On the edge of the Cotswolds, Japonica is a charming cottage ready to welcome your friends and family for a peaceful retreat. Blenheim Palace, Oxford and the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens are very close by and you're just a short walk from Jeremy Clarkson's pub The Farmer's Dog.
This grade II listed historic charterville cottage dates back to the 1800s and is full of charming details. Beautiful fireplaces, flagstone flooring, exposed stone walls and wooden beams show what life would have been like. Set across the ground floor the open plan living area is spacious and full of light with a lovely sage green kitchen, breakfast bar and comfortable sitting area. The formal dining room gives you space to eat homecooked meals together and you can open the stable doors out to the external dining terrace. Three bedrooms each have a peaceful finish and there are two bathrooms, including an en-suite in the master bedroom.
In the garden a wonderful dining area is tucked away providing a secluded space to host group dinners. Alongside is a lawned garden and there is space for three cars to park on the driveway.
Ground Floor
Open Plan Kitchen/Living Room This fabulous space is the heart of the home, where you will spend time cooking meals together, lingering over drinks and long chats and having quick breakfasts before heading out for the day. At one end, the kitchen has an oven and hob, fridge/freezer, microwave, kettle, toaster and coffee machine. A breakfast bar seats 4 and is perfect for less formal meals. Open the French doors to the garden so you have a wonderful view while preparing meals. The sitting area includes two three-seater sofas and a smart TV so you can put your feet up and relax. Sitting beside exposed stone with old fireplaces, a woodburning stove, and a flagstone floor you are immersed in the atmosphere of this charming Cotswold cottage.
Dining Room Set the table so you can all eat together and celebrate special occasions. The table can be extended for extra serving space if you've planned a feast. At the end of this room is a sofa, a secret hideaway if you just want a moment to yourself to get lost in a good book. You will also find the washing machine and tumble dryer tucked away here.
Bedroom Three An old sliding stable door opens into bedroom three which is ideal for younger guests or two friends sharing. The bunk beds sit perpendicular to each other and there are two chests of drawers.
Bathroom Shared between bedrooms two and three, the bathroom has a bath with a hand-held shower, WC and basin.
Bedroom Two The double bed sits between two bedside tables with lamps, giving you somewhere to have your morning cup of coffee in bed.
Bedroom One The master bedroom is at the end of the house giving guests staying here extra privacy. With a king-size bed, chest of drawers, wardrobe and bedside tables you will feel at home.
En-Suite An added bonus, the en-suite has a shower, WC and basin.
Outside
Spend time outside in the secluded garden dining al fresco beneath bright Cotswold skies. A table seating six is tucked behind the cottage away from view while the lawn stretches away to one side. Start a morning stroll here and continue through the village to the old hall and dovecote, stopping off at the Old Swan for a drink.
Points of Note Japonica is one of our pet-free properties and therefore dogs and other pets are not permitted. While Japonica is a ground floor property, there are a handful of internal steps.
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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
About the area
Witney
Witney is home to this cottage. SOTA Gallery and Tolsey Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens and Crocodiles of the World. Windrush Leisure Centre and Carterton Leisure Centre are also worth visiting.
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens - 11 min drive - 11.7 km
University of Oxford - 28 min drive - 30.3 km
Blenheim Palace - 32 min drive - 31.5 km
Silverstone Circuit - 57 min drive - 81.5 km
Getting around
Finstock Station - 14 min drive
Oxford (OXF) - 35 min drive
Restaurants
The Farmer's Dog - 3 min drive
The Farmer's Puppy Bar & Kitchen - 3 min drive
McDonald's - 6 min drive
The Windrush Inn - 4 min drive
The White Hart - 5 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Japonica - Minster Lovell pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Japonica - Minster Lovell?
As of 7 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Japonica - Minster Lovell on 10 July 2026 start from NZ$676, 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 Japonica - Minster Lovell?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Japonica - Minster Lovell?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Japonica - Minster Lovell?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Japonica - Minster Lovell located?
Situated in Witney, this cottage is 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from River Windrush and within 3 miles (5 km) of Witney Lakes Golf Course and Cineworld Witney. North Leigh Roman Villa and SOTA Gallery are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Stunning home, very comfortable owner had thought of everything. Cottage in a good location for exploring the Cotswolds.
Amanda C.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Jenny H.
24 February 2026
A great property
Japonica is very well equipped and perfect accommodation for a holiday. We went in winter so didn’t use outside but inside was super cosy and great for family socialising as the kitchen and lounge area are together. It is on quite a main road and not scenic from the house but only a short walk into the very picturesque village
Would recommend this property
Jenny H.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
26 March 2026
Beautiful Cottage
We stayed at Japonica with another couple, the cottage is furnished and equipped really nicely which made it feel very homely, there was pleanty of logs available to use the log burner. The weather was nice so we used the outdoor furniture. I think an outside firepit would be a nice addition for summer. I definitely recommend and sure we will be back sometime!!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Laura F.
3 November 2025
Lovely cottage
So well equipped and comfortable, a lovely home from home and had everything we needed in it for an enjoyable stay. Within walking distance of a pub that serves great food. Also near Burford and lots of lovely Cotswold villages. Some great walks from the cottage too.
Only minor point is it’s on a B road which is quite busy and garden not enclosed so may be worth mentioning in the listing? Not a problem for us as I have teenagers, however I would have been worried with young children.
Laura F.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 November 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us on your recent stay at Japonica. We’re very glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay. Your valuable feedback has been taken onboard and we will review our property listing as soon as possible. We hope to see you in the Cotswolds again soon.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Annette H.
17 March 2026
A great property for a meet up of friends
Japonica was immaculately presented and is very well appointed. Met all our requirements for a meeting up of family.
Annette H.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
14 February 2026
A beautiful and superbly appointed cottage retreat providing a real home from home
My stay at Japonica was a treat - super clean, everything felt new and the interior was as if someone had lent you their home rather than that feeling of staying in a rental. All the furnishings and fittings were of a very high quality, and the layout meant it was easy to find your own space and relax, or work, or enjoy making a meal in the fully appointed kitchen. My stay was during a very wet winter period, but when the sun comes out it would be a wonderful place to enjoy not going anywhere but staying in the secluded courtyard garden. I hope I have the opportunity to return!
About the host
Hosted by Bolthole Retreats
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests