This traditional Cotswold home has been carefully refurbished to create the perfect mix of old and new. The Victorian inglenook fireplace, original beams (low in places, so mind your head!), wooden floors and terracotta red William Morris-style wallpaper are perfectly complemented with a modern, well-equipped kitchen, three delightful bedrooms (two on the first floor and one on the top floor), three bathrooms and a downstairs cloakroom, plus a modern garden annexe with twin beds. Lady Ashcombe has personally selected works of art and furniture to bring the history and character of the cottage to life. Some of the furnishings come directly from the Castles' collection, others from local antique shops and auction rooms.
Thanks to its lantern ceiling in the Kitchen and Living Room and French doors out to the garden, light sweeps through the rear of the cottage, creating a bright and inspiring entertaining space. The downstairs living space runs from the cosy Dining Room at the front of the house, overlooking Vineyard Street, with its inglenook fireplace, wood burner, and beamed ceiling, through to the modern, well-equipped kitchen and the stunning Living Room. Here guests will find two spaces, where they can relax, play games, watch TV, and enjoy the unusual flame-effect fireplace.
The whole downstairs flows through to the suntrap courtyard garden, perfect for a BBQ after walking the Cotswolds Way!
Ground Floor
Entrance Hall:
On entering the cottage, there is a small entrance area decorated with a floral terracotta red, William Morris-style wallpaper. To the left are the stairs to the first and second floor, and to the right is the dining room, which leads through to the living room, courtyard garden and annexe.
Dining Room:
A charming entertaining space with a rectangular, wooden dining table and seating for eight guests. An inglenook fireplace and wood burner complete this characterful room, along with original beams and a large dresser displaying vintage plates. The dining room looks out onto the sunken footpath running along the front of the terrace of properties on Vineyard Street. (Starter logs are provided for the wood burner. However, please note, there is very little space between the log burner and dining table. For that reason, many guests do not use the fireplace).
Off the Dining Room are two storage areas, one under the stairs (housing the ironing board, clothes airer and safety gate) and the second that leads to a cloakroom (W.C. and washbasin) with space to hang coats and keep walking boots (and store the highchair).
The Kitchen:
The modern kitchen is fitted with oak worktops and plenty of shaker-style cream-coloured cupboards. It is fully equipped, with a dishwasher, range-style oven/hob (6-rings/3 ovens), microwave, Nespresso machine, washer/dryer, and lovely washing up area under a "lantern" ceiling, which throws plenty of natural light into the room. The kitchen is fully kitted out with crockery, glassware, utensils, and cutlery for a self-catering stay.
The Living Room:
The Living Room is the star of the property, with its French windows to the courtyard garden and lantern ceiling making this a light and bright socialising space. Cleverly divided into two parts, with a large L-shaped sofa, two antique armchairs, 50" Smart TV, Gazco electric flame-effect fire and coffee table (ingeniously made from an antique trunk) at one end, and a beautiful card table, desk and bookcases at the other end. Books of all genres and some family games and cards are provided for guests to browse and enjoy.
French doors lead to the private and multi-level gravelled courtyard garden and the Annexe.
Annexe - Bedroom Four:
Up a small flight of steps, at the end of the garden, is the Annexe with its en-suite twin bedroom. This generously sized room is furnished with two single beds complimented by two bedside chests and reading lamps, a handy chair, a nest of tables and a wardrobe. (Note: WiFi cover is not strong in the Annexe.)
Annexe En-Suite:
The en-suite has a power shower unit, wash basin with mirrored vanity unit, heated towel rail and W.C.
First Floor
Bedroom Two:
This single bedroom overlooks Vineyard Street. It is furnished with a single bed, built-in wardrobe and window seat with a cushion and many items of vintage furniture, including a wooden bench, dressing table with stool and lamp.
Family Bathroom:
This bright and modern bathroom has a full-size bath, with an over-bath shower, washbasin and vanity unit, illuminated mirror, heated towel rail, and W.C.
Bedroom One:
A delightful bedroom with an inviting king-size double bed and a pretty view over the garden and Annexe, Dent's Almshouses, and towards the Cotswold countryside. Complete with bedside cabinets and lamps, a chest of drawers, two chairs, a built-in wardrobe, and a storage ottoman. (A travel cot is stored in the wardrobe.)
Bedroom Three:
This spacious and bright twin bedroom has a fantastic view over the garden and Annexe, and out to Sudeley Hill and the surrounding Cotswold countryside. There are two bedside tables and lamps, two storage ottomans, two chairs, a chest of drawers, and a built-in wardrobe.
Family Shower Room:
The top floor bathroom has a walk-in shower, washbasin and vanity unit, illuminated mirror, heated towel rail, and W.C.
Outside
The private garden at the rear of the house has two landscaped levels, with the first a patio immediately outside the Living Room - with a bistro table and two chairs - and the second a patio area immediately outside the Annexe - with a charcoal BBQ, outdoor dining table, six chairs and a parasol. A gravelled area and path connect the two patios which are enhanced with flowerbeds and overhanging mature trees. (Cushions for the outdoor seats are stored in the under-stairs cupboard).
