South Winds has classic, refined interiors in a tranquil location just moments from the heart of one of the Cotswolds’ favourite villages, Bourton-on-the-Water. Close to the centre of this romantic town known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ thanks to the River Windrush which flows directly through it, this country hideaway is perfect for those looking for some peace and quiet.
You will be drawn to the light-flooded, open-plan kitchen which leads into the large suntrap garden. This bright and airy space with a natural solid oak dining table is perfect for bringing generations of families or friends together. Opening the doors to the living room you can expand the space and create a fabulous area for spending time with your fellow guests. The snug is a cosy hideaway for anybody wanting to watch an important football game or for the children to entertain themselves. Upstairs each bedroom has been lovingly furnished letting you feel at home, with the added benefit of a ground floor en-suite double bedroom to suit a multitude of families.
Two sets of French doors encourage you outside to the flower-bordered, south-facing garden with views onto the surrounding Cotswold countryside; with a patio, garden furniture and a charcoal BBQ. You will be hard pushed not to immediately want to fling open the double French doors and collapse onto the Rattan furniture (maybe making a G&T on the way!). Grab a blanket when the sun goes down and you can continue to enjoy the outdoors for hours feeling snug.
Ground Floor
Kitchen/Diner: Flooded with light this spacious living area has a glass roof lantern and two sets of French doors opening onto the rear garden. The dining area is a fantastic space for entertaining with room for all guests to sit together for hearty meals. While dinner is being cooked in the well-equipped kitchen, relax on one of the armchairs at the end of the room as you wait to be served.
Utility Room: The utility room keeps some of the household essentials out of the way with a washer/dryer and ironing facilities stored here.
Living Room: Open the French doors to the living room to create a wonderfully sociable space. Here you can laze on the corner sofa watching TV or play a board game with the family. It is the ideal place to spend evenings when you want to stay in.
Snug: Bring your games console and escape to the snug room which features a 32” Smart TV, comfy sofa, DVD player and stereo.
Bedroom One: The ground floor bedroom is hidden away through the snug and has a cosy double bed. Suiting those with limited mobility it also has a handy en-suite.
En-suite: The stylish en-suite has a walk-in shower, vanity mirror and hairdryer.
First Floor
Bedroom Two: Looking across the garden to the Cotswold countryside beyond, bedroom two has a king-size bed and a double wardrobe. Light and bright, it is a wonderful place to start your day, decorated in calming blue tones.
En-suite: The en-suite to bedroom two has a bath with a shower over and is kept nice and warm with underfloor heating.
Bedroom Three: This bedroom has a king-size bed and welcomes you with views out its dual aspect windows. Storage is provided with an open wardrobe and there are bedside tables for setting your morning coffee while you enjoy reading for a while.
Bedroom Four: The charming single bedroom has an oak bed and there is space to unpack with a single wardrobe and a bedside table.
Shower Room: Shared between guests in bedroom three and four, the shower room has a walk-in shower, heated towel rail, hairdryer and vanity mirror.
Outside
The garden beckons with its planted borders and views of the Cotswold landscape. Fire up the BBQ and dine al fresco or just lay in the grass and watch the hours drift by. You have everything you need here to enjoy the country life.
Points of Note
Book with us to get exclusive discounts to top attractions and experiences. Please be aware that South Winds has some low ceilings and small steps between rooms 2 well-behaved dogs are welcome for an additional fee of £47 per dog. This fee is not included in the rental price. Please advise us at the time of booking if you are bringing a dog/s and you will be sent a request for the additional fee.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
About the area
Cheltenham
Located in Cheltenham, this holiday home is in a rural area. Broadway Tower Country Park and River Windrush reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Dragonfly Maze and Birdland Park and Gardens. Travelling with kids? Consider The Model Village and Bourton Leisure Centre.
Bourton Model Railway Exhibition - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
Getting around
Kingham Station - 13 min drive
Oxford (OXF) - 45 min drive
Restaurants
The Porch House - 8 min drive
The Bell at Stow - 8 min drive
The Willow - 14 min walk
The Old New Inn - 10 min walk
The Chip Shed - 12 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is South Winds - sleeps 7 guests in 4 bedrooms pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at South Winds - sleeps 7 guests in 4 bedrooms?
As of 4 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at South Winds - sleeps 7 guests in 4 bedrooms on 1 Jun 2026 start from £450, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at South Winds - sleeps 7 guests in 4 bedrooms?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at South Winds - sleeps 7 guests in 4 bedrooms?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at South Winds - sleeps 7 guests in 4 bedrooms?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is South Winds - sleeps 7 guests in 4 bedrooms located?
This family-friendly Cheltenham holiday home is located in a rural location, just steps away from Dragonfly Maze and River Windrush. Birdland Park and Gardens and The Model Village are also within 10 minutes.
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We all loved the house and would highly recommend to future guests! It was as pictured and the location was fantastic, 10/10!
Natasha M.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Michael p.
2 Jun 2025
Perfect location
The house was perfect for our family group. Handy to be close to the centre of Bourton on the Water but far away enough to be away from the crowds.
Plenty of walks from the door.
Michael p.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Tracy S.
16 Sept 2023
A Wonderful Stay
The house was lovely and very well equipped. It was situated perfectly for us. We enjoyed our stay
Enjoyed staying here for a second time with family. Garden great for relaxing in the sun. Loads to do within walking distance or a short drive inc lovely restaurants.
Steph H.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Aug 2022
We're really pleased you enjoyed your stay here again.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Karen Blake
31 Oct 2024
Comfortable stay
We stayed as a family of 5 adults and a baby. The layout was perfect for us and gave us all privacy. The family room on the back was great for us all to come together.
Walking distance to Bourton.
Had a great stay.
Karen Blake
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Diane D.
31 Oct 2024
Lovely weekend break at this property
Lovely weekend break at this property. Comfortable stay , lovely welcome pack provided. A few issues with the keys but sorted with the housekeeper.
Diane D.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Rebecca N.
31 Mar 2024
Would recommend
This property met all our expectations, well equipped and spacious and just a short walk to Bourton-on the water. A great base to explore the Cotswolds.
Rebecca N.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
24 Apr 2024
Gorgeous stay in a perfect home
We stayed at South Winds for a weekend in April. The home is beautiful, well arranged and pristine. It’s in a fab location, just a short walk from Bourton on the Water. Highly recommend!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Sandra B.
28 Aug 2023
Perfect location in Bourton
Excellent spacious property , perfect for our family gathering . Easy flat walk into the town .
Appreciated the welcome basket .
Comfy beds and excellent showers .
Bright sunny garden which the weather allowed us to enjoy .
Sandra B.
From a partner site
6/10 Okay
A W.
12 Mar 2025
Location great
We arrived at South Winds and thought the location was perfect. The house very much needs a deep clean, dead flies in bath, crumbs in kitchen drawers, frying pan full of fat and generally dusty. The blind in bedroom would not open and tv ariel was broken. The dining area was the best part of the house.
A W.
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Mar 2025
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on your recent stay at South Winds. We're so pleased that you enjoyed the location, though we're sorry to hear that some aspects didn’t meet your expectations. Your feedback is truly appreciated, and we've shared it along with the owner and housekeeper. They've let us know that the house was deep cleaned before your arrival, and the housekeeper wishes you had reached out during your stay, as they would have been more than happy to visit and address any concerns. Also, the TV has now been fixed, and the blind is in the process of being repaired.
Lovely house with ground floor bedroom and walk-in shower -tiny step- for mum. 3 small but nice bedrooms and 2 bathrooms upstairs. Huge sunny bright family room/kitchen/dining room overlooking rear garden. 15 minutes walk to central Bourton-on-the-water. Great spot for exploring the Cotswolds
Cons. No hot water on first day it had been left turned off. TVs and sterios were in a knot.
Lovely house in convenient position. Someone should check TVs and radios before handover as they had been left in operative.
Verified traveller
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jul 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of your recent stay at South Winds. We are very glad to hear that you liked the house, however disappointed to read the points that you have raised. We have shared your feedback with the owner who has taken these points on board, and these will be looked into.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Julie B.
3 Jul 2023
Family weekend away for daughters’s 30th birthday
The house is in an excellent location within easy walking distance to the centre.
The space both inside and out was ideal for the six of us. Each couple had a double bedroom with their own bathroom.
Beds were very comfy as was the outside seating but we all felt the lounge seating was not comfy at all. The lower rating for the condition of the property is because we felt it looked tired in places.
Julie B.
From a partner site
6/10 Okay
7 Sept 2025
Photographs need updated to show current lower standard
Good location but quite disappointed with the property for the price we paid. From the photos on Bolthole’s website I expected this to be a very comfortable house and a reasonably high standard for a family get-together but it would appear that there’s a new owner (?) who has removed some furniture and is willing to spend less on maintenance and guest comfort. Most of the upstairs windows had mould on the surrounds plus leaks in the flat roof extension had resulted in areas of mould and the garden umbrella was covered in green mould (no response from the housekeeping team when I sent photos). Although it had everything we needed, a lot of items were very basic as if the owner expected guests to trash everything e.g. the plastic sheet over the dining table was an interesting touch.
At the moment I couldn’t recommend the property since the website photos somewhat sell it under false pretences. Update the photos, remove the mould and make the repairs.
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Sept 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us on your recent stay at South Winds. We’re very glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay. Your valuable feedback has been shared with the property owners and housekeepers, who have taken your comments on board and are already looking into making the necessary improvements. We do hope to see you in the Cotswolds again soon.
Verified
6/10 Okay
Angela W.
19 Nov 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
A bit disappointing
We booked this house based on the beautiful photos and the good reviews but were a bit disappointed ourselves.
It's located almost next to a large road. The bedroom in the ground floor looks out onto the parking lot. The interior is very basic, with everything missing that would make it a bit more cosy (nice light, curtains, etc.). The beds are incredibly small so that all of the adults slept horribly every night.
On the positive side, the kitchen is very well equipped and there is a folder with excellent information about the area. There is a beautiful walk to some nearby lakes and rivers (which we found ourselves, though, it was not in the folder).
I have stayed in much more beautiful Cotswolds houses than this one.
Angela W.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Nov 2020
Hi Angela. I'm sorry you didn't enjoy your stay, and wonder whether you've recalled the correct property! South Winds is located on a quiet cul-de-sac, not on a main road. There are curtains in the bedrooms and the beds are of a standard size (as you note, the property normally gets great reviews). There is a huge, sunny, rear garden.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
15 Jun 2024
South Winds Bourton.
A nice spacious house but so upset about the patio area outside. It had two foot weeds growing around it, broken pottery planters with old empty plastic pots. The barbecue was filthy. Nothing like the advertised picture. Very upset because I chose this house for the patio area so we could relax outside. No chance of that. I informed the housekeeper and head office to give them a chance to put this right but nobody turned up and nobody followed up my complaint to see if it had been corrected. I have put pictures on the Bolthole review site.
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Jun 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of your recent stay at South Winds. We are glad to hear that you liked the house however sorry to hear about the patio area. We have spoken to the housekeeper who has confirmed that the gardener attended the property on the Tuesday during your stay and has confirmed that everything has now been sorted.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
20 Nov 2024
Lovely property in great location. Easy walk into Bourton on the water
This property is lovely and generally very clean and really well equipped. Set off the main road into Bourton it is a quiet location (even building work next door didn't disturb us at any time) and has a lovely big parking area that we easily got 3 cars on. Easy walking distance along well made footpaths (just under a mile) to the town with loads of restaurants and pubs. Lovely big social area around table in kitchen which had everything we needed for our stay. We used the master bedroom and ensuite which is nice and roomy, has a comfortable bed, big ensuite with lovely powerful shower over bath. Another couple had the other double upstairs which they found comfortable (although they did find the shower a little snug). The third couple used the double downstairs but did comment on it feeling cold even though the heating was on. Our only reason for the 4 on condition was that there seemed to be reasonable amount of mould around windows and water collecting on some upstairs windowsills which I think may have been made worse by upstairs extractor fans either not working properly or not very well so we had to rely on opening windows to get some airflow through the rooms. Welcome basket was very much appreciated (couldn't find any pods for the coffee machine though but we had our own instant coffee as a backup). Overall a very pleasant stay in a comfortable property.
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Nov 2024
Thank you for sharing your feedback about your recent stay at South Winds. We’re so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your time there, though we’re sorry to learn about the concerns you’ve mentioned. Your comments have been passed on to the owner and property manager, who wished you had reached out during your stay so they could have promptly addressed these issues for you. They’ve assured us that the windows will be cleaned, and the heating has now been fixed. We hope to welcome you back to the Cotswolds again soon.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
D T.
30 Jan 2023
Great place to get together
Great location for Bourton. Super social kitchen/family space. The house was very well equipped.
Great service from Bolthole Retreats. We would visit again and use Bolthole Retreats again.
D T.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
5 Jan 2023
Christmas 2022
Beautiful house in a wonderful location. Few cobwebs within the house gave impression of not adequate cleaning but that was the only flaw. Very comfortable. We had an issue with the cooker but replaced quickly with minimum fuss even when the weather was bad due to snow. Would suggest a set of drawers in master bedroom. Beautiful house wonderful stay thoroughly enjoyable.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
liz r.
18 Sept 2022
Stayed here for my daughters wedding
Stayed here for 1 week as daughter getting married.
There was 7 of us staying at Southwinds and it was very spacious and roomy with a large kitchen /diner with table set for 8
Bedrooms were nicely decorated and clean
Large garden with patio furniture
Spent most of our evenings sat outside as the weather was fine
Lovely Welcome pack too in the kitchen
Enjoyed our stay here and would definitely return
liz r.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
19 May 2022
Relaxing break in wonderful location
We wanted a midweek break in May and this was a great choice.
The house has plenty of room and everything you need, including plenty of parking and 2 TVs.
The ground floor bedroom with en-suite was great for elderly or infirm (just one small step down from the bathroom) and the patio area was a real sun trap.
On the edge of the village there were walks from the front door, but still only a stroll into town.
Response from VrboOwner on 26 May 2022
Hello Michael
Thank you for your review.
We are glad that you had a lovely stay in The Cotswolds and hope to see you here again soon.
Kind regards
This house was a perfect size for us to prepare for my daughters wedding particularly with 3 bathrooms. It is spacious and so well equipped that it made celebrating and entertaining with family effortless. It is ideally suited for exploring the Cotswolds and very convenient for Hyde House wedding venue.
Aurora S.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
19 Apr 2022
A short stay
We stayed in Bourton-on-the-Water in April 2022. Southwinds was well presented and comfortable base for our activities.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Lora B.
4 Apr 2022
Lovely 3 night stay for all the family
We chose to visit the Cotswolds for my 30th and after checking which large houses were available to accommodate us all settled on South Winds in Bourton-On-The-Water.
The Meet & Greet wasn't available on our arrival date but this was fine as everything was explained in a quick phone call ahead of time and we were able to let ourselves in with the key box.
The house was a good size for the number of guests, and was decorated tastefully throughout. Each bedroom, even the single room, was a decent size and everyone commented on how comfortable the bedding was.
The dining area was so lovely that we found ourselves congregating there rather than in the family rooms and the kitchen was a good size to accommodate multiple chefs at once and was stocked with essentials like washing up liquid, kitchen foil, cooking oil etc. as well as a full-size fridge, oven, hob and dishwasher perfect for a large group.
The garden was also a good size and would been great for kids, the garden furniture and bbq looked nice, though it was too cold for us to use during our stay.
Overall we had a lovely stay and would happily come back again in the future
Lora B.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Chris H.
20 Feb 2022
Very comfortable
We had a lovely stay in Bourton- on-the-Water with a catered dinner for 6 plus baby which went well.
Chris H.
About the host
Hosted by Bolthole Retreats
What makes this property unique
A stylishly decorated Cotswold Stone property that comfortably sleeps seven across 4 bedrooms, with three bathrooms (2 en-suite). The house has driveway parking for four cars, a spacious open-plan living area, and a large private garden, all within easy walking distance of the centre of the bustling Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water. South Winds has a spacious ground floor double en-suite bedroom that is suitable for people with limited mobility.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests