NORTH WOODCHESTER

The Old Priory is a beautifully restored Cotswold manor house situated on the site of one of the largest Roman Villas in England. The present house has origins that go back to the early 16th century though much evident today is the work of 19th century architects when the house was largely remodelled to provide for a supremely
comfortable family home. The history of The Old Priory is fascinating in as much as it chronicles and reflects the development of this area which has a rich and diverse heritage. The now covered remains of the Roman Villa which extend over more than 2 acres and is remarkably preserved (and recorded in significant detail in a beautifully bound late 18th century account), though has not been exposed since 1973. Although known as The Old Priory for more than 200 years it is believed that any specific ecclesiastical associations were pre
reformation. Elements of the Roman Villa were used and can be seen in the fabric of the existing house. No less impressive is the setting which places the house in an enviable situation close to the thriving market towns of Stroud and Nailsworth and yet with bucolic views principally of ones own land which extends to some 85 acres.
The current house is planned around an H shape with the principal entertaining space situated on a raised ground floor. The large vaulted ceilinged hall gives a measure of the style and overall scale of the rest of the house. From the hall the drawing room, dining room, and a professional kitchen, all lead, making it an ideal space in which to entertain. The library and study are adjacent. The large and well-arranged family kitchen is situated on the ground floor and leads directly onto the garden and a terrace. The whole of this floor is everyone’s dream space with traditional style boot rooms, pantry and laundry room along with a cellar. The first floor is perfectly arranged for family and guests although a separate guest house across the courtyard is always handy. The
generous principal bedroom and bathroom occupies a wing of the house with a second bedroom and bathroom nearby that also hides a secret tower room. Three further bedrooms and three further bathrooms complete the ideal arrangement.

The Grounds:
The grounds add completely to the magic of The Old Priory. Largely restored and re-imagined by the current owners with great style and a plantsman’s understanding and appreciation of an English garden. There is much to delight including an acre lake, Victorian spring water garden, kitchen garden, orchard, woodland walks, formal lawns and herbaceous borders.

As you would expect of a house of this quality it comes with a Tennis Court and the most stunning infinity Swimming Pool (12m) and Pool House (the design of which is inspired by the Roman heritage of the site) with a 32ft entertaining room along with changing/shower room and fully equipped kitchen.

Stable Cottage and other outbuildings:
There is an attractive range of period stone buildings including garaging and stabling, with many of the original features and fittings still in place. (Subject to planning permission) It would also make for further residential accommodation. Stable Cottage is an immaculately restored cottage with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, dining room and living room and has proved to be a very popular Airbnb. Priory Lodge situated at the far end of the property on the Stroud Road is available as separate lot and is subject to a tenancy.

Location:
The Old Priory is situated in the village of North Woodchester between the popular market towns of Nailsworth and Stroud. The property enjoys wonderful rural views across undulating countryside, whilst having the benefit of amenities close by. The village of North Woodchester is popular for its rural location, pretty countryside, accessibility to nearby Nailsworth, Tetbury and the highly regarded
Beaudesert Park School (about 2 miles). Community spirit abounds in the village having a good selection of facilities, including; an excellent shop, pub, primary school, playground/sports field and a beautiful church. The local towns of Nailsworth (3m) and Minchinhampton (3m) are easily reached and between them they offer an excellent range of services nearby. Nailsworth hosts a number of boutique shops, butcher, artisan bakery and locally renowned fishmonger and restaurant “Williams”. There is also a small supermarket. The market towns of Stroud (2m), Tetbury and Cirencester provide a wider range of amenities and shopping facilities, recreational and cultural activities. Stroud is a short distance away and provides numerous options for services and supermarket shopping; perhaps most notable for its fabulous Farmers’ Market. Communications are excellent with Junction 13 of the M5 motorway (about 9 miles) giving access to Bristol and Birmingham and Junction 15 of the M4
about 30 miles) giving access to London. Trains from Kemble to London Paddington take from 74 minutes via GWR services, which have recently been upgraded to provide more frequent direct trains to London. Alternatively, Stroud offers good rail services on the same line.

Sporting opportunities in the area include excellent riding and walking in the surrounding
countryside with an abundance of field sports opportunities for those enthusiasts. Racing at Cheltenham and Bath, Polo at Cirencester Park and Westonbirt; Golf at Minchinhampton and Cotswold Edge; Rugby at Cheltenham and Gloucester. There are a number of excellent pubs
and restaurants nearby including the Spa Hotel of Calcot Manor is only 5 miles away.

Schools:
Schools in the area include Beaudesert Park School at Minchinhampton, Westonbirt, Cheltenham College and Cheltenham Ladies College, Dean Close, Marlborough and St Mary’s Calne.