West Barn Cottage, Shipton Oliffe - sleeps 4 guests in 2 bedrooms

As you turn off the main road, onto the quiet country lane, the sense of peace is tangible. The grass verges froth with cow parsley and wildflowers, the sound of birdsong fills the air and across the lane, the picture-perfect church of St Mary's keeps a watchful gaze.

A weathered storm porch shelters the stable door, which leads into this welcoming country home spanning 1600sq ft. Inside is a large, airy open-plan kitchen diner, with underfloor heating to keep things toasty, and the well-equipped kitchen has everything needed to make meal times a breeze. The spacious living room is a bright yet calming room with a stylish, electric wood-effect stove, two comfy sofas, a large Smart TV with Netflix, and doors out to a sunny patio. Upstairs the two generously sized bedrooms and two bathrooms accommodate four guests comfortably.

There is a sheltered patio to the front of West Barn Cottage, with a six-seater wooden table and parasol - it's a lovely spot to sit in the sunshine and listen to the birds. Follow the gravel path to the rear of the barn and it will lead you to another little patio, with views across the lane to the church. There is parking for three cars on the private driveway.

*Dogs: 2 well-behaved dogs are welcome at the cottage at an additional cost each. Please let us know if you will be bringing a dog and we will then revise your booking confirmation. The pet fee is NOT included in your booking fee. A request for an additional fee per pet will be sent to you after you have placed your booking. Your pet fee must be paid for before your arrival date.

Ground Floor

Entrance Porch:
To the front of the barn, sheltering the front door, is a weathered storm porch with rustic wooden seats on either side. It provides the ideal place to remove welly boots after a muddy walk through the countryside.

Open Plan Kitchen/Diner:
A stable door opens into this large, open-plan space. The tiled floor underfoot is warmed by underfloor heating, and the room is filled with light from two huge windows to one side and double doors to the outside. The central island with four high stools is a great spot to perch with a coffee or a glass of wine, or for a casual breakfast. There's also a dining table which seats four comfortably. The kitchen is exceptionally well equipped with an eye-level oven, electric hob, slimline dishwasher, washing machine and built-in fridge freezer. The handy cupboard under the stairs houses the tumble dryer and is where cleaning equipment and the high chairs are stored. If travelling with younger guests you'll also find plenty of child-friendly cups, crockery and cutlery, and there's a blender too. It's a great, sociable space that is ideal for families.

Living Room:
This spacious room is calming and peaceful, with two large windows allowing light to flow throughout, and double doors to a sunny patio, which overlooks the lane and historic church. Two large three-seater sofas (one of these is a sofa bed) are placed around the stylish electric wood burner-effect stove and there's a large Smart TV with Netflix and a DVD player. In the two chests beneath the window, there are plenty of family-friendly DVDs and games to keep you entertained. A feature wall in deep red adds a pop of colour, also reflected in the tree-themed window blinds. Plush purple cushions add contrast to the cream sofas. Occasional tables and a wooden chest mean there is always somewhere to rest a drink.First Floor

The stairs to the first floor rise from the kitchen-diner, with a fixed stair gate already in place. The landing is a large and airy space, equipped with a desk and an ergonomic, massage desk chair if there is a need to work.

Bedroom One:
With walls painted the palest shade of green and soft furnishings in teal, navy blue and violet, this spacious room is restful and light. There's a large window to the side and a roof Velux for even more light. The wooden king-size bed is made up with crisp white linens and flanked on either side by bedside tables topped with reading lamps. Built-in cupboards along one wall give plenty of storage space, along with a dressing table. A large, silver mirror hangs on one wall and there's also a TV.

Ensuite:
The ensuite has a corner shower with a handrail, a WC and a large hand basin with storage beneath. Above the handbasin is a large wall mirror and lights.

Bedroom Two:
This pretty room is decorated in shades of pink and pale green. The super-king size bed can be set up as a twin on request. Marble-topped night console tables are placed on either side of the bed, with fluffy-based reading lamps. The large window to the front and the roof Velux fill the room with light. There is ample storage, with built-in cupboards on one wall and a small four-drawer chest. A plush, pink occasional chair is placed beneath the roof light, creating a little nook to relax with a good book.

Bathroom / Shower Room:
The spacious family bathroom features a bath and a separate electric corner shower. There is a WC, built-in vanity with a hand basin and a bathroom mirror with integral lights above.Outside
West Barn Cottage enjoys a sheltered private courtyard patio to the front with a six-seater wooden dining table and parasol providing a sunny spot for alfresco dining and drinks. Three steps lead down from the parking area to the entrance and a gravel path leads along the rear of the cottage to a second patio with a bistro table and two chairs, it's a peaceful spot overlooking the beautiful architecture of the historic church across the lane. There is parking for three cars on the private drive which is shared with West Barn.