Rosemary Cottage | Historic Three-Story Cotswold Retreat in Central Bibury
Embrace the quintessential English countryside experience at Rosemary Cottage, a striking Grade II listed, 17th-century Cotswold stone home. Tucked right next to a tranquil village green in the heart of Bibury—historic home to William Morris's famous accolade as "the most beautiful village in England"—this characterful retreat seamlessly blends original period charm with thoughtful modern comforts.
Perfect for families, couples traveling together, or wedding guests, the cottage is situated just a 2-minute stroll from historic Arlington Row and the peaceful banks of the River Coln.
The Space
Arranged across three stories, the cottage showcases authentic architectural features like exposed beams and a winding timber staircase, offering an enchanting sense of history where time slows down.
Ground Floor Living & Dining: A warm, open-plan space designed for gathering. Unwind on the generous corner sofa beside a crackling real fire. The dining area comfortably seats six for long, sociable dinners, alongside a fully equipped kitchen featuring a dishwasher for effortless cleanup.
First Floor Master Suite: Winding up the original 17th-century staircase brings you to the first bedroom, featuring a luxurious king-size bed and premium mattress. A family bathroom sits on this floor, offering a deep tub perfect for a relaxing soak after a day of countryside walking.
Second Floor Attic Suite: The character-filled top floor houses a private second bedroom, also boasting a king-size bed and its own private en-suite shower room.
Historic Character Note: To preserve its 17th-century heritage, the cottage features low, original timber beams (particularly near the top-floor bathroom door) and a steep, narrow winding staircase with a traditional rope handrail. While adding immense historic charm, it may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility, and taller guests will want to mind their heads!
Premier Location & Wedding Venues
Rosemary Cottage is exceptionally well-positioned by St Mary’s Church, making it an ideal base if you are attending a countryside wedding or exploring the local area:
Wedding Venues: Seamlessly located just a short drive from the region's premier venues, including Cribbs Barn (6 mins), Barnsley House (6 mins), and Stone Barn (8 mins).
Village Life: Walk to Bibury’s beloved spots in under 10 minutes, including Arlington Row, Rack Isle and Eleven.
Dining out: Choose between a fancy riverside meal at The Swan Inn (less than a 5-minute walk) or a cozy pint with the locals at The Catherine Wheel.
Exploring the Cotswolds
While public transport in the rural Cotswolds is limited and a car is highly recommended, your stay includes dedicated off-road parking for one vehicle—a rare and incredibly valuable luxury in the historic center of Bibury.
From your doorstep, you can easily drive to the region's finest market towns and scenic destinations:
15 Minutes: Historic Cirencester, Fairford, and local high-street supermarkets.
Under 30 Minutes: Classic North Cotswold towns like Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Chipping Norton, and Moreton-in-Marsh.
50 Minutes: The historic architecture, world-class museums, and sights of Oxford.
Practicalities
Arrival: Enjoy full flexibility with self-check-in via a secure lockbox.
Peace of Mind: We live just down the road and are always happy to help ensure your stay is absolutely perfect.