You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
Discover nearby landmarks
Walk to Cotswold Motoring Museum
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 3
Popular amenities
Onsite parking available
Kitchen
Washing machine
Deck or patio
Free Wi-Fi
Fireplace
Explore the area
Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire
Cotswold Motoring Museum
Place, Cotswold Motoring Museum
1 min walk
Bourton Model Railway Exhibition
Place, Bourton Model Railway Exhibition
1 min walk
The Model Village
Place, The Model Village
3 min walk
Oxford (OXF)
Airport, Oxford (OXF)
55 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 3)
Bedroom #1
1 Single Bed
Bedroom #2
1 Double Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom #1
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Forsythia Cottage - Bourton-on-the-Water, sleeps 3 guests in 2 bedrooms
Situated less than a minute from Bourton’s picturesque high street with winding river and famous stone bridges, you’ll discover why this beautiful little town has been dubbed the Venice of the Cotswolds. Dating back to the 17th century, this charming, 2-bed, honey-coloured stone cottage is perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway to the Cotswolds.
Step inside to find a traditional cottage layout complete with authentic latch windows and quaint stable door. The kitchen has everything you need to make a hearty breakfast before setting off for a busy day to explore the magical Cotswolds while the charming living area is the perfect place for a cosy evening around the fire on cooler nights. Forsythia's traditional cottage charm continues upstairs, the master bedroom boasting a Victorian-style bed, latch window and quaint book shelf built into an alcove. A second, single bedroom equally as charming with exposed beam and latch window is perfect for a child or for small groups travelling together.
Outside the pretty, sunny courtyard garden is a delightful space to relax in the sunshine. Enjoy a morning coffee or a summer's evening with al fresco meal or glass of wine. Alternatively, stroll to Bourton’s fantastic restaurants or country dining pubs for a meals out every evening. Walkers will be in heaven with the multitude of walking routes straight from the cottage doorstep, heading to surrounding villages and towns, including The Windrush Way.
Ground Floor
Kitchen-Living-Dining Area: This traditional open-plan space epitomises the quaint 17th Century feel of the cottage. The living area has two comfy sofas with a gas-fired woodburner-effect stove set on an original stone hearth and a smart TV. A dining area with a dining table seating two overlooks the pretty courtyard garden. The fully equipped kitchen has an electric oven and hob, fridge and freezer, microwave, washing machine and all the small appliances needed for a holiday. A back door, complete with a full set of antique keys, leads out to the delightful, sunny courtyard garden – making it easy and convenient for carrying out food and drinks for outdoor socialising.
First Floor
Bedroom One: The cottage’s master bedroom is a delightfully romantic room, featuring a double bed on a Victorian-style frame with two traditional latch windows providing views down to the courtyard garden. Sweet shelves are stacked with a great choice of books to enjoy during your stay. The bedroom has an built-in wardrobe and a dressing table.
Bedroom Two: This pretty bedroom overlooks the front of the cottage and features a single bed on an ornate bed frame. The room has a custom-built wardrobe and a dressing table.
Family Shower Room: The family shower room is equipped with a shower, WC, basin.
Outside
At the rear of the cottage is a private, sunny and delightful courtyard garden. It has two seating areas, one with two rattan-style armchairs and table, the ideal spot for a morning coffee or evening cocktail; and the other with a circular table and four chairs, ideal for leisurely meals outdoors on a warm summer's evening. To the front of the cottage is a private, gravelled drive, with parking for one car (or two very small cars parked end-to-end). From your doorstep you can walk to Bourton's wonderful variety of bakeries, coffee shops and pubs or head out on country walks to explore the idyllic Cotswold countryside.
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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
About the area
Cheltenham
Cheltenham is home to this cottage. Naunton Downs Golf Club and Chipping Norton Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Broadway Tower Country Park and River Windrush. The Model Village and Birdland Park and Gardens are also worth visiting.
Bourton Model Railway Exhibition - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
The Model Village - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Birdland Park and Gardens - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
Dragonfly Maze - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
Getting around
Shipton Station - 21 min drive
Oxford (OXF) - 55 min drive
Restaurants
The Bell at Stow - 7 min drive
The Old New Inn - 3 min walk
New England Coffee House - 6 min drive
The Porch House - 7 min drive
Huffkins Stow - 6 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Forsythia Cottage - Bourton-on-the-Water, sleeps 3 guests in 2 bedrooms pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Forsythia Cottage - Bourton-on-the-Water, sleeps 3 guests in 2 bedrooms?
As of 12 Aug, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Forsythia Cottage - Bourton-on-the-Water, sleeps 3 guests in 2 bedrooms on 3 Jan, 2027 start from S$1,505, 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 Forsythia Cottage - Bourton-on-the-Water, sleeps 3 guests in 2 bedrooms?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Forsythia Cottage - Bourton-on-the-Water, sleeps 3 guests in 2 bedrooms?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Forsythia Cottage - Bourton-on-the-Water, sleeps 3 guests in 2 bedrooms?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Forsythia Cottage - Bourton-on-the-Water, sleeps 3 guests in 2 bedrooms located?
Situated in Cheltenham, this cottage is steps away from River Windrush, Cotswold Motoring Museum and Bourton Model Railway Exhibition. The Model Village and Birdland Park and Gardens are also within 10 minutes.
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Lovely small cottage, right in Bourton on the Water. Perfect spot for our stay. The car parking is a real bonus too.A nice rug be the hearth might be a nice touch.
We had a wonderful stay and loved the cottage! Very clean and close to so much! As Americans we forgot that we had to bring soaps and shampoos! Thankfully, the little store on High St was still open and we got what we needed! Train and bus service to get there from London was easy for us to navigate! We have had a lovely stay in your beautiful country and we hope we can return again!
Judy D.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
3 May, 2026
Relaxing break in the Cotswolds
Lovely clean, well equipped cottage in a central location with added bonus of off street parking. Highly recommend Mousetrap Inn, Venezia Italian and Smiths Burger Bar for food. Also had lovely riding experience at Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre with added bonus of it being next to Hawkstone Brewery.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Tracey F.
5 Oct, 2025
Forsythia cottage
2nd time staying in this lovely little cottage . We love it so central to everything. Parking such a bonus. Lovely weather sat out on
the patio very private. Can't wait to book again.
We had a lovely weekend staying in this beautiful little cottage. Perfect location.
Claire S.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
From a partner site
8/10 Good
4 Dec, 2025
Quaint and comfortable
Forsythia Cottage is a quaint, cosy cottage in a fabulous location. Excellent for a couple. On the downside, the shower is very cramped and, although it is centrally heated, the cottage can be a little chilly (especially the bathroom) in very cold weather. There is a gas fire in the lounge, though. Overall, a lovely place for a Cotswold break.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Dec, 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us on your recent stay at Forsythia Cottage. We’re very glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay. Regarding your comments about the shower, we have photos and a 3D tour available on our website where you can explore the cottage and view the shower. Your valuable feedback regarding the temperature in the cottage has been shared with the property owner who has taken this onboard and is looking into it. We hope to see you in the Cotswolds again soon.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Forsythia Cottage - the location was very convenient, the house itself was very charming and had everything we could ask for, and it allowed us to have a lovely time in Bourton on the Water.
Very convenient location. Clean and comfortable. Good amenities. May be the only thing missing was a fan on a hot day but otherwise everything was excellent
Cottage was superbly situated in the heart of Bourton
with a very valuable parking space.
It was extremely cosy & comfortable with a very peaceful garden out the back.
Kevin W.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
3 Jul, 2023
Excellent stay in cosy cottage
Excellent stay for a week in a lovely central location. Cottage is characteristic of a Cotswolds terrace house built some years ago but with modern comforts. Stairs are a little bit steep and narrow but not too bad.
Five minute walk from the main high street with shops and restaurants.
This is a very quaint cottage. Ideal for two or three people. Private garden parking in front of cottage 1 car. Excellent location. highly recommend.
Paul D.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019
Verified review
8/10 Good
Rhian
11 Aug, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Excellent location with parking for one car in walking distance to all attractions in Bourton. Kitchen was very well equipped. Wi-fi excellent. If being very critical, the decor and some furnishings would benefit from modernisation/updating.
Rhian
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
From a partner site
8/10 Good
21 Apr, 2024
Good location quirky cottage
Excellent location cottage was quite comfortable, the stairs were not that easy,perhaps a photo of them along with the other pics would be a help. The garden was nice we just didn't have the weather .We did find the restaurants in Bourton a big let down very poor, and expensive. But on the whole we enjoyed our stay.
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Apr, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of your recent stay at Forsythia Cottage. We are very glad to hear that you liked the location and the cottage. We are sorry to read that you found the stairs not to be easy, a 3D tour is available on our website which shows the stairs.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Richard G.
23 Mar, 2025
A JEWEL IN THE CROWN
Oh wow, where do I begin, what a find this beautiful little cottage was, spotlessly clean very well equipped for all your needs, excellent location plus its own parking space , and great private back garden,literally a 2 minute walk into the beautiful village of Bourton-on-the-Water which has a host of pubs, coffee shops and lovely little independent shops.will definitely be back! Many Thanks.
Richard G.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Richard H.
20 Nov, 2024
A week in Bourton on the Water
We stayed at Forsythia cottage for a week. The cottage is in a perfect location for all local pubs/shops/cafes - everything is in walking distance. Off road parking is certainly a benefit!
The cottage itself is very nice, a very well-equipped kitchen and a comfortable lounge area. The bedrooms are spacious - but the bed is a bit creaky! The bathroom has a small shower cubicle; unfortunately, when we were there, the shower door did leak a bit.
If you're looking for a centrally located well-equipped cottage then Forsythia Cottage is for you :)
Richard H.
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Nov, 2024
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on your recent stay at Forsythia Cottage. We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your visit. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and has been shared with the owner. They’ve confirmed that the bed will be reviewed and the shower door has now been repaired. We hope to see you again in the Cotswolds soon.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Caroline S.
13 Nov, 2025
A lovely cute little cottage in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water
We stayed for 4 nights in this cute little cottage, it really is right in the heart of this beautiful place. Unfortunately the cottage wasn't ready when we arrived at 3.30pm, but after a phone call to the owner the cleaners turned up and we left them to sort it out, they did a great job and were very apologetic and offered to pay for our lunch. The cottage itself is quite old fashioned, but it suits the property. It has a lovely garden with seat cushions. The kitchen is well equipped and the double bed was very comfortable. As you would expect from a small cottage the stairs to the bedroom & bathroom are rather steep, so not for people with a disability.
I was woken one morning by the sound of breaking bottles, when the bin lorry come at do the local restaurant bins before 7.00am.
I would be very happy to recommend this property and would be happy to return next time we head to the beautiful Cotswolds.
Caroline S.
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Nov, 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us on your recent stay at Forsythia Cottage. We’re very glad to hear that you liked the cottage and it's lovely location. We're very sorry that the cottage was not ready when you arrived however glad to hear that this was resolved quickly. With your comments regarding the stairs on our website we say under the points of note section "The stairs up to the bedrooms and bathroom are steep (though there is a sturdy handrail), which makes this cottage inadvisable for guests with restricted mobility". These can also be seen on the 3D tour. We hope to see you in the Cotswolds again soon.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer M.
12 May, 2025
Delightful little cottage right in the heart of the village.
I really enjoyed my stay at Forsythia Cottage and had a lovely time - absolutely in a perfectly central position for everything and yet so very quiet. The garden was lovely and private and got the sun all day. Everything was provided for a very comfortable stay. I would just deduct one little point off as I was a little surprised that there were no complimentary toiletries as most places seem to provide them these days - so even it if was just enough for a couple of days to get you started would be good - but 'heyho' this would not be a dealbreaker for me. The bed was very comfortable and the sheets and bedding were top quality - I slept extremely well. You did need to be a little bit careful as the stairs were very steep. Overall 10 out of 10.
Jennifer M.
Response from VrboOwner on 14 May, 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us on your recent stay at Forsythia Cottage. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay. Your valuable feedback regarding toiletries has been shared with the owner who has taken these points on board and is looking into them. We hope to see you in the Cotswolds again soon.
Forsythia Cottage is a quaint home, perfectly located for visiting Bourton-on-the-Water and seeing the Cotswolds. Located right in town so everything is within a couple of minutes. Also private parking is a nice win as parking in town can be hard to find during the day.
We found the downstairs sitting area a great place to relax and watch TV after a day of exploring. The breakfast area and kitchen were great for our needs.
The stairwell and upstairs reflect the age of the home -- a bit tricky to navigate and the floors are uneven. We found it added some charm but might be difficult for those with mobility issues.
Kitchen is well stock and the property guide has a lot of information about not just the property but surrounding area. Bourton and this cottage are both a great place to stay.
Adam S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
2 Jun, 2022
Great location/Cosy and comfortable
We found Forsythia cottage to be very convenient, cosy and comfortable.
Everything you could ever need for self catering was provided.
The welcome pack was very informative and of help to us, and the welcome treets made us feel valued and was a lovely touch...Thank you.
The cottage was in a fantastic location just behind the main street and in the middle of some interesting shops and restaurants.....couldn't have been better.
This tastefully modernised, yet old world cottage and outdoor space was a pleasure to stay in.
We would stay again.
Good mobility required for the steep narrow stairs....which are a feature of the cottage.
Single bed mattress was on the soft side for me... hence 4 out of 5 for comfort.
Communication with the owner Paul was really good...re keys, restaurants etc....I liked that personal touch.
Overall a great place to stay
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jun, 2022
Hi Christina,
Thank you for your review of Forsythia Cottage.
We were pleased to read that you had such a lovely stay there and hope to welcome you back to The Cotswolds in the future.
Kind regards
We had a great stay at Forsythia Cottage in Bourton. The well appointed cottage provided everything we needed for a comfortable stay with the added bonus of a car space for our hire car and only a very short walk to the centre of town. In fact we didn’t use the car for the entirety of our stay. The renovated cottage provided all the comforts required whilst still enjoying the authentic experience of a 300 year old home. The courtyard garden was a bonus which we would no doubt have made better use of if the weather had been kinder. The only negative was the cottage being renovated next door with jackhammers and rubble being piled into skips - which was just bad timing on our behalf. Communication with our host Paul was great and the images of the cottage were very accurate. The internal steps are very steep as you might imagine but with care my 80 year old mother was able to navigate them. We would have no hesitation in recommending Forsythia Cottage for a great stay in Bourton-in-the-water.
What a delightful stay we had in this lovely Cotswold village - due to my phone issues there was a bit of an issue getting the key code but it was easily fixed by calling Bolthole offices. The unit is located on a side street, parallel to the main street and is two doors down from the Tourist Info office - they are a wealth of information for Bourton visitors! The kitchen was well stocked with pretty dishes, pots and pans, and utensils. The owners have done a great job in making this a true "home away from home". Good washer!
We enjoyed 3 walks during our stay - the "trails" around the town are easily navigated and provide gorgeous views of the area. I hesitate to say how many times we went to the Cornish Bakery - but we loved everything they offered - both sweet and savory (beef and stilton pasties) Grocery shopping at the Coop was easy (we were able to eat in for several dinners and all of our breakfasts),lots of places to buy souvenirs and lovely woolen articles. Our favorite dinner was at Fish and Chips - really tasty fish, cooked perfectly and good "chips" - they also offer a great Gin and Tonic with a few juniper berries added.
My only word of caution to possible renters - and I believe that they mention this in their guides - is the steepness of the steps going upstairs - please hold the handrails. (We are 72/74 year olds and in good health, but we took extra care on the steps.)
We so enjoyed our visit to Bourton on the Water!
Jill T.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2023
From a partner site
8/10 Good
9 Aug, 2026
Forsythia Cottage
We have stayed at Forsythia Cottage at least 6 times maybe more, as lost count. We have always stayed a full week. The location is fantastic, right in the heart of the village, which gets extremely busy with us tourists especially during summer months, yet cottage location is quiet & peaceful with the added bonus of an ample off rd parking space outside cottage. It’s a small cottage but it is well equipped & has everything you require. It can be a struggle negotiating the steep stairs, but cottage is old so to be expected. There are a few issues for us, but this is all subjective. The old couches have been replaced which was welcome as old ones were not comfortable, there is improvement in new ones. The dining chairs & bay window seat are still the same, but cushions have now been provided on the chairs which makes it more comfortable. The beds are soft, especially double as there is a tendency to roll into the middle, but we realise all this is subjective. Shower is small but understandable as space is an issue but to be expected in this lovely old cottage. The light over the dressing table did not work, but as it was summer & light nights it wasn’t a problem. The garden is fabulous, especially in summer as sun is there all day if you just want to chill & relax. We were happily surprised to see a new addition of a table, parasol & 4 comfy chairs to dine out alfresco. Lovely additions & all adds up to making your holiday that little bit more special. Although we have stated a few negatives regarding comfort, the location, parking, garden & well equipped cottage more than makes up for it. As we have stated at the beginning, we have stayed here at least 6 times, so that speaks volumes on how much we love Forsythia & will continue to visit as long as we’re able to.
About the host
Hosted by Bolthole Retreats
Bolthole Retreats was founded with a passion for offering curated holiday homes in the heart of the countryside. Based in the Regency spa town of Cheltenham, known for its cultural vibrancy and renowned festivals, Bolthole Retreats has grown to become a leading independent agency for holiday rentals.
Our team combines a deep-rooted love for the local area with a dedication to excellence, working closely with property owners to ensure every stay is as memorable as it is seamless.
With team members bringing expertise from backgrounds in travel, hospitality, and property management, we pride ourselves on offering a rich understanding of country life. From recommending local farm shops and scenic walking trails to sharing insights into seasonal events, we ensure that guests experience the authentic charm of each location.
Today, our collection of hand-selected properties spans some of the most sought-after areas, each chosen for its unique character and quality. Discerning guests come to Bolthole Retreats for the quality of our properties and the personal service they receive, from the initial enquiry to the final farewell.
Why they chose this property
Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the Cotswold's most beautiful villages with a wealth of attractions, delightful shops and restaurants. The River Windrush flows through the centre and is spanned by several scenic bridges flanked by wide village greens. Forsythia is just a short stroll from the Model Village, Birdland Park and Gardens, the Motor Museum, the Dragonfly Maze and the Cotswold Brewing Company. Beyond Bourton-on-the-Water you are perfectly placed to visit popular towns and attractions including Stow-on-the-Wold, Bibury, Cirencester, Chipping Norton, Daylesford Organic, Diddly Squat Farm Shop and Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park.
What makes this property unique
Forsythia Cottage is an enchanting, Grade II listed cottage in beautiful Bourton-on-the-Water, perfect for a romantic couple's getaway or family escape to the amazing Cotswolds. Built from honey-coloured stone and with a wood burning style stove, this pretty little cottage is full of charm and character. Bourton’s pretty cafes, shops and pubs are just a stroll away and you’ll be perfectly-placed to explore the Cotswold's highlights of Stow-on-the-Wold, Daylesford Organic and Bibury.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests