The Wheatsheaf Inn

Former coaching inn turned boutique countryside hotel and gastropub, the charming Wheatsheaf Inn resides in an ivy-covered stone building in the quaint Cotswold town of Northleach. Inviting shabby-chic interiors blend rustic elements such as exposed wood ceiling beams and stone fireplaces with eclectic decor that includes taxidermy animal heads. A mix of traditional and modern art adorns the walls. The property is full of cozy corners and comfy armchairs to relax in, be it with a coffee table tome in the lounge or a pint by the fireplace at the bar. Vintage furniture is lovingly worn, which gives the spaces a comfortably lived in look. Muted wall colors, like the chalkboard green in the lounge or slate walls of the private dining room, pair well with the profusion of wood that includes floors, exposed ceiling beams, tables, and chairs. The warm and convivial atmosphere of the hotel is due in part to its ground floor restaurant and bar, a popular spot where both locals and guests alike gather for locally sourced rustic fare and drinks. A smattering of wooden tables with leather-backed chairs fill the space where decor includes oil portraits of the Wills tobacco family along with modern pop art courtesy of Sebastian Kruger.

The hotel’s backyard gardens are equally charming, with lovely grassy lawns edged in a tangle of greens and lots of tucked away nooks with benches and garden furniture. Ivy creeps over stone walls and all sorts of flowers, shrubs, and trees border gravel paths and umbrella-shaded picnic tables in a delightful, slightly overgrown English garden sort of way. The gardens are especially popular in the summer, though noise might pose an issue during high season.

The Wheatsheaf Inn is located on the main road of the classic, yellow brick town of Northleach in the Cotswolds. The streets are lined with historic houses dating back to 15th and 16th centuries and a variety of small shops. The quaint town is surrounded by rolling hills and countryside, and is a good base for exploring other charming villages and market towns of the Cotswold Hills, such as Bourton-on-the-Water (eight-minute drive) or Stow-on-the-Wold (14 minutes away). Cheltenham, a large spa town, is a 23-minute drive from the inn. There is a bus stop right down the road, a two-minute walk from the hotel. London is under two hours away by car.

The 14 rooms at the Wheatsheaf Inn are divided into three pretty much self-explanatory categories, which are based on room size: Good, Very Good, and Excellent Rooms. Each is individually designed so the decor and layout varies, but all are chic and well appointed with a blend of luxury and rustic elements, such as exposed wood ceiling beams, stone walls in the bathrooms, industrial lamps, and repurposed wooden crates serving as nightstands. Some rooms have lovely patterned wallpaper accent walls that complement the headboards, others have toile patterned pillows that match the curtains. All are equipped with heavenly Hypnos beds decked out in luxurious linens and Bang & Olufson TVs with Sky channels. Note that only some rooms have wardrobes or dressers and most have hooks and coat hangers instead. Rooms lack mini-fridges/minibars and coffee and tea-making facilities, though guests are invited to call down to reception and request beverages at anytime. Other freebies include snacks such as nuts, chips, and chocolate, and Wi-Fi throughout.

Luxurious bathrooms have either walk-in power showers or lovely freestanding bathtubs (Excellent Rooms have both), as well as generous provisions of organic 100 Acres toiletries, wooden toothbrushes, and vanity kits. Certain rooms have open plans with showers or tubs in the bedroom, which might pose privacy issues. 

The Wheatsheaf Restaurant and Bar is a cozy and atmospheric fireplace-warmed space that serves a daily changing menu of rustic, locally sourced and seasonal foods, as well as an extensive selection of wines and beers. The space is stylish and elegant, yet rustic and comfortable, with wooden floors, red armchairs nestled by the stone fireplace, and wooden tables paired with leather-backed chairs. A popular spot with both locals and guests alike, the restaurant and bar are often packed. A free continental breakfast is included in the room rate, and a full English breakfast is available with an additional charge. Room service is available during restaurant hours. Stylish private dining rooms are also available for events.

The hotel has a lovely little treatment room in the garden and offers a wide list of treatments including massages, manicures and pedicures, facial treatments, and make-up lessons. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.