Nestled away in the heart of Oxford City Centre, The Masters Lodgings is a Visit England 5 Star Gold historic listed 17th Century self catering property offering the discerning traveller exclusive standards of discreet luxury and privacy, complemented by an array of hotel style concierge services*.
Only a few minutes walk from the university buildings, theatres, museums and select shopping, this secret hideaway in the heart the city only reveals itself when you open the door and step into The Courtyard Garden, a veritable Eden of greenery embraced by the soft sound of the fountain. The two buildings, Cloisters and The Masters Lodgings, sit opposite each other, each with its own space and outside seating area.
The Masters Lodgings, sleeping but 4 people over 2 ‘whole floor’ suites, brims with style, character and antiquity. The suites, each consume a whole floor are furnished with hand-made super-king size beds and Vi-Spring Elite mattresses [each made to order and perfect for that restorative night’s sleep]. There are soft seating areas in both the bedrooms and dressing rooms. The bedrooms are ensuite with roll-top bath and the dressing rooms offer a rain-drop shower. Both the ensuite and dressing room are presented in porcelain and natural stone finish. The dressing room is furnished with a desk, dressing area with tulipwood wardrobes and easy chair – a lovely room in which to relax.
A Listed 17th Century wood-panelled staircase links the bedrooms with the ground floor where there is a fully equipped luxury hand-made tulipwood kitchen, complete with bean-to-cup coffee machine, double ovens, Quooker boiling tap, induction hob and a breakfast dining table that overlooks the restful Garden Courtyard. The perfect space to start your day in the city.
Adjacent to the kitchen is the large and cosy period wood-panelled sitting room furnished with Harris Tweed sofa and chairs, plus Yew wood dining table offering a formal dining option for guests choosing to eat in, perhaps with the option of a private chef to tailor a menu of one’s choosing. The Butler’s Pantry off the sitting room offers additional facilities. French doors lead from the Drawing Room into the Courtyard Garden with seating beneath the arbour allowing guests to enjoy the benefits of a tranquil space right in the centre of the city.
For music lovers, your experience is further enhanced by a SONOS architectural sound system, as The Masters Lodgings is equipped with a state-of-the-art multi-room system complemented by Monitor in ceiling speakers.
Tucked away in the historic heart of Oxford City Centre, guests staying at The Masters Lodgings benefit not only from a private and secure location but close proximity to all Oxford’s shops, tourist attractions, theatres, museums, universities and Botanical Gardens; not to mention all the restaurants and bars. This is truly the perfect location to immerse yourself in heritage, arts and culture. Don’t forget to take some time out to stroll the cobbled streets of Oxford or why not take to the river for a tour or even try your hand at punting.
Top things to do nearby include walks through rambling deer parks, botanic gardens and lush meadows, and jaunts to Henley-on-Thames to see varsity teams row in regattas. Walkers amble between stony Cotswold villages like Witney and Woodstock, and tread ridgeways over the Chiltern Hills as red kites swoop overhead. Meanwhile, shoppers spend happy days lost in central Oxford or Bicester’s designer shopping village.
The Masters Lodgings is your own Eden in the heart of Oxford delivering sheer luxury and matching your high expectations, this is the perfect retreat for your next holiday, celebration or business trip.
CONCIERGE SERVICES*
To complement your stay, we can provide details of third-party suppliers that can offer you an array of perfectly curated services and itineraries that range from private chefs, to beauty treatments, helicopter tours, close-protection security teams and private jets. Please contact Charles on 01275 21 75 75 to discuss your personal needs.
* Please note we always advise guests to book service providers as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Greyfriars Hideaway do not accept liability for the activities of any third-party supplier (this being a matter between you and the supplier) and written consent is required by Greyfriars Hideaway before a guest engages with any third-party suppliers on the estate.
A Private Chef for a Special Occasion or Full Service
Why go to a restaurant, when a private chef can come to you? Whether you are seeking an intimate fine dining dinner party, a sensational soiree, or a full service breakfast, lunch and dinner why not arrange for an experienced and talented private chef and his team to deliver you an unforgettable gourmet experience. Whatever the occasion, be it an anniversary celebration, clients or you just don't fancy cooking Chef and his team pay attention to every detail to make sure your event runs smoothly and you and your guests have a wonderful time in this breath-taking setting. Chef services are arranged through external service providers who deliver the very highest standards of cuisine and service.
Add to that the full complement of waiting staff
A successful party shouldn’t be short of the complete set of staff. Why not arrange for trained waiting on staff, flair bar tenders, and if you really seek that ultimate experience, your personal Butler can be at hand. Start your food journey with us.
Chef's Pre-prepared Gourmet Meals
Whether it’s because you’re arriving late or just don’t fancy cooking, "Dine Delivered" can provide an array of gourmet meals that are chef prepared and delivered to your door. Contact Dine Delivered directly to start your journey.
Private Oxford Walking Tours
Dedicated to giving you a truly memorable experience in Oxford, with sights to enthral and memories to treasure along your walk a private walking tour just for you in certainly a must. Fully qualified Oxford guides – members of the Institute of Tourist Guiding and / or The Oxford Guild of Tour Guides – are looking forward to showing you around this wonderful city. Oxford is steeped in history, dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. It is a city crammed with visual delights whichever way you turn: from the architecture of the ancient buildings that make up the University, to the rivers, parks and fields that surround it.
Treatments & Massages
Indian Head Massage
Indian head massage is a very special therapy that originated from India to help women take care of their hair. What makes Indian head massage so wonderful is that it works on many pressure points enabling extreme relaxation to take place. The balance is created by working gently and subtly but in all, this is a most powerful treatment and you may feel completely taken away from your present space.
Reflexology
This is a treatment that started thousands of years ago in Ancient China. It works similarly to Acupuncture and Shiatsu linking meridians, organs and zones. If a problem or ailment arises then it will show up in the foot and can be worked so that the body can help to heal this ailment naturally. If the area is tender then it generally means there is a problem and so working this area throughout the treatment enables healing to take place. It is important to remember that all areas of the feet need to be treated.
Remedial Massage
This is manipulation of the soft tissues and is very beneficial on a therapeutic level. It can be relaxing but stimulating at the same time. It has many properties because of the way it works the muscles and helps to re-align them. Massage especially benefits the body when it is recovering from old injuries, which give off referred pain. The main benefits of remedial massage are increased circulation, improvement of scar tissue and reduced muscle tension.
Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage feels good, is relaxing and reduces both physical and emotional stress.T he main purpose of this style of massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. It also eases physical aches and pains by easing muscle tension, stretching ligaments and tendons and soothing the nervous system.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage uses slow, deliberate movements to focus pressure on layers of muscles, tendons, or other tissues deep under your skin. This deeper pressure relaxes muscles, lowers blood pressure, helps break up scar tissue, and helps relieve side effects of chronic stress. Deep tissue massages are beneficial to those with minor musculature injuries, such as sports injuries, sciatica, plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow.
Yoga & Nutrition
Experience mind and body connection through a series of disciplined physical postures, breathing exercises and relaxation. You’ll be increasing flexibility and balancing all parts of the body through this strengthening workout. Yoga can help reduce stress levels and improve overall health.
A nutritional workshop aiming at exploring the importance of a balanced diet and how it can have a positive effect on your life. Use this time to ask all of your nutrition and diet questions and have them answered by a Registered Associate Nutritionist (ANutr).
Wellness Days
A day tailored just to your needs. Choose a selection of services and enjoy a morning or afternoon of wellness accompanied by a selection of healthy and nutritious snacks.
Personal Training
It’s easy to get lost in the world of health and fitness; personal training is a great way to refocus your wellbeing goals. Starting with an initial assessment Hester will work out your personal goals and create a plan on how they can be achieved. Whether that be weight loss, muscle build, fitness or over all health, having someone to keep you accountable will make your goals more achievable less daunting. These sessions can will take place in house, or outside if you like the idea of training in the fresh air in a nearby park.
Close Protection Security
Working with the most professional Close Protection Officers chosen for their ability to deliver the highest standards in security with outstanding professional etiquette. A service designed to ensure that you, and those around you, can feel both secure and at ease. Please contact us to have a discreet conversation.
Helicopter Arrivals & Charters
On offer is a completely tailor-made and flexible service to and from any location in the UK and into Europe. Arrive to us in style or if you are planning a special trip this service provider can show you the sights of Oxford from the air, fly you to race meetings, motor racing circuits, concerts, golf tournaments or into central London. Fly with us, beat the gridlock and arrive in style for a perfect day out. Chauffeur services, champagne and lunch packages for your flight can also be arranged if requested.
Punting
Just over half a mile away, situated underneath Magdalen College Tower, at the lower end of Oxford’s world famous high street you will find Magdalen Bridge Boathouse.
Here you can hire traditionally crafted punts, rowing boats and pedalos or spoil yourself by hiring a Chauffeured boat and for that extra little touch you can also opt for a pre-ordered picnic hamper with your chauffeured punt if requested.
Chauffeur Service
With an emphasis on quality, reliability and class. Why not make chauffeur arrangements to suit your personal requirements so whether it’s to arrange pickup from the local train station or airport or a private chauffeur for the week please do let us know. Going one step further why not create a bespoke chauffeur driven sight-seeing tour around Oxfordshire and The Cotswolds so you don't have to do the driving or the research, you can just relax in luxury and take in the sights. Why not also make arrangements for arrival by helicopter?
Good Housekeeping
Sometimes there just isn’t enough time in the day. Let Greyfriars Hideaway take care of the day to day necessities that a housekeeper can bring. We can arrange daily or mid-week cleaning through our housekeeping contractor.
Your own Private Butler
At Greyfriars Hideaway a butler makes the perfect addition to your luxury stay. A butler instinctively knows what to do and how to act in every situation. Invisible but always available; they know who to meet and greet and when to disappear. Never flustered, they can help you as the host of your social event. They take care of the detail, leaving you free to socialise.
Private Jets
Guests arriving from overseas, or from other parts of the UK, have access to the true VVIP experience. Enhance privacy and travel in ultimate luxury on your schedule.
EATING & DRINKING
PUBS & GASTRO
The Turf Tavern - With foundations dating back to 1381, this truly is a historic pub. Bath Place, Oxford OX1 3SU; 01865 243 235; www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/oxfordshire/turf-tavern/
The Bear - A hidden gem, The Bear is one of Oxford's oldest pubs and is a beacon for anyone who enjoys a fantastic pint of real ale and good, home-cooked, traditional pub food... not to mention its quirky tie collection dating back to the early 1900's. Alfred Street, OX1 4EH; 01865 728164; www.bearoxford.co.uk
RESTAURANTS (advance booking advised)
Wilding - A new restaurant and wine bar just opened in Jericho. Its name comes from the practice of regenerating overworked land to return it to nature, an ethos that sits at the heart of the venue. Clarendon Street, Oxford OX1 2HP; 01865 985 630; www.wilding.wine
Quod Restaurant & Bar - Regulars and visitors alike flock to Quod for its broad menu of European classics with an emphasis on British produce. High St, Oxford 0X1 4BJ; 01865 202505; www.quod.co.uk
Two One Five [Michelin Star] - Great service and exquisite food, and our more relaxed menu won’t break the bank. Summertown, Oxford OX2 7HQ; www.twoonefive.co.uk
Browns - British brasserie and bar with lobster nights and afternoon tea in a grand cafe setting. Woodstock Road, OX2 6HA; www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/restaurants/southeast/oxford
Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons [Michelin Star] - A lavender-scented walkway paves the way for a sensational culinary fairy tale. Raymond Blanc's vision for Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons has always been one of world-class gastronomic flair and superb organic ingredients, which has been described as "a twist of innovative genius."
BEST TAKEAWAYS
Banana Tree [Pan-Asian] - 63 George Street, OX1 2BQ; 01865 200 685; bananatree.co.uk
Yeti Fine Nepalese - 237 Cowley Road, OX4 1XG; 01865295959; yetifinenepalesedining.co.uk
Franco Manca Pizzeria - 12 George Street, OX1 2AF; 01865 570 068; www.francomanca.co.uk/restaurants/oxford/
Happy Friday Vegan Kitchen - 282 Cowley Road, OX4 1UR; 01865 701228; www.happyfridaykitchen.co.uk
Chiang Mai Kitchen [Thai] - 130a high street, OX1 4DH; 01865 202233; www.chiangmaikitchen.co.uk
CAFES
Oxford Covered Market - Dating back to the 1770's Oxford Covered Market is a must visit and it's only a 9 minute walk away. This historic market showecases the very best in local crafts, food and drink.
Art Cafe - 14 Bonn Square, OX1 1LT; 01865 242464; www.artcafeoxford.co.uk
Skogen Kitchen - 2 King Edward Street, OX1 4HS; 01865 580104; skogen.kitchen
Georgina’s - Oxford Covered Market; 01865 246228; oxford-coveredmarket.co.uk/trader/georginas/
FOOD SHOPS
Sainsburys - Westgate Oxford, OX1 1PA
Waitrose - Botley Road, OX2 OHH
M&S Food - Queen Street, OX1 1AB
Butchers, Bakers & Artisans: Dating back to the 1770's Oxford Covered Market is a must visit and its only a 9 minute walk away. This historic market showecases the very best in local crafts, butchers, bakers, coffee-roasters, pie-makers and much more; oxford-coveredmarket.co.uk
WINE MERCHANTS
The Oxford Wine Company - Fine wines, tastings and even 'Wine School'. 6 Turl St, Oxford OX1 3DQ; 01865 604170; www.oxfordwine.co.uk
Grape Minds - It’s all about great wine and they have plenty to suit even the most sophisticated palate. They don’t care what it is or where it’s from, if it’s a fabulous bottle then they want it in their shop! 35 South Parade, Oxford OX2 7JN; 01865 661749; grapemindsdrinkalike.co.uk
WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE
Oxford, dubbed "The City of Dreaming Spires," is known around the world for its university and historical significance. It has been a home to monarchs and scholars for almost 800 years, and it has been a thriving town since the 9th century, despite the fact that people have lived in the area for thousands of years. Nowadays, the city is a bustling cosmopolitan town, still with its ancient University, but home also to some world-class restaurants, bars and attractions.
With its mix of heritage and modern, there is so much to do. Whether its visiting one of the many historic buildings, colleges or museums, going out for a drink or a meal, taking in a show or shopping till you drop, central Oxford has it all.
Westgate Oxford [less than a minute walk]
Relaxing and buzzing, intellectual and hedonistic, stylish and comforting, Westgate Oxford will deliver a game-changing experience set to reinvent the city of Oxford as the ultimate retail and lifestyle destination.
With 800 000 sq. ft. of prestigious global brands, inventive and eclectic restaurants and cafes, a five-screen boutique cinema and sophisticated rooftop bars and dining, Westgate Oxford will excite and delight.
Expect bold and daring architecture meets innovative design and technology. Arresting rooftop views of the Oxford city skyline create an exceptional, inspirational destination like no other.
Oxford Castle [less than a minute walk]/p>
When William the Conqueror invaded England and won the Battle of Hastings in 1066, Oxford Castle was marked by the Normans as the ideal place for a motte-and-bailey castle. Awe in the views from the top of the Saxon St. George’s Tower, descend underground into the 900-year-old crypt and climb the 11th century mound, home of old gallows.
The Pitt Rivers Museum [20 min walk]
The Pitt Rivers Museum is also known as The University of Oxford’s museum of anthropology and world archaeology. The museum was founded in 1884 following a gift to the university from general Pitt Rivers, it retains its unique atmosphere with dense displays of artefacts, many in the original wooden display cabinets.
A special feature of the Pitt Rivers Museum is the arrangement of the collection according to the following typologies: musical instruments, weapons, masks, textiles, jewellery, and tools. This famous arrangement allows visitors to see how different challenges were solved in different eras.
Oxford's Famous Theatres
Find West End Shows, Musicals, Plays and Concerts; central Oxford is renowned for being a cultural hub with a lively atmosphere that pervades every nook and alley.
Museum of Natural History [20 min walk]
Oxford University Museum of Natural History was established in 1860 to draw together scientific studies from across the University of Oxford. Today, the award-winning museum continues to be a place of scientific research, collecting and fieldwork, and plays host to a programme of events, exhibitions and activities for the public and school students of all ages.
Highlights in the collections include the world’s first scientifically described dinosaur – Megalosaurus bucklandii – and the world-famous Oxford Dodo, the only soft tissue remains of the extinct dodo.
Ashmolean Museum [10 min walk]
World famous, the Ashmolean is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology. As Britain’s first public museum, we’re home to half a million years of human history and creativity, from ancient Egyptian Mummies to modern art, and much more.
The Ashmolean’s collection is incredibly rich, representing most of the world’s great civilisations, with objects dating from 8000 BC to the present day. Among its treasures are the world’s greatest collection of Raphael drawings, the most important collection of Egyptian pre-Dynastic sculpture and ceramics outside Cairo, the only great Minoan collection in Britain, outstanding Anglo-Saxon treasures, and the foremost collection of modern Chinese painting in the Western world.
Oxford River Cruises [10 min walk]
Oxford river cruises offers sightseeing tours, picnic and dining river trips and private boat hire in the heart of historic Oxford. Their cruises are designed to suit all tastes, from lazy lunchtime gettogethers and elegant dinner cruises, to corporate events and birthday parties afloat.
Oxford Botanical Garden & Arboretum [15 min walk]
Oxford Botanic Garden is the UK’s oldest botanic garden and occupies a world-class position in terms of its history and academic location.
Founded in 1621 the Garden is committed to educating people about the importance of plants, to help conserve plants from around the world, and to support teaching and research within the University and beyond.
Bodleian Libraries [10 min walk]
The world-famous Bodleian Libraries is a must-see cultural destination in the heart of Oxford.
The Bodleian Library was founded by Sir Thomas Bodley and officially opened in 1602. Since then the Bodleian Libraries has grown to be the largest academic library system in the UK. In its reading rooms generations of famous scholars have studied through the ages, amongst them monarchs, Nobel Prize winners, British Prime Ministers and writers including Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.
At the site, you can explore historic spaces that you might recognise from popular films and TV series such as Harry Potter and A Discovery of Witches. There are inspiring exhibitions featuring the libraries’ rich collections, two unique gift shops and a lovely café. There are also a wide variety of events and courses, explore their programme here.
All of central Oxford and its attractions, the river, the museums, galleries, University buildings and shops are within an easy walk of Greyfriars Hideaway. In Oxford one of the most traditional ways to travel is to cycle but now there are even more ways to tootle down the historic streets with electric scooter hire. You can either find a Voi scooter [usually parked just over the road], or Fat Llama offer a free drop off and pick of electric scooters. Further information; fatllama.com/rentals/oxford/hire-botley--free-drop-off--pick-up--electric-scooter-72580391.
For trips further afield Oxford Railway Station is but ten minutes walk away. This will take you direct to London in less than an hour, to Bicester Village Designer shopping outlet in less than half an hour; or to Stratford. Trains and buses run regular direct services to Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
JUST A SHORT DRIVEBlenheim Palace [20 minute drive]
Home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 300 years of history, 2000 acres of Parkland and Formal Gardens, events, tours and exhibitions.
Bicester Village Shopping [25 minute drive]
Delight in a day out, a memory made and a beautiful thing bought at Bicester Village. Here, pop-ups and fresh foodie delights join more than 160 boutiques from your favourite designers – all offering exceptional savings all year round. To make getting there that much easier Bicester Villiage even has its own dedicated train station with trains departing from central Oxford throughout the day and travel time of only 15 minutes.
Things you need to know about The Masters Lodgings if you’re thinking of booking a holiday there:
*Internet access is offered at this property for recreational purposes only and is not meant for business use. Speed/service may vary depending on the package obtained by the owner which is provided to guests free of charge. Should guests experience difficulties or loss of use, neither the owner nor the agent will be held responsible.
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