The Tithe Barn - B&B

A lovely stay in this glorious B&B. Cottesmore is a lovely village in rutland, full of chocolate-box thatched cottages, a nice pub, chippy and convenience store/post office. The owners & staff were all very friendly and helpful, giving ideas and guidance when asked. It was a simple check in, being shown to our room, but very Covid-safe. The room was No.6 in the annexe around the back. This has a huge super-king bed and two comfy tub chairs. There's a "p"-bath with a digital shower over it, adding a fancy twist on the usual. The breakfast was delicious, with local butchers sausages and bacon, and local free range eggs. The mushrooms weren't tinned (an excellent change from other B&Bs), although the tomatoes were. There's a choice of a full monty and a half monty, and the smaller one was more than enough. They have homemade jams or marmalades to enjoy with the toast and the coffee or tea was very good - and they're available to purchase along with some homemade chutneys. Our only niggle - and this is being super critical - was the room had a few cobwebs and we found a sweet wrapper under a chair, but with the Covid problems, this is understandable, but needs addressing. Overall, it was a lovely stay in a lovely village, in a lovely part of the country, and yes, we're already planning for a return next year.

The Tithe Barn in Cottesmore, Oakham set in a quintessential English village, is an absolute delight to stay at. The main house is very old with thick walls and was originally built to hold ecclesiastical tithes paid in kind, and common in many parts of England around c1300. John and Monique, over many years have enhanced this beautiful building, providing the visitor with a high standard of spacious accommodation and a very warm welcome. Each room is very individual, 5 double rooms including 2 rooms which are set in the grounds. Single travellers too are well accommodated. A delicious varied pallet breakfast, to wet the appetite, awaits the visitor after a restful nights sleep. Delightful gardens envelope the buildings in this tranquil setting and for those who love their gardens, Barnsdale, the home of the late Geoff Hamilton, Gardners World fame, is but a 5 minute drive away. This accommodation is also very near to the vibrant Rutland Water, a hub of activity including all types of water sports, a 23 mile perimetre track for cycling, walking, and picnicing, with a dedicated area for youngsters to let off steam on the water slides on the north side of the Water. Would highly recommend this as a place to stay for an enjoyable break.

I had to stay for work reasons during COVID restrictions so I couldn't experience all that Tithe Barn had to offer, but what I did see was excellent and the reception I received was warm and welcoming. They also arranged for a parcel of food was left for me outside my room in the evening so I had breakfast and lunch ready for when I had to leave early in the mornings. I will definitely stay here again when next in the area. A big thank you to all that looked after me