About this property
Rookwoods is a remarkable Grade II listed country home dating back to the 17th Century. It is set in the most beautiful, secluded position overlooking the unspoiled Holy Brook Valley, deep in the Cotswold Hills. The house is constructed with traditional Cotswold stone with charming mullioned windows under a stone tiled roof.
Internally, the house is beautifully presented with an excellent range of accommodation and space for entertaining. Boundless character and charm throughout. The principal rooms have impressive exposed ceiling timbers, fabulous fireplaces, beautiful wood and stone floors.
Outbuildings
Closest to the house is a range of 5 loose boxes of timber, stone and clay tiled roof and two open fronted bays.
The range comprising the stable yard, stable flat and garage flat was built in 2006 by the current owners, with 3 garage bays, WC and 3 loose boxes. At the back is a stable flat comprising a sitting room/bedroom with kitchen and shower room. Above is an excellent garage flat with laundry room, sitting room, kitchen and bedroom.
The traditional style barn was built in 2006 of Cotswold stone construction with interior design carried out by a well know American theatre designer comprising a large games room with Mark Wilkinson fitted joinery, bar area, WC, with beams and hardwood flooring. Downstairs is a fabulous 12 seat, Art Deco cinema designed by renowned US theatre designer, Theo Kalomirakis. The cinema features an audio layout by Norman Varney, a highly regarded audio designer. A truly impressive addition to Rookwoods, the cinema is not as one might imagine for a country house – it is a first class, purpose built, air-conditioned cinema with commercial grade technology and projector equipment.
Opposite the barn there is The Jockey Cottage, renovated in 2003 which is a one bedroom self contained cottage including a library/sitting room, WC, kitchen, living room with open fireplace and a bedroom.
The Audio Barn is also self contained and would make a great cottage or office space, which includes a large sitting room with doors out onto the terrace with a hydro-pool spa and BBQ area, kitchen/dining room and a gym with a shower and office to the first floor. There are two further outbuildings which include machinery storage, store rooms and wood stores.
Garden and grounds
The gardens and grounds are set in an idyllic and private location. The owners re-created the grounds to an exceptional standard including a fantastic kitchen garden, children’s playground with tree-house in the woods, hard tennis court, a rockery with a lovely stream, a spring-fed lake with a jetty, meadows, farmland and an area of woodland. The property is ideal for those with equestrian interests with well laid out paddocks.
The outdoor swimming pool sits within a protected setting with a Cotswolds stone surrounding wall, and a pavilion with kitchen, changing rooms and WC. Approached over a continuation of the drive is an outdoor riding manège and a clay pigeon trap hut.
Local information
- Rookwoods is located amidst one of the most beautiful parts of the Cotswolds, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A rural idyll, but within easy striking distance of national road and rail links via the M4, M40 and the Swindon mainline station and Kemble mainline station. Bisley, just under 2 miles away, has a village shop, post office and 2 pubs The Bear Inn and The Stirrup Cup. The popular village of Sapperton is about 3 miles with its popular pub The Bell. Stroud, 6 miles away, and Cirencester, 7.5 miles away, are ideal for everyday shopping with their regular weekly and monthly markets and choice of supermarkets. They also boast a wealth of independent shops and cafes.
- The larger town of Cheltenham offers a greater choice of shops and is host to a number of festivals including the Jazz and Literature Festivals. There is local access to bridleways and footpaths to enjoy in this completely unspoiled part of the Cotswolds. The magnificent parkland and estate of Cirencester Park is nearby with extensive walking and riding (by permission).
- Sporting opportunities include racing at Cheltenham and Bath and golf at Cirencester and Minchinhampton. There is also polo at nearby Edgeworth, Beaufort and Cirencester Park Polo Clubs. In addition there is hunting with the Cotswolds Hunt and water sports are nearby at the Cotswold Water Park. There is a wide choice of both preparatory and public schools in the area including Beaudesert, Cheltenham College, Cheltenham Ladies, St Edwards, Dean Close and Westonbirt.
Additional information
- Rookwoods records date back as early as 1190, the Butler family appear to have resided at Rookwoods for several generations towards the end of the 17th century. There is mention of restorations dated W.T. 1835′ in the Historic Buildings List and it is probably that these were carried out by William Taylor, who is recorded as the owner in 1844. The current owners have occupied the family home for over two decades, and have restored and extended the home to suit modern day family living.
- Rookwoods has access for all uses over the area hatched blue. The property is offered for sale subject to and with the benefit of all rights of way either public or private, all easements, wayleaves and other rights of way whether they are specifically referred to or not.
- Directions: From London take the M4 to J15 and taking the A419 bypassing Swindon and Cirencester. At the Daglingworth Quarry Junction, signposted Perrott’s Brook and Bagendon turn off, taking the second exit following the signs to Daglingworth. In the village turn right, signposted to the Village Hall/Sapperton. After 2.5 miles, at the next junction turn left, continuing towards Sapperton. After 1.5 miles at the crossroads turn right, signposted to Edgeworth and Bisley. Go through the village of Sapperton and after about 1.5 miles turn left to Waterlane. In the hamlet is a small crossroads with the second signpost to Oakridge Lynch, to the left and on the right are two No through Roads. Take the second No Through Road, continue past the farmyard, veering right and Rookwoods is at the end of the lane. Rookwoods is approached through electric gates down a long drive to a gravelled parking area with a path leading to steps down to a stone terrace and an oak front door.
- EPC Rating = E
- Tenure = Freehold
