I fell in love with the beautiful Cotswolds on my first visit almost 20 years ago. Since then I have been back many times, staying at a variety of hotels, pubs, guest houses and friend’s homes and I hoped that one day I would be able to live there myself. When my family circumstances changed I decided to take a new direction in my life and set up a business in the Cotswods where I have always enjoyed spending so much time. I am so thrilled to be able to bring my dreams to a reality and to share this with my guests.

Amanda smiling while holding a mug outside the entrance of a cozy stone cottage, with a breakfast table and lounge chair set up nearby

The first time I stepped up to The Loft, I was bowled over by its quirkiness and charm. I really enjoy how it offers both the chance to be in the middle of stunning Stow-on-the-Wold with its antique shops, restaurants, pubs and also to be able to get away from it in the hideaway that is The Loft. It had already been lovingly updated so I set about furnishing it with the kind of quality furnishings, bedding and equipment that I appreciate when I am a guest.

Amanda wearing a jacket stands outside the front door of Little Gem Cottage, gesturing toward the entrance

Little Gem cottage was in a very bad state of repair and so I was able to put my mark on it and turn it into a delightful home from home with every mod con. I put in a brand new kitchen and log burner for cosy dinners and a bathroom with roll-top bath and walk in shower for maximum relaxation upstairs. I wanted to create a simple oasis in the enclosed patio garden so that guests (and their dogs) could make the most of any good weather as well as a comfortable bed and top quality bedding for a wonderful nights sleep.

Amanda smiling in a stylishly furnished living room, complete with a comfortable blue sofa, a staircase, and home decor items like a clock and flowers

Then came The Bolt Hole. I fell in love with its unusual history, fabulous views, and sense of space With a wealth of walks on the doorstop and in the heart of Winchcombe, it just needed some additions and updating to turn it into a delightful bolt hole. I have tried to create a special place to stay that provides the facilities and luxury you would expect on your holiday.

Amanda smiling identified as the owner of The Bolt Hole, sitting outdoors with a mug on a patio in front of a Cotswold stone wall

One day I was taking the dogs for a walk in delightful Chipping Campden when I spotted Honey Pot for sale. I went to see it the next day and we agreed a price and I set about updating it to the usual Unique Cotswold Cottages standard. Honey Pot is a lovely, cosy apartment style cottage but its wonderful location and on-site parking and garden make it a real find.

A smiling portrait of Amanda Stecker, the owner of Hideaway Cottage, set against a traditional Cotswold stone wall with the cottage's nameplate visible, located in Bourton-on-the-Water

In 2022, I set out to expand the Unique Cotswold Cottages portfolio and discovered Hideaway Cottage in beautiful Bourton-on-the-Water—then known as Windrush Cottage. Though already a holiday let, it needed a full upgrade, and I could see the charm beneath its dated interior. I reimagined the space with a new kitchen, patio garden, log burner, and completely updated windows, doors, and flooring. The bathroom was reconfigured to include both a bath and shower, and the second bedroom became a study/dressing room—bringing it fully in line with the high standards of UCC and creating a stylish, cosy retreat for couples.

A smiling portrait of Amanda Stecker, owner of Stables Cottage, positioned next to a sign for 2 Windrush Court, located in the historic town of Stow-on-the-Wold

In the summer of 2024, a beautiful Grade II listed property became available in the heart of historic Stow-on-the-Wold. I immediately fell in love with its charm and incredibly central yet peaceful location. Working with my trusted local building team, we carried out a full refurbishment and launched Stables Cottage in March 2025. It’s my largest Unique Cotswold Cottages property yet, with two full-sized bedrooms, private parking, a garden, a fully fitted new kitchen, log burner, Smart TVs, and all the thoughtful touches guests have come to expect. Since launch, it has received 5-star reviews across the board.

A collage of logos from various media publications that have featured Unique Cotswold Cottages, including The Daily Telegraph, Daily Express, Daily Mail, Stoud News & Journal, Oxfordshire Living Magazine, and Travel News