This 18th century Warwickshire water mill has just been fully restored and refitted, and two parts are available for short or long self-catering holiday breaks. Puddle Cottage and Pool View, to the south of Stratford-upon-Avon at the edge of the Cotswold Hills, are well placed for exploring Shakespeare Country. Set in the quiet village of Tredington, they both have river-front access, stunning views, and four-star rating from Quality in Tourism.
River island at your doorstep
This historic mill is in a spectacularly beautiful part of the River Stour. It is built over the mill stream which forms a charming island. There's a weir, a remarkable weeping willow, and visiting wildlife includes swans, kingfishers, herons, and even the occasional otter. It's all in the conservation area of Tredington, a peaceful Warwickshire village surrounded by quiet countryside and Cotswold Hill walks. There is a mediaeval church filled with reminders of centuries of history, remarkable period architecture, a children's playground, and a pub with a garden and comprehensive food menu.
The Cotswolds and Stratford
Tredington is a convenient base for exploring the towns and villages of the north Cotswolds, nestling between Shakespeare's birthplace and many of the Cotswolds most popular attractions. This part of England is famed for its beautiful landscape and pretty stone-walled villages, many of which have historic churches and pubs selling local beers (three local breweries!).
There are ten National Trust Properties within 20 miles: Hidcote, Snowshill Manor... There are many independent houses, gardens, and attractions which are privately owned and open to the public: Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Batsford Arboretum, Stanway House with the tallest gravity-fed fountain in the world...
A village on the map
The historic market town of Shipston-on-Stour is two miles away for restaurants, take-aways, pubs, supermarkets, banks, post office, chemist, a leisure centre, and a wide variety of small shops. There are also two delicatessens, an independent wine merchant, a fresh fish shop, butchers, and bakers.
Access is easy from the M40 at Warwick. There are nearby rail stations: both Stratford-upon-Avon (for Birmingham) and Moreton-in-Marsh (for London) are only eight miles away. Tredington is on a local bus route.
History, Art and violence
Visitors can choose between world-class theatrical performances in Stratford-upon-Avon, antique shopping in Stow-on-the-Wold, arts and crafts in Chipping Campden, and the many visitor attractions of Bourton-on-the-Water. Or just go for a walk. The countryside is steeped in history, from Neolithic sites like the Rollright Stones, to places rich in the history of the English Civil War. Edge Hill, site of the famous battle, is not far away – and Tredington too can show its own turbulent past. The front door of the church still has musket-balls lodged in it from a disagreement between Roundheads and Royalists!
There are many local art attractions – from the two little art galleries in Shipston-on-Stour just a couple of miles away, to the impressive Compton Verney Art Gallery. There are many local potteries – Whichford Pottery is a Must.
Gourmet potential
Arriving on a Friday night you might like to start your stay with a champagne happy-hour at The George or The Old Mill in Shipston-on-Stour, both of which serve food. For award winning pubs try The Peacock in Oxhill, The Ebrington Arms in Ebrington, The Howard Arms in Ilmington, or The Horse and Groom in Bourton-on-the-Hill.
If you enjoy cooking there are many outlets nearby for locally produced food from a wonderful nearby farm shop at Talton Mill, to foodie heaven at Daylesford Organic Shop. Many local towns have regular Farmer' Markets.