Down Court SLAD,

Down Court SLAD, GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Slad 1 mile, 2.5 miles, Cheltenham 14 miles, Cirencester 16 miles, M5 (Junction 11A), Bristol 35 miles

A beautifully situated country house occupying a commanding position at the head of the valley.

Reception hall, Cloakroom, Drawing room, Dining room, Study Garden room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Utility room 5/6 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms Annexe

Landscaped gardens, Tennis Court, Extensive garaging About 1 acre

Savills Cirencester 1 Castle Street, Market Place Cirencester GL7 1QD [email protected] 01285 627 550 www.savills.co.uk

SITUATION Down Court is surrounded by beautiful Cotswold countryside made famous by Laurie Lee in his book Cider with Rosie. Indeed the Slad Valley is one of the most picturesque parts of the Cotswolds and Down Court occupies an enviable position within it. Standing in an elevated position, the house enjoys a bucolic vista and from there is a delightful walk to the village and The Woolpack Inn. Indeed there are many enjoyable walks in the vicinity particularly along the Slad Brook and Dillay Brook. Close to Slad is , often referred to as the ‘Queen of the Cotswolds’ and famous for its churchyard yew trees and Rococo gardens. For a good range of shop and services there is Stroud about 3 miles away. Encircled by five sweeping valleys and once described by the London Evening News as being “like Notting hill with wellies” Stroud is a small market town with a bohemian feel and many specialist shops, cafes, galleries, markets, cinema, bookstores and a vibrant farmers market. There is also a Waitrose supermarket. The regional centres of Bristol, Gloucester and Cheltenham are not too far distant and there are also good communications both by road and rail. Direct rail services to London Paddington run from Stroud and take from 95 minutes. In addition to this there is a good range of schooling in the locality, both private and state, including 2 excellent secondary schools in Stroud: Stroud High School for girls and for boys. Alternatives include the Cheltenham schools, Beaudesert Park in Minchinhampton and Wycliffe College at Stonehouse.

DESCRIPTION Down Court is a particularly charming country house which dates back to the 17th century. Laurie Lee often visited the house and in fact one of the rooms was used in a BBC adaptation of Cider with Rosie. The house retains many period features including inglenook fireplaces, beamed ceilings, exposed stonework and thumb latch doors. However, the present owners have considerably improved the property by adding a glazed garden room designed by Peter Yiangou Architects, which has a new bathroom and shower room above. Further to this other bathrooms have been replaced and an attic bedroom added. The accommodation is laid out to provide three principal reception rooms, all approached off a generous reception hall. The kitchen/ breakfast room is a light and airy room having full height picture windows opening out into the garden. In addition there is a study, cloakroom, utility room and a wine store. The bedrooms are arranged over two floors and in total there are five with four bathrooms and a shower room. The principal bedroom has a dressing room which could be used as an occasional bedroom. However the flexibility of the house means that a self-contained suite could be provided at one end: a front door leads into the kitchen off which is the sitting room and there are steps which lead up to a bedroom and bathroom. The garden and grounds are a particular feature of the property, designed and landscaped by Graduate Gardeners of Bisley. Adjacent to the kitchen there is a south facing paved terrace with steps leading up to a lawned area with summerhouse. Beyond is an ornamental pond and stream. Stone steps lead up to a rose clad pergola, herbaceous border and a semi-circular raised terrace. Adjacent to the garden room is a secluded, paved sitting out terrace. The property is approached through a gateway which leads into a gravelled parking area adjacent to the garaging. There are two garages, the larger one with mezzanine level is capable of taking at least six cars but if required could be converted for alternative uses subject to the relevant planning consents being obtained. Close by is the club sized tennis court and oak clad pavilion. Adjacent is a kitchen garden, greenhouse and a timber shed. In total the property extends to about one acre. DIRECTIONS (GL6 7QE) GENERAL REMARKS From London take the M4 and exit at junction 15 before Services heading north on the A417. Continue past Cirencester and after Mains water and electricity. Private drainage. Oil fired boilers. approximately a further 10 miles turn left for and then left for Stroud. Proceed for about 6 miles and on reaching Slad turn left Local Authority into Steanbridge Lane. Continue along this private road for about Council, Telephone: 01453 766321 0.9 miles and the house will be found on the left hand side. Viewing From Stroud take the Slad Road. On reaching the village continue By appointment through Savills. past The Woolpack Inn for about 175 yards and then turn right into Cirencester Office: 01285 627550 Steanbridge Lane. Proceed for 0.9 miles and Down Court will be found on the left hand side.

IMPORTANT NOTICE Savills, their clients and any joint agents give notice that: 1.They are not authorised to make or give any representations or warranties in relation to the property either here or elsewhere, either on their own behalf or on behalf of their client or otherwise. They assume no responsibility for any statement that may be made in these particulars. These particulars do not form part of any offer or contract and must not be relied upon as statements or representations of fact. 2. Any areas, measurements or distances are approximate. The text, photographs and plans are for guidance only and are not necessarily comprehensive. It should not be assumed that the property has all necessary planning, building regulation or other consents and Savills have not tested any services, equipment or facilities. Purchasers must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise. Sales Particulars: Photographs taken March 2015. Brochure printed April 2015. Kingfisher Print and Design 01803 867087 DOWN COURT House gross internal area = 4940 sq ft / 459 sq m Garages / Mezzanine = 1248 sq ft / 116 sq m Pavilion = 205 sq ft / 19 sq m Summerhouse = 65 sq ft / 6 sq m Total = 6458 sq ft / 600 sq m For identification only. Not to scale. Second Floor

Upper Ground Floor First Floor First Floor

Ground Floor

Outbuildings Ground Floor