DWELL & GOOD
I stayed in the new cosy treehouses in the middle of the Cotswolds which are perfect for an autumn break
If the surrounding views of nature don’t help you unwind, a bath ritual hamper certainly will
I’VE never liked the rain, especially not on holiday.
But as the crackles of thunder began to rumble among the spindly trees, signalling an imminent and torrential downpour, I found myself rushing to the window in excitement.
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It’s not the shards of sunlight piercing through a leafy sky that make this treehouse getaway shine, it is the pitter patter of rain echoing throughout the woodland, of which I have a prime view.
Add lightning to the mix and you’ve got yourself some drama worth of an EastEnders cliffhanger.
The newly opened TreeDwellers, buried in woodland near the Cotswolds village of Charlbury, blends almost seamlessly with nature.
Its seven wooden and copper treehouses are propped up on stilts, three-metres above the floor, and each features green, vegan handwash and eco-lotions that match the setting.
READ MORE ON THE COTSWOLDS
Mine, the one-bedroom Camellia, was a wave-shaped wooden structure with a spacious terrace and what seemed like more window than wall making the space feel truly enveloped by the thick forest.
From the comfort of my linen bed I could spy creatures lurking among the shrubs in a scene more reminiscent of a reserve in Canada than a park 30 minutes’ drive from Oxford.
GO: TREEDWELLERS
Costs from £220 per night on a self-catering basis. See treedwellers.com.
While the log burner sputtered inside my living room, mist wove between the tree trunks outside. It was clear winter was on its way and this was the perfect place to hunker down.
As well as a fully equipped kitchen and snug living room, my treehouse featured a huge stone bath tub, plenty big enough for two people – although I had it to myself and relished the chance to pamper myself.
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If the surrounding views of nature don’t help you unwind, a bath ritual hamper (an extra £25 for two people) certainly will.
It comes with an organic selection of goodies including a fizzy bath bomb, Epsom salts, dried flower petals, body butter and a clay face mask.
Stunning treehouse stays perfect for an autumn break - with free wine, cheese hampers and hot tubs
With the noise of traffic muffled by the shrubs, it’s the dream spot for a solo detox retreat or romantic getaway (although two of the treehouses are two-bedroomed, so suitable for families as well).
An evening curled up in front of the fire with a spread of local cheeses, bread and dips collected from the nearby Bruern Farms shop, a 20-minute drive away, was just what the doctor ordered.
But for those who want to venture out, The Plough Inn – a 16-minute walk along rural paths – does a cracking Sunday lunch.
Or there is the Royal Oak, a slightly further trek but with plenty of nooks to snuggle down in.
Blenheim Palace is a 15-minute drive away and worth a visit if you’re a fan of Netflix show, Bridgerton.
A pop-up trail through the grounds gives a behind-the-scenes look at some of the filming locations.
On selected days in autumn, a string quartet will be performing in the Great Hall – and it’s free for visitors.
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Back at my wooden home, daylight had started to disappear. I’d left the blinds half open to gaze at the still forest, willing the rain to return and lull me to sleep.
Perhaps I don’t always need sunshine on holiday.
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