Kingham Life: The Moorish Pavilion at Kingham Cottages
As Seen on TV: George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces
Tucked within the gardens at Kingham Cottages is something quite unexpected – a space that feels as though it belongs in southern Spain or North Africa rather than the Cotswolds 🌿✨
Our Moorish Pavilion even caught the eye of George Clarke, who featured it on Channel 4’s Amazing Spaces – which you can watch HERE.
Unable to travel abroad during the pandemic, George turned his focus to remarkable places closer to home – and found one right here in Kingham.
Filmed on a beautiful sunny day and aired in January, he described it perfectly:
“…this is beautiful – you could be in Morocco, but we’re in the Cotswolds!”
A Vision Brought to Life
Completed in 2018, the Moorish Pavilion stands at the heart of the five-acre gardens at Kingham Lodge.
It was built on the site of an old barn that had been destroyed in an arson attack years earlier – transformed into something far more beautiful and enduring.
The pavilion is constructed using hand-carved stone from Dhrangadhra in India, paired with local Cotswold stone from nearby Sarsden. Built by skilled local stonemasons, it blends craftsmanship from across the world with the character of the surrounding landscape.
Inspired by the Alhambra
The inspiration for the pavilion comes from a deeply personal place.
Owner Christopher Stockwell first visited the Generalife gardens of the Alhambra in Granada over 50 years ago — an experience that stayed with him ever since.
He recalls:
“Early one April Sunday morning I pushed open the old wooden gate to enter the Generalife gardens of the Alhambra. I was alone… the fountains sparkled, the water gently flowed, and everything felt magical – as near to Paradise on earth as I could imagine.”
That sense of peace and beauty has been carefully recreated here in Kingham.
A Garden of Meaning and Detail
The pavilion is rich in symbolism and intricate design.
- The carved capitals echo those found in the Court of the Lions at the Alhambra
- The geometric patterns – including the “Breath of the Prophet” – reflect traditional Moorish design
- The central courtyard follows the classic charbagh layout, dividing the space into four with flowing water channels
This design, rooted in both Islamic and biblical traditions, represents the idea of paradise – a place of calm, balance and renewal.
In warmer months, lemon and olive trees fill the space, while the gentle sound of water creates a feeling of tranquillity that is both soothing and immersive.
A Unique Feature of Kingham Cottages
Surrounded by five acres of gardens that have been lovingly created over more than 30 years, the Moorish Pavilion offers a quiet place to pause, reflect and enjoy something truly special.
It’s not something you expect to find in the Cotswolds – which is exactly what makes it so memorable.
Experience It for Yourself
Whether you’re wandering through the gardens, enjoying the changing seasons, or simply taking a quiet moment to sit and listen to the water, the Moorish Pavilion is one of the most unique and peaceful features of a stay at Kingham Cottages.
We hope you enjoy discovering it during your visit.
