Aston Magna, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56

A substantial village house with cottage in an elevated setting

Description

Dating from about 1920 Fox Lodge originally belonged to the Batsford Estate and stands in comparatively glorious isolation, elevated and detached within its own generous plot in the centre of the village. Approached over a gravelled driveway and turning circle, providing parking for at least a dozen cars, Fox Lodge is an impressive Cotswold stone property with well-presented accommodation.

The plot extends to about half-an-acre of landscaped, spreading lawns with a timber cottage and laundry/store also situated within the grounds. Separated by estate railing and running the entire length of one border is an adjoining acre of paddock complete with an ancient barn which is rented from the Batsford Estate (see Agent’s Note).

Original features and period details are evident throughout the interior of Fox Lodge, giving a sense of substance and quality as well as character to the whole property, including exposed roof beams, timber lintels and stone walls and wooden sills.

The ground floor is sociable and friendly: an enclosed, cosy porch opens onto a large wide, welcoming central entrance hallway complete with a Victorian fireplace, stairs rising, with a study to one side, separate W.C and well equipped utility room to the rear. Two main reception rooms flow from one to another, connected by a large conservatory opening out onto a broad terrace. The kitchen/breakfast room is fitted with an excellent range of cabinets and a substantial island unit with breakfast bar.

Above, four generous double bedrooms and a family bathroom are set into the eaves, all individual in character and beautifully finished; of these, the two principal bedrooms overlooking the front of the property are both fitted with built-in wardrobes and luxurious en suite shower rooms.

Sitting in a sweeping circle of landscaped gardens and terraces, elevated from the street and benefitting from considerable natural privacy, the sense of seclusion is aided by dry stone walling and strategic planting around the borders including an array of mature deciduous and coniferous trees. The adjacent barn tucked into the most private edge of the garden is covered with a profusion of dog roses and clematis. The beds are full of cottage garden flowers and verdant shrubs, all held at bay by a neat expanse of carefully maintained lawns.

At the far edge of the property and comfortably at a distance from the main house are two single storey buildings of solid timber construction – the first a well equipped office laundry/ store with plumbing, electricity and W.C., with potential for use as a home office, the second a Dutch barn style two-bedroom cottage used as a holiday let.

Location

Fox Lodge is situated in the small hamlet of Aston Magna, a short distance from the popular villages of Paxford and Blockley. Blockley is an attractive village with a good range of facilities including the Parish Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, a local shop comprising a grocer, newsagent, post office, off-licence and café and two pubs. There is also a primary school and a sports and social club. The village is surrounded by the undulating Cotswold countryside and close to the villages of Chipping Campden, Broad Campden, Bourton-on-the-Hill and Longborough, the latter has a privately owned Opera House with a season between May and August.

Excellent shops, pubs, restaurants and amenities for everyday needs can be found in Moreton-in-Marsh, including Aldi and Co-Op Superstores. There are cricket and tennis clubs in Moreton as well as a local gym and fitness centre and sports centre with swimming pool.

The family-run Vegetable Matters Farm Shop & Café is about 3 miles. The award-winning Daylesford Farm Shop, including the exclusive ‘The Club by Bamford’, is about 10 miles away. The private members’ club Soho Farmhouse is about 20 miles away.

The Cotswolds’ year is packed with events ranging from world famous international festivals like Cheltenham Literature Festival and Cheltenham Gold Cup Week to major musical events such as the Wilderness Festival and the Big Feastival, as well as a jam-packed events calendar featuring concerts, exhibitions, arts and literature festivals and theatrical productions.

Square Footage: 2,263 sq ft


Acreage: 0.5 Acres

Directions

From Moreton in Marsh, head in a northerly direction and take the left hand turn for Batsford. Follow the road until entering Aston Magna, and at the ‘T’ junction turn right. The property is the first on the right hand side.

Additional Info

Agent’s Note: The current owners rent the adjoining paddock and agricultural building on an annual licence from Batsford Estate. There may be the opportunity to continue this arrangement. Please note that no livestock or horses can be kept on the land.

Council Tax: Fox Lodge Band G. Fox Cottage Band B.

Cotswold District Council, Cirencester. Tel: .

Energy Performance Certificate: Fox Lodge rating F. Fox Cottage rating D.

Viewings by accompanied appointment only arranged via Savills Stow on the Wold.

Mains electricity and water are connected. Klargester sewerage treatment plant with uplift station for annexe. Installed in 2004. Oil fired central heating.

Particulars prepared: September 2024. Photographs taken: September 2024.