The Stables at The Rookery | A cottage for two in the romantic Cotswold countryside

This lovingly-renovated stone cottage is the kind of place that we dream of when the phones are ringing or we are stuck in traffic. The Stables at The Rookery offers a true break from the busy working world and is the perfect size for a couple. Its location, on the edge of the historic town of Malmesbury, in Wiltshire, offers guests the chance to explore the Cotswolds together from their own little romantic hideaway.

The Stables is a luxurious five star Gold Award self-catering cottage, a traditional Cotswold stone building which has been completely renovated using traditional methods and materials. It has kept its exposed oak lintels and naturally contoured stone walls and has a real countryside vibe, which we love.

Open up the front door and enter the open plan living and dining room, with its kitchen area. These have been furnished in a contemporary style so you have all the atmosphere of a bygone era coupled with every modern comfort.

When you arrive, you will be greeted with a welcome tray laden with home-made Aga cakes from The Rookery kitchen and a variety of local produce including wine from the nearby Bow-in-the-Cloud vineyard, in Garsdon.

Wake up in a king-size bed made up with Egyptian cotton bedlinen and a Hungarian goose down duvet, under the eaves, in the upstairs galleried bedroom. There is a downstairs bathroom with a roll-top bath and over-bath shower and selection of luxury toiletries for guests, as well as fluffy white towels and extra-long bathrobes to use, all from The White Company.

The kitchen has all the modern equipment you need to whip up a great meal – and you can enjoy this outside its glazed door, on the Stables’ own patio area. Here, romantics can enjoy a glass of wine or a candlelit evening meal under the stars. There are steps up to the large traditional walled garden of the main house, complete with centuries-old apple trees and a well.

There is free wi-fi access is and full hi-definition FreeSat TV and Blu-ray and DVD player. Plus the cottage caters for a baby under six months, and there is plenty of baby equipment available to borrow.

Owners Jenny and Owain live just next door meaning if you need any advice on places to eat or things to do you have experts on hand. And Jenny’s cakes are legendary!

While you are in Malmesbury, check out its beautiful 7^th century Abbey. You can take a Malmesbury River Walk, and visit some of the town’s historic features such as Daniel’s Well and the Sluice Gates, History fans should also stop at The Athelstan Museum, situated in Malmesbury’s Town Hall.

Meanwhile, Westonbirt Arboretum and The Cotswold Water Park are a 20 minute drive away, along with all the delights of the Cotswold villages. The owners of The Stables highly recommend visiting the arboretum so be sure not to miss it.

Fine dining fans will be right at home here. Jenny and Owain particularly recommend the The Old Bell Hotel’s Edwardian restaurant and the two Michelin-starred Dining Room at Whatley Manor. There’s also The Smoking Dog, in Malmesbury, and a short drive away, The Vine Tree at Norton, which has received high praise for its warm atmosphere and good food.