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.

Mercia House is a stunning, 4-bedroom (sleeps 8), 5-bathroom holiday home that cleverly combines its original, mid-16th century character (as seen from the roadside) with a contemporary light and bright entertaining space, luxury bathrooms and a fantastic garden, terrace and patio to the rear, plus private parking for 2/3 vehicles. Two well-behaved dogs are welcome for an additional fee per pet. The original part of Mercia House (which includes today’s Sitting Room, Snug, Bedrooms 3 and 4 and the side that you see from Hailes Road), dates back to the mid-16th century, while the rear of the house, including the open-plan kitchen-living-dining area, study/playroom, family shower room, Bedrooms 1 and 2 and terrace/patio, are an uber-stylish, contemporary addition made by the current owners in 2018. The objective of the renovation was to take the medieval house back to the 16th century original as much as possible, then to add modern facilities. It is the policy of this property not to take bookings for groups where the majority of guests are under the age of 25, or single-sex group celebrations, including stag/hen parties. Please note that additional guests above the maximum capacity are not permitted.

At the back of the house is a delightful outdoor space, including an elevated terrace directly outside the open-plan dining-living area, with fabulous views to the Isbourne Valley and Sudeley Hill, a large patio with outdoor furniture and a charcoal BBQ for al fresco dining, and a long sloping lawn with mature trees and planted borders that leads down to a garden gate and the steps to the private parking area. Winchcombe is an elegant and timeless Cotswold town with a host of amenities, including award-winning pubs, restaurants, art galleries, independent boutiques and interior design and antique shops – all a stone’s throw from Mercia House, making it perfectly possible to stay here without the need to use a car. Mercia House is also a short stroll to the Cotswold Way, River Isbourne and Sudeley Castle and Gardens. The town has several food shops, including a Co-Operative Food store and a Warner’s Budgens, Vale & Hills Family Butchers sells local meat; North’s Bakery sells a great selection of bread, pastries and baked goodies; and Food Fanatics Deli, Wholefood Store and Café, sells a wide range of specialty food to eat in or take away.