The Grey Cottage

Review

'You can arrive stressed, but after an hour or two you feel completely relaxed,' say visitors returning in 2009 to this little stone Cotswolds guest house. 'It just gets better and better, you cannot fault it.' Others write of the 'incomparable cosseting' by the 'perfectionist', 'always cheerful' owner, Rosemary Reeves. 'Such an enthusiastic welcome; tea and cake with time for a catch-up.' 'Our room, as always, was clean and fresh; fruit and bottled water provided. The large bathroom had lovely new shower, luxury soaps, large fluffy towels.' Other touches include fresh milk in a flask for the tea tray, clothes brush, torch, and 'a hand bell to summon Rosie in an emergency'. There is an honesty bar, and guests can bring their own wine (no corkage charge). Dinner is by arrangement; no choice: preferences discussed at the time of booking. 'Beautifully laid tables' have 'candles and proper linen napkins'. 'A wonderful meal: baked organic breast of chicken with a creamy herb sauce and dauphinoise potatoes, followed by Bramley apple crumble with organic vanilla ice cream.' Breakfast includes freshly squeezed orange juice, smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, home-made jams, loaves of home-made bread for DIY toasting, 'butter balls, loads of cereals'. In the garden is a yew hedge planted in 1840. (Sue and Colin Raymond, BJ Brooke-Smith, RGS)