Felicity Ausden. I am married with four grown up children and three grandchildren. I have run Sansome House Cottage as a holiday let, with the help of my husband, since 2005. It is refurbished/renewed and maintained on an ongoing basis so it keeps up to date and pristine. I jigsaw my lettings with my other property - an apartment for 2 in Dublin (dublinletfor2) You will find 49 5* reviews for the cottage (under Chipping Campden holiday rentals) on a very big rival, international site. ALL my bookings, so far, for this year, bar three, are from guests who have stayed in previous years (they get in early with their bookings!) which is lovely, but I would love to host new ones too! I welcome those who want to chat!
Felicity Ausden purchased this Cottage in 1979
Why Felicity Ausden chose Ilmington
We live opposite in the 'big' house where we have brought up our children, now flown, since moving from London in 1979. Our proximity allows us to assist our guests if needed, so as long as we are not away (it is pretty rare that at least one of us is not on hand) we are right there to give help and advice and of course assist in emergencies. We do of course completely respect your privacy.
What makes this Cottage unique
This is in the perfect position in the centre of England to make as a base and we have had several visitors, predominantly North Americans and Australians, quite a few who have stayed 3 weeks or more and done day trips to places such as Wales, London, Cambridge and Salisbury but can see a lot in a week without having to drive far. Ilmington is unique in being the only village in Warwickshire which is in the Cotswolds being on the borders of the counties of Oxfordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire so we have Stratford to the North and a myriad of famously pretty villages to the South - Chipping Campden, Broadway, Moreton in Marsh, Stow on the Wold and many more. We are three miles from the most visited garden in England at Hidcote Manor, designed by an American, Lawrence Johnston. Blenheim Palace, home of the Dukes of Marlborough and birthplace of Winston Churchill is half an hours drive at Woodstock and a 'must see' both for its gardens and the palace itself. 9 private gardens in Ilmington (big and small) are open to the public in June every year. The village has two good pubs with excellent dining facilities. There is a thriving (and chatty!) village shop so you can amble round to pick up a paper, freshly baked croissants or other kitchen supplies. There is a cafe attached. There is walking on the doorstep and I guarantee that you will be blown away by the view from Campden Hill, the road out of the village. This is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful areas in England - rolling hills, trees, magnificent country houses and gardens (some open to the public - look into joining the National Trust, linked to the Royal Oak foundation in the USA) sheep (!) and pretty villages. Or you can join the friends of Historic Houses Association to have free entry to even more wonderful places. If you want to hire cycles they can be delivered from a local hire place and you have safe storage in the garage for them.
Amenities
Featured
- Internet
- Fireplace
- TV
- Washer & Dryer
- Children Welcome
- Parking
- No Smoking
- Heater
Bathrooms
- Bathrooms: 2
Safety features
- Fire extinguisherIn the hall
- Carbon-monoxide detectorIn the hall
- Exterior lighting
- First-aid kitBathroom cabinet
- Smoke detectorUpstairs and downstairs
Location Type
- RuralThe situation is very rural, being on the edge of a small Cotswold village. Open fields are just across the road from the property. Roads are narrow so if hiring a car we recommend not getting a big 1
- TownSeveral small towns within easy reach - Chipping Campden, Shipston on Stour and Moreton in Marsh. Also close by (7 miles) is the bigger town of Stratford upon Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare
- VillageOn the edge of a quintessential Cotswold village with village green, village ponds, a Norman church, and two great pubs. The village shop/Cafe sells good quality fruit and veg and everyday supplies.
General
- TelephoneWe are in a black area for mobile signals so we provide access to a landline in the cottage (but for emergency use only as it is a shared line). See wifi advice about mobile phone calls.
- HeatingCentral heating throughout in season. Normally off about May to October but of course we have it on if you are cold, even if it is June or July although we hope you won't need it.
- Linens ProvidedDuvets and sheets provided. If you are staying more 9 days, we leave a change of linen and ask you to give us the washing. In the winter months, there are (sleep on)electric blankets available.
- Washing MachineAutomatic front loader. Instructions for this and all equipment are left in a folder but please ask if you don't understand.
- Clothes DryerTumble dryer but in dry summer weather we hope you will use our eco-dryer i.e.hang clothes on the line in the garden! There is also a drying rack in the cottage for items you do not want to tumble.
- FireplaceOpen fireplace in the sittingroom burns logs only. We provide the first basket. You can buy more locally if required.
- ParkingOff road parking outside your door. There is a garage but it currently houses a ping pong table for your use.
- InternetBroadband wifi. (No cable access in the cottage). Free wifi.
- Towels ProvidedOne large bath sheet, good sized hand towel and facecloth provided per guest. Optional change every 4 or 5 days. Old towels provided for hair dyeing!
- Wireless InternetUnlimited broadband. We recommend downloading Whatsapp on your cell phone for free calls and texts over wifi to those friends who also have Whatsapp. Other methods include skype.
- Iron & Board
- Hair Dryer
- Paper Towels
- Shampoo
- Basic Soaps
- Toilet Paper
- Living RoomAs described in the main description.
Kitchen
- DishwasherA week's supply of tablets is left for you. Also washing up liquid/basic kitchen supplies to start you off
- RefrigeratorA small freezer above the fridge and a further fridge is available if required.
- StoveElectric hob and oven.
- OvenElectric fan oven with grill
- Microwave
- Grill
- Coffee MakerCoffee makers to suit all - French press, hob top espresso,Nespresso capsule coffee machine, electric drip filter machine. Starter supply of coffee provided.
- ToasterAs well as a toaster, there is a sandwich toaster.
- Blender
- Pantry ItemsComplimentary bottle of wine. Also homemade bread, jam and biscuits. Basic starter supplies of oil, vinegar, foil, film, loo paper, soap, herbs, tea, coffee, salt etc. on a 'use and replace' basis
- Dishes & UtensilsA plentiful supply of eating and serving dishes, baking trays and utensils. Sharp knives. Any extra large items, like a fish kettle, just ask to borrow from the house.
- KitchenLarge farmhouse type. Great selection of equipment for keen cooks includes smoothie maker, processor and other gadgets. TV also! A welcome tea tray on arrival (bread, butter, biscuits, jam).
- Kettle
Dining
- Dining Area
- DiningLarge farmhouse table in the kitchen seats 6
Entertainment
- TelevisionHDTV with 40 inch screen. Free to view digital channels (about 30 of them)
- StereoBluetooth music player
- DVD PlayerAbout 50 DVDs, mainly British films, including Downton Abbey series 1,2 & 3
- BooksAn eclectic selection includes guide books on England and our specific area of the Cotswolds.
- GamesCluedo, Monopoly, all the basic games + jigsaws of various sizes for rainy days. Ping pong table in the garage. Tennis at the village courts.
- Games for Kids
- Music LibraryClassical music only
- Ping Pong Table
- Video Library
Outside
- Lawn / GardenSmall but peaceful.
- Deck / PatioOutside the kitchen
- Outdoor Furniture
- Tennis400 yds away are public courts.
- GolfYou have to drive for this. Clubs at Brailes, Stratford and further afield.
Suitability
- wheelchair inaccessible
Notes
- Guests seem to really appreciate that I have put myself in their position and asked, 'What do I want to find, myself, in a rental?' I try to make sure that all the little things are right and that you have all the equipment that you need. I do not describe the cottage as 'luxury' (that overused word), rather 'special' so you feel really cared for. I do not provide expensive complimentary toiletries and put the rent up accordingly. I make sure all the essentials are in place and the store cupboard items/general basics are on a use and replace basis. In the summer, if the vegetable garden is behaving, I can sometimes share the produce with you (no guarantees on the slugs or birds thwarting my efforts though). A newly (home)baked loaf will be awaiting your arrival as well as jam from my home grown raspberries or strawberries and some homemade biscuits on a tea tray. I put vases of flowers from the garden (subject to weather) all around the house.
House Rules
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
No parties/events
No smoking
No smokers at all please
No pets
Children allowed
Well behaved over 5's welcome, unsuitable for<5yrs
Minimum age of primary renter:25
Max guests:4
The booking form must be completed (I will reply with attachment) within 48 hours. I then confirm. Failure to complete = cancellation.
We do not accept bookings from those with children under 5 years or with pets
Cancellation Policy
100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date. 50% refund if canceled at least 30 days before arrival date.
17 Reviews
Lovely property in the most delightful setting.
Being a couple who have stayed in the Cotswolds on numerous occassions Ilmington has to be one of our most favourite villages, it is very pretty with lovely local walks and the village itself is a delight to walk around. This cottage was a real find and is fantastic place for those who want to comre and go as they please and cater for themselves. It is very pretty, clean and cosy with a lovely little garden for those sunny days. Tony and Felicity have thought of everything to make a stay a memorable one with the welcome Rustic Loaf and home made Jam awaiting on the large kitchen table along with the awaiting tea pot and cups was just what was needed after the drive. Our stay was for New Years so the log fire was a lovely touch which didn't take any effort at all to light with the crackling logs supplied. Lastly there's masses of space for parking and there's WiFi also. Overall this property and location is first class with the owners very keen to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one. Thank you Felicity and Tony.
Lovely Ilmington
Gorgeous cottage in a lovely village. We were made to feel very welcome in a ‘home away from home ‘.
I always love having Australians stay and especially their 'can do' attitude. Due to major works in the village, beyond my control (new underground cables) this lovely mother and daughter were faced with the prospect of a whole day of their holiday without electricity but were totally un-phased by this. I feel so fortunate to find myself hosting delightful guests such as these and I am glad they enjoyed their stay.
Perfect, idyllic Cotswold cottage in a picturesque village with impeccable owners
We stayed for 6 days in Imlington, which is on the north borders of the Cotswolds. It is perfect for exploring Stratford upon Avon, Chipping Camden, Broadway, Dalesford Organic Farm, Chipping Norton, Kingham and many other nearby villages. We went on many long walks across the rolling countryside, aided by the excellent maps provided by the owners, Felicity and her husband.
The cottage itself sits across the driveway to the owner's own home. Although they keep very much to themselves, they are always on hand if you need any tips about the local attractions.
The place is perfect for 4 people, in our case 2 adults and 2 kids. Everything was clean, spotless and warm when we arrived. Felicity added a lovely touch of homemade fresh bread, butter and raspberry jam, plus a pint of milk in the fridge. The kitchen is well stocked with all the possible knick knacks you need and there is a local village shop open 7 days a week within a 5 minute walk or a local Waitrose within a 10 minute drive. The kitchen is spacious and we spent a few long evenings across the dining table when we ate indoors.
There are plenty of books, board games, DVDs, and a large flatscreen TV which, via Google Chrome, can stream your versions of Netflix or Amazon Prime. Wifi is excellent, although phone coverage is poor. There is a great local park about 2 min walk and there is a great walking route from Imlington to Ebrington on your doorstep.
Special mention must go to the garden which, albeit slightly small, is a haven of greenery and bright shrubbery in a secluded sun soaked spot with no onlookers around or above. Plus they have a table tennis in the shed.
We chose this cottage based on the previous reviews which hinted that this could be a home away from home based on the care and loving attention from the owners; this view has been further cemented and we highly recommend this delightful property.
It was a pleasure to host this delightful family and I am delighted that they enjoyed the comforts of home while still enjoying the wider area and the village of Ilmington, itself. As my guest points out, the mobile/cell phone reception in the village is poor and I do stress this in all my listings. I provide an 'emergency' landline in case of being unable to obtain a signal in......emergencies! However the wifi is good so you can boost the signal using wifi call if your provider allows and of course, over the wifi you can use services such as Whatsapp or skype for calls.
English Garden of Eden
This was our first trip to England, and we positively loved every second. We stayed at Sansome Cottage for one week and are missing it already! This cottage is set in one of the most quaint, friendly, and charming communities in the Cotswolds. The small community has a great Pub and little local shop. The owner of the cottage, Felicity, is incredibly hospitable, warm, and available. She was never intrusive. She provided fresh bread and flowers upon our arrival, and the cottage was clean from top to bottom. The cottage had all of the conveniences needed for cooking and relaxing. The tranquil, private little garden was an unexpected delight. The were a variety of local walks that were visually stunning. We will definitely return to this village and cottage when we are blessed with another visit to England!
Thank you for your lovely review! We very much enjoyed having such delightful, appreciative guests and so pleased that you are contemplating a return visit to this peaceful little corner of England. We are indeed fortunate to live in such a great location for year round scenic walks. There is a different one for every day of the week from our doorstep!
The Perfect Place to Stay in the Cotswolds
We have just returned from our 6th stay at Sansome Cottage. We first found it online in 2008 and fell in love with this place! The location is perfect. The decor is lovely and welcoming. The village is charming, especially the village shop. The kitchen is large and very well equipped for family dinners at home. My best memories of the cottage are of sitting around the huge kitchen table eating meals with a view of our own private English garden.
The owners, Felicity and Tony, are extremely helpful and friendly while also giving guests their privacy. Felicity puts fresh flowers in every room and has home-baked goodies waiting upon arrival.
They get many return guests, which says it all! We can't wait to return.
We just love that you fly thousands of miles from Texas to us to come back to Sansome Cottage again and again! And you came at just the right time ( in March) for daffodils and skipping lambs and with the bonus of sunshine days too! We look forward to your 7th visit!
Perfect Cotswold Cottage
This was a girls dream vacation...to spend three weeks wandering England and the Cotswolds. Sansome Cottage was the ideal location for our day trips. It was also a lovely and comfortable place to stay. The village is easily walkable with friendly pubs close by with wonderful food. The village people are warm and friendly and Felicity and Tony are the perfect hosts. They provide everything you could possibly want or need. The cottage has mounds of information on the area with maps as well. Felicity was more helpful than any hostess I have ever encountered. She anticipates your needs before you know you wanted or needed it! We loved every minute of the time we spent here and we are truly missing the beauty, peace and quiet of Sansome Cottage and Ilmington. Lastly, we miss the lambs that we watched grow up in the pasture near the cottage. We would go back here again in a heartbeat!
Such a pleasure to have these two girls here and they so kindly brought me a big bag of goodies, typical of Georgia, USA on their arrival although we have never even met before! I was very touched. I am very pleased that they enjoyed Ilmington, the cottage and of course the little (now getting big!) lambs next door!
Map
The Cotswold hills are designated as an area of natural beauty and our village, Ilmington, equidistant from beautiful Chipping Campden and historic Shipston on Stour (4 miles) lies on the northern edge of the AONB. Bustling and touristic Stratford upon Avon (7 miles), home of the Bard, Shakespeare offers a wealth of attractions - theatres, museums, excellent shopping opportunities and boating on the River Avon. Many wonderful Cotswold towns and villages, such as Stow on the Wold, Broadway, Bourton on the Water, Burford are within an easy drive and Ilmington itself is a hidden gem. It is a quiet village, off the main roads, with winding footpaths between the predominantly 17th and 18th Century golden-coloured Cotswold stone buildings, a Saxon/Norman Church, and a manor house, complete with ancient fish ponds. Most of our visitors come to enjoy the beauty of the Cotswolds, whether it is to visit the many great houses and gardens open to the public, the historic places of interest or to take drives, hikes or to cycle through the glorious countryside. Some come specifically because they want to visit the birthplace of Shakespeare and to enjoy the theatres in Stratford. Everyone can relax and unwind in the peace of the cottage's courtyard setting, read or have a BBQ in the completely private small garden, listening to the church bells or the song of birds, their melodies sometimes broken by the chatter of children at play in the school playground up the road, their laughter being the only significant everyday noise. You are never very far from the gentle sound of a trickling stream which runs almost secretly through the the village, at times diving underground, only to reemerge again. Into the stream cascades a mini waterfall, the overflow from the restored medieval fish ponds in Middle Street, ceasing only in periods of extreme drought.
If you love history there is no shortage of wonderful houses and castles to visit within 60 minutes drive - to mention a few castles, Broughton, Sudeley, Berkeley, Warwick, Oxford and Kenilworth.
If you want to visit London, there is a good train service from Moreton in Marsh but otherwise rural transport is poor and it is recommended that you have a car unless you just want to chill out in the cottage, getting your online shopping delivered but for everyday supplies the village shop is but a short walk to the Upper Green.
The Cities of Oxford and Worcester and the town of Cheltenham are all within a 40-45 minute drive. At Sansome House Cottage you are both in the Heart of England and in the Cotswolds with an excellent road network in all directions.
Sansome Cottage has a facebook page. I post little updates about the cottage and the area (upcoming events close to the time) there so you may want to take a look! There is a 'what's on' section on the cottage website for every month of the year and guides to the area on Houfy.