The eclectic vibe continues upstairs, where 5 bedrooms evoke bohemian loft-style living, and outside, where there's a converted Shepherd's Hut and 9 more romantic bedrooms in the old stable and barns. But this isn't a case of style over substance. There's a genuine sense of integrity throughout, from the soft Volga linen and organic Bramley bath products to the satisfying menu of posh pub classics showcasing local, seasonal and foraged produce. Cleverly designed so that city slickers and laid-back locals will feel equally at home, it’s essentially a wholesome country retreat that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Highs
- We loved the quirky design, eclectic decor and pop art prints giving it a high-class but fun-filled atmosphere
- Stylish rooms, breakfast in bed and champagne by the glass ensure a romantic stay
- Lovely on-site eatery, The Mason Arms, serves up posh pub grub with a local twist
- The Oxfordshire location, just off the A40, makes it easily accessible for a weekend in the country or a stopover to break up a long journey
Lows
- Though certainly not noisy, it's an old property with wooden floors and creaking doors - some noise inevitably travels between rooms in the main building
- While it's convenient for day trips to the Cotswolds or Oxford, the rural location means there isn't much in the immediate vicinity, and the local village is very sleepy
- Neither the rooms nor the pub are well lit, but this is part of the speakeasy look they're going for
Best time to go
Our top tips
- Boutique pub with rooms
- 15 rooms
- Restaurant and bar open daily
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Electric car charger
Rooms
The 15 bedrooms are spread between the main pub and the old outbuildings, and there’s a secluded Shepherd's Hut for those who want to be closer to nature.
Upstairs in the eaves of the pub, the 5 farmhouse bedrooms have original pitched ceilings, lead windows and stripped-back floors made cosy with Morris & Co furnishings, colourful bohemian rugs and vintage chairs. The smallest room is the Rabbit Hole, a compact but quirky hideaway ideal for single occupancy or a short stay for two. More spacious and airy are the Farmhouse Loft rooms with rolltop baths. We stayed in the open-plan Farmhouse Suite with a little more lounging space and a fabulous copper bathtub.
Separate from the main pub, but only a few paces away, are the Stable and Barn rooms, which have lovely private terraces and vaulted ceilings with exposed beams. There's also the Hideaway, which is ideal for a family as it has two bedrooms (a double and a bunk room) and an enormous bathroom. The Burrows are on the smaller side so would work well for those on a budget, and the Potting Shed benefits from uninterrupted views over tranquil fields. Expect plenty of upcycled finds in all.
Wherever you stay, luxury is a given. You get Roberts radios, Nespresso machines, Bramley toiletries, and an extremely well-stocked minibar with carefully selected local treats including Cotswold lagers, cider and gin.
Features include:
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Radio
- Toiletries
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
Set around a huge open fireplace, The Mason Arms is a thatched, cosy countryside pub, but don't be fooled by its quaint exterior. Designed in collaboration with artists The Connor Brothers, it’s a playful space with lots of eccentric twists. Expect plenty of pop art, patterned wallpaper, vintage lampshades and mismatched easy chairs.
For breakfast, choose à la carte delights such as brioche french toast with streaky bacon and maple syrup, or dippy eggs with sourdough. If you’re feeling decadent, they’ll happily bring it to your room.
The all-day dining menu features posh pub grub, like ribeye steak cooked to your choosing (we went medium-rare and it was perfectly melty), Cornish sole with blood orange and hazelnut, or for veggies, pumpkin gnocchi with crispy sage butter. The whole dining experience is a casual affair with local, seasonal and foraged produce; meat is sourced from neighbouring farms, herbs from the kitchen garden, and cocktails inspired by the countryside.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Coffee maker
- Restaurant
- Room service
Activities
- Country walks right from the doorstep - there are Hunter wellies to borrow if you need them
- The market town of Witney (5km) has shops, a 12th-century church and a standout vegan restaurant called the Eden Cafe. Borrow one of the hotel's free bikes and cycle there
- Visit studenty Oxford (16km), steeped in culture and history. See the excellent Ashmolean Museum, the Radcliffe Camera, the Bodleian Library (featured in the Harry Potter films) and the famous colleges
- Explore the Cotswolds with its chocolate-box villages and towns such as the antiques centre of Burford (20km)
- Spend a morning at Burford Garden Company - which is far more than a garden centre! There's designer clothing and homeware, a gourmet food hall and cafe, an art gallery, and plants galore
- The village of Minster Lovell (9km) has a ruined 15th-century manor house beside the River Windrush, with beautiful wild swimming spots nearby
- Don't miss splendid Blenheim Palace (14km) - birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough
- Head to Daylesford (27km) for its legendary organic farm, deli, cafe and cookery school
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cycling
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Shopping / markets
- Walking
Kids
Families are welcome but it feels like more of grown-up getaway. In the pub, there is a kids' menu and plenty of board games available to borrow.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The Hideaway is best for families as it sleeps four in a double bedroom and a full-length set of bunks in the second bedroom, plus it has a big family bathroom. Some of the larger rooms (Farmhouse Suite, Farmhouse Loft, Stable, Stable Suite and Barn Suite) can fit an extra bed or baby cot.
Kids Activities on site:
- Cotswold Wildlife Park
- Crocodiles of the World
- Cogges Manor Farm
- Natural History Museum in Oxford
Families Should Know:
The Farmhouse rooms are located above the pub and restaurant, so there may occasionally be some noise disturbance.
Distances:
- Hospital: 19km (Oxford)
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Artist Residence Oxfordshire is set in South Leigh, a small village between Witney and Oxford, on the edge of the Cotswolds.
By Air:
London Heathrow (86km) is your best bet if arriving from overseas. The small airfield outside Oxford (16km away) receives a few short-haul and private flights.
By Car:
It's about 1.5 hours' drive from London, Birmingham or Bristol. See our car rental recommendations. EV charging is available at the hotel.
By Train:
Hanborough Station (10km) is connected to London Paddington by hourly direct trains (journey time 1 hour 15 mins). Book a taxi from the station in advance.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
More on getting to the UK and getting around
Airports:
- London Heathrow 86.0 km LHR
- Birmingham 113.0 km BHX
Other:
- Beach 150.0 km
- Shops 0.5 km
- Restaurant 2.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests