Idlicote Road, Halford, Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, CV36

A unique Grade II listed country house with architectural intrigue and south-facing gardens with views.

Description

The Folly is an elegant Grade II listed house with origins dating back to 1790 and consisting of two octagons placed side by side to create a unique light living space enjoying impressive views.

It has been sensitively updated by the current owners and decorated beautifully to complement the style of the house so that modern living combines with original period character that includes high ceilings, sash windows, panelled doors, traditional wide floorboards, picture rails, ornate mouldings and fine fireplaces. Decorative wallpapers are by Beata Heuman, Svenskt Tenn, Cole & Son and Trustworth Studios.

The reception hall provides a grand entrance and sets the tone for the rest of the house, featuring the original black and white tiled floor and double doors opening to the formal garden.

The octagonal drawing room and sitting room, like many of the rooms throughout the house, are light and spacious with fine working fireplaces and the drawing room has a tall sash window that can be thrown wide open to provide access to the garden.

The spacious, dual-aspect kitchen/dining room is a later addition and overlooks the rear garden with French doors opening to the rear terrace. The fitted kitchen includes a breakfast peninsular, Carrara marble work tops, a giant Shaws of Darwen sink and appliances include a four-oven electric AGA and two integrated Bosch dishwashers. It flows to a rear utility/boot room with a pantry cupboard, space for an American fridge/freezer, cloaks area, Shaws of Darwen sink and space for a washing machine and tumble dryer. A door from the utility room opens to the garage with bi-folding doors that is currently in use as a study and gym so offers flexibility in its use.

A wide winding wooden staircase with balusters and newels curves up through the heart of the house and on each half landing are wonderful stained-glass windows.

On the first floor are two generously sized bedrooms, a sumptuous family bathroom that includes a shower over the bath and a traditional high-level toilet. There is also a separate shower room with a walk-in shower. On the second floor are two further double bedrooms, a shower room and stairs to a very useful pitched roof loft space including built-in shelving that offers very useful storage, which could be transformed into a children’s playroom.

Both the first and second floors offer fabulous views over the gardens and open countryside, stretching across to Tredington Spire.

Outside
The gated driveway leads to a private front garden, beautifully sheltered by mature trees, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. At the centre is a well-kept turning circle, providing ample private parking alongside the convenient double garage.

From the frontage a gate on the left side of the house opens to a charming formal side garden that has a pathway through a quaint parterre of topiary pathways.

At the rear of the property is a large south facing terrace offering a wonderful spot for al fresco dining whilst taking in the breathtaking countryside views and the distant Brailes Hill and Tredington church.
From the terrace pathways lead to an upper lawn and then down to a tiered wild garden, which gently descends to the riverbank of the River Stour, and is a haven for various wildlife.

The gardens also include six raised beds with a water supply, a greenhouse, a cosy summerhouse, a collection of mature trees, a small orchard planted with fruit trees that include apples, plums, crab apples and greengages.

Location

Halford is a charming village located on the edge of the Cotswolds, surrounded by the beautiful South Warwickshire countryside, just north of Shipston-on-Stour. The village offers a garage with a shop for everyday needs, a village church, and a recently renovated pub/restaurant. Further amenities can be found a short distance away in Stratford-upon-Avon, the cultural heart of the county, home to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Daylesford Organic Farmshop and Bamford The Club are within 15 miles, while Soho Farmhouse is 18 miles away.

The area boasts a variety of excellent award winning pubs, including The Bower House (Shipston-on-Stour), The Howard Arms (Ilmington), The Royal Oak (Whatcote), The Fox (Oddington), and The Bull (Charlbury), among many others.

There is a wide range of state, grammar, and private schools in the area, including Kitebrook House Preparatory School, The Croft Prep School, Warwick Prep and Public Schools, and King’s High School for Girls in Warwick. Stratford-upon-Avon Grammar Schools, Bloxham Public School, and Tudor Hall School for Girls are also nearby. Further afield, prestigious schools such as Rugby, Winchester House, Stowe, and St. Edward’s School in Oxford are accessible.

The property enjoys excellent transport links with easy access to the motorway network via Junctions 15 and 12 of the M40, providing routes to Warwick, Birmingham, the Midlands, London, and Oxford. Banbury, Leamington Spa, and Moreton-in-Marsh offer train services. The River Stour runs along the bottom of the garden, and Stratford-upon-Avon Golf Course is nearby.

The Cotswolds is home to numerous renowned events, such as the Cheltenham Literature Festival, Cheltenham Gold Cup Week, Wilderness Festival, and the Big Feastival.

Square Footage: 3,819 sq ft


Acreage: 1.41 Acres

Directions

Directions (CV36 5DG): From Stratford-upon-Avon, proceed along the A422 towards Ettington. At the roundabout before Ettington, turn right onto the A429, signposted towards Halford. After about one mile, turn right at the roundabout along the B445 (Fosse Way). Proceed into the village of Halford, taking a left turning into Idlicote Road. The Folly will be found on the right-hand side.

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Additional Info

Mains electricity, water and drainage are connected. Oil fired central heating. Telephone line subject to BT transfer regulations.

Local Authority: Stratford-on-Avon District Council. Telephone .

Viewing By prior appointment only through Savills Stow-on-the-Wold .

Fixtures and fittings: Only those items mentioned in these sales particulars, together curtains, light fittings and white goods are included in the sale. All others are specifically excluded but some items may be made available by separate negotiation.

Particulars prepared: March 2025. Photographs taken: March 2025.