Notes from the host
Rose Cottage
As you pass the church a delightful, thatched cottage appears before you. Rose Cottage sits in the heart of Bretforton, just moments from the National Trust-owned Fleece Inn, which dates back to the 15th century. A tiny flower-filled front garden overlooks the square and sets the scene perfectly for what lies beyond the front door.
This is a much-loved and cherished cottage offering a warm welcome to all who stay here. The charming décor reflects the character and personality of the cottage with pretty, calming colours and beautiful soft furnishings. The fabulous inglenook fireplace is a stunning feature and focal point no matter what time of year you choose to visit.
Tucked behind the cottage is an enclosed courtyard where you can relax on the rattan lounge set and enjoy sunny afternoons. There's also a table and chairs for al fresco dining.
Ground Floor
Living Room:
As you step through the heavy wooden front door you are greeted by an utterly charming, character-filled living room. There are solid flagstones covering the floor and original beams lining the ceiling, but it's the fabulous inglenook that takes centre stage. Two comfy, two-seater sofas flank the fire and there's also a plump armchair, and a quaint window seat providing plenty of seating for five guests. A large, low leather ottoman acts as a footstool, coffee table or as the perfect spot for playing the games and puzzles that are thoughtfully provided. This room is warm and cosy but also filled with light from the dual aspect windows to the front and rear. A smart TV stands on a polished console, and table lamps create a warm glow as night falls. Interesting objects d'art depicting life in rural Worcestershire cover the walls, including a piece of memorabilia from when Rose Cottage was featured in the TV series the Land Girls.
Dining Room:
The dining room is equally delightful and the wooden dining table seats six comfortably, proving a lovely space for convivial meals with your fellow guests. An electric wood-burning stove sits within another feature fireplace, this is for display only, and there's a window seat beneath the large, front-facing window, where you can sit with a coffee and watch village life. Behind the door is a bookshelf packed with a collection of Evesham Royal Worcester china, so synonymous with this part of the world. A half-stable door leads to the adjacent kitchen.
Kitchen:
Meal preparation is easy in the well-equipped kitchen including a dishwasher. Country-style wooden units create a warm, cottage feel, and house everything needed for a self-catering stay in this beautiful cottage. A range-style electric oven and gas hob sit within a huge inglenook and, should you feel inspired, there's a selection of cookery books on the wooden bureau. From the kitchen, there is a step down into the spacious utility/boot room.
Utility/Boot Room:
This handy space houses an additional fridge and the freezer as well as the washing machine and there's a pull-out clothes airer, for drying clothes. There are double doors out to the enclosed courtyard, a ground floor WC, a large storage cupboard where you can keep coats and boots and the backdoor.
First Floor
The steep stairs wind up from the rear hall to the first floor.
Bedroom One:
This lovely, spacious room is full of character and features a brass and iron-framed king-size bed, exposed wall beams and a view over the village square to the front. There are bedside tables with reading lamps and plenty of storage with a chest of drawers and a wardrobe.
Bedroom Two:
At the end of the hall, up two steps, you'll find the second king-size bedroom, which is a beautiful room decorated in calming shades of blue and cream overlooking the church to the rear. Cream bedside tables stand on either side of the bed with reading lamps, and there's a pretty dressing table with a large mirror. Prints depicting village life hang above the metal-framed bed whilst the rattan chaise-longue is perfect for lazy afternoons snoozes, or for curling up with a good book.
Bedroom Three:
This cosy single also sits at the end of the hall and looks over the church beyond. A polished wooden chest serves as a bedside table complete with a reading lamp, and there's a rattan easy chair behind the door along with a storage cupboard.
Bathroom:
The quaint bathroom features a slipper bath set beneath a roof skylight. Lie back amongst the bubbles and watch the stars overhead. There are wooden floors underfoot and to the side, a pretty, stained-glass window.
Bathroom / Shower Room:
Next to the bathroom is the shower room with tongue and groove panels on the walls, wooden floorboards and a step-in shower cubicle. This room also has a hand basin and W.C and a heated towel rail to keep things toasty.
Outside
To the rear of Rose Cottage is an enclosed courtyard planted with roses that is accessed through the double doors from the utility/boot room. This outside area has a table and chairs for al fresco dining and a rattan-effect all-weather lounge set, perfect for sunny afternoons and evening drinks.
Parking is available outside the cottage or in the square opposite.
Hosted by Bolthole Retreats
