Once parked on the gravel drive, open the grey-painted wooden door into the enclosed and delightful walled garden, a space that offers not only total privacy for guests, but also security for children. The garden is also home to a few clues that help illustrate the history of Church Cottage. If you look closely at the flower borders and the step to the far right of the property, you may notice some unusual pieces of ancient carved stone; these were dug up from the garden, confirming the theory that the cottage is built on the site of the masonry workshop used during the building of Burford Church in the Middle Ages.
Step inside through the red front door, and you will immediately begin to understand what Church Cottage is about - conservation and authenticity. As you start to explore the interior of this lovely home you will notice the painstaking details that the owners, Robin and Clare, have worked on over the years to honour and preserve the history and style of the cottage. As well as thoughtful touches, the cottage is full of artistic and historic interest, from Art-Deco ceramics to original works of art, and from Clare's fascinating vintage tin collection to original ironmongery, light switches and painted floorboards. The owners' commitment to preserving not only the past but also the future of Church Cottage is evident through the subtle environment-conscious improvements that have been made, such as a thermally efficient cooker, wood-burning stove, high levels of insulation throughout the property and locally crafted and sourced furnishings.
As you enter Lawrence Lane from the main High Street of Burford, the first thing you will notice is the magnificent 1000-year-old Church of St John the Baptist that stands proudly in its beautiful large churchyard next to Church Cottage. Church Cottage's charming exterior is framed by the delicate dove-grey window frames, manicured shrub border and distinctive red door. Those with a keen eye may even recognise this view - in 1948, the famous English artist L.S. Lowry painted Burford Church in oils from the entrance of Lawrence Lane off the High Street, and Church Cottage can clearly be seen on the left (see right). Postcards of the painting are available in the Church - you will see that the cottage looks rather different today, yet it remains a source of great beauty and inspiration alongside the impressive architecture and grand spire of its neighbour.
Ground Floor
Entrance Hall and downstairs WC:
Step through the red front door into the entrance hall, a compact space, but with plenty of room for coats, umbrellas, boots and shoes. Above is a Victorian clothes-drying rack, operated on a pulley system, with the rope wound around the hook on the wall - providing an efficient and environmentally friendly way to dry clothes. Open the door to your left and you will find the downstairs WC and washbasin, situated in the old ‘privy'.
Kitchen:
The well-equipped kitchen is a light and airy space filled with beautiful original features, such as the tiled flooring and half-size Belfast sink. The super-efficient ‘Everhot' range cooker will be warm and ready to use and is fantastic for baking and drying alike! The row of cream cupboards opposite the cooker cleverly hides a separate fridge and freezer, individual bins, washing machine and dishwasher. The tall cupboard next to the door to the sitting room contains the microwave, and a full range of plates, glasses and cooking equipment.
Before moving on into the sitting room, take a moment to study Clare's collection of vintage tins in the glass fronted cabinet. With some tins dating from the early 1900s, this unique collection is the culmination of a lifelong hobby for Clare. Which one is your favourite?
Sitting Room:
A wonderfully cosy living space, this room is the heart of the cottage, with original painted wooden floorboards and beams, cheerful floral curtains, warm bright furniture including two armchairs a three-seater sofa. An inviting wood-burning stove sits proudly in the original brick fireplace, framed by oak bookcases handmade in Witney containing a selection of novels, reference and guide books. The perfect place to curl up next to the fire with a book in hand or snuggle down to watch the new ‘Smart' television, located in the antique pine corner cupboard, along with a DVD player, Bluetooth speaker and a selection of games and puzzles. The room is very well lit, with subtle spotlights adding a touch of modernity while ensuring that the cottage never feels dark. (TV and DVD player instructions are in the ‘Owners' Notes'.) French windows in the Sitting Room lead to the garden.
Dining Room:
The first thing that may strike you about this room is its spaciousness; for a compact cottage, this generously sized dining area provides plenty of space for entertaining. This is the newer part of the house, added in 2002, though it blends in seamlessly with the original style of the cottage. A fresh, light room with shelves displaying more gorgeous ceramics and original paintings, and of course, the centre piece of the room, a large dining table with ample room and seating for six. In the far-left corner you will notice a piece of furniture from a bygone era, a lovely antique headteacher's desk. If you fancy some al fresco dining, the French windows take you directly out onto the sheltered Rose Terrace, with its truly stunning view of the magnificent west end of Burford Church.
First Floor
Upstairs Landing:
Once you are at the top of the stairs - take care as they are quite steep - you will reach the landing where you will find a wide wooden worktop that stretches the length of the landing. On top of the worktop there is a travel cot, baby changing mat and a little step that may be useful for teeth-brushing!
Bathroom:
A bright and compact bathroom, with a gorgeous, original 1930's bathtub with attached shower hose, W.C. and wash basin. Please note: the shower fitting is not suitable for use as a stand-up shower but is fine for sitting/in-bath use and hair washing.
Double Bedroom:
With its soft, pastel-coloured walls and furnishings and comfortable ‘Queen-size' double bed, it's hard not to feel cosy in this charming bedroom with its sloping ceiling. There's also plenty of space and storage, with two bedside tables with drawers, a chair, a lovely vintage pine chest of drawers, and a small hanging cupboard inside the door on the left-hand side next to the bed. This bedroom has a lovely view over the gardens and rooftops of old Burford.
Twin Bedroom:
Set up as a children's bedroom, this charming room is sure to enchant all ages. Two comfortable single beds line either side of the room, with a large vintage pine chest of drawers between the beds. Above the chest of drawers hangs a captivating illustration of a rabbit family guaranteed to delight young guests, while the quaint little fireplace (not working) and patchwork curtains all add to the appeal of this cheerful twin room.
Master Bedroom with En Suite:
Complete with two 1940's chests of drawers, bedside tables and modern radio - the master bedroom is full of thoughtful touches. Lie back on the king-size bed and look to the ceiling: you'll notice the lucky horseshoe fixed up above you, this came from the original front door of the cottage! The en-suite shower room has a walk-in shower, WC, wash basin and adorable little cubby holes for storage.
This room has a fabulous view of the church and the cottage's Rose Terrace below. The elegant converted gas streetlamp just outside the entrance to the churchyard adds a romantic glow to the Rose Terrace at night, and if you leave your windows open on a summer evening you will enjoy the scent of the roses in the bedroom!
Outside
The garden of Church Cottage will take you completely by surprise. You will notice hints of what's to come through the garden gate in the pretty raised border in the parking area. As well as providing complete privacy from Lawrence Lane and public view it is also totally secure garden, making it a wonderful place for children to play. As the cottage is south facing, the garden really benefits from the summer sun. It has fantastic views of the Church, and the most beautiful blooms of flowers along the long high stone wall during the spring and summer months. Plenty of outdoor seating is provided, including two benches, two chairs and a table, and a further bench tucked under an arch covered with clematis and roses.
Please note: The ‘garden house' at the near end of the garden is locked and not for guests' use. However, guests are welcome to use the veranda and the chairs. If you smoke, then this is a good covered smoking area - with a perfect view of the Church.
Rose Terrace
At the end of the house closest to the Church, you will find the walled, sheltered and sunny Rose Terrace, accessed from the dining room or the side gate in the garden. This beautiful paved space is a real sun trap, and wonderful for al fresco dining, with an outdoor dining table that seats six, as well as a bench. Relax in this private paradise as you sit amongst the flourishing roses, ancient holly tree, and an apple tree that is probably older than the cottage itself!
(Make the most of the sun in this area by using the retractable washing line fixed next to the door from the garden to dry your laundry!)
Opposite the red front door, you will see a small lockable shed. This is where the outdoor bins are kept. It also has some hooks - great for suitcase storage - and it is a good place for deliveries to be left. The key to the shed hangs on the overhead hooks in the kitchen entrance.
