Isis Cottage is a beautiful Grade II* listed Cotswold stone holiday cottage situated within
the grounds of Kemble Mill, an historic 16th century watermill less than 10 minutes
from Cirencester (Roman Corinium). It's located down a quiet country lane in a secluded and magical
setting between the villages of Poole Keynes and Somerford Keynes (map).
Part of the original 'mill' building has been sensitively converted into a delightful Cotswold retreat whilst retaining many of its original period features. It has been thoughtfully equipped with all mod-cons for a truly relaxing romantic or family holiday.
Isis Cottage provides very comfortable self-catering accommodation on 2 floors with picturesque views over the river and surrounding countryside. Numerous country walks are to be found outside the front door, including the famed Thames Path, and it is within easy walking distance of several local pubs serving very good food.
Isis Cottage has its own private garden overlooking the River Thames (water flow is seasonal, depending on rainfall) comprising a lawn, a gravel garden with patio seating and a wild flower meadow, ideal for tranquil alfresco dining and relaxing. Please note that the cottage garden bordering the river is unfenced so young children must be carefully supervised.
A haven for
wildlife, kingfishers, moorhens, ducks, herons, swans, wagtails and
snowy egrets are often seen on this quiet stretch of river just outside
the cottage door.
INTERIOR:
Ground Floor :
The entrance lobby leads to a well-appointed, beamed kitchen with fridge/freezer, electric hob, oven, microwave and washer/drier. A table and 4 chairs provides comfortable breakfast seating.
The open-plan living and dining area features a beamed ceiling and large candle-filled inglenook fireplace (no open fires) with seating and dining areas for 4 people. Entertainment includes TV and DVD player (with DVD lending library on request), iPod dock with CD player and radio, books, games, local travel information and free WiFi internet access.
First Floor:
A stone and wrought iron staircase leads to the upstairs landing. The master double bedroom with vaulted ceiling has a large double, wrought iron bed and overlooks the meadow. Plenty of storage space is provided by an antique wardrobe and chest of drawers.
The twin-bedded room with vaulted ceiling has 2 single, wrought iron beds with an antique chest of drawers and chairs. This pretty bedroom overlooks the River Thames which flows just below the window and has beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
The stone-tiled bathroom contains a bath with shower over, washbasin and WC, with lovely views across the River Thames and neighbouring countryside.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS, SHOPS and AMENITIES
Cirencester: 5 miles (8km) Visit the Corinium Museum, open air market in Market Square on Mondays and Fridays; farmer's market twice a month on 2nd and 4th Saturday; several supermarkets. Wide variety of restaurants, bars and cafes.
Village shops: South Cerney has several shops, take away restaurants, pharmacy and Post Office 3m (4km). Ashton Keynes shop and Post Office 3m (4km). Kemble Stores + Post Office - 2m (3km).
Local pubs: The Bakers Arms (open all day) - 10 minute walk across fields to Somerford Keynes village.
The Wild Duck at Ewen - 30 minute walk from front door along Thames Path. Both do excellent food. There are several more good local pubs within a few minutes' drive.
Walking: The Thames Path is adjacent to Isis Cottage and many wonderful walks are accessible directly from the front door, including several pubs. The Cotswold Way is about 20 min drive away and there are numerous footpaths around the lakes of the Cotswold Water Park.
Isis Cottage is ideally located to explore the many picturesque towns of the Cotswolds and other local attractions such as:
Stow-on-the-Wold
Moreton-in-Marsh
Bourton-on-the-Water
The Slaughters
Cheltenham
Burford
Oxford
Tetbury - visit Prince Charles' shop stocking produce from Highgrove, his nearby home.
Bath
Cotswold Water Park: Isis Cottage is located within the Cotswold Water Park, a geographical area of more than 140 lakes offering a huge range of watersports such as waterskiing, cableski, windsurfing, canoeing and sailing. Fishing, golfing, hiking and biking trails are all on the doorstep. This area is also a wildlife enthusiasts' dream and ideal for bird and wildlife watching and exploring the local nature reserves.
Cotswold Country Park and Beach (formerly Keynes Country Park - 10 min walk) offers a tranquil lake setting for walking, picnicing, boat hire, playground and swimming beach.
Go-By-Cycle in Somerford Keynes village (15 min walk) has bicycles for hire. We can provide safe storage in a lockable shed.
Neigh Bridge Lake, which adjoins our property is a quiet lake for walking, picnicing and fishing. Run as a 'quiet lake' it is well-stocked with monster carp and pike.
Westonbirt Arboretum - (20 min drive) near Tetbury. Autumn colours in October and November are outstanding!
LOCAL FESTIVALS and SHOWS
Cheltenham National Hunt Festival and Gold Cup - 30 min drive
Badminton Horse Trials - 30 min drive
Bath Music Festival - 1 hr drive
Kemble Air Show - 5 min drive
Royal International Air Tattoo, Fairford - 20 min drive
Cheltenham Cricket Festival - 30 min drive
BALA Mercy Orphanage - Kenya 
5% of your booking fee will be donated to the
Bala Mercy Orphanage and Childrens’ Center in Kenya, where over 400 abandoned children are given shelter, clothing, food, medical care and, above all, an education.
Having visited Bala myself, I was struck by the love, support and care provided by the staff who are dedicated to giving these children a chance of a normal life. Education plays a large part, with Bala coming top of the regional schools during the 2009 exams – an astonishing achievement for children who have virtually nothing but a solid determination!
By enjoying a holiday at Isis Cottage, you will also be providing for these remarkable children
and helping to change their lives.
LINKS
http://www.cheltenham.co.uk/racing/the_festival/index.html - Cheltenham Gold Cup
http://www.airtattoo.com/ - Royal International Air Tattoo, Fairford
http://www.badminton-horse.co.uk/ - Badminton Horse Trials
http://www.cotswoldairshow.com/ - Cotswold Air Show, Kemble
http://womad.org/ - WOMAD Music Festival, Charlton Park
http://www.loghouseholidays.co.uk/ - Log House Holidays
http://www.balaorphanage.org/ - Bala Orphanage and Childrens' Center, Kenya
http://www.vintageclassicpaintshop.co.uk/ - The Vintage & Classic Paintshop
