Maxwell's Piece B&B

Maxwell's Piece B&B has a graveled parking lot and a redbrick and pebble-dash facade. The garden-facing rear of the building -- with one gable end and an impressive wall of windows plus full-length glass doors opening onto a patio area -- hints to the inviting, contemporary lodging within. Owners Angela and Dave, who by all reports pull out all the stops to make guests welcome, bought the property as two houses and converted -- with some clever architectural features -- into one, and the full renovation was completed in 2014. 

Views from the many windows either look over the extensive and semi-wild garden and pond or the rolling Cotswolds countryside. The lobby area is a bright and airy, with high ceilings, a wooden staircase, and a balcony running around the upper floor. Parquet floors, white walls, and a multitude of ceiling spotlights add to the fresh and modern feel of the place, while a large patterned rug, antique grandfather clock, and floor-to-ceiling bookcase crammed with books help create a homey atmosphere. This bed-and-breakfast is adult-only and is geared largely towards couples seeking a quiet retreat. 

Maxwell’s Piece B&B has a particularly rural setting, off a quiet country lane and a five-minute drive from Moreton-in-Marsh -- a small market town in the Cotswolds with a handful of pubs and small restaurants. It's the only town in the area with a station and trains run directly to London in under two hours, while Heathrow Airport can be reached in one hour and 45 minutes by car. There are many country walks in the area and historic gardens to visit, such as Batsford Arboretum, which has the largest private collection of trees in the country and is only a three-minute drive away. Stratford-Upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace, is a half-hour drive away. Local taxi services are limited and should be booked in advance.

Three double rooms -- named Burford, Stow, and Blockley -- make up this bed-and-breakfast. Each room is individually styled with a fresh, contemporary-yet-homey feel along with period-style furniture, lounge chairs, and floral curtains. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, and mini-fridges. The beds here are a highlight; Stow and Blockley have king-size beds while Burford has a super king. All bathrooms are spacious, clean, and modern with large double-end soaking tubs and separate walk-in showers; Stow has steps down into the bathroom. Views from all rooms are of the peaceful garden and rolling countryside. 

An excellent breakfast is served in the bright and airy dining room and is included in the rate, with locally sourced produce and Angela’s home-made bread, muesli, and jams. Bees and hens are kept on-site. In warmer weather, breakfast can also be eaten outside on the patio. Dinner is not available, however an agreement is in place with the local Plough Inn, where Dave will drive guests there and the owners of the Inn will drive them back (allowing guests to have a pint or two). Unique tours of the North Cotswolds can be arranged by the hosts. There's also ample free parking at the front of the bed-and-breakfast and free Wi-Fi throughout.