Three bed Cotswold holiday cottage near Stow-on-the-Wold - Spa Changing Rooms
Spa Changing Rooms is one of three cottages near Stow-on-the-Wold which originally formed a Spa looking to rival the spa facilities in Cheltenham and Bath. Now a Grade II* listed building, this charming three bedroom Cotswold holiday cottage sleeps five guests and is bursting with original features, even offering a glimpse of the original springs for the spa in the kitchen. On the ground floor, the property offers a cosy living room original inglenook fireplace and wood burning stove, well-equipped kitchen and a dining room with french doors leading onto the garden, which has a decked area with views across the Abbotswood Estate.
Accommodation This Cotswold holiday cottage in Lower Swell is perfectly suited for those looking for a comfortable yet characterful property in the heart of the North Cotswolds. The accommodation is laid out as follows:
Ground Floor
Living room Exposed beams, flagstone floor, fireplace with wood burning stove, two-seater sofa, three armchairs, Smart TV with DVD/Blu-Ray player and Ruark bluetooth music system
Kitchen Four-ring induction hob, electric oven, microwave, fridge, combi washing machine/tumble dryer, dishwasher, toaster, kettle, coffee percolator, drinking water purifier and DAB radio The original stone stairs down to the cellar are visible from the kitchen, offering a glimpse to the original springs for the spa (not accessible) Wall mounted coat hooks, iron, ironing board, clothes horse and Dyson vacuum
Dining room Display cabinet with crockery and glassware, dining table with seating for five and freezer French doors leading to the garden
First Floor Narrow curved staircase leading to bedrooms and bathroom
Principal bedroom (Sleeps 2) King size bed, two bedside tables with lamps, USB charging points, Freeview TV, built-in wardrobe with hangers and hairdryer Wall mounted pull out stair gate on bedroom door
Bedroom 2 (Sleeps 2) King size bed (can be two 2ft 6in single beds on request), two bedside tables with lamps, USB charging points, Smart TV, built-in wardrobe with hangers and hairdryer Wall mounted pull out stair gate on bedroom door
Family bathroom Freestanding roll-top bath, separate shower, loo and basin Rubber shower and bath mats provided
Bedroom 3 (Sleeps 1) 3ft single bed, bedside table with lamp, Smart TV, small built-in wardrobe with hangers and hairdryer Wall mounted pull out stair gate on bedroom door
Outside Enclosed garden accessible via the french doors from the dining room, small patio with two seats and coffee table, steps leading to lawn area and deck with views across the countryside, table and seating for five Small outdoor shed with outdoor games, parasol, charcoal BBQ and seat cushions
The Finer Details... The maximum occupancy for this property is 5 guests. Infants do not count towards the occupancy figure, however, due to space restrictions the occupancy can only be exceeded by 1 infant (aged 2 or under) Bed linen and towels are provided - bedding is feather filled Off street parking is available directly opposite the property for up to 3 cars 1 travel cot (with mattress), 1 highchair and 1 baby bath are available on request (please bring your own linen for the travel cot, as this is not provided) Stair gates have been installed outside each bedroom door Sorry, no pets Strong WiFi coverage (2.4ghz and 5ghz) with Fibre broadband (Download speed 300 Mbps / Upload speed 300 Mbps, speeds will vary) Mobile phone reception is variable, generally being better on the first floor or outside the property Smart TV with DVD/Blu-Ray player in the living room and a TV in each bedroom Enclosed garden Charcoal BBQ (guests are responsible for providing charcoal and cleaning BBQ after use) Electric central heating system Water softener for all water used Starter supply of wood, kindling and fire lighters are provided for the wood burning stove from October to March only and further log supplies can be purchased locally This is an old, Grade II* listed property and has many character features, including narrow and fairly steep stairs, low beams in the kitchen, and low doorways, which could pose difficulty to guests with limited mobility, or carrying babies, both in terms of their general movement and their ability to quickly exit the house in the event of an emergency. Access to the 2nd floor bedroom is via a narrow and steep stairway and a low doorway. An accessibility guide is available on request The front door opens onto the path, adjacent to the road and so guests with young children should take particular care to ensure that children are supervised when the door is open The smoke and CO detectors operate on a sound only basis and, therefore, those who have serious impairment of hearing may not be able to hear the alarm systems and could be at risk No smoking or vaping is permitted throughout the property
Things to Note... Hen and stag groups are not permitted Commercial and work related bookings are not permitted Events are not permitted without prior consent A security deposit is required at this property Check in is from 15:00 and check out is by 10:00 The Stow Horse Fair is held twice a year, typically on the Thursday closest to 12th May and the Thursday closest to 24th October, however, we would recommend checking the exact date ahead of placing your booking. This is a traditional fair for gypsies and travelling people to meet up and trade which dates back to 1476 when its Charter was granted. Stow is very busy for a day or two before and after each fair, and a number of shops, pubs and restaurants are closed. Whilst many visitors enjoy the colour and vibrancy associated with the fairs, other visitors prefer to avoid Stow on these dates Charging electric vehicles at this property is not permitted
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue
Fireplace
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Cheltenham
Cheltenham is home to this cottage. Old Mill and Sezincote House & Garden are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Naunton Downs Golf Club and Chipping Norton Golf Club. Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens and Bourton Leisure Centre are also worth visiting.
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens - 19 min drive - 23.3 km
Blenheim Palace - 41 min drive - 43.2 km
University of Oxford - 43 min drive - 53.9 km
Getting around
Moreton-In-Marsh Station - 11 min drive
Oxford (OXF) - 39 min drive
Restaurants
The Porch House - 18 min walk
The Bell at Stow - 2 min drive
The Willow - 7 min drive
Lucy's Tea Room - 15 min walk
The Chip Shed - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Three bed Cotswold holiday cottage near Stow-on-the-Wold - Spa Changing Rooms pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Three bed Cotswold holiday cottage near Stow-on-the-Wold - Spa Changing Rooms?
As of 10 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Three bed Cotswold holiday cottage near Stow-on-the-Wold - Spa Changing Rooms on 28 June 2026 start from NZ$605, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Three bed Cotswold holiday cottage near Stow-on-the-Wold - Spa Changing Rooms?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Three bed Cotswold holiday cottage near Stow-on-the-Wold - Spa Changing Rooms?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Three bed Cotswold holiday cottage near Stow-on-the-Wold - Spa Changing Rooms?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Three bed Cotswold holiday cottage near Stow-on-the-Wold - Spa Changing Rooms located?
Situated in Cheltenham, this cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of St. Edward's Church and Fosse Gallery Fine Art. Old Mill is 1.6 mi (2.6 km) away.
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We really enjoyed our stay at this attractive and cosy cottage. It was very well equipped and fairly comfortable, making it easy to relax and feel at home. The setting is lovely and peaceful. The only downside for us was that it wasn’t very practical to walk into town in the evening, and the road between the parking area and the cottage was quite busy. Overall, a pleasant and enjoyable stay.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
19 March 2026
Well equipped accommodation with a lot of character
Very happy with our stay at Spa Cottages. This is a building with an interesting history. The layout is a bit quirky but that only adds to the experience. The place was well prepared for our arrival and is very well equipped - plenty of cutlery and tableware - and everything is good quality. As can be seen from the photos, this is a pretty small property but it was fine for our group of five adults for our three-night break. We stayed in March and had a couple of beautiful sunny days so were able to make use of the garden, which has a lovely view.
Location is good for most of the popular Cotswold towns. Lower Swell itself is pretty small but it's only a 15 minute walk up to Stow-in-the-Wold, which has lots of pubs and cafes (can't see it from Google maps but there's an easy and safe footpath that runs alongside the road).
Overall, a very nice place to stay for a short break. And good comms from the rental agent StayCotswold throughout.
Response from VrboOwner on 19 March 2026
Thank you Chris for your review of Spa Changing rooms. We were thrilled to hear that you found the property to be well equipped, lovely and in a great location. We hope to be able to welcome you back again soon.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Wendy B.
3 July 2025
A lovely cottage in a quiet village. Very well equipped and responsive owners.
Very well equipped, especially the kitchen. The bedrooms and beds were comfortable. We especially loved the garden and seating areas.
Wendy B.
Response from VrboOwner on 3 July 2025
Thank you Wendy for your review of Spa Changing Rooms. We are delighted to read that you found the property to be well equipped, especially the Kitchen and the beds were comfortable. We are pleased to hear that you loved the garden and seating area. We will pass your feedback on to the property owner. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
22 July 2025
Stay at Spa Changing Rooms
We loved our stay at this cottage. Great location, beautiful city, and comfortable home. We'd return.
Response from VrboOwner on 23 July 2025
Thank you Stephen for your review of Spa Changing Rooms. We are delighted to hear that you loved your stay and we hope you will be back to stay again soon!
From a partner site
8/10 Good
17 June 2024
Good location and comfortable.
A quaint and quickie cottage. The location near all the tourist spots. We had a good and relaxing time in the Cotswolds.
Response from VrboOwner on 17 June 2024
Thank you Wensley for your review of Spa Changing Rooms. We are pleased to read that you had a relaxing time at the cottage and it is in a good location near to all the local tourist attractions of the Cotswolds. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Cotswolds soon.
A charming little cottage in the Cotswolds. ideally situated to Stow-on-the-Wold with great day walks. The cottage provides everything you need.
Colleen W.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 4 June 2024
Thank you Colleen for your review. We are delighted to hear that you had an excellent stay and we hope you will be back to stay again soon!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Geoffrey S.
16 June 2025
A Cotswold Short Break
We enjoyed an excellent break at the Spa Changing Rooms. An ideal location allowed us to make good use of our time in the area.
Quirky staircases led to really comfortable bedrooms.
This unusual accommodation was well equipped and made for a lovely stay.
Thank you.
Geoffrey S.
Response from VrboOwner on 20 June 2025
Thank you Geoffrey for your review of Spa Changing Rooms. We are pleased to know that you enjoyed your break at the cottage and it is in an ideal location for exploring the Cotswolds. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
29 December 2022
Beautiful little cottage in a great location
Wonderful cottage ideally located for Stow on the Wold.
Cosy well equipped a d full of character we really enjoyed our time there and will look to return in the future
Response from VrboOwner on 30 December 2022
Thank you for your lovely review Chris, we are delighted you enjoyed your stay at Spa Changing Rooms and look forward to welcoming you back again.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
24 January 2023
Amazing 10/10 cottage!
Absolutely perfect. The cottage is in a great location, and could not be better equipped. Great about of information was given before, very smooth stay!
Response from VrboOwner on 25 January 2023
Thank you for Lucy for your lovely review. We are delighted you found the property perfect, a great location and well equipped. We hope to welcome you back soon!
Gorgeous little property, with lovely quiet garden looking out over the wonderful countryside.
Immaculately clean property, very well equipped with quality appliances and crockery etc.
Extremely close and convenient to Stow on th Wald and numerous other Cotswald villages.
Our daughter was performing in the Opera at Longborough, this was our main reason for the visit, and so decided to make a long weekend of it, which we thoroughly enjoyed.
Sonia R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 August 2022
Thank you for your lovely review Sonia. We are delighted to hear that you had a wonderful stay at Spa Changing rooms and got to enjoy seeing your daughter perform in the Opera. We hope to welcome you back again soon.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
19 June 2022
Great Area with amenities close by
It was just a 6 day short stay for 3 of us who were looking forward to a rest and relaxation after a harrowing time. The situation of the cottage was excellent for this part of the Cotswolds and we made the most of it during our stay. The cottage was small and quirky but welcoming and the beds were clean and comfortable. It was lovely to sit in the warm sunshine at the top of the garden and to look over the extensive countryside and fields. The cottage was easy to find and handy for all amenities.
Response from VrboOwner on 23 June 2022
We so please you found Spa Changing Rooms a cottage you could rest and relax in. We hope we can welcome you back to the Cotswolds soon.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Nuno S.
8 May 2024
Weekend
We arrived to the house and it was cold, but after I sent a text to the owners they turned the heating on, and it was perfect.
Perfect cottage, perfect location, in the middle of the Cotswolds.
I’ll be back.
Nuno S.
Response from VrboOwner on 8 May 2024
Thank you Nuno for your review of Spa Changing Rooms. We are pleased to know that the owners promptly replied to your request to turn the heating on and it was a perfect cottage in a perfect location. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Cotswolds soon.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
30 August 2022
Quaint cottage
Charming cottage with period features, comfortable beds and well equipped for an enjoyable stay. We particularly liked the open countryside views from the top of the garden. The cottage was in a great location to explore the cotswolds, being within 30 mins drive of bourton on the water, the slaughters, bibury and Sudeley castle. The front of the cottage was right on the roadside but the traffic was quiet later in the day
Response from VrboOwner on 9 September 2022
Lisa, thank you for the wonderful review. We're pleased you had a great stay at Spa Changing Rooms and hope to see you again soon.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
John G.
3 July 2023
Our visit to Stow on the Wold
A great place to experience cottage life in the Cotswolds in a quaint historical home.
The modern day conveniences were very much appreciated, and offered an interesting contrast to life of a few centuries ago.
The only suggestion we would offer is to make sure you drive a car to the property, as walking on the highway to town is not very safe.
John G.
Response from VrboOwner on 3 July 2023
Thank you for your review. We are delighted you found Spa Changing Rooms to be a great place to experience cottage life in the Cotswolds. We hope to welcome you back again soon.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
David B.
12 June 2025
Did the job, view from garden on good day just the ticket
A very well maintained property with comfy beds and a good bathroom with good attention to detail including umbrellas. Only two of us staying and it worked for us for a few days but would not fully recommend for larger groups as space limited. Seating for kitchen good, chairs in lounge and in rooms and landing far to petite for practical comfortable use, bit like a dolls house - worth a rethink. Gonks a bit eirie too. Advertised pod coffee machine not found. A few essential would have been nice like milk and coffee (a few tea bags provided only). On a busy road but easy walk to Stow, a pub and a very pretty walk to Upper Swell. View from the garden seating fabulous.
David B.
Response from VrboOwner on 12 June 2025
Thank you Heather for your review of Spa Changing Rooms. We are delighted to hear that you found the property to be well maintained, to have comfortable beds and in a convenient location to walk to Stow. We are sorry to hear that the seating did not match your personal level of comfort. The coffee machine had unfortunately been broken by a previous guest so it was removed. The property listing has now been updated to reflect this. We do hope that you will be back to stay again soon!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Stephen T.
1 January 2026
Family of 5 stayed over Christmas - and loved it!
Having stayed in this cottage 10 years ago on honeymoon, we celebrated our anniversary by spending a week here again over Christmas. This time we had our 3 children with us. The kids loved the character of the cottage, and we all found it extremely comfortable for our entire stay. All facilities worked well, including the well-appointed kitchen that did us proud for Christmas dinner and lots more home-cooking throughout our stay. The bedrooms were excellent for our needs. Our two littlest shared the second bedroom and were perfectly safe. Our eldest had his secret cave bedroom on the second floor. Option of child gate on every bedroom door is great, but we didn’t need to use them. Our kids coped fine with the stairs, too. Safety locks on the windows also a reassuring feature. We found this was a theme. Everything has been thought through and there are so many sensible decisions made by the owners that enabled us to not be without anything, and to relax fully, knowing everything was in hand. We already knew the location was excellent, and we did a circular walk to Upper Swell, stopping in the pub. Also walked into Stow twice during our stay. 10 minutes in the car to meeting Santa at Cotswolds Farm Park, and really close to Bourton, too. Amazing. Couldn’t fault the cottage or the communication beforehand, giving us plenty of information, and timely texts about passcodes etc. Made the whole process stress-free for us. I’m sure we’ll be back before long for another stay. Would highly recommend. Thanks for a lovely stay.
Stephen T.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 January 2026
Thank you, Steve, for your review of Spa Changing Rooms. We are delighted that you found the property characterful, comfortable, and well equipped. It’s wonderful to hear that you previously stayed here for your honeymoon and chose to return to celebrate your anniversary. We hope to welcome you back for many future celebrations!
From a partner site
8/10 Good
20 October 2023
A week at 2 Spa Changing Rooms
The property was in very good condition. Kitchen and bathroom etc all fitted out to a high standard.
The cottage front door is just 3 feet from the B road to Stow. We were four adults staying so did not bother us but might if you have small children. Whilst we were there the road was closed due to bridge repairs. The neighbours said it would normally be busy.
Due to the size of the bedrooms there is limited amount of storage space.
Overall a nice cottage nicely furnished and we had a very enjoyable stay.
Response from VrboOwner on 25 October 2023
Thank you William for your review of Spa Changing Rooms. We are so pleased the cottage was in good condition, nicely furnished and that you had an enjoyable stay. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
4 January 2024
Lovely stay in the Cotswolds!
Firstly - Stay Cotswold were very helpful and amenable to questions and requests.
The property is beautiful and an in a beautiful area. I was saying hello to the sheep with my morning coffee. The property is full of character but despite that the property has a modern kitchen and bathroom and was very comfortable to stay in. The property owners were also very kind both before and throughout our stay and as our stay was over the Christmas period, had decorated - that was much appreciated! The nearby villages are very nice and the pub within walking distance is a big plus. Great food in Stow and lovely walks all around.
Important to remember that this is an old building, and although it is clear on the website, it should be taken into account that accessibility for those with difficulty to the top bedroom would be difficult.
Thanks for a great stay!
Response from VrboOwner on 4 January 2024
Thank you Samuel for your wonderful review of Spa Changing Rooms. We are pleased to know that the StayCotswold team were very helpful and amenable. It is lovely to read that the property is in a beautiful area and you were able to visit the local amenities and enjoy the lovely walks. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Cotswolds soon.
From a partner site
6/10 Okay
20 March 2024
Review
Hello, the house was clean and in good condition. The top of microwave was really dirty only realised as had to make dinner for my daughter. And no toaster in the house? Also the stairs to the top bedroom are really steep not ideal for a 2.5 year old and I thought the rooms were all on one level as per the photos.
We had a lovely stay though. Thanks
Response from VrboOwner on 20 March 2024
Thank you Abbey for your review of Spa Changing Rooms. We are pleased to hear that you found the house to be clean and in a good condition. The property listing shows the floor plan of the property which clearly shows that the property is spread over 3 floors and also prewarns about the traditional features of this Grade II listed property such as low beams and steep stairs. We hope you will be back to stay again soon!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
18 March 2025
Lovely short break
We had a lovely week in Spa Changing Rooms - it is a lovely period property, very handily located near Stow-on-the-Wold and just up the road from Lower Swell, which has lovely traditional pub (The Golden Ball) doing lovely Sunday lunches.
The cottage is very well equipped, with a good sized kitchen, dining area and living room downstairs, and comfortable bedrooms on the upper floors. The stairs are steep and winding but perfectly manageable. Entry to the attic room is through a low doorway, but OK if you're reasonably agile, and the room therein is a good sized single. Bathroom is also spacious and with modern fittings. The shower is not too powerful, but does the job. Rooms are well equipped with TVs, and plenty of sockets/USB points, and there are books/DVDs/games available.
The cottage is on a main road, so there is passing traffic, but not obtrusive. Plenty of parking directly across the road (although on one evening, someone else had pinched the space for Spa Changing Rooms) and nice outdoor space.
A slight mark down for comfort as the chairs in the living room aren't the biggest, for kicking back and relaxing after enjoying a day out - rather short in the seat - would be the one criticism of the facilities provided. All in all though, a really pleasant stay.
Response from VrboOwner on 19 March 2025
Thank you David for your review of Spa Changing Rooms. We are delighted to know that you had a pleasant stay at this lovely period property in Lower Swell and we are pleased to know that is has a good sized kitchen, dining, living area and comfortable bedrooms. We hope you will return to the Cotswolds soon.
About the host
Hosted by StayCotswold
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests