Properties of this scale, architectural merit and finish rarely come to the market in this highly regarded town. The house is particularly impressive with the original dating back to 1810. The house was extended in size in 1845, a design led by the famed architect, William Hill Knight, for which his signature Oriel window is a focal point, positioned just under the roof gable. It was at this point that it was famously cited in Pevsner's Architectural Guide of The Cotswold's for being a symmetrical Gothic house dating back to 1845. With a lovely history as the former vicarage to the town, the property is a wonderful blend of 19th century grandeur with a modern day finish. The current owners have taken great care to retain the very special original features, whilst making The Old Vicarage the most comfortable and inviting home through careful enhancements.
The four square layout allows for a practical floorplan with rooms of equal proportions, spanning over 4500 Sq Ft of the most immaculate accommodation set out over three floors of grand living, bedroom and entertaining space in addition to a separate two-bedroom coach house dating back to the 17th century.
Stone steps rise up to the main entrance and its grand front door that opens up to the vestibule and reception hall, with a fine staircase rising to the first floor. The house has a lovely symmetry enhanced by large windows, high ceilings and a wonderful light and bright atmosphere. The Old Vicarage has a fine choice of living rooms, a mix of formal and informal space. The main drawing room extends to over 36 ft, with a handsome stone fireplace, an ornate, curved feature bay window to the front and a large multi-paned window, with window seat, to the far end overlooking the beautiful grounds and views beyond. Across the hall is the snug, a warm and relaxing space with a fireplace with a wood burning stove, a leaded light carved bay window and doorway through to the formal dining room and further to the kitchen.
The kitchen is perfectly in keeping with the style of this period home, hand crafted and with a range of fitted cabinetry and particularly light with having vaulted ceilings. The bespoke units include wall and floor level cabinets topped with granite, a large central island perfect for relaxed entertaining and a range of high quality appliances including a Siemens induction hob, two double Neff ovens, combination microwave, fridge/freezer, wine cooler and dishwasher. Adding to the functionality of the house is a utility room and cloakroom. French doors from the kitchen lead out onto the large terrace overlooking the lawns. The flow of the accommodation feels perfect for family life, with relaxed living space blending with rooms that are perfect for entertaining.
The bedroom accommodation is set out over the two higher floors. Following the same four square layout as the reception rooms, these floors are beautifully laid out, generous in size and extremely light. The master suite is impressive, the main bedroom area overlooks the most glorious vista of gardens and open countryside to the rear. The en-suite was a former bedroom and as such is particularly large with a freestanding bath, double sinks, separate shower and an excellent range of wardrobes. A lovely guest bedroom has a Jack N Jill bathroom which is shared with bedroom three which enjoys the same views as the master-bedroom with lawns and countryside. A further staircase rises to four further double bedrooms, one of which is served by an en-suite bathroom and the rest by a family bathroom.
Coach House:
The Coach House is a wonderful addition, a detached period home providing excellent ancillary accommodation to the main house and extending in total to just under 800 square feet, ideal as guest space, home office or holiday accommodation.
The Grounds and Gardens:
The gardens of The Old Vicarage are simply lovely, providing a beautiful, relaxed setting for this country home. Enjoying a southerly orientation, the grounds extend to over 0.3 acres of lawns set over two tiers, which are well planted and planned with mature trees, flower beds and curated hedgerows. The gardens are further enhanced by the open views of uninterrupted countryside, some of the best in The Cotswolds, which makes this setting the most magnificent position befitting a home of this status. The orientation of the gardens and the height at which the boundaries are kept allow for an open aspect to be a sweeping vista for miles. The sun terrace is ideal for dining al fresco and a perfect spot to take in the vista with a summerhouse providing further sitting or storage. The whole plot is enclosed by well-established boundaries ensuring almost total privacy which is unexpected for living so close to Winchcombe's centre.
The property is approached through double wooden gates to a gravelled courtyard area to the side of the house which provides parking for the main house and cottage.
Situation:
Over the years Winchcombe has established itself as one of the most sought after Cotswold towns to live in. Its status has been retained, in part, by the growth of the amenities on offer in the cultural town centre, offering the discerning buyer a wonderful choice of coffee shops, boutiques and restaurants, in addition to some beautiful Cotswold pubs, a doctor's surgery, butcher, bakery, well stocked shops and a florist to name but a few. Schooling in the area is particularly good with a well reputed primary and secondary school.
Positioned in an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty, it is noted for its rolling hills and open countryside, which makes for some of the best walking and riding landscape. Whilst beautifully semi-rural, it is extremely accessible with the larger centre of Cheltenham only six miles away. A fashionable hub home to well-regarded festivals and exceptional schooling, including the world renowned, The Cheltenham Ladies' College. Cheltenham College, Dean Close and St Edwards. For the commuter, transport links are strong with regular bus routes between Cheltenham and Winchcombe, easy access to the M5 at Tewkesbury and the M4 corridor via the A40/A419. There are direct trains form Cheltenham to London and from Kingham, which can be reached by car in 35 minutes.
Tewkesbury Borough Council Band G
