Location

Charlbury (mainline station into London Paddington 75 minutes) 11 miles, Oxford Parkway (mainline station into London Marylebone 67 minutes) 25 miles, Cheltenham 19 miles, Oxford 26 miles Stratford-upon-Avon 29 miles (all distances and times are approximate).

The village of Sherborne lies on the Gloucestershire/Oxfordshire border between Burford and Northleach. The village and surrounding land is predominantly owned by the National Trust providing wonderful walks. The village lies within the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has a Parish Church, village shop/cafe, primary school and a social club.

Nearby Northleach and Burford provide everyday shopping amenities whilst the larger centres of Cheltenham and Oxford provide more extensive shopping, leisure and educational facilities. The A40 provides easy access to London, Oxford and Cheltenham.

Sporting and recreational facilities are well catered for in the area with golf courses at Naunton Downs, Burford and Cheltenham. Hunting with the Cotswold and Vale of White Horse. National Hunt Racing is at Cheltenham, Stratford, Warwick and Worcester.

The Cotswolds’ year is packed with events ranging from world famous international festivals like Cheltenham Literature Festival and Cheltenham Gold Cup Week to major musical events such as the Wilderness Festival or the Big Feastival, as well as a jam-packed events calendar featuring concerts, exhibitions, arts and literature festivals and theatrical productions.

Description

Approached via a grand drive and set beside a fifteenth-century parish church The Winchcombe Suite is a stately four-bedroom flat located on the ground floor of Sherborne House, a Grade II* listed property with a rich history dating back to 811. Originally home to a small chapel, the estate has seen several iterations, including the construction of the house around 1520. Sherborne House has twice hosted Queen Elizabeth I during her royal progresses, and after more than 400 years in the same family’s ownership, it was sold and converted into flats in 1981. The surrounding estate, except for 12 acres retained for the house, was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1982. The National Trust’s Sherborne Park Estate with its extensive walking trails borders the house’s grounds.

The Winchcombe Suite itself is a remarkable apartment that combines modern comfort with period features. The flat includes a stunning 30-foot by 24-foot drawing room, previously Lord Sherborne’s private sitting room, with floor-to-ceiling panelled windows, a beautiful stone fireplace, and high ceilings. This expansive space enjoys incredible views of the parkland to the west, as well as glimpses of the estate to the north and south. The drawing room’s size and grandeur make it perfect for both formal entertaining and casual relaxation.

The apartment is L-shaped, with drawing room, kitchen and one bedroom in one wing and the remaining bedroom and bathroom accommodation in the other. An elegant entrance hall/library leads into the drawing/dining room, offering ample room for a seating area, dining space, and even a study or work area. Ornate details, including an intricate mantelpiece and ceiling plasterwork, enhance the room’s character and charm.

Adjoining the drawing room is a thoughtfully designed kitchen, equipped with a contemporary range of cabinets and modern appliances. Next door is a practical utility room.

The suite boasts four bedrooms, three of which are situated in what was once Lord Sherborne’s private library. Two of these bedrooms enjoy en suite bathrooms, while the apartment also includes a family bathroom and a separate WC.

In addition to its historic significance and beautiful period features, Sherborne House offers a unique living experience, blending the tranquiity of its parkland setting with the elegance of a bygone era.

An extensive programme of refurbishment to the house and communal facilities took place during 2024/2025 and have since created a wonderful sense of comfort and class throughout.
Outside there are 12 acres of gardens with herbaceous borders, yew hedging, and orchards looked after by gardening staff. Communal facilities include an orangery with a lovely seating area, heated swimming pool and tennis court. The original walled kitchen garden is available for allotments. There is a full-time caretaker to ensure the house and grounds are well maintained and to look after apartments when owners are away.

Directions

Directions GL54 3DZ: From Cheltenham and the West, take the A40 towards Burford and Oxford. Continue for approximately 3½ miles after the A40/A429 roundabout and take the left hand turn to Sherborne and Clapton. Proceed until reaching the crossroads and turn right and continue towards Sherborne. The entrance to Sherborne House will be found on the right hand side after a short distance. Proceed along the drive to the visitor parking area and continue on foot to the main entrance.