LIKE A FAIRY TALE

Legacy meets luxury in this historic property for rent, nestled in the countryside of the Cotswolds, just two-and-half hours west of London. Sitting on a working family farm of 500 acres, the pair of eighteenth-century barns was lovingly renovated to provide guests with top-of-the-line amenities while still honoring the buildings’ heritage.

“There were lots of decisions to try and create a harmonious palette that really [complemented] the lovely, wonderful traditional features we had,” says Anna Burles, interior designer and cofounder of design firm Run For The Hills. She and her London-based team were hired to transform the barns from a former office space to a unique group destination —now dubbed Anthology Farm—that takes the classic Cotswold charm one step further.

In many cases, that meant removing modern additions—like a dropped ceiling—to reveal stunning original elements. Burles and her team worked to refurbish glazing, desaturate and restain wood beams where needed, and restore pieces of stonework around some of the windows. With the addition of any new element or material, like flooring, Burles chose timeless finishes that feel at home in the historic space.

“We tried to use very character-grade, wide planks full of knots, and then adding the terra-cotta tiles, and I think it was really lovely and successful. They feel as if they could have been in a scullery or a kitchen in an eighteenth-century barn.”

Between the two buildings (Cotswold Barn and Meal Barn), nine bedrooms and bathrooms can accommodate up to eighteen adults. Each room is decorated in an individual, yet complementary style, from Art Deco touches to ironwork finishes leaning toward rustic. “We were actually very keen not to peddle the ‘Cotswolds look,’ and have a few little cues that would make it feel sensitively familiar and comfortable,” says Burles. “It was really a point of pride in a way for us to just make it feel seamless and right, but still with that Run For The Hills brand of creativity.”

Commissioned oil paintings and custom pieces from the firm’s in-house artists, from hand-drawn charcoals to graphic prints, add to the feeling of treasured, generational-esque curation. While both barns feature kitchens and space to gather, it’s the large dining room of the Cotswold Barn that steals the spotlight. The soaring ceilings, arched garden doors, and beaded chandeliers lift the veil to centuries past. Burles credits local joiners and artisans for contributing to some of the barns’ standout details, like the custom live-edge dining table suited for seating thirty.

Added amenities include an indoor, heated swimming pool and yoga studio/event space, offering plenty of group gathering and entertaining areas. “It really is a harmonizing of where residential meets hotel living,” explains Burles. “It was doubly important I think for us to do something that felt at home in the Cotswolds, but also fresh and exciting in the Cotswolds.”

STAYING IN THE COTSWOLDS

A popular destination for local and international tourists alike, the Cotswolds is a bucolic haven of rolling hills and picturesque villages in southwestern England. As the country’s largest designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Cotswolds offers nearly 800 square miles to explore.

After enjoying the amenities of the property, venture into nearby Cheltenham for some of Britain’s best preserved Regency architecture or partake in one of the luxurious spas synonymous with the area since the 1700s. Time your visit to coincide with one of the town’s nearly forty annual festivals or a traditional race at Cheltenham Racecourse. For a quieter day, enjoy an amble among the region’s many walking paths before catching the magic of a Cotswold sunset over the hills—cheeky nightcap optional.

Book your own stay at Anthology Farm through Unique Homestays

Modern Luxury | MCM Collective Real Estate

Elevate your Northern Colorado real estate experience with MCM Collective, where modern luxury meets exceptional estates. If you’re searching for a stunning home in Windsor, a sophisticated property in Timnath, or a charming residence in Niwot, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. 

Imagine living in a beautifully designed estate that reflects your unique taste and lifestyle. Whether you prefer the vibrant community of Berthoud or the serene surroundings of Windsor, we understand the nuances of each area and are committed to helping you find the perfect match. Our deep knowledge of the Northern Colorado market ensures that you’ll have access to the finest properties, from sprawling estates to contemporary homes that embody elegance and comfort.

At MCM Collective, we pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled service and tailored solutions. Our dedicated team is passionate about real estate and focused on making your home-buying experience seamless and enjoyable. Don’t settle for the ordinary; let us help you unlock the door to your dream home in one of Northern Colorado’s most coveted neighborhoods.

Start your journey today with MCM Collective. Contact us now to explore the endless real estate possibilities that await you in Windsor, Timnath, Niwot, and Berthoud! Your dream estate is just a call away.