The adventure starts when you turn down a woodland track marked "Blenheim Palace", which leads you to an age-old, two-storey cottage of mellow Cotswold stone, shaded by oaks and chestnuts, whose lawns slope to a languid river spanned by a handsome stone bridge. For centuries the lodge guarded the back entrance to the vast Blenheim Estate, later home to the Duke of Marlborough's groom. Now it's reborn as a cosy country hideaway for a couple (or family with younger children) wanting to top up on birdsong and British pastoral bliss.
The dynamic New-York-born leaseholder, who runs a luxury lifestyle company in London, has furnished it with high indulgence. Think hand-restored pieces - from chandeliers to vintage dressers - as well as Zoffany wallpapers, hunting trophies, designer fireplaces and a burgundy slipper bath. A British theme runs throughout, from Blenheim Cottage tea towels and photos of the late Queen Elizabeth II to superb local breakfast bits in the kitchen. In the garden, she added a timber summer house - a touch of New England - for afternoon tea or morning massages. And, the excellent in-house directory offers great advice on local activities and eateries, as well as concierge services from luxury hampers to childcare.
Highs
- You're in the glorious Heart of England: handsome Woodstock town is on your doorstep, Oxford 20 mins away, yet it's only 1.5 hours from London
- We loved that we could follow the 'community path' from the front door straight into the palace grounds
- Come winter, you'll be heartened to find board games and books (including children's titles), open fires, a Smart TV and in-bathroom underfloor heating
- The small kitchen is beautifully kitted out with Welsh slate worktops, top-spec white goods - and on our most recent revisit we partook of delicious meals pre-ordered from the in-cottage dining menus
- Privileged seclusion: bring a loved one for a special occasion, bring the kids for family downtime, bring the dog too!
Lows
- The rooms are compact (as you would expect), and some might find them dark - but we found it romantic, and perfect for a weekend away à deux
- Both bedrooms have double beds (neither can be twin so fine for 2 couples); if you have 2 children they'd have to share
- In winter the outside porch area can feel damp, and there are a few signs of the building's age
- On our last visit we found the eco-fires hard to figure out and there were no instructions
- You may find the odd nosey parker peering in from the public footpath outside
Best time to go
The cottage is open in all seasons, and each has its charm. Summer - especially if sunny - is perfect for lazing in the garden, walking or cycling through the woods, perhaps a picnic in Blenheim Palace Estate. Spring and autumn are good times to visit Oxford - it's less busy with language students than in high summer. Winter in the cottage is cosy and warm, thanks to eco-fires (downstairs), underfloor heating (in the bathroom) - plus central heating, of course. If you're really lucky it might snow, and being at the end of a private track you would have every right to phone work and say you're snowed in!
Our top tips
Pack comfortable shoes so you can make the most of the beautiful walks around the cottage. Then unwind in the luxurious bathtub with a glass (or more) of fizz or wine - which all i-escape guests receive as a thank you for booking through us.
To find out what's on in Oxford when you're staying, visit Daily Info, which includes listings for theatre, music, festivals, walking tours, lectures and more. For example, if coming in May, try and make it to Magdalen Bridge for the May Morning singing at dawn (1st May), or head to the Isis Tavern to watch the Summer Eights rowing races (normally last week of May).
To find out what's on in Oxford when you're staying, visit Daily Info, which includes listings for theatre, music, festivals, walking tours, lectures and more. For example, if coming in May, try and make it to Magdalen Bridge for the May Morning singing at dawn (1st May), or head to the Isis Tavern to watch the Summer Eights rowing races (normally last week of May).
Location
Blenheim Cottage is set at the end of a private forest track, overlooking a small river on the edge of Blenheim Palace Estate (home to the Duke of Marlborough). It is 500m from the village of Long Hanborough (which has a few shops), 4km from Woodstock (which has a wider range of shops and restaurants), and 15km from the city of Oxford.
By Air
London Heathrow (85km) is your best bet if arriving from overseas. There is also a small airfield outside Oxford (just 6km away) which receives a few domestic/shorthaul flights - or private flights if you're feeling flush. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports.
By Car
It's certainly easiest to arrive by car, as the cottage is at the end of a forest track, not really within walking distance of shops and restaurants (apart from one hotel about 500m / 10 mins' walk away). The cottage has a covered garage, and the track is passable for all but the lowest-slung sports cars. Approximate driving time from London is 1.5 hours, likewise Birmingham or Bristol. See our car rental recommendations.
By Train
The nearest train station is Hanborough (less than 1km away), which is connected to London Paddington by hourly direct trains (journey time approx 1h15). It is easy to stay overnight and be in London in time for work the following day (as we found on our revisit). Taxis can be arranged from the station if you really want to visit without a car.
Excellent detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to the UK and getting around
Airports:
- London Heathrow 85.0 km LHR
- Oxford Airport 6.0 km OXF
Other:
- Beach 150.0 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 10 independent reviews from i-escape guests
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