Roomer

Claypot Cottage

Cirencester, United Kingdom
$200-300/ night

Book this if You want a postcard-perfect Cotswold cottage experience in a quiet village, with a top-tier gastropub just a stumble away.

Why People Love It

  • Quintessential Grade II listed charm with exposed beams and flagstone floors
  • Located in Barnsley village, arguably the chicest spot near Cirencester thanks to The Pig hotel neighbors
  • Private garden that actually gets sun (when the British weather cooperates)

Quick Take: It's a self-catering rental, not a hotel—so don't expect room service, but do expect a kitchen nicer than your own.

Reviewed by @wherejesstravels: I escaped to the Cotswolds for a few days and this place was a dream. The spa is incredible—watching the steam rise off the pool at sunset was my favorite moment. The gardens are perfect for a morning coffee walk. Totally restored my energy.

Guest Who Stayed Here Said

The hype

Guests rave about the 'spotless' cleanliness and the high-spec renovation that balances old-world charm with modern comfort.

Reality check

Mobile reception is patchy at best, though the WiFi is generally reliable.

  • You crave privacy and the ability to cook your own meals in a high-end kitchen
  • You want to be near Cirencester (4 miles) but not *in* the noise of the town center
  • You appreciate design details like local artwork and carpenter-crafted staircases

Cleanliness & Maintenance

9.5
  • Housekeeping: Self-catering, so no daily service. You arrive to a spotless house, but you maintain it.
  • Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate. Reviews consistently praise the sparkling condition of the bathrooms.
  • Maintenance: Excellent. Recently renovated with high-spec fixtures, though plumbing can be vocal.
  • Linens & towels: Fresh, high-quality linens provided. No threadbare towels here.
  • Odors & scents: Neutral and fresh. No musty 'old cottage' smell reported.

Sleepability™

8SILENT
SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
  • Creaky vintage floorboards
  • Occasional plumbing groans

Before you book

Good to know

  • You must pick up keys via a lockbox; there is no reception staff on site.
  • The nearest supermarket is a drive away, so bring essentials (milk, tea, coffee) for your first morning.
  • Heating is efficient but the stone walls take time to warm up in winter — use the wood burner.

What to pack

  • Slippers (stone floors are cold)
  • Groceries for breakfast (no food provided)
  • Flashlight for walking to the pub at night (village street lighting is minimal)

Room Genie

Best picks

  • The master bedroom for the most space and best garden views
  • The 'snug' room downstairs is a great bonus for reading away from the main group

Rooms to avoid

  • Bedroom 3 is the smallest (often a bunk or twin setup), best reserved for kids or heavy sleepers

Room Request Genie – copy & paste

“N/A - This is a single-unit holiday rental, you get the whole house.”

FAQ & Hidden tips

Everything you actually want to know before you book.

Is there parking?

Yes, there is private off-street parking for 1-2 cars, a huge perk in this tiny village.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Unlike many Cotswold cottages, Claypot is strictly pet-free.

Is there a pool?

No pool on site. The nearest water sports are at Cotswold Water Park (13km away).

How far is the nearest pub?

The Village Pub is literally across the road/a 2-minute walk. It's excellent.

Is there air conditioning?

No. Like 99% of UK homes, it relies on windows and thick stone walls for cooling.

Is it suitable for toddlers?

Yes, but bring your own travel cot and high chair, and watch them on the stairs.

Insider Tips

  • ✨

    The 'Village Pub' across the street has a secret Thursday Steak Night that locals love.

  • ✨

    Visit the nearby 'The Pig' hotel (formerly Barnsley House) for a walk around their famous kitchen gardens — often open to respectful visitors.

  • ✨

    The fireplace is real; buy extra logs at the petrol station on the A429 if the starter pack runs out.

5 things to know before you go

  • 💡The stairs are a piece of local carpentry art, but they can be steep and tricky in socks.

  • 💡You are in a 'dead zone' for some mobile networks; rely on the WiFi calling.

  • 💡The hot water tank is decent but can struggle if 6 people shower back-to-back.

  • 💡It's a 'self-catering' rental that actually has sharp knives and good pans (rare!).

  • 💡The village is incredibly dark at night — great for stars, bad for stumbling home.

Local Playbook

Map

See where Claypot Cottage is located and what's nearby.

Key amenities & services