A pair of Cotswolds cottages turned into a gorgeous — and huge — family home
Beautifully remodelled and occupying a sublime spot in a quintessential Cotswolds village, Swinbrook Place has everything going for it. James Fisher takes a look.


In Swinbrook, what was once two is now one: no, it isn't the local postmaster marrying the vicar. Instead, it's this pair of cottages which have been combined to create this two-storey, Tudor-style family home.
The recently renovated home arrives on the market via Knight Frank with a guide price of £3.25 million.
With between four and six bedrooms depending on how you configure things, four bathrooms and beautiful countless reception rooms, this Cotswold-stone home is ideal for entertaining and appreciating the surrounding AONB.
Plenty of period features are still on show throughout, such as high ceilings, exposed beams, open fireplaces in many of the rooms — including the bathrooms — and delightful cast-iron lattice windows.
The beauty of the interiors are matched by the three-quarter-acre gardens, which feature three lawned terraces, a mature orchard, which leads to a summerhouse and weeping-willow walk, and well-stocked beds throughout.
The village of Swinbrook lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty next to the River Windrush, about two miles from Burford. Here, you’ll find the popular Swan Inn pub and a cricket club, whilst over in Burford, there’s an excellent range of shops, restaurants and hotels.
There are also plenty of other towns and villages to explore in the surrounding area, such as Chipping Norton, Stow-on-the-Wold and, naturally, Oxford. The immediate countryside provides plenty of walks and riding trails, whilst Oxford is home to regional theatres and extensive shopping facilities.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Schooling is excellent, as is the range of sporting facilities on offer, from golf, horse racing at Cheltenham and Newbury, to country sports.
Communication links are equally as impressive, with easy access to the A40 which connects to Oxford, as well as regular train services from Charlbury Station (a 15-minute drive from the property) to London Paddington.
Swinbrook Place is currently on the market via Knight Frank with a guide price of £3.25 million — see more pictures or enquire with the agent for further details.
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

James Fisher is the Digital Commissioning Editor of Country Life. He writes about motoring, travel and things that upset him. He lives in London. He wants to publish good stories, so you should email him.
-
What Britain's top garden designers are planting now to create dazzling spring meadows around their homes
Non Morris reveals the techniques behind the contemporary take on William Robinson’s original idea of naturalising bulbs in long grass, creating an effect even more dazzling than a meadow.
By Non Morris Published
-
Medieval Italian? 19th century French? 16th century German? You're spoilt for choice if you're looking to buy a gorgeous continental castle
From hills of Italy to a Bavarian palace, Toby Keel takes a look at three of the finest castles for sale across Europe today.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Medieval Italian? 19th century French? 16th century German? You're spoilt for choice if you're looking to buy a gorgeous continental castle
From hills of Italy to a Bavarian palace, Toby Keel takes a look at three of the finest castles for sale across Europe today.
By Toby Keel Published
-
How to buy a house at auction
Buying at auction can mean you secure your dream property for a bargain price, but preparation is the key
By Annabel Dixon Last updated
-
The homes of two 1980s TV icons are both up for sale at the same time
The houses where Bob Monkhouse and Sir Terry Wogan spent decades of their lives are currently on the market. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
Living on the edge? A lighthouse for sale on a clifftop on one of the most remote islands in Britain
Bressay Lighthouse was built by the father and uncle of the 'Treasure Island' author.
By Rosie Paterson Published
-
Alan Titchmarsh is selling his Hampshire home (and the garden that comes with it): Exclusive pictures and interview
After 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.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A Lake District escape with views that will make you feel like the king of all you can see
Mellguards's many guest rooms and dual staircases make this property perfect for people who love to host, but tire of their guests quickly.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
One of Yorkshire's great houses, burnt to the ground three generations ago, is back on its feet and on the market for the sixth time in a millennium
Penny Churchill looks at Riseborough Hall, a great house, rich with fascinating history and beautifully apportioned, which burnt to the ground but rose again.
By Penny Churchill Last updated
-
Seven magnificent homes from Cumbria to Devon, as seen in Country Life
Our regular look at the best homes to come to the market via Country Life in the past few weeks takes in a breathtaking Lake District house and a superb home in Northamptonshire.
By Toby Keel Published