Location

Kelmscott is a delightful and unspoilt village situated on the Oxfordshire/Gloucestershire border close to the river Thames and about two miles from Lechlade. The village is well known for its association with William Morris: Kelmscott Manor was his country home from 1871 to 1896. The village principally comprises Cotswold stone cottages and houses, a popular public house and Church with medieval wall paintings. The village is well placed midway between the M4 (junction 15) and M40 as well as being close to historic Lechlade and Burford. Cirencester, Cheltenham and Witney offer extensive shopping facilities.

There is a mainline station at Swindon, Oxford or Didcot with a regular service to London Paddington taking approximately 40-60 minutes. Local amenities include golf at Burford, Witney and Cirencester, sailing at the Cotswold Lakes and aquatic pursuits on the river Thames. There are theatres at Bath, Cheltenham, Oxford and Chipping Norton. The area is known for its equestrian pursuits including Badminton and Blenheim horse trials, racing at Cheltenham and polo at Cirencester Park.

Description

Situated in this most coveted of Cotswold villages, Church Cottage is one of just a handful of homes and is beautifully presented inside and out. The Grade II listed cottage is believed to be early 19th century and is built from local stone under a slate roof, with excellent character throughout. To the rear, a modern glass-walled extension adds a touch of contemporary class to the historic building, allowing the beautiful honeyed stone to be seen. Most recently the house has been used as a holiday let and therefore it is immaculately presented, with soft neutrals complementing the original features like exposed beams and an imposing inglenook fireplace. From the upper floors there are tranquil views over the neighbouring church and across the surrounding fields.

The accommodation is split between the main house and a separate annexe, providing fantastic versatility. The main cottage comprises two sitting rooms at the front, the open plan kitchen/dining room within the extension to the rear, a utility/laundry room, cloakroom and boot room. There is a double bedroom with en suite on the ground floor, with dressing room above and a further two bedrooms – also en suite – on the first floor. The separate annexe is entirely self-contained and has its own kitchen, sitting room, two bedrooms and two bath/shower rooms.

Outside
Church Cottage is set within attractive gardens of about three quarters of an acre. To the front, a five-bar gate opens to a generous gravel driveway and a parcel of lawn, with mature trees including a silver birch. The rear garden is fantastic for entertaining, featuring an outdoor swimming pool, a large terrace for alfresco meals, an expansive lawn perfect for family games and picnics, and far-reaching views over the countryside beyond.

Directions

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From Lechlade, leave the village via the A417 heading east. Just before The Trout public house, turn left signposted Kelmscott. Follow the road for about 1.4 miles and then turn right into the village. Church Cottage will be found on the left-hand side just before the church.