Artist Residence – South Leigh, Oxfordshire

When it opened in 2017 this was a new departure for the burgeoning Artist Residence group of funky, art-themed hotels that have sprung up courtesy of enterprising owners, Justin and Charlotte Salisbury. This energetic couple, complete with a new baby, headed out of town to leafy Oxfordshire and took on the Mason Arms, a well-loved local inn in South Leigh, stamping it with their inimitable sense of style. There are now five stunning bedrooms upstairs and a further three suites in the stables and outbuildings, plus a cool shepherd’s hut in the garden. Original features have been retained and restored, auction houses and reclamation yards scoured and modern art set against William Morris wallpaper. The restaurant features art by The Connor Brothers, Ben Eine and Lucy Sparrow, while the kitchen produces hearty and rustic British food (think classic fish and chips, and rump steak) in a fun and friendly setting. If you’ve fallen for an Artist Residence in Penzance, Pimlico, Bristol or Brighton, then this cosy Oxfordshire escape is your next country hideaway. 

Doubles from £145 

+44 (0)1993 656220; artistresidence.co.uk