Grade II*-listed Latimer Manor, in West Kington, Wiltshire, comes with high praise indeed. This beautiful stone property, for which Strutt & Parker is seeking offers in excess of £3 million, was described by former Country Life editor Marcus Binney as ‘a perfect small Cotswolds manor’ in his book In Search of The Perfect House.
Thought to have been home to Bishop Hugh Latimer, the man that assisted Henry VIII in the reforms that would allow the King to divorce Catherine of Aragon (for which he later paid the ultimate price when Mary I had him burned at the stake), the six-bedroom house originally dates from the 16th and 17th centuries and has preserved intact many charming details, including mullion windows, beamed ceilings, wooden window seating and carved stone chimney pieces.
The interiors span a little more than 5,000sq ft and encompass four reception rooms, including an elegant, south-facing drawing room, a traditional kitchen with Aga and granite worktops, and six bedrooms. The master suite, with its panelled wardrobes and bathroom featuring a fine fireplace and a roll-top bath, is especially spectacular, but another, newly refurbished bedroom comes a close second, thanks to its 16ft vaulted ceiling with original beams.
Outside are plenty of outbuildings, including a 17th century barn that currently houses some stabling and a workshop and an artist’s studio. Some of the barns, not visible from the house, have planning and listed-building consent to create secondary accommodation.
The land extends to just under 14 acres of formal gardens and paddocks, plus a stone terrace that’s perfect for alfresco dining in summer.
Latimer Manor is for sale at offers in excess of £3 million via Strutt & Parker— see more pictures or enquire with the agent for further details.
Standford: What you need to know
- Location:West Kington is 2.5 miles from Castle Combe, 9 from Chippenham and 10 from Bath
- Atmosphere:A peaceful village, it has a church and a well-established plant nursery
- Things to do: Walking and riding are vailable in the area, with golf at Tracy park and Castle Combe and an array of sporting and culture opportunities In nearby bath. The spa at Lucknam Park is also within easy reach.
- Schools: There are plenty of good schools in the area, including Saint Mary’s Calne, Marlborough College and Cheltenham Ladies College and, among preps, Beaudesert and Heywood, Corsham
Find more properties in the area.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
A Clarkson's Farm of one's own: Five properties with just enough farmland for you and your family, from under £1 millionMoving to the country is one thing; moving to the country and being able to grow and rear all your own food is another level entirely, and all these properties offer exactly that.
-
What everyone is talking about this week: What is the right way to propose to someone?Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are the latest couple to employ 'hidden' photographers to capture their engagement — but at what cost? Will Hosie details how you should do it instead.
-
A Clarkson's Farm of one's own: Five properties with just enough farmland for you and your family, from under £1 million
Moving to the country is one thing; moving to the country and being able to grow and rear all your own food is another level entirely, and all these properties offer exactly that.
-
Six superb homes, from chocolate box cottages to grand Tudor mansions, as seen in Country LifeOur regular round-up includes charming home counties houses and superb grand country house in Ireland.
-
A billionaire's thatched cottage is for sale in Surrey, once owned by the oil magnate J. Paul GettyChestnut Cottage is a joyous little home — albeit one with the most unusual bedrooms to acreage to price balances we've ever seen. Toby Keel takes a look inside.
-
Medieval Italian? 19th century French? 16th century German? You're spoilt for choice if you're looking to buy a gorgeous continental castleFrom hills of Italy to a Bavarian palace, Toby Keel takes a look at three of the finest castles for sale across Europe today.
-
How to buy a house at auctionBuying at auction can mean you secure your dream property for a bargain price, but preparation is the key
-
The homes of two 1980s TV icons are both up for sale at the same timeThe houses where Bob Monkhouse and Sir Terry Wogan spent decades of their lives are currently on the market. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
-
Living on the edge? A lighthouse for sale on a clifftop on one of the most remote islands in BritainBressay Lighthouse was built by the father and uncle of the 'Treasure Island' author.
-
Alan Titchmarsh is selling his Hampshire home (and the garden that comes with it): Exclusive pictures and interviewAfter many happy years in Hampshire, the writer, broadcaster and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh is selling up and looking to move. He spoke to Penny Churchill about his years at Manor Farm House.
