Truth is that, for both my husband and I, this year was unlike any other when it comes to the amount of time invested into our family, our work and our passions. It was a year of bold entrepreneurial endeavours, with the past few months in particular having taken a toll on both of us. Whilst we pushed hard to successfully meet lots of work related deadlines, it is actually those few milestones I am in fact truly and forever grateful for. Lucas started school, Amelie started walking, my husband made arrangements to go completely freelance and have more time to focus on his own venture. Maybe, I find all these changes a little bit scary, too…
Justin and I understood that all of this would not be possible without our occasional get-aways during which to reconnect with the outside world, family and friends. We’ve now set-out a resolution for next year’s to trial longer breaks in between work projects and travel more, seeking experiences rather than standards.
I’m sharing below a few pixels from our latest getaway in Oxfordshire when we decided to take our Abel & Cole festive boxes and have a long weekend away together. If you’ve had the chance to read my previous article, you’d know we chose to stay in the most idilic cottage called The Orchard End, built in 1295. This enchanting Grade II Listed Thatched Country Cottage is just 6 miles away from the gorgeous city of Oxford and far enough from buzzing London. As a bonus for all those Tesla enthusiasts out there such as ourselves, there is a Supercharger only 2 minutes away.
This amazingly warm and cosy cottage is located in the rural and quiet Oxfordshire Hamlet of Waterstock, with good public transport link to Oxford City Centre from the end of the lane. The bus stop is opposite the Fox & Goat Public House in neighbouring village, Tiddington. It’s a beautiful walk if you want to get there. We did just that on a whim and concluded that it took us a little on the long side with two small and very curious kids stopping for a full inspection of the surroundings, every flower and every rock.
There is a lovely garden where you can have breakfast or a cup of tea and, if you’re lucky enough, you can even catch a rainbow like we did during a mini photo session – the only rainbow my husband happened to catch this year. The kids were happily running wild around the cottage, up and down the stairs in circles and then back in the garden. The cottage is available for private use with access to the entire cottage which includes: a range oven, dishwasher, built in-fridge, built-in freezer, washing machine, free WiFi and heating included. Ali, one of the loveliest landladies we’ve come to meet to date, welcomes her guests with a hamper full of goodies which include a bottle of wine and breakfast essentials.
Our Tesla road trips are becoming a family tradition and we’re working on spending more weekends like this away from London. The British countryside is always attractive as, apart from all the fresh air benefit, there are so many things to do with the children. From fruit picking to running wild on the fields, jumping in muddy puddles and exploring the woody areas, it feels so nice to be away from all the endless busses and busy trains in the big city.
There are two bedrooms, one king-size bed and one standard double just so it’s perfect for a family or friends’ getaway (unless you’re dedicated co-sleepers like us and your kids would end up in your bed before 9pm).
The bathtub couldn’t be any cuter, it’s by a little window so, while making the most of a bubble bath, you can watch the stars at night and sip on a glass of wine.
We took full advantage of our mini break before Christmas and wrapped up most of our gifts for our friends and family. I also managed to make my first wreath which managed to stay alive in one piece for less than one hour (until Amelie found a way to make it look…well, less festive!).
If you fancy the cottage for a short getaway or a romantic weekend, here are more details on how to book it on Airbnb or you may chose to contact Ali Briton, the lovely owner of this truly magical place on 07905 483 717 / alibritton1@hotmail.com.
