The Secret Temple, Dursley

Gloucestershire. Sleeps up to 2

The Secret Temple is a fabulous, utterly unique 19th-century Doric Temple set within the sumptuous Stancombe Estate, which inspired Brideshead Revisited.

Surrounded by stunning Grade 1 Listed gardens and sitting above a beautiful lake, this one-bedroomed property is near Dursley in a gorgeous corner of Gloucestershire within walking distance of the Cotswold Way famed for its wonderful walks. This is possibly one of the most romantic destinations you will ever encounter and is ideal for an unforgettable luxury escape.

The Grade 1-listed The Secret Temple is a hidden hideaway reached by a long winding drive and is a truly stunning sight with its majestic columns and smart facade rising above the glittering lake, offering seclusion and calm and creating a wonderfully intimate atmosphere.

The accommodation is on one level and offers a spacious central column-clad hallway which leads off to delightful snug areas richly furnished in deep reds and golds overlooked by exotic artworks, creating a decadent ambience. Guests can enjoy a plush sitting area, a compact but well-equipped kitchen, a writing area and a wonderful extravagant double bed set into an alcove with pillars on either side. The separate bathroom has a shower, basin and WC. The lodge is centrally heated so you can snuggle on cosy cooler evenings, and there is Wi-Fi, flat-screen television and a built-in music system for your entertainment. If you can’t bear to leave the dog at home, well-behaved dogs are welcome but don’t forget to pack the dog bed!

The Secret Temple has lovely outside furnished terraces with unforgettable gardens and lake views. Enjoy a sundowner, outside dining or barbeques and breathe in the sheer beauty of this location. A series of stone steps lead down to the jetty, and guests can indulge in a spot of boating or bathing on the lake. If you are still feeling energetic after exploring the grounds, you can also make use of the tennis court.

Steeped in romance, unique and indulgent, The Secret Temple is the spot for proposals and honeymoons or to simply share starry-eyed moments with your loved one– so enjoy the welcome hamper, which includes champagne to toast your special time together.

Stancombe Park is positioned at the heart of the Cotswold Way in Dursley, Gloucestershire and offers 300 acres of stunning grounds and magnificent architecture, including a Chinese tea house and Egyptian ice house. The estate is steeped in history and a real joy to explore.

The gardens on the estate include the wonderful secret ‘folly’ gardens, with narrow paths, tunnels, and caves set above a beautiful lake and boathouse, giving it a mystical, magical feel. The more formal gardens lead to the main house and fully justify the Grade 1 listing the Park and Gardens have been given. House guests enjoy exclusive access to the grounds, whereas public access is limited to pre-booked tours making this an extraordinary experience.
 
Nestled within the private estate, The Secret Temple is the perfect getaway to explore the Cotswolds, and there are plenty of walking tours available along the Cotswold Way, which stretches for over 100 miles from Chipping Camden in the North and Bath in the South. Expect picture-perfect towns and villages with honey-coloured houses, acres of beautiful rolling countryside, and memorable historic sites.
 
Tetbury is only a short drive away and has some beautiful eating establishments, including The Conservatory at Calcot Manor, Lola & Co and The Royal Oak. Tetbury is also home to  Westonbirt, the National Arboretum, which hosts one of the world's most beautiful and important plant collections; there are 600 acres and 17 miles of paths to explore. There is a Gruffalo trail for the kiddies, free talks on Saturdays and Sundays and dog-friendly areas.
 
There are stunning gardens, palaces and manor houses only a short drive from Stancombe, and highlights include Highgrove, King Charles lll’s private residence. The Gardens are renowned as some of the most inspiring and innovative in the UK, and during the summer months, garden tours and the chance to sample afternoon tea in the Orchard Room can be booked.
 
The Cotswolds is full of charming characterful pubs and restaurants, with many special treats to enjoy. If you wish to dine like a future king, try The Potting Shed Pub in Crudwell, as William and Kate had many a romantic dinner there whilst they were dating!

You will be hard pushed to find a prettier area than the Cotswolds, and there is lots to discover and admire; staying at The Secret Temple offers an exclusive taste of Country Estate living and is the perfect base to explore this enchanting region.