The pull of the Cotswolds is normally explained by the sweeping West-country landscapes, the ever growing number of cultural and gastronomic destinations and the idyllic, limestone architecture which characterises its many cottages and grand houses. In some cases, like this manor house which has just hit the market with Savills, there is the additional appeal of history.
When King Charles II lost the Battle of Worcester on September 11, 1651, it is to The Old Manor House, which belonged to his friend and politician John George (who was MP for Cirencester at the time, but had pledged allegiance to the crown) that he sought refuge. It is understandable that he would have found comfort in this house – it's certainly grand enough for a king, but with all of the cosiness typical of the area.
The house was built in the 16th century, towards the end of the Tudor period and in the classic Cotswolds vernacular: light-coloured cotswolds stone bricks make up the building. It's approached via a long driveway, through a dry stone wall border. Sitting on 2.08 acres of land, the property is also home to paddocks, a double field shelter, hay store and a coach house above the garage.
Inside, an L-shaped layout provides light from several directions and illuminates the interiors throughout the day. There are six bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large kitchen with a separate dining room, a drawing room and a second, less formal sitting room.
The coach house offers the perfect place to host guests (or make a little extra money through Airbnb): it sits above the garage and can be entered through the house, there are an additional two bedrooms, a sitting room, kitchen and bathroom.
The current owners, who have lived in the house for some 40 years, have sensitively maintained many of the its architectural details, from wooden beams and generous fireplaces (there are seven), to the impressive panelling in the main bedroom and the gothic wooden staircase.
The interiors are quiet and well maintained, providing a buyer with the perfect blank canvas on which to add colour and pattern. The impressive main bedroom, and its adjoining ensuite bathroom, are where the ornate woodwork can be found. Perhaps it was in this room, amongst the regal decoration, that King Charles II stayed. He would certainly have felt at home here.
The nearby village of Baunton is quite the picture of rural living: there's a golf club, gardening club and the river Churn running through it, passing merrily by the bottom of the garden at The Old Manor House.
The Old Manor House is listed with Savills for £3.25 million.
