West End House West End Northleach GL54 3HG
Step inside West End House West End House is a period Cotswold stone property situated just off the High Street on West End in Northleach, dating back at least two hundred years. Today it is formed from an older two-storey cottage complete with original dovecot on the gable end plus an adjoining three storey Georgian town house, and includes a detached two storey annexe, originally a threshers barn, on the other side of a shared courtyard driveway. For much of its existence this would have served as a farmhouse with outbuildings, owned by the Blackwell family in the nineteenth century and then divided up in the twentieth century when it was taken over as an Officers Mess for the Royal Lancashire Regiment. This unique and characterful family home today is in need of some upgrade and modernisation but has retained a wealth of desirable period features throughout including flagstone floors, exposed stone walls and wooden lintels, solid panelled doors, sash windows and open fireplaces plus a small cellar beneath. An elegant drawing room with an inglenook fireplace and wood burning stove is a wonderful formal entertaining space, with a separate beamed dining room also benefitting from an open fireplace (although the current vendors have not used it for several years). A cosy private snug and a timberframed conservatory both overlook a delightful enclosed south-west facing walled garden. A fully fitted kitchen / breakfast room lies beyond. On the first floor is a large master bedroom suite including a study / dressing room plus an en-suite shower room; a separate modern family bathroom serves two double bedrooms tucked into the eaves above on the top floor. Another double bedroom and en-suite shower room are to be found within the annexe. This attractive detached period stone building simply provides a garage and utility room on the ground floor and occasional accommodation for guests, but no doubt there is potential for conversion to create an independent cottage ideal for holiday lets (subject to the usual planning permissions). As an historian it s been really fascinating to consider all the different incarnations it has had, says the current owner Dr Cross. There are so many architectural clues that reveal how life would once have been. The extra broad front door into the drawing room, for example, shows that there would once have been a passageway through to the land behind. We think that this would have been a Burgage plot leading onto the old Antelope Paddock although now half its original length. Being entirely walled the garden is a fantastic sun trap and we use the old privy as a garden shed! There are many benefits of this location that we shall miss, especially being on the edge of the town. It s generally quieter than the centre and less congested but we re still only within a short stroll of the market square and shops, of course. There are also a number of wonderful walks into open countryside from here. Our particular favourite wends behind the old prison through to the tiny village of Hampnett, going across the fields and returning via the old A40 road before heading for home. Another lovely ramble takes us through the medieval part of the town over ridge and furrow fields on the other side of the river, continuing to the nearby rural village of Farmington.
Step outside West End House At the end of every walk back there are some excellent pubs and a great wine bar! It s a very sociable place to live generally - the community is very connected, friendly and settled with an active church and so on - particularly important when one has retired. Being within the catchment for the renowned Cotswold Academy the town is also extremely popular for families, too, of course. Northleach provides amply but Cheltenham, Burford and Cirencester are only twenty minutes drive in either direction it s just half an hour or so to Oxford and another hour to London on the A40, so it s a great spot for anyone seeking for an accessible holiday home, too. Northleach Northleach is a former medieval wool town with many fine historic buildings and a beautiful Parish Church. The town is well served with shops for day to day requirements including a Post Office, Butcher, Chemist, Green Grocer/Baker, Doctors, Vets, Museum and a variety of pubs/restaurants. There are primary schooling and pre school nursery facilities. The town is easily accessible, lying on the cross roads of the Fosseway (A429) and the Cheltenham to Oxford Road. Directions From Harrison James & Hardie in Bourton, turn left and follow the High Street through Lansdowne to the A429 Fosseway. Turn left, and then keep left signposted Cirencester, and continue to the roundabout. Go straight over and at the traffic lights, turn left into Northleach. West End House will be found on the right hand side, identified by our Fine & Country For Sale board. Tenure and Possession Freehold We understand the property to be Freehold. Potential purchasers should obtain confirmation of this from their solicitor prior to exchange of contracts. Viewing Arrangements Viewing by prior arrangement with Harrison James & Hardie, Fine & Country North Cotswolds on 01451 824977, or 01608 653893.
Agents Notes: All measurements are approximate and quoted in imperial with metric equivalents and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Copyright 2016 Fine & Country Ltd. Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg. No. 3889306. Registered Office: Harrison & Hardie Limited, High Street, Bourton on the Water, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 2AN. Printed 10.04.2018
Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0)1451 824 977 karen@harrisonjameshardie.co.uk High Street, Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire GL54 2AN