Thatchcombe Blog

With seven albums and five books to her name, Emily Maguire is a British singer-songwriter, composer, poet, multi-instrumentalist and award-winning mental health advocate. This Oxfordshire show promises an intimate evening of songs, stories and connection; honest, compassionate and quietly powerful. Known for her thought-provoking lyrics and songs described as “music for the soul” (Maverick Magazine), she has had three singles playlisted on Radio 2 and toured extensively with the likes of American legend Don McLean, Dr Hook and Eric Bibb. With a remarkable, inspiring story to tell, she has been featured many times in interviews on national BBC Radio including Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, Front Row, Loose Ends and Midweek, and Radio 2’s Good Morning Sunday. Tickets £15 (excl booking fee £1.36) Phone 0333 666 3366 Online: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/thatchcombe-bb Limited seating, tickets will be allocated on a first-booked basis Refreshments will be on sale on arrival and during interval From Emily's blog Last night at Letcombe Bassett BY EMILY MAGUIRE ON NOVEMBER 17, 2024 Last night I performed in a beautiful little village hall in rural Oxfordshire in a place called Letcombe Bassett, all thanks to Tony Haupt who so kindly organised and promoted the night and gave us accommodation in his beautiful Thatchcombe B&B. I had such a fantastic time – a huge thank you to everyone who came, to Jody Prewett for providing the PA and performing another stunning opening set and to Tim Pardoe for driving across the country with my books and CDs. I’m doing a couple of private house concerts before my kidney operation in December and then I’m very much looking forward to starting to perform again in March once I’ve recovered. Dates confirmed so far are all up on my gigs page. In the meantime, since Christmas has already started in the shops, I wish you all a very happy festive season and hope to see you at a gig sometime in the new year. Thanks so much for your support.

As winter softens, our garden comes alive with carpets of snowdrops, glowing aconites and elegant hellebores — a gentle promise of spring. Mornings are wonderfully peaceful, perfect for slow breakfasts while watching the garden awaken and spotting wildlife from the breakfast table. Helen worked her magic in autumn, replanting hellebores along the waterfall steps, while I’ve been experimenting with Sarah Raven’s new disease-resistant hellebore varieties. Meanwhile, James bravely battled the winter mud to replace the Brook House border with indigenous stone — and it looks fantastic. The frog pond garden also coming to life.

We are delighted to share that Thatchcombe B&B has received the Booking.com Annual Travel Review Award 2026, with an Exceptional 9.9 Guest rating. This is our fourth award in a row with such a wonderful score, and we’re so grateful. Hearing directly from our guests and knowing they’ve enjoyed their stay truly makes all the effort worthwhile. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has stayed with us, returned to us, and taken the time to leave such lovely reviews. Your support and kindness are what make Thatchcombe B&B so special. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

January is when our Thatchcombe truly comes into its own—calmer, cosier, and quietly magical. With the festive rush behind us, the countryside exhales, offering space, stillness, and a slower rhythm that’s perfect for rest and reflection. Our rooms are warm and inviting, designed for winter comfort. Think soft lighting, crisp linens, and the pleasure of returning from the cold to a welcoming, peaceful space. Mornings begin unhurriedly by the fire, with hot drinks and a hearty breakfast to set you up for the day.