Highgate House - swimming pool and tennis court, near Painswick

Surrounded by outstanding views of the Slad Valley, Highgate House is a stunning Georgian villa which takes your breath away. Arriving through the welcoming blue gates, the house and gardens are laid before you like a scene from a period drama. The impressive architecture of the house makes a statement and its backdrop of lush countryside is ever so inviting.

If you tear yourself away from being absorbed in the view you will be rewarded with the rich interiors found at Highgate House. The sundrenched orangery is the perfect spot for evening meals, prepared in the spacious and elegant kitchen complete with large Lacanche range cooker. You are spoilt for choice of where to relax with a sitting room of two halves and a cinema room perfect for the older children with a projector screen and games console. Each bedroom has been carefully considered with beautiful furniture and the master suite has a luxurious en-suite with central rolltop bath. As you walk the house, passing fabric covered walls and artwork, you catch glimpses of the gardens and hillside views. Highgate House transports you to another time where you can take a step back from modern life and celebrate your time together.

Sitting beside the swimming pool, glass in hand and sunglasses on, it is easy to mistake this for southern France or Italy. As your family play tennis on the court beside you, dip your toes into the water and take a deep breath of this rejuvenating Cotswold air. There is no place quite like Highgate House in this picturesque spot, just a country walk from the nearest pub. If you fancy exploring the wider area, head to Painswick and the delightful Rococo Gardens, shop the Stroud Farmer's Market, or enjoy walks along the Cotswold and Wysis Way which pass nearby.

*Dogs: 2 well-behaved dogs 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.

Please make yourself aware of the swimming pool rules of use and the hours of use. *The swimming pool is open between the 1st May and the 30th September (weather dependent). Please read our swimming pool FAQ for more information.

Ground Floor

Entrance Hall:
Using the main front door, you pass through a porch to the entrance hall. With intricate fabric wall coverings, a decorative fireplace and wooden stairs you are instantly impressed by the setting.

Sitting Room:
The comfortable sitting room can be divided into two smaller areas, ideal if you have children who wish to play while the adults talk. Each half has an open fire and a choice of sofas, while one has a desk and TV, and the other is perfect for after dinner drinks and conversation. Overlooking on one side the pool and valley, and the garden to the other, you can put your feet up here and relax, perhaps with one of the many books found on the surrounding shelves.

Dining Room:
For more formal meals, the dining room seats eight at a long table surrounded by painted panelled walls. Behind one of the panels, you'll find a secret drinks cabinet!

Kitchen:
The spacious kitchen is bright and airy with everything you could need to prepare fantastic feasts. With a Lacanche range cooker, microwave, dishwasher, and fridge/freezer even a professional chef would be at home here. A large central island provides space to serve from.

Orangery:
With views of the surrounding gardens and hills beyond, this sundrenched room is a beautiful space for serving breakfast with a table that seats 10. Open the doors to let the fresh breeze flow through with the scent of flowers.

Boot Room/Utility:
If you have brought your four-legged friends with you, the boot room is an incredibly useful space. An outdoor hose lets you wash off muddy paws after a walk and in the utility are the laundry facilities with a washing machine, tumble dryer and sink, perfect for throwing wet towels straight in the machine.

Cloakroom:
The ground floor cloakroom has a WC and sink.

First Floor

Bedroom One:
The master suite is spacious and bright, bringing regency and elegance to your stay. The central king-size bed sits beneath wooden beams with a settee at its foot. There are chests of drawers and a selection of armchairs. It is decorated in subtle tones allowing the view of the front garden to catch your eye through the windows.

En-Suite:
At the end of the room, a curtain separates the en-suite. Here a freestanding rolltop bath lets you sink into the bubbles and gaze at the valley view. There is also a WC and sink in this spacious bathroom.

Shower Room:
From the landing, the recently renovated shower room has a large rainfall shower, sink, and a WC with an impressive view.

Cinema Room:
With a projector and screen, TV and Xbox One games console, this room is the perfect playground. Plenty of seating gives you space to spread out and there is room for board games.

Bedroom Two:
Furnished with a small double bed, this room has views across the valley to the tree-covered hills in the distance. This room has a decorative fireplace and chest of drawers.

Second Floor

Bedroom Three:
This king-size bedroom is tucked in the corner of the house. With a bedside table, wardrobe and stool this room is decorated with framed pressed flowers and herbs, bringing a touch of the outdoors in. The king-size bed is only accessible from one side.

En-Suite:
The en-suite has a shower cubicle, WC and sink.

Bedroom Four:
The double bedroom has a king-size bed, decorative fireplace and a chest of drawers. Two south-facing windows look across the front garden.

Bathroom:
Shared between bedroom four and five, the bathroom has a freestanding clawfoot bath, WC and sink. The window creates a beautiful picture of the view across the valley.

Bedroom Five:
Completing the second floor, this bedroom has two single beds. Half panelled walls and a decorative fireplace add character and you can open the curtains in the morning to be greeted by a charming view of the village across the fields. There is a chest of drawers and bedside table.

Outside

Once you have spent time in the award-winning gardens at Highgate House, you may find yourselves needing to book and stay again. Each space creates its own atmosphere, from the secluded lawn outside the orangery where you can spread a blanket and enjoy a good book, to the swimming pool terrace with its inviting loungers and buzz of energy. Below the swimming pool is the tennis court and there is a croquet lawn for garden games. The gardens provide a wonderful opportunity to dine al fresco, setting the table with wildflowers and enjoying the late evening sun. If you'd like a moment to yourself, bring your coffee and pastry outside to wake up amongst the fresh morning air. With much to explore, the gardens have it all, and there is parking for six cars available on the driveway.