Westmancote, Gloucestershire

On a clear day you can see forever . . . so goes the song, and it’s a sentiment that’s spectacularly showcased at Little Claydon, a beautiful three-bedroomed detached cottage with views to take your breath away.

It really would be hard to improve on the dreamy vista across the picturesque countryside to Cleeve Hill, the Malverns and even, ‘on a clear day’, as far as the Black Mountains.  Even better, it can be enjoyed from all the reception rooms and all the bedrooms.  Even the entrance hall has a big picture window at the end, creating that ‘wow!’ as soon as you walk through the front door.

The unique charm of this elevated location in the sought-after village of Westmancote, on Worcestershire’s border with Gloucestershire, can be appreciated even further with the addition, seven years ago, of a two-storey extension – increasing the floor area to nearly 1,700 sq ft.  The large open-plan kitchen/family room and adjoining dining room are flooded with natural light via bifolds and windows - creating an aura that’s very much at one with the inspiring landscape, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  It’s even better in the summer when doors and windows are open and there’s a seamless flow between indoors and the terraces.

A cottage for all seasons

Accessed via a quiet lane and a five-bar gate onto a gravelled driveway with parking space for a few cars, the front door opens into the entrance hall with a cloakroom/WC tucked away to the left and a couple of big cupboards – perfect for coats and shoes - and small utility room with plumbing for laundry appliances at the far end.

The dreamily atmospheric 20x15ft living room lies up a couple of steps to the right in the original part of the cottage and features superb period features including a central oak pillar, beams and a wonderfully evocative inglenook fireplace with a mighty oak lintel occupying most of the far wall, now fitted with a gas-fired woodburner-style stove.  It has great antiquity, but this room is brilliantly light and airy thanks to windows on both sides.

On the other side of the entrance hall is the expansive, light-filled kitchen/family room embracing a very special ‘at one’ unity with the surrounding countryside.  With underfloor heating, it’s the hub of everyday life all-year-round and has a great range of ivory cabinetry under black granite worktops arranged at one end with integrated AEG double oven, induction hob and dishwasher.

Beyond this, peace and relaxation is assured in the family area, the perfect place for winding down in front of the bifolds and enjoy the view - the field immediately behind is grazed by horses and sheep.  Just add comfy sofas and a TV for a made-to-measure heart of family life.

Via a couple of steps down, this flows open-plan into the 17x8ft dining room with its triple windows and French doors – simply idyllic for summertime entertaining.  When the nights draw in, drop the shutters for cosy casual suppers or candlelit dinner parties.

In an English country garden

The garden of Little Claydon is just how you would picture a cottage garden to be - a tumbling vision of colourful borders crammed with old English flowers, a rustic path under a rose-entwined trellis and a stream water feature bordered by expanses of lawn with a mighty tree casting some shade on hot days.

A fabulous elevated terrace borders the cottage on two sides and, with those views, it can’t be beaten as a place to chill out or entertain.

Enclosed by low post and rail fencing to ensure those magnificent views are not spoiled in any way, this is a garden for relaxation, for children to play in, or for further cultivation if desired.  There are two sheds for stowing away mowers, garden equipment and children’s outdoor toys.

Round and about

The hamlet of Westmancote lies about a mile equidistant between the larger settlements of Bredon and Kemerton, which are both well served with community facilities.

Bredon is the largest and has a Spar shop/post office selling all the everyday necessities, a GP surgery, village hall with a busy programme of activities and clubs and, close to the pretty River Avon and marina, The Fox & Hounds pub serving local Donnington ales alongside a dining menu which includes a pie of the week and fashionable ‘small plates’ for nibbling alongside a glass of wine.  It also has a lovely garden.

Kemerton also has a popular pub, The Crown Inn, with real ales, locally brewed cider and a seasonal menu including delicious Sunday lunches.

The village primary school, Bredon Hancock’s Endowed CE First School, is Ofsted-rated outstanding, as is the secondary school, Bredon Hill Academy.  Excellent independent schools in the vicinity include Bredon School, Bowbrook House School and Pate’s Grammar School.

Clearly, this idyllic countryside location is extraordinary and much sought-after.  Bredon Hill and the surrounding fields, orchards and ancient footpaths are rich in wildlife and many are home to  protected species such as rare birds, bats, beetles, otters and pole cats.  It’s paradise for those who like nothing better than scenic rambles, biking and horse riding.  Walking the dog is a pleasure not a chore!

Little Claydon is perfectly placed for the commuter being six miles from the M5 and three miles from Ashchurch station with mainline trains to Birmingham and Bristol.