King John's Palace

Leafield, Oxfordshire
Self-catering
+44 (0)7791 899660
Visit owner's website

Per night
£850 - £1000
Per week
£5000 - £7000

7 beds

Bedroom

6 bedrooms

Sleeps

Sleeps 12

Children welcome
Pets welcome
Babies welcome

Cakes from the host & eggs from the hens. Bring a party, bring the dogs, and soak up the history from a very fine house in the Cotswolds

Per night
£850 - £1000
Per week
£5000 - £7000

Visit the owner's site and book direct with them. No fees or fuss from us.

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£850 - £1000 per night

£5000 - £7000 per week

The Experience

The rear is Tudor, the front is Victorian, and the history of the house is fascinating: it was a royal hunting lodge for Wychwood Forest, six miles.

Today the great dining hall incorporates the kitchen: it’s the hub of the house and as cosy as toast (note the six-door Aga). Hire the services of an excellent chef or dine at The Lamb Inn at Burford (four miles). Or gather in the garden for a great big barbecue, serenaded by the odd bleat or moo (the owner’s farm is as immaculate as your home). Marvel at Blenheim Palace at Woodstock (14 miles) and ancient breeds of bristly pig at Cotswold Farm Park.

Return to country air, star-studded skies, and pre-dinner drinks by crackling fires. As for the bedrooms, they’re pretty, airy and antiquey, with sparkling new bath tubs and showers. Some even have the old bells to the dining hall (though you can no longer summon the servants!) There’s also an infrared sauna in the house.

King John's Palace - Gallery

We think you'll love

  • The wonderful character and history of this building
  • Enjoying a meal in the great dining hall whilst the dogs bask by the fire
  • Being close to numerous Cotswolds' gems, and 40 minutes from Oxford
King John's Palace - Gallery

You should know

  • The security deposit is £500
  • It's a very old building so expect spiral staircases and the odd wonky floor
  • You're on a working farm with some country noises

Essentials

  • EV charger
  • Self check-in
  • Swimming pool
  • Hot tub
  • Garden
  • Open fire / woodburner
  • Breakfast included
  • Breakfast available
  • Meals available
  • Vegetarian meals
  • Oven
  • Parking on premises
  • Free parking nearby
  • Accessible by public transport
  • WiFi
  • Television
  • Central heating
  • Limited mobility
  • Wheelchair access
  • Mobile reception
  • Hob
  • Barbecue
  • Paid parking nearby
  • Air conditioning
  • Relaxation areas
  • Washing machine
  • Tennis court
  • Microwave oven
  • No smoking
  • Credit cards
  • Working farm
  • Owner has pets
  • Electricity included
  • Dishwasher
  • Pets welcome

Family friendly

  • Baby monitor
  • Books and toys
  • Children welcome
  • Babies welcome
  • Stair gates
  • High chair
  • Fire guard
  • Cot available

Nearby

  • Pub/bar within 3 miles
  • Restaurant within 3 miles
  • Shop within 3 miles

Activities

  • Bikes available
  • Food courses
  • Kayaking
  • Other courses
  • Sailing
  • Surfing
  • Wild swimming

Pricing

Nightly price
from £850
Weekly price
from £5000
Damage deposit
£500
1 House for 12
From £8507 beds6 bedrooms

Information

Booking information

Check in
3-8pm
Check out
Flexible
Other details
Minimum stay: 2 nights, 3 nights in high season.
Closed
Never.
No smoking
Smoking not permitted anywhere in the property.
Property
This property is part of a working farm or vineyard.
Owner has pets
Animals living on the property

Reviews

King John's Palace is a beautiful building with so much history to fascinate over at every turn. It's characterful and homely and has been sensitively restored to incorporate modern comfort. The location is excellent for exploring the north Cotswolds and Oxford.
Inspected Florence Sawday's Inspector

Joshua, London

We had the most wonderful time at King John’s Palace for a very special family holiday – the baptism of our sons. The house was the perfect setting: steeped in history (we were amazed to learn it was once a royal hunting lodge!), yet full of warmth and comfort. The Queen’s Bedroom is truly something special – waking up to sweeping views over the fields was a dream. The entire place has a sense of calm and grandeur, with thoughtful touches throughout. One of the highlights was the spectacular kitchen and living room space – ideal for hosting a celebratory dinner. Highly recommend it.


Patrice, London

The house is amazing! We really enjoyed our stay, especially our time with the lambs!


Zoe, Ludlow

Vicky is wonderfully helpful and the house is incredibly well equipped. We were in total luxury. Can’t wait to go back!


Richard, Stevenage

We had a fabulous family holiday at King John's Palace. it's a truly unique house with so much interesting history, yet cozy and relaxing. The large kitchen and living space is ideal for groups and comes equipped with everything we needed. The bedrooms are so characterful and interesting, with lovely bathrooms. We (and our dogs) loved relaxing in the garden and patio. The house is ideally placed for visiting the sights of the Cotswolds, or a train trip into Oxford. Thank you Vicky!


Location

The neighbourhood

The house overlooks outbuildings and open farmland, with the edge of Wychwood Forest in sight, a perfect spot for walks and cycle rides in summer. The nearest pretty Cotswolds' towns are Burford, Kingham and Stow and the best shopping hub is Witney (6 miles). The Swan at Swinbrook, 3 miles, steeped in period charm, is a treat, and fancy farmshops (Upton Smokery, Diddly Squat, Daylesford) abound.

Local points of interest from Vicky Greves

  • The house in itself is a rare Listed historic property having been built by King John and used as a Royal Hunting Lodge visited by 10 kings and queens. Sleep and tread where royalty once trod and slept. Four poster beds and views in every direction.
  • Situated within 10 minutes drive of the historic town of Burford with many shops, eating places and Burford Garden Centre. Diddly Squat is just across the valley. There is a lovely circular walk from the house ideal for those with dogs.
  • The Cotswolds are on your doorstep, honey coloured stone surrounds you and that is just around the garden. If you do decide to leave the house we can guide you to whatever you fancy. Books of local interest and guides are here to help plan your days out
  • You are of course neighbours to some very famous people of a certain "Set" but we try not to mention anyone in particular, just ask and we can tell you.
  • We have partnered with some great local businesses. Order in a vintage tea, a delicious tasting menu or dinner cooked by a private chef, or just relax in the care of a mobile massage, breathwork or yoga therapist. Relaxed hens welcome by arrangement
  • Daylesford, Blenheim Palace, Adams Farm, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Water Park, National Trust Properties, Oxford, Stow on the Wold, Chipping Campden, the list is endless of places to visit and all have great dining options should you wish to stay out.

Introducing

Vicky Greves

Country lover Vicky lives with her family, and dogs, and horse, just across the lane. In spite of running her livestock farm, and two further properties (both out of sight), Vicky always finds time to look after her guests. The 'Palace', as it is known, was sensitively renovated over several years, and was finally launched as a holiday home in 2020.