Whittington, Cheltenham, GL54

A Cotswold Charmer

Pretty as a picture, Sandywell Garden Cottage is a true Cotswold gem and radiates heritage character and charm in a truly outstanding parkland location near Cheltenham.

The original part of this dreamy four-bedroom country residence dates back to 1760, hence the Grade II Listing, while a substantial extension added the extra space to meet the needs of the 21st-century.  This is a superb family home or equally attractive as a turnkey property for relaxed weekends and holidays.  The vendor, who is downsizing, has lived here for 26 years and revealed: “We have loved living here, it’s so peaceful, and we have enhanced and enjoyed the gardens – and had some great parties!”

The period features of this dazzling Cotswold retreat have been carefully preserved, cherished and presented in tandem with contemporary features such as the fantastic hand-built fitted kitchen that flows open-plan into a generous dining room and from there to the breathtaking oak-framed conservatory, added in more recent years and enjoying stunning views of the fabulous gardens which extend to around half-an-acre and wrap round the house in a series of individually designed spaces.

Your very own dream cottage

This is a really pretty cottage and the period section merges seamlessly with the newer building. The front door swings open into an entrance hall, with a coat cupboard and cloakroom with WC tucked away to the left, and flows into the kitchen and dining room which extends to 34x13ft of beautifully presented space with that oh-so-desirable cosy cottage vibe. There’s mellow hardwood flooring underfoot and the oil central heating keeps the place snug and warm.

Two short flights of stairs, up and down, access the fabulous 27x17ft sitting room which pays homage to its period origins with no less than five windows with deep sills, ceiling beams, an oil-fired stove within a feature stone chimney breast and an entire wall of built-in shelving and cupboards.

Another little flight of stone steps leads down to the underfloor-heated utility room, a fantastic 15x11ft space with a feature inglenook – a great place for a stack of wine racks – sink, storage cupboards and plumbing for washing machine, dryer and so on. It’s the ideal place for doing the ironing too – warm and cosy. Adjoining it is a large workshop with a window.

Glorious gardens

The sweeping gardens of Sandywell Garden Cottage really are exceptional and offer something for everyone. There’s manicured lawns for children to run, play and kick a ball in safety, a variety of terraces for peaceful relaxation and entertaining, an ornamental raised pond in a secret, walled garden and all manner of mature trees, shrubs and ornamental borders. It’s all screened by traditional brick and Cotswold stone walling and high hedgerows.

Round and about

You have the best of both worlds at Sandywell Garden Cottage – an idyllic countryside location yet just within a short drive of everything you need.

The nearest village is Andoversford where Dales Store and post office dispenses all the everyday essentials. There are two pubs – the Royal Oak with its roaring fire, quiz nights, live music and pub grub, and the Kilkeney Arms with legendary Sunday lunches, ‘bottomless’ drinks and nibbles on Thursdays and Wednesday steak nights.

It’s a vibrant community complete with a village hall, social club with bar, a variety of sports teams and an Ofsted-rated ‘good’ primary school.

Education is, of course, a priority for families and the choice of both state and private schools in the wider vicinity is hard to beat. Sandywell Garden Cottage is in the catchment area for three excellent state secondary schools – Balcarras, just two miles away, Pates Grammar in Cheltenham and the Cotswold School in Bourton-on-the-Water. Highly rated independent schools, all within a short drive, include Cheltenham College, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, St Edward’s, Dean Close and The Richard Pate School.