Dorsington, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37

The Old Manor is the most charming, thatched property dating back to the early C16th, constructed partly from blue lias stone and partly timber-framed. The property was formerly five cottages, known as Manor Cottages, and was altered in the C16th, C17th and later in the mid-C19th to house an important parish member. Structural changes have been made to reflect this, including the lias stone extension to the southern elevation and the addition of the stone wine cellar. The property is Grade II listed for Special Architectural or Historic Interest and oozes character, with original ceiling timbers, antique bordered doors with wooden latches, and diamond leaded light windows throughout.

The property is entered through ornate, wrought iron gates with stone piers and orb finials, which open to a spacious in-and-out drive. If on foot, an electric hand gate from the lane opens to a paved stone pathway leading to the beautiful front door. Beyond this lies an impressive reception hall with terracotta tiled flooring and a beautiful stone fireplace, which provides access to the WC and a large store cupboard, both with stone mullion windows. To the left is a magnificent, triple-aspect drawing room with a large stone fireplace and wood burner and stone mullion windows with walnut windowsills. To the right of the reception hall is a more intimate dining room with a dual aspect and a spectacular stone inglenook fireplace with enormous lintel beam. This flows into the spacious kitchen and breakfast room designed by Johnny Grey, which is finished to a high standard, and includes a blue, 4-oven AGA in a blue lias stone surround, wooden cupboards with veneer panels and granite worktops, and oak windows with leaded lights and stain glass panels. French doors with bevelled glass open to the patio and the stunning grounds.

Stairs with hand-carved oak bannisters rise to a galleried landing, which provides access to three timber vaulted double bedrooms with luxurious en suites. A further fourth bedroom is located at the end of the landing, and each room offers a different aspect of the views to the surrounding gardens and grounds.

Externally, there is a separate annexe that mirrors the style of The Old Manor, with a part-timber construction and a beautiful, thatched roof. The annexe was sympathetically altered in 1996 to add a raised conservatory to the rear of the property, which can be accessed via an internal staircase or an external staircase with a cast iron bannister. This is currently used as a home office, with air conditioning and an underfloor heating system, built-in storage and a veranda. The annexe further extends to a double garage with boiler room on the ground floor and a spacious living room, bedroom, shower room and fully equipped kitchen on the first floor.

Gardens and grounds

The delightful gardens and grounds, extending to 9.34 acres, are a particular feature of the Old Manor, being principally lawned. The property is set behind impressive, clipped yew topiary to the front, as well as ornate, wrought iron gates. To the rear, the large expanse of westerly-facing lawn is immaculately presented and well-stocked. The lawn includes an elaborate rockery with flagstone paths and gravel areas to the centre and colourful, herbaceous borders to the perimeter. Hidden behind a crenellated hedge lies a private water garden with a large pond; this includes a wide variety of carp and a water fountain with a magnificent Atlas sculpture. There is also a flagstone terrace leading from the French doors in the kitchen, which is ideal for outdoor entertaining. A charming, thatched summer house is located to the far, south-westerly corner of the garden and includes a toilet and electric heating.

Beyond the rear garden is a large parcel of ridge and furrow land with young parkland plantation and a wooden shed, currently used as garden storage, which could be ideal for converting to stabling subject to obtaining the necessary planning consent.

Set in a conservation area on the edge of the Cotswolds, the quintessential village of Dorsington offers rural countryside living positioned just 7 miles from Stratford-upon-Avon. The desirable village features its own Victorian Church and a village green and is surrounded by The Heart of England Forest, with over 1 million trees planted since 1996 by Felix Dennis, providing miles of permissive walks. Dorsington offers country living yet is still close enough to major towns for larger shops, restaurants, and healthcare facilities. For everyday needs, there are local amenities such as pubs, village shops, butchers and hair salons close by in the village of Welford-on-Avon.

Primary schooling is available in Welford-on-Avon and Pebworth, and there is an excellent range of state, private and grammar schools in the area to suit most requirements, including Warwick School, Warwick Junior School, King's High School and Warwick Prep in Warwick, Stratford Girls' Grammar School, and King Edward VI Shakespeare's school for boys in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

For the commuter, Honeybourne Station is approximately 4 miles away with a rail service to London Paddington, and the nearest train station to provide access to London Marylebone is Warwick Parkway. There are also road networks to London and Oxford via the M40 (J15), and Birmingham Airport is easily accessible being 30 miles away.