Entire home
Down Farm Manor - Sitting above the Slad Valley with spectacular views
Family-friendly cottage in Stroud
Photo gallery for Down Farm Manor - Sitting above the Slad Valley with spectacular views





Reviews
9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms Sleeps 7 299 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Slad, Gloucestershire
- Place, Painswick Rococo Garden7 min drive
- Place, Cotswold Canals Trust9 min drive
- Place, Gloucester Quays19 min drive
Rooms & beds
4 bedrooms (sleeps 7)
Bedroom #1
1 King Bed
Bedroom #2
1 King Bed
Bedroom #3
2 Single Beds
Bedroom #4
1 Single Bed
3 bathrooms
Bathroom #1
Bathtub · Toilet
Bathroom #2
Bathtub · Toilet
Bathroom #3
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
About this property
Down Farm Manor - Sitting above the Slad Valley with spectacular views
Down Farm Manor is hidden along a winding country lane before suddenly appearing, sitting proudly above the Slad Valley, perfectly positioned to gaze across the picturesque Cotswold countryside which so inspired the author, Laurie Lee. You are immersed in the setting of Cider with Rosie and walks from the door take you out to discover the landscapes described in this famous novel. Holding over 300 years of history, arriving at Down Farm Manor will take your breath away. The house sits on a working farm, but you are secluded in this rural location with only livestock for neighbours.
Inside Down Farm Manor you feel welcomed by the comfortable sitting rooms, one with a wood burning stove and the other with a large open fire. You can choose your favourite spot and relax with a good book or evening drink while taking in the country inspired artwork. The spacious kitchen, equipped with an electric AGA, is made for preparing decadent meals, perhaps even hiring your own private chef, to be enjoyed in the elegant dining room. High ceilings, wooden beams, stone floors and mullioned windows add grandeur to this property letting you feel like the lord or lady of the manor. Upstairs are four comfortable bedrooms sharing three bathrooms. The master suite with a spacious dressing room has fantastic views across the valley to wake up to. Each bedroom has its own character with decorative fireplaces and antique furniture.
On fine days, you will find yourselves spending most of your time outdoors. The covered cider press to the rear provides a charming space to enjoy meals outside in a unique setting. There is a side lawned garden and the front sweeping green is yours to enjoy. Take a book and your morning coffee outside, serve meals here in the evening, or wander the grounds with a glass of champagne in hand, truly relishing this special place that will live long in the memory.
Ground Floor
Kitchen:
This spacious room is a true country kitchen with tiled flooring, wooden beams and an inglenook fireplace which now houses the electric AGA. Alongside the large central island is a dining table, perfect for a quick breakfast. There is a 5-ring gas hob, Nespresso coffee machine, kettle and toaster, microwave, 2 dishwashers, and 2 fridges to ensure you are not missing anything in this well-equipped property.
The washing machine is in the basement which is accessed from the rear patio garden and the freezer is in the external cider press.
Dining Room:
Serving your meals in the dining room adds elegance to your occasion. Set the table, adding the silverware and some fresh flowers before enjoying conversations over home-cooked dishes long into the evening.
Sitting Room:
Gather in front of the large open fire and enjoy its atmospheric crackle from the sink-in sofas. This warm room is incredibly homely and you will feel at ease here. There is a 3-seater sofa, armchairs and additional space for the whole group to gather. You are surrounded by stone flooring and antique wooden furniture with beams above, filling the room with history. Behind a disguised bookshelf is a wine fridge from which you can serve your favourite chilled drinks.
Snug:
Here you can catch up on your favourite shows making use of the Sky Glass TV. A wood burner keeps you warm on cooler evenings and the walls are panelled giving this room the feeling of a gentleman's country club. There is comfortable seating for six.
Cloakroom:
From the hall off the dining room is a cloakroom with WC and sink.
First Floor
Bedroom One:
This master-suite at the front of the house looks across the spectacular tree-lined valley. There is a super king-size bed, bedside tables, chests of drawers, a sofa and a decorative fireplace. This is a lovely room to wake up in, opening the curtains to the Cotswold countryside beyond.
From this room is a large dressing room, perfect for additional storage and ideal for a travel cot. This is also accessed from the first-floor landing.
Bathroom:
The bathroom acts as an en-suite to the first bedroom and has a large double ended bath, with a handheld shower, WC and sink. This room also has a decorative fireplace adding character to the room.
Bedroom Two:
At the rear of the house along a separate hallway, is a second super king-size double room. Overlooking the farmyard there is a window seat and decorative fireplace and a dressing table for storage.
Bedroom Three:
Next door, this colourful single bedroom would be ideal for a younger member of the family, perhaps with parents sleeping in the double room. There is a chest of drawers and bedside table with lamp.
Bathroom:
The second bathroom is handily positioned for the second and third bedroom to share. It has a bath, WC and sink.
Bedroom Four:
The final bedroom is a spacious twin with two single beds sharing a bedside table. There are two armchairs and a chest of drawers and the window seat enjoys a view of the surrounding hills.
En-Suite:
Through a hidden sliding door, the en-suite shower room has a rainfall shower, twin basins and a WC.
Outside
The outside space around Down Farm Manor makes this a magnificent place to stay. The large sweeping front lawn is perfect for letting the dogs out and there is a separate side garden. Enjoy picnics, garden games and simply sitting in the fresh country air. Behind the house is a covered cider press with space to dine in a unique, rustic setting. There is off-road parking for five cars and many walking routes pass close by.
Inside Down Farm Manor you feel welcomed by the comfortable sitting rooms, one with a wood burning stove and the other with a large open fire. You can choose your favourite spot and relax with a good book or evening drink while taking in the country inspired artwork. The spacious kitchen, equipped with an electric AGA, is made for preparing decadent meals, perhaps even hiring your own private chef, to be enjoyed in the elegant dining room. High ceilings, wooden beams, stone floors and mullioned windows add grandeur to this property letting you feel like the lord or lady of the manor. Upstairs are four comfortable bedrooms sharing three bathrooms. The master suite with a spacious dressing room has fantastic views across the valley to wake up to. Each bedroom has its own character with decorative fireplaces and antique furniture.
On fine days, you will find yourselves spending most of your time outdoors. The covered cider press to the rear provides a charming space to enjoy meals outside in a unique setting. There is a side lawned garden and the front sweeping green is yours to enjoy. Take a book and your morning coffee outside, serve meals here in the evening, or wander the grounds with a glass of champagne in hand, truly relishing this special place that will live long in the memory.
Ground Floor
Kitchen:
This spacious room is a true country kitchen with tiled flooring, wooden beams and an inglenook fireplace which now houses the electric AGA. Alongside the large central island is a dining table, perfect for a quick breakfast. There is a 5-ring gas hob, Nespresso coffee machine, kettle and toaster, microwave, 2 dishwashers, and 2 fridges to ensure you are not missing anything in this well-equipped property.
The washing machine is in the basement which is accessed from the rear patio garden and the freezer is in the external cider press.
Dining Room:
Serving your meals in the dining room adds elegance to your occasion. Set the table, adding the silverware and some fresh flowers before enjoying conversations over home-cooked dishes long into the evening.
Sitting Room:
Gather in front of the large open fire and enjoy its atmospheric crackle from the sink-in sofas. This warm room is incredibly homely and you will feel at ease here. There is a 3-seater sofa, armchairs and additional space for the whole group to gather. You are surrounded by stone flooring and antique wooden furniture with beams above, filling the room with history. Behind a disguised bookshelf is a wine fridge from which you can serve your favourite chilled drinks.
Snug:
Here you can catch up on your favourite shows making use of the Sky Glass TV. A wood burner keeps you warm on cooler evenings and the walls are panelled giving this room the feeling of a gentleman's country club. There is comfortable seating for six.
Cloakroom:
From the hall off the dining room is a cloakroom with WC and sink.
First Floor
Bedroom One:
This master-suite at the front of the house looks across the spectacular tree-lined valley. There is a super king-size bed, bedside tables, chests of drawers, a sofa and a decorative fireplace. This is a lovely room to wake up in, opening the curtains to the Cotswold countryside beyond.
From this room is a large dressing room, perfect for additional storage and ideal for a travel cot. This is also accessed from the first-floor landing.
Bathroom:
The bathroom acts as an en-suite to the first bedroom and has a large double ended bath, with a handheld shower, WC and sink. This room also has a decorative fireplace adding character to the room.
Bedroom Two:
At the rear of the house along a separate hallway, is a second super king-size double room. Overlooking the farmyard there is a window seat and decorative fireplace and a dressing table for storage.
Bedroom Three:
Next door, this colourful single bedroom would be ideal for a younger member of the family, perhaps with parents sleeping in the double room. There is a chest of drawers and bedside table with lamp.
Bathroom:
The second bathroom is handily positioned for the second and third bedroom to share. It has a bath, WC and sink.
Bedroom Four:
The final bedroom is a spacious twin with two single beds sharing a bedside table. There are two armchairs and a chest of drawers and the window seat enjoys a view of the surrounding hills.
En-Suite:
Through a hidden sliding door, the en-suite shower room has a rainfall shower, twin basins and a WC.
Outside
The outside space around Down Farm Manor makes this a magnificent place to stay. The large sweeping front lawn is perfect for letting the dogs out and there is a separate side garden. Enjoy picnics, garden games and simply sitting in the fresh country air. Behind the house is a covered cider press with space to dine in a unique, rustic setting. There is off-road parking for five cars and many walking routes pass close by.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
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House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Stroud
Located in Stroud, this cottage is in a rural area. Travellers who have shopping on the agenda can visit Gloucester Quays and Gloucester Docks. Consider Elmore Court for a night out or Stroud Bowl if you're travelling with kids.

Slad, Gloucestershire
What's nearby
- St Marys Painswick - 7 min drive - 3.1 km
- Painswick Rococo Garden - 7 min drive - 3.4 km
- Cotswold Canals Trust - 9 min drive - 6.0 km
- Gloucester Quays - 19 min drive - 14.9 km
- Gloucester Docks - 21 min drive - 15.6 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Star Anise - 7 min drive
- The Bear Inn - 12 min drive
- La Cantina - 7 min drive
- Crown & Sceptre Inn - 8 min drive
- The Woolpack Inn - 17 min walk
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Bolthole Retreats

Bolthole Retreats was founded in 2017 by Martin McWilliam and is based in Cheltenham.
We are the leading independent agency for Cotswold holiday rental properties. We work closely with owners and housekeepers to ensure that guests have a truly memorable stay.
We pride ourselves on our local knowledge, whether it be of a local farm shop, cycle routes or events. Our aim is to enable guests to have the opportunity to enjoy authentic Cotswold experiences, from the Cotswold experts, in a lovely Cotswold property that suits their needs.
We are the leading independent agency for Cotswold holiday rental properties. We work closely with owners and housekeepers to ensure that guests have a truly memorable stay.
We pride ourselves on our local knowledge, whether it be of a local farm shop, cycle routes or events. Our aim is to enable guests to have the opportunity to enjoy authentic Cotswold experiences, from the Cotswold experts, in a lovely Cotswold property that suits their needs.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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