The Old Vicarage is for sale in the Cotswolds valley made famous by 'Cider with Rosie'
Cotswolds charm, epic views and flashes of 21st century design flair come together at The Old Vicarage, Whitehill.
Situated within the Cotswolds National Landscape some two miles north-east of Stroud, the village of Whiteshill overlooks the peaceful and secluded Ruscombe Valley, one of a series of steep-sided, wooded river valleys in this scenic part of Gloucestershire immortalised by Laurie Lee in his 1959 classic Cider with Rosie. Here, Ashley Harwood of Strutt & Parker in Cirencester seeks ‘offers in excess of £2 million’ for The Old Vicarage.
This gem — which, somehow, remains unlisted — stands in almost an acre of terraced, west-facing gardens on high ground on the edge of the village, with unfettered open views over Ruscombe Brook.
Approached along a private driveway screened by mature trees, the handsome stone house offers a high degree of privacy, while still having wonderful views across the Cotswolds.
It's a house that also has space — lots of space. There is 6,767sq ft of elegant accommodation on three floors, including three main reception rooms which all make the most of the location; who hasn't dreamed of situating their grand piano next to bifold doors that look out across one of England's most celebrated rural landscapes?
Upstairs, the bedroom arrangements are fairly fluid. As things stand, the floorplan shows three bedrooms and three bathrooms on the first floor — but it could easily be arranged as four or even five bedrooms.
The master bedroom is presently set up with a huge dressing room (around 16'x16') which could easily be a room of its own, while the bedroom at the far side of the house is laid out as a space, with its own bathroom and sitting room. It's ideal as a granny annexe, or even staff accommodation.
There is a second floor above as well, and it's dedicated entirely to work and play: there is a games room, cinema room and an office, as well as plenty of storage space.
Speaking of work and play, there is also a lower ground floor with a fully-equipped gym, steam room and sauna.
No expense has been spared in upgrading the interior, where traditional features such as stone mullioned windows, original fireplaces and exposed beams sit comfortably alongside contemporary details and some unashamedly stylish flourishes.
The modern touches are superb: Crittall-style doors, underfloor heating, and bespoke cabinetry are all here, while there is a dramatic oak-and-glass extension that floods the open-plan kitchen/dining/family room with natural light.
The Old Vicarage, Whitell, is for sale with Strutt & Parker — see more details.
