From the outside, this cosy thatched pub is perfectly charming and exactly what you might expect from a well-to-do Oxfordshire village. Yet, anyone familiar with the London, Brighton or Penzance offerings will know that Artist Residences take the traditional and turn it on its head. Naturally they've made the most of the original farmhouse features: flagstone floors, wooden beams and huge open fireplaces are complemented by dark floral walls, vintage furnishings and battered leather armchairs. But throw in some urban neon lighting, offbeat retro signs and Pulp Fiction-inspired art... it shouldn't work, but it does.
The eclectic vibe continues upstairs, where 5 bedrooms evoke bohemian loft-style living, and outside where there's a converted Shepherds Hut and 3 romantic bedrooms in the old stable and barn. 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
- The central Oxfordshire location makes it easily accessible for a weekend in the country
- We loved the quirky design and eclectic decor 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
- No need to drive - it's just a short walk up to your bed after a few drinks
Lows
- Prices are high for a weekend break but drop substantially during the week
- Full pre-payment upon reservation
- Though certainly not noisy, it's an old property with wooden floors and creaking doors - some noise inevitably travels between rooms
- We have yet to see the latest additions in the converted outbuildings ourselves, but they look super snazzy
Best time to go
Open year-round, the Artist Residence is equally appealing for cosy winter getaways and as it is for flower-filled country walks. Nearby Oxford is lively all year-round, bustling with students and tourists - there's always plenty going on. If you visit in summer, the terraces of the Stable and Barn suites are lovely for sitting out, reading a book and gazing at the countryside views.
Our top tips
If you're feeling peckish, check out the minibar in your room and you'll find carefully selected local treats including Cotswold lagers, cider and gin (with Fever Tree mixers and Benson's soft drinks) - not to mention Mr Trotter’s pork crackling, Rococo chocolates and JoeSeph's salted caramel popcorn. Total pleasure.
- Boutique pub with rooms
- 11 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
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. Each is individually styled but all have comfy kingsize or super kingsize beds and powerful rainfall showers in the ensuite bathrooms.
The smallest room is the Rabbit Hole, a compact but quirky hideaway ideal for single occupancy or a short stay for 2. More spacious and airy are the 2 Farmhouse Loft rooms with rolltop baths and Ceylon tea chest tables. We stayed in the open-plan Farmhouse Suite with a little more lounging space and a fabulous copper bathtub.
As part of an ongoing project, the farm outbuildings are being transformed into high-spec hideaways. The Stable, the Stable Suite and the Barn Suite have lovely private terraces, but the latter really has the wow factor with its stunning 4-poster bed, bespoke log burner and emerald tiled bathroom. There's also a converted Shepherd's Hut tucked away in the garden - ideal for those after some privacy - and The Hideaway which is ideal for a family with two bedrooms (a double and a bunk room) and a large bathroom.
Features include:
- Minibar/fridge
- 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, inside it’s a playful space with lots of eccentric twists.
For breakfast choose à la carte delights such as buttermilk pancakes with streaky bacon and maple syrup, or dippy eggs fresh from the pub’s very own chickens. If you’re feeling decadent, they’ll happily bring it to your room. Lunch is a casual affair over a pint with tempting options such as mussels in Cotswold cider or artichoke, root vegetable and cob nut cobbler. Dinner - slightly more formal with mood lighting and intimate seating - continues the theme of local, seasonal and foraged produce. The robata grill menu includes whole market fish, flat iron chicken and succulent sirloin. Meat sourced from neighbouring farms, veg from the kitchen garden and cocktails inspired by the countryside ensures foodies won't leave disappointed.
Features include:
- Children's meals
- Minibar/fridge
- Restaurant
Activities
- Country walks right from the doorstep - don't forget to bring your wellies
- The quaint market town of Witney (5km) has shops, a 12th-century church and a standout vegan restaurant
- Visit studenty Oxford (16km), steeped in culture and history
- Explore the Cotswolds with its chocolate-box villages and towns such as Northleach (35km) with its famous Wheatsheaf Inn or the antiques centre of Burford (20km)
- 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
- Golf
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Shopping / markets
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.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Baby equipment:
Baby cots and high chairs
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Children's meals:
Kids menu
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 1 independent review from i-escape guests