ABOUT
About the house
Hollyhock House is a traditional Cotswold stone cottage with a slate roof, typical of its time when first built c.1700. Originally, it was three one-up-one-down cottages. When my great grandfather and grand parents were young, they were farmers and the house was their primary home. They kept cattle in the yard, which lived under a lean-to shed where the bins are now located. The water tap and pump on the drive are original and were the only water supply for the house at the time.
The house has been in the Laughton family for five generations and I inherited it from my late father, John, in 2008. In 2016, my husband, Andy, and I started a two-year complete renovation of the entire property. It started with a lick of paint and ended up with a new roof and conversion of the barn and stable into a single dwelling space. It has proved very popular at weekends for family gatherings and low-key hen parties.
All beds wear quality oversized bedding. Each room comes with hair driers, tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary toiletries.
The kitchen comes fully-equipped and has an Aga as well as a traditional electric oven and gas hob.
The house boasts stunning views across the valley and sits in the Cotswolds AONB. We are blessed with beautiful walks through the woods to the picturesque wooden bridge crossing at the River Evenlode. Within easy walking distance from the river, is the Roman Villa at East End, North Leigh. More adventurous walks can take you along the Oxfordshire Way to Charlbury, where many a good inn is found.
Fun fact about the house: my horse used to live in the utility room as it was originally his stable! He used to pop his head over the door waiting for his breakfast and his feed manager can still be seen, built into the wall as feature.
The house is set on different levels inside and wouldn’t be suitable for anyone with mobility concerns.