Orchard Manor | 8-Bedroom Manor in Chipping Campden Ebrington

Fourteen guests arrive at Orchard Manor expecting a large country house rental in Chipping Campden. What they find instead is a working piece of the Cotswolds’ medieval past—a manor built in 1476 that still commands respect five centuries later. This is not a converted barn or a modern interpretation of historical style. This is the original article: 17th-century oak panelling in the hall, exposed beams that have supported the roof since before electricity existed, plasterwork that craftsmen created by hand. The house sits on 20 acres of parkland and orchards in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, surrounded by unspoilt countryside that rolls away in every direction toward distant hills.

Inside Orchard Manor

Orchard Manor sleeps 16 guests across 8 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. Enter through heavy oak doors into the hall—a double-height space with 17th-century panelling and an open fire that pulls the eye upward toward the ceiling. This is the spine of the house, the room where guests naturally gather. To one side, the drawing room opens with a substantial fireplace and adjoining drinks room, a pairing that signals this is where the evening begins. Opposite, the television room provides a quieter alternative, its own fireplace ready for cooler evenings. The dining room accommodates 8 to 18 seated guests, flexible enough for intimate dinners or full-house feasts. The chef’s kitchen spans the rear of the ground floor, fitted with professional-grade appliances and the kind of workspace that makes cooking for a crowd feel manageable rather than exhausting.

The bedroom arrangement reflects the manor’s history as both a family home and occasional guest accommodation. Four principal bedrooms feature super-king beds with ensuite bathrooms. Two additional rooms offer twin beds, also with private bathrooms—ideal for friends who prefer separate sleeping arrangements. The final pair of bedrooms provide super-king beds that separate into twin configurations, a flexibility that proves invaluable with mixed groups. All eight bedrooms sit on the upper floors, each with ensuite facilities and the kind of space that prevents a house full of guests from ever feeling crowded. Windows frame views across the grounds, and the thick Cotswold stone walls provide genuine quiet, even when the house is full.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Step beyond the main house and the estate reveals itself in layers. Immediately adjacent, the traditional Cotswold gardens feature a rose garden with dozens of heritage varieties, enclosed summerhouses for sheltered outdoor dining, and manicured lawns that extend toward the west-facing views. On clear evenings, the sight line carries all the way to Broadway Tower, visible five miles distant on the horizon. The grounds slope away to a spring-fed swimming lake—genuinely wild, not a constructed pool, but natural water where paddle boards and rowing boats wait. The boathouse sits at the water’s edge, fully equipped for outdoor dining with heating and shelter. A South African-style fire pit (BOMA) and gas barbecue occupy the lakeside bank, the kind of setup where guests naturally congregate at dusk with drinks in hand.

For active recreation, the estate provides a tennis court, a dedicated football and pétanque lawn with croquet equipment, and a sauna positioned to offer privacy. The 20 acres of parkland include orchard rows that date back to the property’s origins as a commercial fruit farm, ancient walnut trees with swings suspended from their branches, and open grassland suitable for picnics or casual games. High-speed broadband and Wi-Fi reach throughout the property, and central heating ensures comfort even during winter months when the Cotswolds turn grey and cool.

Location: Chipping Campden and the Surrounding Area

Orchard Manor occupies one of the Cotswolds’ most strategically valuable positions, sitting within the golden triangle formed by three iconic market towns. Chipping Campden itself—the manor’s postal address—lies within 3km, a town of honey-coloured stone built on the wool trade, now famous for its independent shops, galleries, and the award-winning Eight Bells pub where locals and visitors mix at the bar. Broadway, 5km northwest, draws coach tours for its wide main street lined with antique dealers and restaurants. Stow-on-the-Wold, 8km south, sits at the convergence of six roads and hosts the region’s most significant antiques market, plus the Square—an open plaza ringed by listed buildings and tea rooms.

Moving outward, Chipping Norton (12km), Moreton-in-Marsh (15km), and Bourton-on-the-Water (10km) each offer distinct reasons to venture out. Daylesford (14km) combines an organic farm shop, spa, and farm-to-table restaurant in a single estate. Soho Farmhouse (18km), the Cotswolds’ most famous private members’ venue, welcomes overnight guests and serves as a benchmark for luxury rural hospitality. The region supports several award-winning gastropubs: The Ebrington Arms (2km), The Horse & Groom in Bourton-on-the-Hill (6km), and The Potting Shed Pub in Crudwell (16km). Local markets include traditional farmers’ markets in Chipping Campden (Saturdays), plus farm shops specialising in local meats, produce, and cheeses. Explore our luxury villas in Chipping Campden and our full collection in Britain & Ireland. For destination inspiration, read our The South West travel guide.

Culturally, the region hosts several significant sites: Sudeley Castle (8km south), the home of Katherine Parr with gardens open to the public. Hidcote Manor Garden (4km east), one of England’s most important Arts and Crafts gardens, operated by the National Trust. The Cotswold Wildlife Park (15km), home to rare animals and set within parkland. Cycling routes dominate the local leisure landscape—the Cotswolds are flatter than many expect, with quiet lanes connecting villages. The Three Peaks Challenge circuit operates locally for walkers seeking structured routes. Several vineyards and cider producers conduct tastings, including Stonehill Vineyard (12km) and local cider makers in nearby villages. The best time to visit stretches from May through October, when gardens peak in bloom and villages host summer events. June brings the Cotswolds Garden Flower Show to Cheltenham (20km), while September offers cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Orchard Manor serves distinct guest categories with equal success. Multi-generational family groups—grandparents, adult children, grandchildren—benefit from the space to spread out and the flexibility of bedroom configurations. The grounds provide safe exploration for children, while adults relax knowing everyone remains visible. Groups of friends celebrating milestones (40th birthdays, significant anniversaries, major reunions) find the combination of privacy and communal spaces essential: everyone can gather for dinners in the dining room, disperse to the drawing room for aperitifs, then retreat to quieter areas without feeling the house is fractured.

Corporate retreat groups and creative collaborations appreciate the scale and the lack of external distraction. A workshop or planning meeting feels productive when held in the hall with coffee service and no phones ringing. Professional teams working intensively for three days find themselves re-energised by lakeside walks and evening barbecues. Couples celebrating significant anniversaries rent the manor with a small group of closest friends rather than attempting a romantic weekend designed for two—the manor’s true strength emerges when it’s genuinely full.

Practical Information

Orchard Manor accommodates 16 guests across 8 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. Birmingham Airport (40km north, approximately 50-minute drive) and Cotswold Airport (35km west, 40-minute drive by car) serve the region. For London-based arrivals, Bristol Airport (50km southwest, 75 minutes) provides an alternative, as does London Gatwick (140km, 2.5-hour journey). The nearest supermarket is Tesco in Chipping Campden (3km by car, 10 minutes). Maid service, chef/cook services, and catering arrangements are available for additional cost, allowing guests to concentrate on relaxation rather than housekeeping. The rental includes Wi-Fi access, central heating, bed linen, towels, and basic cooking provisions. Check-in typically begins at 4pm, with check-out at 11am, though flexible arrangements can be negotiated for specific booking dates.

Frequently Asked Questions about Orchard Manor

How many guests does Orchard Manor sleep?

Orchard Manor sleeps a maximum of 16 guests across 8 ensuite bedrooms. The breakdown comprises four super-king bedrooms, two twin bedrooms, and two further super-king bedrooms that convert to twin configurations. This flexibility allows groups to adjust sleeping arrangements based on actual guest composition, whether singles need separate rooms or couples prefer to pair up.

What is the nearest airport to Orchard Manor in Chipping Campden?

Cotswold Airport lies approximately 35km west of Orchard Manor, with a 40-minute drive time. Birmingham Airport (40km north) takes approximately 50 minutes by car and offers more flight options and competitive pricing. Bristol Airport (50km southwest) provides a 75-minute journey but serves as the main international hub for the Southwest. London Gatwick is approximately 140km away (2.5 hours by motorway), making it less convenient unless direct flights from specific international destinations make the journey worthwhile.

What is the best time of year to rent Orchard Manor?

May through September represents the classic season for the Cotswolds, with warm weather, long daylight hours, and gardens in full bloom. June brings the Cotswolds Garden Flower Show in nearby Cheltenham, a significant horticultural event. July and August attract the most visitors to nearby towns, so early autumn (September-early October) offers warm weather with reduced tourist crowds and the advantage of local harvest festivals and autumn light. Winter (November-February) brings quieter villages, reduced rates, and the manor’s substantial fireplaces become focal points rather than backup heating, though countryside activities become more limited.

Is Orchard Manor suitable for families with children?

Orchard Manor functions well for families with school-age children (5 years upward). The 20 acres of grounds provide safe space for exploration, with swings in the orchard and open lawns for games. The swimming lake requires supervision for younger swimmers, though it’s suitable for confident swimmers and teenagers. The tennis court, boules lawn, and football pitch keep older children occupied. The nearby children’s museum in Chipping Campden provides educational entertainment on rainy days. Younger children (under 5) require careful management around the open water and fire pit, though parents of toddlers have rented the manor successfully with additional supervision arrangements.

What is included in the rental price at Orchard Manor?

The standard rental includes furnished accommodation, all bed linen and towels, Wi-Fi connectivity, central heating, and basic kitchen provisions (salt, oil, basic spices). Utilities—electricity, gas, water—are included. The gardens, grounds, and recreational facilities (tennis court, boules equipment, croquet set) are available at no additional charge. Boats and water sports equipment (paddle boards, rowing boat, fishing rods) are included. Additional services (maid service, chef/cook, catering provision, wine tastings) are available for supplementary fees negotiated at the time of booking.

What restaurants and shops are near Orchard Manor?

Chipping Campden (3km) contains the Eight Bells pub, several independent restaurants, and the Chipping Campden farmers’ market (Saturdays). A traditional butcher, farm shop, and independent cafe operate along the High Street. The Ebrington Arms (2km, highly rated for gastropub fare) sits in the adjacent village. Bourton-on-the-Water (10km) hosts the Mousetrap Inn and several tearooms alongside a supermarket. Broadway (5km) concentrates its dining options along the High Street, with approximately eight restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining. The Potting Shed Pub (16km in Crudwell) operates as a destination restaurant with a strong reputation locally. Daylesford Organic (14km) combines farm shop, restaurant, and cafe in a single location. For supermarket shopping, Tesco in Chipping Campden (3km) and larger Tesco stores in Moreton-in-Marsh (15km) serve the area adequately.