About this property
The Poulton Hill Estate
Situated in an elevated position and surrounded by its own land, Poulton Hill is now an exquisite 8-bedroom family home, with the north wing allowing entertainment on a grand scale. A house so intrinsically connected to its surrounds, fully realises the desire for inside outside living.
The mellow Cotswold stone and the sensitive design of the house ensure it nestles gently within its environment. A sense of calm and tranquillity pervades the house that is a sensitive fusion of architectural and interior design. A true celebration of the very finest craftsmanship, showcasing infinite attention to detail.
Gardens
The house is surrounded by its formal and informal gardens creating interest and theatre. A backdrop of views beyond, stretch out in each direction. The entrance courtyard and the walled garden to the front of the house are parterre gardens. Box hedging and yew topiary define their shape. Specimen trees including weeping pears, cherry and Portuguese laurels feature. Espaliered apple and pear trees festoon the walls, with an old stone fountain forming a striking centre piece. A delightful summerhouse ensures enjoyment of this beautiful space even on inclement days. Stone flagged paths lead on to the wildflower meadow where, in spring and summer, paths are mown through. To the south side of the house are the lawns and the sunken tennis court, ensuring views to woods, fields and lakes beyond remain uninterrupted.
An enchanting cloistered garden has been created around a courtyard that opens from the long room, ballroom and rear hall. A covered walkway to three sides, overlooks a beautiful French stone fountain, further adding to the theatre of this stunning house. An oak framed glazed folly’ creates further dining opportunities. On occasion, this cloistered garden has been enclosed with a Bedouin style marquee, extending the north wing entertainment space even further.
Espaliered fig trees hug the walls of the large walled vegetable garden which includes a Victorian style glass house and garden shed.
Land
Beyond the sunken tennis court is the ash woodland and three lakes, one sporting a number of duck hides. The remaining land is predominantly down to permanent pasture, fenced and watered. In all, the land is circa 106 acres and beneficially, without any public rights of way.
Vineyard
Planted with vision by the present owners some 13 years ago, 9,700 vines now produce 12/15,000 bottles of award winning wine per annum. The vines are planted over eight acres of the warm and sunny south facing slopes of the estate. There is a custom-built tasting room and shop. This commercial vineyard is currently run as a business and open to clientele. Should the new owner want to continue the operation, the vendor and staff would be open to discussions to help with the ongoing management of it.
Garaging, barns and yard
Three block-built, cedar clad barns, covering 22,000 sq ft, present opportunities for a variety of uses. One of the barns has been converted for vintage car storage, with five alarmed roller shutters within the barn, providing an ideal clean, dry and secure environment. There is also an inspection lift. Attached is a secure wine storage facility. The two other barns are presently used as a lambing shed and for farm machinery storage. All three barns are situated to the southern aspect of a huge yard, which has the potential to provide parking for approximately 200 cars.
All three have vast barn doors at each end creating flexibility of use and maximising the views beyond. A stone-built garage at the end of the drive has three sets of wide oak doors with separate access from the walled garden to the flower room. There is also a cloakroom.
Local information
- Situation – Tucked away and hidden from view, The Poulton Hill Estate is a rural idyll nestling gently within the beautiful Cotswolds landscape. The house sits centre stage within its 106 acres of land and affords 360 degrees of completely uninterrupted views with all overhead wires and lines buried. In spite of its seclusion, national road, rail and airport links are easily and swiftly accessible. A landing strip or helipad could be an option, should there be a requirement. Poulton and Down Ampney villages are within 1.5 miles, both offering a shop, post office and church. Poulton also has a cricket and football club. The Falcon Inn in Poulton and the Masons Arms in Meysey Hampton are nearby popular pubs. The historic market town of Cirencester, just seven miles away, is ideal for everyday shopping, with its weekly and monthly markets and choice of supermarkets. It also has a wealth of independent shops and cafes. The larger regency town of Cheltenham offers a greater choice of shops and is host to a many festivals including the Jazz and Literature Festivals. The ancient market town of Marlborough lies to the south with its boutique shops, antique dealers, art galleries and tea shops. Swindon Station is circa 14 miles away, allowing you to reach London Paddington station in under an hour.
- Sport – Sporting opportunities include local shoots on neighbouring farms, racing at Cheltenham, golf at Cirencester and South Cerney and Marlborough, with polo at Edgeworth and Cirencester. There is hunting with the VWH hunt, fishing, sailing and other water sports at the beautiful Cotswold Water Park, an area of over 40 sq miles boasting c.180 lakes.
- Schools – A wide choice of schools in the area include Marlborough College, Hatherop Castle, Beaudesert, Cheltenham College, Cheltenham, Ladies, St Edwards, Dean Close and Westonbirt. Meysey Hampton and Down Ampney both have village primary schools.