Alcoves, a Natural Shelter in the Cotswolds
Tucked away on a working dairy farm, a field has been gently transformed into a bucolic hideaway nestled into the trees while overlooking open pasture. Here, Jersey cattle graze peacefully against the backdrop of Cotswold parkland, just as livestock have for hundreds of years before them.
On the edge of a patch of woodland, the setting for Alcoves is a series of unique, south-facing bays within a row of oak and lime trees dating back to the late 18th century. Lore of the land suggests that a farmer originally planted these to create sheltered microclimates for his livestock to rest and take shelter. Now, these natural alcoves return to their original purpose of providing warmth, rest and growth, with a cabin set into each, offering both privacy and a deep sense of place.
Book Now“I left feeling completely restored”
Condé Nast Traveller ↗
Interior
The two artist-designed cabins are clad in reclaimed timber, offering a calming open-plan layout, with space to sleep, dine and unwind. Interiors are layered with carefully sourced pieces, combining comfort with craftsmanship - from woven fabrics and natural materials to considered kitchenware, artwork and artisanal details. Each cabin features one of Tom’s oil paintings depicting natural landscapes, alongside artwork and prints sourced from Australia, Italy and France. The artwork and interiors will not stand still, instead continually changing with the seasons.
Piglet In Bed bedding, towels and bath robes, Toast quilts, Moccamaster coffee makers and indoor and outdoor wood burners are other features of each cabin, making your stay as comfortable as possible.
The Setting
Our two cabins are set within their own hedged plots and positioned over 100 metres apart, with a sauna cabin in between, ensuring complete seclusion. Fully self-contained and with the option to add provisions from local farms and producers, they’ve been designed as a complete escape - though the sights of the Cotswolds are just beyond the farm, ready to explore.
We are just outside the pretty village of Broadway, one of the first stops on the Cotswold Way walking trail. The village is home to delis, independent shops and galleries. It’s known for its rich artistic history, having been a haven for artists, writers and designers in the 19th century, influenced by William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement.
Caring for the Land
Alcoves is a sanctuary where food production and nature recovery exist in harmony. We believe that the environment should be regenerated through tourism, and not depleted by it; with this in mind, we offer a stay that treads lightly on the land.
Guests are encouraged to settle into the rhythm of the landscape. In front of the cabins you will regularly find the herd of friendly Jersey cows, who graze the farm rotationally and provide the delicious, fresh milk for your morning cup of tea. Directly in front of the cabins a dedicated wildflower meadow is currently being established, providing a vital habitat for pollinators whilst offering a shifting, colourful backdrop for those staying on the land.
Activities
Sitting between the two cabins is a private sauna with a picture window offering sweeping views across the fields and rolling Cotswold hills, complete with outdoor shower. It is an ideal place to relax and decompress, either during the day or when illuminated at night.
Each cabin has its own private two-person stock tank bath, which can be set hot or cold depending on each guest's preference - just let us know ahead of your stay. Start your morning here after a sauna session, or relax at night under the light of the moon, after a day spent exploring the local countryside.
Situated behind the cabins on the other side of the wood, you will find a tennis court available for use - with a box of balls and rackets on the court to help yourselves. The area is fantastic for walking, from a short wander around the fields to a longer loop over Stanton Hill and beyond, with a recommended pint pit stop at The Mount pub.
About the Founders
Alcoves is the vision of a husband-and-wife team, Tom and Emma Evetts, blending their creative and practical worlds to create a space that celebrates both the working landscape and artistic expression.
Tom’s family have managed the land and herd of Jersey cattle for generations, and his life on the farm has revolved around animals - he’s rarely seen without Norman and Wilfrid, his two whippets. Having practiced as an artist in Italy, his works have a new home in the cabins, reflecting his impressionistic approach to painting en plein air and his focus on capturing the immediacy of the natural world. These works will sit alongside prints sourced from the UK, France, Italy and Australia.
“Painting entirely from life allows the impressions to occur on canvas with greater depth. It’s about capturing something real and immediate and that same philosophy has shaped Alcoves as a place to pause, observe and reconnect.”
— Tom Evetts