Frequently Asked Questions

The practical details, gathered in one place.

The questions guests ask most often before they stay, with honest answers. If anything is not covered here, just make an enquiry and we will be glad to help.

Booking

How do I book?

The quickest way is to make an enquiry with your preferred dates. The enquiry form is not a booking and takes no payment - Gina and Simon will reply personally with availability, pricing and the booking terms before you commit. You can also find The Barn by the Ford on Stay Cotswold, Airbnb, Vrbo and Expedia.

What are the arrival and departure days?

Friday-to-Friday stays are standard, with short breaks available by arrangement. Tell us what you have in mind and we will do our best to accommodate it.

How many people can stay?

The barn sleeps two, with space for one additional guest on a single sofa bed (the love seat).

Is anything provided when we arrive?

Guests are warmly welcomed with a hamper of essentials and local treats - the touch our visitors mention most often. Gina and Simon live next door and are always on hand if you need anything, while leaving you to enjoy your privacy.

Dogs

Can I bring my dog?

Yes - one well-behaved small to medium-sized dog is welcome by arrangement. Lovely walks start a few steps away and there are plenty of nearby villages for gentle days out.

Are there any rules for dogs?

A few, to keep the barn lovely for everyone. Dogs should be kept under control, not left alone in the cottage, and kept out of the bedroom area and off the furniture. Please also note there is no private outside space.

The barn

What is in the kitchen?

A stylish cream kitchen, fully equipped with an electric Aga, a Smeg fridge/freezer, a dishwasher, a microwave, a Smeg coffee machine, a kettle and a toaster. A marble-topped island doubles as a breakfast bar, and there is an optics bar for an evening tipple. A utility area houses the washer/dryer.

What is there for entertainment?

A Smart TV with a sound bar and a DVD player (with a selection of DVDs) in the upstairs sitting room, plus Bluetooth audio if you would like to play your own music. There is also a chess table for a quiet evening.

What is the bathroom like?

A downstairs shower-room with a spacious walk-in rainfall shower, a WC and a wash-basin, finished with characterful fittings. There is no bath.

Is there WiFi and heating?

Yes - WiFi throughout and full gas-fired central heating, so the barn is comfortable all year round.

Is the bed made up?

The brass king-size bed is dressed in Egyptian cotton beneath exposed stonework and fairy lights. We will confirm exactly what is provided for your stay when you book.

Access and getting here

Is the barn suitable for guests with limited mobility?

Please take a little care. This is a characterful barn conversion with a narrow central staircase between the floors, low sloping ceilings upstairs and steps throughout. The bedroom and sitting room are both on the first floor, so there is no ground-floor bedroom. Our accessibility information sets out the layout in full so you can decide whether the barn is right for you.

Where do I park?

Parking is on the road; there is no allocated space.

Can I drive through the ford?

Please do not - the ford is unsuitable for vehicles and may damage your car. Take care near it, particularly with children and dogs.

How far is it to Oxford and London?

Around half an hour from Oxford and ninety minutes from London, with easy access to the road and rail networks. A car is the easiest way to explore the surrounding villages. The area guide and our things to do page have much more on what is nearby.

Anything else

Do you provide a travel cot?

No - a travel cot is not provided, so please bring your own if you need one.

Is smoking allowed?

The barn is no smoking throughout.

Is there a shop and somewhere to eat nearby?

Yes - the award-winning Cinnamon Stick restaurant and the village shop are both within walking distance, with more pubs, cafes and shops a short drive away. Our things to do page lists plenty of options.

Still have a question? Make an enquiry and we will be happy to answer it.