Magpies and Butterflies

• Sleeps: 4
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathroom: 1
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

Surrounded by sparkling water, peaceful nature, and creativity-stirring views, a stay aboard Magpies and Butterflies is all but guaranteed to refresh your soul.

You’ll find the vintage classic Dutch barge moored in the historic Thames village of Cookham, in the serene, north-easternmost corner of Berkshire. You can embark upon many a long, wildlife-strewn meadow walk right from the barge, or simply wander along to the local pubs and restaurants for a well-deserved rest!

Sleeping up to four guests, the solar-powered barge is packed with sumptuous comforts – think squishy seating with soft faux-fur throws, a crackling log burner, and a coffee machine to enliven your mornings – with plenty of space to stretch out and daydream.

There’s a sociable seating area in the wheelhouse, and a dining table to break bread around… after you’ve whipped up a tasty supper in the sleek, marble-top galley kitchen.

Enjoy a relaxed, laughter-fuelled evening, then curl up in your favourite of two comfy bedrooms; a snug double room at the front of the barge, and a charming twin. 

As the sun rises into the morning sky, why not take your fresh-brewed coffee outside, and while away some time feeding the swans, or chatting with friendly passers-by? 

When you’re ready, complete your freshen-up routine in the modern shower room, which is cleverly inset into the barge roof – and there’s an electric flush toilet on board, too.

At a glance

• A classic Dutch barge, cosily restored to sleep up to four guests, and beautifully moored in the historic Thames village of Cookham, close to Bray and Henley.
• The solar-powered barge is self-contained, with a galley kitchen, a shower room, and an electric flush toilet.
• There are two bedrooms; a double and a twin, and plenty of space to sit and watch the world go by… or pop outside and feed the passing swans,
• For an extra charge, the owners will skipper the barge on a two-hour trip, ending at a destination of your choice (Bray boasts two Michelin-starred eateries, so could be a good destination to plump for!)
• There are pubs and restaurants in walking distance, and plenty of attractions in easy reach, including Windsor Castle and Legoland.

Features

• Family Friendly
• Off-Grid

More information

What next? Pay a gentle visit to Cookham… you can walk to anywhere in the village straight from the barge. In fact, if you don’t feel like cooking your own breakfast, the owners’ favourite local pub, The Bel and Dragon, will be more than willing to rustle a delicious one up for you!

Jump in the car to reach nearby Bray, Marlow, or Henley – or why not take up the owners’ offer of a two-hour skippered boat trip to a destination of your choice, instead? Bray boasts some of the best Michelin-starred eateries in the country, including Alain Roux’s The Waterside Inn, and Heston Blumenthal’s The Hind’s Head (just saying, in case you’re struggling to narrow down the huge choice of great places to visit!)

You’ll also find Magpies and Butterflies is a fantastic base for attractions including Legoland and Windsor Castle… so it’s unlikely you’ll get the chance to be bored during your stay.

But if all you feel like doing is curling up with a good book and a re-charged glass of something lovely, occasionally looking up to watch the world go by on the softly shimmering water – well, we wouldn’t blame you one bit.

Things to note

Check in from 1-7pm, check out by 11am. Pets are regrettably not permitted. Please ensure children are supervised at all times.