Bijou Barn, Bath

Somerset. Sleeps up to 4

With just 5 minutes drive from the historic city of Bath, this luxuriously finished, renovated Barn provides a peaceful retreat for up to four guests. Unwind in the bubbles of the hot tub with a glass of champagne or cosy up next to the wood-burning fire with a cup of tea; whatever your fancy, Bijou Barn offers a stylish, versatile space for a holiday to remember.

With private parking and entrance, the Barn boasts its own patio area, BBQ, lawned garden and extra-large hot tub, a great space to enjoy a spot of al fresco dining on a summer’s evening. The bright and airy Barn has high ceilings and a country-style open-plan kitchen with a breakfast bar and four-seater dining table. The kitchen holds all the appliances you will need to self-cater, including a blender for healthy smoothies, a Nespresso machine for your morning coffee and everything in between, from wine glasses to a dishwasher.

Against a feature wall is a cosy log-burning fire to keep the open plan area warm and toasty, with comfy sofas and a leather armchair to recline with a glass of red after a day of exploring. There is also a flat-screen TV and Wifi throughout to keep all the family entertained.  

The sofa in the living room pulls out to a pocket-sprung sofa bed (4ft 6 mattress), and the master bedroom holds a king-size bed with a wardrobe and smart workspace area of desk and chair. The family bathroom is tastefully designed and has a bathtub and an overhead shower.

The garden benefits from access leading directly to miles of local countryside walks, the most famous of which is the Cotswolds Way and Beckford’s Tower, a great spot to visit. While local favourite the Hare and Hound pub is just a few steps away, a great place for Sunday roasts or evening meals.

Bijou Barn benefits from a rural location, but with easy access to local amenities, 5 minutes by car, an enjoyable 25-30 minute walk or s park-and-ride bus providing a  5 minute trip to the centre of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath, where guests can soak up the historic architecture and landmarks.

Famous for its thermal spas, Bath provides a historic, elegant spa retreat. Live it up like a Roman in the mineral-rich rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa, a fantastic spot to unwind in the heated water and take in the panoramic views. Then pay a visit to the historic Roman Baths, well-preserved thermae dating back to Fifth Century AD. Although visitors cannot access the water, you can marvel at the Roman Temples and Sacred Spring and historical survey artefacts at the museum.  

Endless cultural opportunities await you, with The Jane Austen Centre a must for literary fans, with costumes on display and characters bringing to life the impact of the city of Bath on the famous author’s work. If you visit in September, you may get a chance to experience the Jane Austen festival, including a Regency Costumed Promenade, where hundreds of people take to the street in full Regency costume.

Continue the historical theme with a visit to The Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul; once a Benedictine monastery, it is now one of the largest examples of Gothic architecture in the West Country. We recommend taking a Tower Tour, where you will climb the 212 steps to experience the fan-vaulted ceilings, clockface and spectacular city views.

Why not stroll on the Bath Skyline Walk, a six-mile route through meadows, ancient woodlands and pretty valleys, an alternative way to see Bath differently? A long walk must be rewarded with a treat, and there is nothing better than an afternoon tea of sandwiches and delicate cakes to restore your energy. We recommend the Georgian Pump Room Restaurant, which serves a glass of mineral spa water to accompany your feast.

If you want to explore further afield, the barn is perfectly situated. The city of Bristol, Longleat Safari, Cheddar Gorge and the famous town of Glastonbury are all under an hour’s drive away.