The Temple, near Stinchcombe
THE ACCOMMODATION
The Temple – Classical Splendor
1 Bedroom l Sleeps 2 l From £300 per night (minimum 2 nights stay)
The Temple is unique, magical and very special. This gorgeous Grade 1 folly is equipped for an indulgent self-catering stay for a couple, or for one person longing to get away from it all. This memorable accommodation is reached from a long graveled driveway and tucked into a private family estate, overlooking a lake with its own jetty and rowing boat.
Restored through English Heritage The Temple offers sublime peace and privacy. Set in over 20 acres, the landscape dips, curves and sweeps from most angles, and has been carefully designed and planted by its owners over many years. Weaving pathways take the visitor alongside grottos, fountains, through stone-clad tunnels and surprising follies. The building and surrounds has had its fair share of memorable and wild events in its day including love trysts, bathing beauty contests, music festivals, a costumed ball and water polo.
Inside The Temple
Inside, The Temple is on one level comfortably furnished in golds and reds with rugs, art works and artefacts. The lay-out of the accommodation includes a central hallway running the length of the building, a sitting area, a compact kitchen with all the appliances needed for a stay, a writing area, and a deep double bed set into an alcove with marble pillars either side. There’s a separate shower and WC.
A welcome hamper with goodies on arrival and decanters topped up with complimentary drink are set out for guests.
The Temple is centrally heated, ideal for cooler days and cosy winter evenings. The accommodation also has fast Wi-Fi connection, flat-screen television and built-in music system. It’s also pet friendly for a well-mannered and well behaved canine friend. Do bring your own comfortable dog bed.
Outside
A lovely terrace alongside The Temple has table and chairs. A series of stone steps lead down to the jetty and lake. Another terrace may be used for dining or drinks overlooking Stancombe Park. Guests have access to private grounds. Parking is close by. Do bring a torch. Prepare to be lost for words.
The Village and Location
Stancombe Park lies at the head of a Cotswold valley, below Stinchcombe Hill. It’s close to the rural village of Stinchcombe in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village name is probably derived from combe, meaning a hollow, hill, or valley. It’s a gentle place with undulating narrow lanes with a few passing places for cars and a lovely village church, the Church of St Cyr at its centre.
This is the most western part of the Cotswolds and situated in a fabulous position for walkers being close to the Cotswold Way. More than 100 miles of National Trail stretches across gorgeous countryside from Georgian Bath to the market town of Chipping Campden.
A wiggly drive, or work-out by bike up to Stinchcombe Hill takes in a great view with a golf course on top. Stinchcombe is also well placed being close to the M5 motorway which can take a visitor down to Devon and the south coast, or links in the other direction to Wales and further north.
Village Perfect For
Venture Out (if you must) From The Temple to
- Bristol – 23 miles approx. 35 mins
- Bath – 29 miles approx. 55 mins
- Cirencester- 22 miles approx. 40 mins
- Cheltenham – 23 miles approx. 33 mins
- Stroud – 13 miles approx. 26 mins
- Tetbury – 12 miles approx. 24 mins
