The Old Swan & Minster Mill: Our Night With A Feathered Friend

We could have been forgiven for thinking that we had stumbled upon a film set as we emerged from the wooded lane and crossed the old stone bridge under which a tinkling brook – yes it did tinkle – flowed.  A lady dressed in an overall added to the scene as she waved and smiled as we passed.  The over-used word ‘quintessential’ is certainly justified here as it has picture perfect historic buildings of an English village with its cricket pitch set along the tranquil River Windrush complete with neatly mown verges and roses in full bloom.
Here in the heart of the village we found The Old Swan & Minster Mill set in colourful gardens alongside that romantic river, two charming ancient and individual buildings looking as fresh as daisies.  The very extensive makeover of these former buildings has worked superbly and a light touch has preserved the ambiance and feel, whilst celebrating the comforts of today.  However, they have kept true to a few traditional or retro features of old inns with a few horse brasses and some chain mail.  Overall, it is a happy mix with an unpretentious style and described as a ‘five star inn’ rather than aspiring to be a ‘five star hotel’.  It is a very warm welcome and happy stay as opposed to the  more formal aloof approach so often found in five star hotels.    
Flagstone floors and oak beams and comfy sofas in front of inglenook fireplaces are not all that is on offer.  The sophisticated bedrooms are both modern and bright; our converted barn, the ‘Garden Suite’ had proper rustic black exposed roof beams together with two large stylish bathrooms – one at either end of the room - stocked with lots and lots of fluffy towels.  The whole atmosphere is one of comfort with all mod cons: flat-screen televisions, complimentary homemade sloe gin, water and hot drinks facilities.
The hotel is much larger that it appears as the buildings stretch back unseen from the road for some distance.  The modern architecture on the main bedrooms’ wing is both interesting and works extremely well producing characterful rooms which are light and airy.  Regardless of the time of year, the hotel offers a truly exceptional array of activities to keep young and old more than happy.  Such country pursuits as fly fishing, falconry, tennis and informal croquet, or even just walking (they have a total of 60 acres in which to play), are but just a few of the activities on offer.  A popular choice with young children is feeding and petting the hotel chickens, a pastime which I have to admit is close to my own heart.  One of the delightfully tame brown chickens went ‘missing’ at dusk and I found her perched on our windowsill late at night.  After a little cuddle and her long chat with me, I decided to leave her where she was in case of the inevitability of ‘calling-cards’.   It was with some disappointment to find she had slipped away quietly at dawn leaving little evidence of her stay.
“Warning.  Children left unattended will be sold to the circus!”  - a notice next to a tiny water feature on which two immaculate white ceramic ducks were placed; they turned out to be real as they eventually wagged their tails.  The sense of humour is everywhere but there is a serious message here as there are several little tributaries to the Windrush river which run though the grounds.   
Everything you could possibly think of is available together with an indoor swimming pool and a beautifully indulgent spa.  But if you just want to chill out and relax, well, the there are plenty of nooks a crannies to hide away in.
Who can resist the lure of some ‘me time’ in the Spa being pampered and cosseted.  Anyone who has ever had a massage – except my husband who considers them a form of torture – will tell you that they are probably one of the most therapeutic experiences going.  Research now shows that a massage can not only combat stress but reduces inflammation.  I can certainly vouch for the huge difference to my arthritic spine and tight muscles a good therapist can make.   If like me, you want something powerful but relaxing then Eva is your girl.  Her expertise could transform anyone and I defy you not to leave her feeling lighter in mind and spirit, whichever choice of the extensive menu of treatments you choose.   
Breakfast was a triumph, offering all the normal options available from the buffet to individually-cooked dishes on request.  The piece de resistance for me was the big slab of fresh oozing honeycomb.  For dinner the gastro-pub inspired menu was fresh cooked simply with locally produced ingredients some of which were home grown.  
We stayed at The Old Swan & Minster Mill as we wanted to do justice to the Art in Action in nearby Waterperry, just outside Oxford.  A single day is just a little too short to make the most of the four day event – one of the UK’s longest running, largest and most comprehensive art and craft festivals.   During the summer there are numerous attractions and events in and around Oxford that are of national quality, although there are some aspects of the city that are not so likeable.
If you prefer the finer things in life, you will certainly like this warm and hospitable inn where you can relax and, perhaps explore the beautiful surrounding area.  In reality, countryside like this is hard to find – but it does exist in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds.www.oldswanandminstermill.com