Luxury Studio in a crenellated tower in the historic centre of Oxford

Oxford, Oxford
$170 avg/night Minimum Stay 2 Nights
Bed 1

Bed

Bath 1

Bath

Home Apartment

Property Type

Sleep 2

Max Sleeps

Night 2 nights

Min Stay

Studio Iris is wonderfully secluded being the only guest studio on the top floor of Folly Bridge House and having a private bathroom. Right up in the battlements, you might imagine yourself in that mythical Oxford ‘ivory tower’. You can see to the clouds that hover over the Chilterns Hills far away to the south. You can see east over Folly Bridge to the stretch of the River Thames that winds past Christchurch Meadows and has been known as The Isis since Roman times. In the early mornings, you catch a glimpse of the university rowing teams as they turn to go downstream. Hard as it might be to believe, the reflected light from the river still dances on the ceiling here, four storeys up from the water.

The abstract acrylic Rise by Paul du Toit is a fitting adornment to this room. Self-portrait, linocut by Max Wolpe and Blue Jug by Rachel Nicholson have a more intimate feel.

Folly Bridge House has been beautifully restored by a potter and a writer. It has 7 self-contained studio apartments (for more information on the whole house search for follybridgehouse). Each apartment is hung with objects from the owners' collection of contemporary paintings, sculptures and ceramics. ​Each is equipped with the elegant necessities of city living, including fibre optic broadband and flat screen TV. Folly Bridge House strives for an Eco and Fair Trade ethos.

Only ten minutes walk from the High Street, the colleges of Oxford University and the shops, restaurants and cinemas of the New Westgate Centre, Folly Bridge House lets you be in the bright lights in a moment and yet return to the tranquillity of the river.

​FBH is perfect for individuals, couples or groups of colleagues, seeking the epicentre of the city but wanting something different. Folly Bridge House caters particularly to visiting academics.

Oxford’s most fashionable riverside restaurant, stands across the courtyard. The Folly offers a discount to our guests. Across the road is the famous old Head of the River Pub.

The studio is furnished with a double bed, two bedside tables with drawers, a round dining table with chairs and a comfortable armchair. The wardrobe has a mirror glass door, a hanging rail, and three drawers. It is W50xD60xH236.

Iris kitchen is equipped with stainless steel worktop, double induction hob, full-sized undercounter fridge, combination convection oven/microwave/grill and the elegant necessities of city living for two.

The bathroom is just outside the studio door giving extra space inside. Folly Bridge House bathrooms are small. Their size is dictated by trying to introduce 21st comfort into a heritage house. So, if a large bathroom is a critical element of your enjoyment, FBH is not for you. They are new, bright with a water softening shower and hairdryer.

There is superfast fibre optic broadband, a flatscreen TV/DVD and hairdryer. The latest in ventilation systems removes cooking smells, steam and Oxford’s notorious damp climate from the apartment replacing them with fresh, warmed air from above the trees at a rate of 180 cubic metres per hour.

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  • Feature Features
  • Map Map
  • School District Rates & Availability
  • Review Review

Feature Features

  • PETS

    No Pets Allowed
  • SAFETY

    Carbon Monoxide Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Carbon Monoxide Detector On The Property) Deadbolt Lock Fire Extinguisher Smoke Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Smoke Detector On The Property)
  • BEDROOM

    1 Bedroom Bed Sheets Provided
  • GENERAL

    Property Does Not Allow Children Unit Size: 151 Sq Ft (14 Sq M)
  • KITCHEN

    Cookware/dishes/utensils Electric Kettle Microwave Oven Refrigerator Spices Stovetop Toaster
  • LAUNDRY

    Laundry Facilities Washing Machine And Dryer
  • PARKING

    Onsite Parking
  • INTERNET

    Free WiFi
  • OUTDOORS

    Barbecue Grill Garden Patio
  • BATHROOMS

    1 Bathroom Hair Dryer Toilet Paper Towels Provided
  • LANGS SPOKEN

    English French Russian
  • THINGS TO DO

    Birdwatching Nearby Casino Nearby Cycling Nearby Ecotours Nearby Fishing Nearby Golf Nearby Hiking/biking Trails Nearby Power Boating Nearby Swimming Nearby
  • ENTERTAINMENT

    Books TV
  • LIVING SPACES

    Living Room
  • CLIMATE CONTROL

    Heating
  • LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

    In The City Center On The River On The Waterfront
  • SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES

    Housekeeping (on Request) Iron/ironing Board
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    Smoke-free Property

CheckIn Check-in : 04:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 11:00 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 2

Map Map

School District Rates & Availability

Review Review

  • Julie M.

    Submitted Nov 27, 2025

    Stayed Nov 14, 2025

    The property was cozy, comfortable, and well located. I had everything I needed. The bed was very comfortable. One issue that I didn’t anticipate is that the bathroom was actually outside of the room. No one else was staying on the third floor, so it was in fact a private bathroom is listed, but just note that it is outside of the actual apartment.

  • Joseph S.

    Submitted Nov 9, 2025

    Stayed Nov 8, 2025

    The studio was in the perfect location, all very clean and the room was sweet, albeit fairly small. The landlady was really lovely and helpful in emailing us and getting us in early. However, contact with the owner was not the most responsive. The history and atmosphere stood out the most, as the tower is situated in such a fantastic location - about 5 minutes into the centre. For us, the only glaring issue was that the bathroom was absolutely tiny. Probably the smallest shower/toilet wetroom I’ve been in. Whilst we assume it is technically private, but not exactly sure, it is not en suite - as it's across the hall entrance. For the amount of money paid I do think it's misleading not to explain that detail before booking. For the price we paid in comparison to the alternatives, it was fine, but the bathroom did really disappoint us if I’m totally honest. The wifi was also fairly weak but not exactly slow. Despite these frustrations, it was located almost perfectly for one night's stay. The overall cleanliness is also what is most important above all else.

  • Charlotte F.

    Submitted Sep 7, 2025

    Stayed Aug 28, 2025

    Perfect location, close to the centre and the studio had everything my daughter and I needed for our stay. Parking was safe for 15 per day. Georgina the housekeeper could not have been more helpful or kind, even looking out for the arrival of some birthday cards after we'd left. Thank you so much!Being earplugs because the geese were noisy for a few nights

  • Heidi H.

    Submitted Jul 24, 2024

    Stayed Jul 1, 2024

    Small but charming room. Tends to be warm on the rare sunny days, opening the windows helped when there was a breeze. Very nice and courteous housekeeper. Approximately a 5 minute walk to grocery store, 10min to High Street and 25 min to train station. Overall a great stay!

  • Jayne T.

    Submitted Jul 22, 2024

    Stayed Jul 14, 2024

    This studio is in the best location in Oxford. My husband and I stayed 4 nights, and wished we could have stayed longer. In addition from being a very short walk from all of Oxford's historic and interesting colleges and museums, Folly House is right on the river, which has beaitiful paths on either side you can walk or bike on. Or you can take the cruise that leaves from Folly Bridge. The coffee shop that is right there was fabulous, and even had gluten free options. The studio itself was small (as advertised) but delightfully light filled and had 2 large windows. It was clean and comfortable and decorated with original art. The bios of the artists are included in the welcome guide ... so interesting!

  • Alex B.

    Submitted Jul 1, 2024

    Stayed Apr 18, 2024

    The flat was my idyllic refuge for six months in Oxford. I adored everything about it, including the owner and manager so friendly and easy to deal with. I adored, thanks. Alex

  • Alex B.

    Submitted Apr 2, 2024

    Stayed Mar 20, 2024

    I have adored the place, has been my lovely hideaway in Oxford as I pursue my studies.

  • Hannes W.

    Submitted Jul 22, 2023

    Stayed Jul 15, 2023

    We enjoed our stay in the tower during our week in Oxford. From the tower you can reach every interesting point in the city within a few minutes by walk. The single room appartmemt is equiped with every thing you need for a week. Only the little bathroom with shower and toilet could have a better shape. The contact to the landlaydies was Perfect.

  • Teresa W.

    Submitted Dec 3, 2022

    Stayed Sep 15, 2022

    We spent two and a half months at Folly Bridge House this Fall and absolutely fell in love with the place. We found our tiny studio Iris comfortable and charming, well appointed, and equipped with everything we needed. The two windows in the room made for lovely cross-ventilation plus fun views of the Thames immediately below. The location is an easy walk to the city centre and close to Christ Church meadow. We found Catriona attentive and Estera the housekeeper lovely and very committed to her job. We were so happy with Folly Bridge we will be returning in January for another long stay. Thank you!!

  • Shiri H.

    Submitted Aug 1, 2021

    Stayed Jul 4, 2021

    I stayed at the place for a month, the location is great. It is a short walk from city centre, the room is indeed very small but rather charming. I think the fact that the room has plenty of light and the air is clean is what made the difference. The host was highly recommended sponsive to our enquiries.

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Total

Includes taxes and fees
$170+
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