Cozy Attic In The Rainy Cotswolds

Escape to the English Countryside with a relaxing journey to the charming Windshrush Estate, where a 15th-century manor, barn, and stone cottages have been transformed into a charming inn. Take a stroll through the manicured grounds before the rain sets in. Seek refuge in the beloved attic suite, a cherished hideaway with picturesque views of a rose garden and lavender fields.

The timeless antiques tell stories of eras gone by as you fall asleep to the gentle patter on the gabled roof. Let this cozy story guide you to a night of tranquility and slumber. It's time to dream away.

Transcript

The English countryside offers an ideal setting for a night of deep,

Healing sleep.

You're listening to Cozy Attic in the Cotswolds,

A rainy bedtime story for grown-ups that takes us to a 15th century English manor at Windrush Estate that now serves as a charming inn.

Amidst all the suites and rooms of the manor and surrounding cottages,

The cozy attic overlooking lavender fields and an English garden has served as the preferred hideaway for children and adults alike.

Enjoy tea time and a stroll through the grounds before an evening storm arrives and you ascend a secret stairwell to the attic suite and fall asleep.

It's time to dream away.

Welcome to Michelle's Sanctuary.

I am Michelle.

As you settle in the sanctuary of your room and mind,

Let my voice soothe you with the gentleness of a dear and trusted friend.

May you feel safe and comforted as you explore your imagination and let it guide you to healing,

Restorative slumber.

Customize any detail to best meet your desires right now,

Leaning into the aspects of the story that most soothe you.

Give in to sleep at any point.

Before we venture to the pastures of the Cotswolds,

Take a few deep breaths to help put distance between the day behind you and the night ahead as you welcome the quietude of bedtime.

Inhale deeply and let out a big sigh.

Make a sound.

With this out-breath,

Your body releases tension.

Imagine your thoughts escaping as if typed into the air,

Drifting in a long stream of words into the great expanse of a night sky.

As we proceed,

You may even add a yawn to this gentle flow of inhalations and exhalations.

At your preferred pace and rhythm,

Inhale and exhale three more times,

With each breath becoming deeper.

Your muscles soften and your body sinks into the generous support of your bed.

As you continue to breathe,

Pretend the aromas of lavender fields with moonlight dew carry on a cool summer breeze through your room.

Nocturnal sounds of the English countryside,

From crickets to babbling brooks and steep waterfalls,

Help transport you to this oasis of limestone dwellings and verdant meadows.

As you inhale,

Perhaps yawn and sigh.

Your breath is a portal to worlds near and far,

Easing you into the magical world of the English countryside.

Once ready,

Let your breath resume its soft,

Sleepy rhythm.

As your attention turns to the journey ahead,

It's time for the story to unfold.

Windrush Manor is an elegant countryside estate first constructed in the Cotswolds in the 15th century.

The medieval property features over 12 acres of sprawling meadows where sheep graze,

Two restored cottages,

And a rustic barn that modern times would reimagine as a getaway with five themed suites celebrating literary tales from Peter Pan to Alice in Wonderland.

But over all the stone cottages and hidden architectural gems restored and maintained over centuries,

The attic suite in the manor itself has the coziest and most beloved allure.

The third floor of the manor is the only place where one may take in the splendor of the entire estate.

From pond-side willow trees to lily pad pools meet rows of fresh lavender,

Rose gardens,

And an English maze.

Over the decades,

Artists and writers hunkered down in this beloved nook to create and to write.

Throughout time,

Before the manor was opened to the public for bookings and reservations,

The attic served as an indoor playground for children seeking entertainment during the gloomiest and dampest of English winters.

Enchanting relics lurk in every corner of the attic that sprawls across nearly three-quarters of the six-bedroom manor perched high atop a manicured hill.

Upon first learning about Windrush Estate,

Deep down you imagined many visits would be required to fully enjoy and experience all the amenities and accommodations,

But decided on renting the cozy attic when it unexpectedly opened up for a booking in the near peak of the summer season.

A spontaneous decision,

The weather rises to welcome you with glorious sunshine and cloudless skies,

Despite an impending threat of rain in the evening.

Yet something about the potential for Yet something about the potential for rain sweeps your mind away with romantic imagery of a candlelit night as rain batters down upon the gabled roofs of the centuries-old manor.

The late morning hours are spent traveling through the lush meadows of summer wildflowers and wandering sheep.

As you relax in the back of a vintage convertible,

The transport was arranged by the manor.

The soft sunlight washes your face in warmth and the breeze causes your clothes to billow,

Massaging your bare arms that rest on the frame of the car.

The awe-inspiring vista of rolling meadows showcases layers of lush hillsides in varying shades of green.

Stacked one after another,

They become a trance-inducing emerald and lime-green spiral,

The mounds of earth seamlessly blending into the cornflower-blue horizon.

You feel the same as many have felt when visiting Windrush Manor.

From arrival to departure,

Every detail is tended to by the caregivers of the estate,

And so all you need to do is show up and your needs and wishes are tended to.

As the driver approaches the stone gate surrounding the property,

The car slows over a limestone bridge.

Tall,

Feathery blades of grass sashay around a narrow stream where the plumpest frog you've ever seen plops into the cool,

Rippling water.

You inhale the smell of the stream and fresh-cut grass,

Taking in the faintest floral hints of lavender and rose,

And the rich,

Damp earth that rarely needs to pine for rain.

The gilded afternoon sunlight enhances the limestone barrier as you approach the majestic entrance to Windrush Estate,

Appearing like honeyed amber.

Each block of stone carries the imprints of prehistoric creatures,

Their fossilized remains scattered throughout the regal limestone found in Cotswold's quarries.

Each marking and bits of seashell give an air of mystery,

Linking the present to the past.

While the gate serves as a wall of protection,

The limestone radiates with an inner luminosity,

Casting a welcoming aura over the estate,

Often joined by rainbows with a routine exchange of sunshine and rain.

Beyond the natural beauty of the limestone,

Artisans have carved delicate patterns of leaves and vines into the stone nearest the cast-iron doors that open into the property as the convertible edges near.

A hand-carved wooden sign hangs above the arches of the metal gate.

Its smooth mahogany surface is etched an elegant script with the words,

Windrush Estate.

The wood bears the weathered patina of age,

Yet remains regal in the same way the cottages and manor are simultaneously rustic and elegant.

The tires rumble over the gray-blue-graveled path that weaves through the rolling grounds like a ribbon.

The soft,

Gentle crunch of the tires reveals the care with which the driver continues,

And the encompassing quietude of the countryside.

Birds sing out,

And the grass and trees rustle softly.

You savor your last moments in the antique car.

Looming hedges and trees along the driveway are meticulously tended to.

Lining the path with a storybook charm,

The airy,

Whimsical nature of the topiary frames the ascension up the hill with towering arches of yew and boxwood that form natural gateways.

Spherical bushes are surrounded by shrubs,

Carved into the shapes of fairy-like and angelic beings.

The larger sculptures reach out their arms in a maternal welcome.

Animal-inspired trees resemble a fawn touching its nose to a bunny in the grass,

While another carved hedge displays a young puppy rising to catch a butterfly.

Even the living animals on the grounds seem to enjoy the sculpted brambles as a prickle of hedgehogs scurries across the manicured lawn and dashes beneath the spheres.

As the car inches closer to the manor,

Hedges formed into garden nymphs and gnomes holding flowers act as sentinels to the lavender fields and rose garden.

The topiary is imbued with the spirit of Mother Nature and spring.

Bronte's barn,

With its literary-themed sweets available to rent,

Is cast against a backdrop of grazing sheep and a cattle dog running circles around them.

Windrush Manor is a revered example of 15th-century English architecture and its enduring allure and elegance.

Its façade,

Fashioned from local Cotswold stone,

Blends seamlessly with nature.

Steeply pitched gables display intricate timber framing that punctuates the roofline,

Their silhouette cutting into the afternoon azure sky.

The manor is positioned between two cottages,

One to the east and the other to the west,

Each tucked behind long rectangular courtyard pools abundant with lily pads and featuring identical fountains.

Tendrils of ivy cascade down the cottage façades,

The dark green web of vines contrasting the rugged mustard-hued limestone.

At the heart of the manor,

A grand entrance beckons with carved wooden double doors.

Resplendent with intricate patterns of foliage that match the front gates.

Two lavender wreaths hang on the doors,

Marking the peak season of lavender.

A stone archway,

Crowned with a weathered coat of arms,

Stands watch over the threshold.

Filling you with a sense of profound peace and protection that is unexpected.

The smallest of details of the manor's exterior evoke bone-deep feelings of comfort,

Imparting their endurance and resilience.

Set within stone mullions,

Punctuate the façade,

Casting kaleidoscopic patterns of light and shadow onto the polished stone steps below.

Each window is a work of art.

Some windows feature elaborate iron grills and dozens of glass panes.

While others boast stained glass patterns and designs that flood the manor suites with colorful ambient light.

The butler is already waiting as the convertible enters the circular driveway and comes to a stop.

Your luggage is exchanged between the driver and butler and you are invited to enjoy tea in the garden while the weather is still hospitable.

It feels glorious to stretch your legs and explore the expansive property.

In the distance,

You catch a glimpse of guests riding chestnut horses.

Near the entrance to a maze of hedges,

A breeze brings a welcome coolness to the warm summer air.

As you follow a stone path to the rose garden,

You approach a gate that softly squeaks as you open it and step into the Windrush Rose Garden to be enveloped by a pleasant array of scents and vibrant colors that offer a sense of softness and romance.

The heady aroma of blooming roses perfumes the air around you.

Delicate,

Papery rose petals unfurl into blossoms as large as the palm of your hand in hues of crimson,

Lavender,

Fuchsia,

Peach,

Blush,

And ivory.

You pause to inhale deeply,

Feeling the most subtle shift in the air that would often go unnoticed.

But everything slows down in the Cotswolds and you are hyper-aware of the present moment.

As the sun radiates through your closed eyes,

You tune into the sweet and floral scents with notes of citrus and spice that linger on the breeze.

You open your eyes as bumblebees hum lazily as they flit from flower to flower,

Their industrious sounds reverberating amongst the whispers of the breeze through the roses.

As you wander further along the winding path,

You're greeted by a palette of colors that shimmer and shift with every step.

Deep red roses blush against a backdrop of emerald foliage,

Their velvety petals soft to the touch as they grace your arms as you pass.

Pale pink blooms sway gently,

Giving in to any direction the summery currents guide them.

Their perfume competes with a sudden aroma of brewed tea.

In the center of the garden,

A white trellis draped with climbing roses forms a fragrant canopy that you pass beneath.

You emerge into a sun-dappled patch of grass where a wrought iron white table awaits.

Set with delicate china and crisp linen napkins,

A play card reveals your name,

And you discover a card welcoming you to Windrush Manor.

Taking a seat atop one of the butter yellow cushions,

You pour yourself a cup of afternoon English breakfast tea.

The amber liquid steams gently in the breeze,

Its aroma redolent with notes of malt,

Orange,

And honey.

You prepare the tea to your liking,

Enjoying it in the company of hummingbirds and iridescent blue butterflies.

Beside your tea,

A platter of tea sandwiches awaits,

With a colorful display of popular flavors,

Some featuring crisp cucumber slices.

While it may not be your traditional fare,

In the heart of the garden,

You savor and enjoy it more than you ever would elsewhere.

The sun lowers toward the horizon,

The air becoming cool as you notice the foreboding clouds in the distance,

Casting the rolling green meadows in ominous shadows.

With an eagerness to view more of the outside world,

Before the storm arrives,

You rise from the table and wander beyond the lily pad pools to the lavender fields.

The setting sun casts bands of magenta,

Tangerine,

And raspberry pink across the sky.

As the day fades into twilight,

You stand amidst the swaying rows of lavender,

The purple flowers becoming more saturated in color from the setting sun.

The winds intensify,

Warning of the incoming storm.

And the lavender releases intoxicating aromatics with undertones of mint and sage,

That bring on a sense of tranquility and even sleepiness.

As the rain begins to fall,

You make your way back to Windrush Manor,

Seeking refuge from the sudden downpour.

A few dozen cold,

Fat droplets of rain land on you,

Before you enter the mansion through a sunroom to the south.

You find yourself in a glass enclosure,

Adorned with dangling suncatchers and plush floral upholstered loungers.

Moroccan lanterns hang from the ceiling in rich jewel tones,

Reflecting colorfully on the glass to create a warm,

Ambient space.

Even on rainy evenings like this.

Stepping through the back of the manor,

You're greeted like family by the couple who owns the estate.

With warm smiles,

They offer a guided tour of the library,

Dining room,

Farmhouse kitchen,

And grand foyer,

Regaling you with tales of the manor's evolution.

Every room is enhanced by dreamy lighting,

Lush sapphire gold,

Emerald and burgundy textiles,

Copper fixtures,

And exposed beams.

But it's what lies beyond that truly captures your imagination.

As you can almost hear the hushed whispers and peals of laughter from those who escaped into this secluded attic hideaway throughout more eras than you can even conceive.

The couple leads you to a secret winding staircase near the kitchen pantry.

All the while,

Pridefully speaking of the updates and restoration efforts that they have put in thanks to the interest from guests like you.

You ascend,

Going round and round,

To arrive at the third floor,

Where a unique entrance to the attic awaits.

The host produces an old skeleton key,

Its tarnished surface gleaming in the dim light of glass sconces.

With a twist and audible click,

They enter the attic.

They unlock a circular door into your suite,

Revealing a world frozen in time.

They wish you a good night,

Mentioning breakfast will be served in the dining room in the morning,

And that you are welcome to enjoy the common areas whenever you like.

But something tells you that tonight you will have no desire to leave this homey space.

Entering the attic,

You discover your luggage stowed on an antique rack,

Surrounded by timeless pieces that seem to whisper secrets of days gone by.

A grandfather clock stands proudly in one corner,

Its steady ticking accompanying the trickle of rain.

A heavy trunk used for luxurious voyages on the Queen Mary bears the markings of countless continental journeys.

It is now fashioned into a storage place for towels and toiletries.

A cozy nook with a bow window offers a bird's eye view of the grounds and surrounding meadows.

It's the ideal place for a clawfoot tub,

Leaving you to wonder how the bath was somehow installed here.

You then recognize a hidden hatch in the floor that offers an alternate entry to the second floor.

The ivory gleaming surface reflects the soft glow of the rain-soaked landscape outside.

The rainbow light from stained glass lamps throughout the attic.

The windows are cracked slightly to let in the smell of fresh rain and lavender,

Mingling with the interior scents of aged wood,

Old books,

And polished brass.

As you explore further,

You're drawn to the other antiques in the room,

Each one a treasure trove of memories and history.

A suit of armor stands guard in one corner,

Its polished surface reflecting the light,

Reflecting the light,

Leaves you to venture a guess about its age.

Juxtaposed,

A mannequin dons an elegant satin gown once worn to royal balls in the mid-20th century.

It's delicate fabric represents a bygone era of glamour and grace.

Trinkets from another time adorn every surface,

An eclectic array of items that depict lives lived and great love stories never fully told.

And yet,

With all these articles,

The attic feels organized and spacious.

Oil paintings depicting the Cotswolds and rainy London hang on the walls,

Their colors muted,

Yet vibrant against the backdrop of the attic's timeless charm.

A chandelier dangles from the highest point of the attic as prisms form in its hundreds of crystals of varying shapes and sizes.

But perhaps the most intriguing feature in the attic is a unique custom movable bookshelf suspended from the exposed wooden beams,

Acting as both a room divider and a showcase for the greatest works of British poets and writers.

With a gentle push,

The shelves slide apart,

Revealing hidden nooks and crannies filled with literary treasures waiting to be discovered on rainy days.

The shelves offer a chance to divide the room into cozier spaces of privacy.

You remove your pajamas from your luggage and a plush towel from the trunk filled with linens and rose sachets and draw a bath.

As water fills the tub,

You reach for an antique engraved metal lighter adorned with the words,

Windrush Manor.

With a gentle flick of your thumb,

The flame springs to life and you ignite the wicks of six candles in a brass candelabra perched on a table near the sill of the tub.

As the candlelight flickers,

You ease into the deep clawfoot tub enveloped in a cloud of steam and the soothing scent of English lavender soap and bath oil.

The warm water embraces your weary limbs as you gaze out at the smoky blue skies and silver rain streaming down the windowpanes and falling on the lavender fields and rose garden below.

You watch raindrops bounce off lily pads in the courtyard pools.

With each breath,

The fragrant aroma of lavender fills the air,

Mingling with the scent of rain-soaked earth and the fragrance of the scent of the flowers.

A faint hint of wood smoke drifting from the nearby cottages.

Through the thickening steam on the windows,

You appreciate the perfect views of the rose garden and the west cottage.

Gold light filters out of the cottage windows and the periwinkle shutters glisten in the rain.

Water droplets cascade down the waxy vines of ivy.

The stories of the estate reveal themselves as you continue to soak in the soothing water.

You imagine games of hide-and-seek and make-believe once played by children who explored the attic with curiosity.

Their laughter echoing through the halls like distant memories.

Lost in reverie,

Your mind drifts to images of authors crafting their tales.

Amidst the cozy confines of the attic,

The click-clack of their typewriter keys punctuating the steady rain on the gabled roof.

As a wave of sleepiness encroaches,

This timeless sanctuary offers a sense of connection to the past and present.

A fleeting moment of peace and reflection,

Afforded by the chance to travel to places like Windrush Manor.

You wish you could linger in this dreamy moment longer,

But your mind drifts so close to the edge of sleep that you push yourself to rise out of the tub and dry off.

You change into your bed clothes and blow out the candles,

Full of hope for a sunny morning and a chance to see the grounds in another light.

Beyond the movable bookcase,

You encounter a canopy bed with sheer blush drapes that match the petals of some of the roses in the garden.

The fine fabric hovers above the wooden floorboards that creak beneath your tired feet.

You hoist yourself up onto the elevated bed and settle beneath a quilt and crisp sheets.

The rain continues its soporific dance and your eyes close without another thought entertained.

Within a breath or two,

You are whisked away to dreams of the Cotswolds through the eras,

Playing the times in history that most appeal to you.

And you very slowly and easily cross the bridge that brings you to slumber.

Finding bliss.

Finding comfort.

Finding peace.

Finding sleep.

It's time to dream away.

Good night.

Reviews

Fell asleep before I had heard the end of the story thank you. I wish I could hear the end sometimes but you voice is so soothing it impossible x