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.

This enchanting bolthole at the centre of Charlbury is a wonderful Cotswold sanctuary for a couple to escape to. Its town centre location makes it easy to walk to the town’s pubs, shops and the railway station, yet it is tucked away down a quiet, private drive at the heart of one of Charlbury’s most beautiful residences. Once a coach house to Long Meadow - the parent property – Apple Store Cottage has been beautifully refurbished to create a light and spacious, exclusive holiday home with a unique living-dining-kitchen area, complete with a double-sided wood burner, and a sumptuous bedroom with a spa-like shower room. The cottage has a delightful courtyard terrace, and parking for two cars. Book with us to get exclusive discounts to top attractions and experiences. Please note a 25% deposit is required at the time of booking. This is fully refundable up to 60 days of arrival when your remaining balance payment is due. The owners have one dog, Peggy, who is super friendly, but please let the owners know on arrival if you are not so keen on dogs.

Charlbury is a small but lively and vibrant market town that has escaped the hordes of Cotswold tourists, making it a justifiable member of the ‘Undiscovered Cotswold Club’, yet it is only an hour from London by train and just 15 minutes’ drive from Soho Farmhouse. The town is full of historic 17th- and 18th-century buildings, has great pubs, independent shops, a local history museum, and is in a beautiful setting on the meandering River Evenlode with fabulous walking and cycling.  Walks: Charlbury is in the beautiful Evenlode Valley, surrounded by glorious Cotswold countryside, with walks in every direction, including along the River Evenlode to Ditchley Park mansion. Walkers can also join the meandering Oxfordshire Way, which also passes through Charlbury town, or follow the Finstock and Evenlode Walk - a lovely 5-mile loop that starts from the centre of Charlbury, passes the Cornbury Park Estate (a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest) with a pub about halfway around in Finstock.