Charlton Park, Charlton, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16

An exceptional wing of a major country house together with a private garden and garaging.

Description

Charlton Park House dates from early 17th Century and was built for the Earl of Suffolk and Berkshire, who continues to own and farm the surrounding estates.

The south west front entrance dates from 1607 and has striking Jacobean style towers joined by a long open fronted loggia. Further alterations were made to the house between 1772 and 1776 by Matthew Brettingham. In 1975 the property was converted into 19 apartments.

Double oak entrance doors from the loggia open into a panelled outer hall and beyond to the great hall which is galleried and has a fantastic glazed oval dome over the centre. Off the great hall is the communal drawing room which has outstanding plasterwork attributed to James White. Both rooms are available to residents and their guests for entertaining purposes and general use.

The Apartment
The Tower House is the finest apartment within Charlton Park House and provides extremely comfortable and stylish accommodation. It forms the north east corner and as such enjoys two open aspects across the wonderful parkland. There is direct access into the apartment from the Great Hall although the property does have its own external door which is approached off the rear courtyard. The apartment itself incorporates a particularly impressive drawing room with a high arched ceiling, heavily decorated with three ceiling roses set in an oval leaf pattern, the whole being supported by an arched decorative frieze with concealed lighting. There is also an open fireplace with a carved pine outer surround with tiled slips and hearth with open wood burning stove.

There are also extensive fitted bookshelves. Adjacent is a fine dining room with moulded coving and a dado rail. A doorway leads into the L shaped kitchen which is well fitted with a range of wall and floor cupboards with granite surfaces incorporating a
gas hob. The appliances include Neff oven/microwave, warming drawer and oven. There is also an integrated dishwasher, pull out larder racking and original bench seating. Adjoining is a boot room area with space for extra appliances.

A winding staircase with curving polished handrail leads to the first floor landing having a storage and airing cupboard. Here there are two bedrooms both having fitted wardrobes. The ensuite has a power shower and bath and the second bathroom incorporates Victorian style fittings. The winding staircase continues to the second floor where there are two beamed bedrooms, a bathroom with a power shower room and a box room.

The apartment also has the benefit of an exclusive cellar. The Tower House is unusual in that it has its own garden. Adjoining the parkland, it is mainly laid to lawn for ease of management although it does incorporate herbaceous borders and maturing shrubs. There is also access to 26 acres of communal grounds.

The apartment has a double garage in the nearby garaging complex.

Communal Grounds
The house is approached by a three quarter mile tree lined drive with shared use of the surrounding grounds, parkland and arboretum. To the front and rear of the house, the large expansive gravel provides ample car parking for both residents and visitors.

Location

Charlton Park is situated within open parkland close to the village of Charlton. Malmesbury, England’s oldest borough and with a stunning 12th Century Abbey, is about two miles away and provides a good range of everyday shopping facilities including a Waitrose. Other local centres include Tetbury and Cirencester. The major regional centres such as Bath, Bristol and Cheltenham, are all within easy reach and are excellent for specialist shopping as well as cultural amenities.

Recreational and sporting facilities in the area include racing at Cheltenham, Bath and Chepstow, polo at Cirencester Park and Westonbirt, eventing at Badminton and Gatcombe, golf at Castle Coombe, Bowood and Minchinhampton, motor racing at Castle Combe and water sports at the Cotswold Water Park.

In addition nearby places of interest include Malmesbury Abbey, Westbonbirt Arboretum, The National Trust Properties at Laycock and Dyrham Park, Bowood House and the historic village of Castle Coombe.

The property is also well placed for the commuter being accessible to both junction 16 and 17 of the M4 which provides
fast access to the east and west. There are regular mainline services from Swindon, Kemble and Chippenham to London Paddington taking just over 60 minutes.

Square Footage: 3,212 sq ft
Leasehold with approximately 141 years remaining.

Acreage: 26 Acres

Directions

From Malmesbury take the A429 towards Cirencester. After about a mile and a half the pillared entrance and driveway to Charlton Park House will be seen on the right. Follow the long driveway bearing right through an avenue of trees to the courtyard in front of the mansion house.

Additional Info

Malmesbury 2 miles; Tetbury 5 miles; Kemble Station 6.5 miles (London Paddington 75 minutes); Cirencester 10 miles; M4 (J17) 7 miles (Distances are approximate).

Mains water, electricity and Gas. House has own sewer.
Service fee: £2,390 per quarter.

The house has its own management company and employs a caretaker.