Old Pound Cottage, Bisley, Gloucestershire

Built from coursed rubble limestone, this honey-hued Grade II-listed house lies in Bisley, Gloucestershire, around four miles from Stroud and within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It was first constructed in the 17th century and subsequently enlarged in the 18th century. The home has, more recently, been thoroughly reimagined, employing high-quality materials and finishes that enhance its period charm. A garden unfolds in front of the house, beautifully landscaped with the likes of hydrangea, roses and lavender.

Setting the Scene

Although small, Bisley brims with architectural interest. It has a number of listed buildings, many built using Cotswold stone. The village sits surrounded by undulating countryside; as such, it is a brilliant foothold to explore the surrounding AONB from. The Wysis Way runs through the village and connects Offa's Dyke to the start of the Thames Path in Kemble. A 102-mile-long route, the Cotswolds Way, is also close, charting the path from Chipping Campden to Bath.

Believed to have been built in the mid-to-late 17th century, Old Pound Cottage is a quintessential Cotswolds retreat, with its picture-pretty stone exterior and welcoming interiors. Textured exposed walls have been left uncovered within, along with age-old beams and floorboards. Modern additions have been sensitively woven into the home's period fabric and include a cosy log-burning stove, a new farmhouse-style kitchen, and a sequestered study set on a secret mezzanine level.  

The Grand Tour

There are two points of entry to the house: one is to a central entrance hall, while the other is to a brilliant boot room picked out in charcoal tones. There is space to hang coats here and to kick off muddy shoes after a countryside ramble. From the boot room is a utility space and a pantry; a door at the far end opens to the kitchen.

Beautifully rustic mango wood units have been added in the kitchen, along with a deep butler's sink and a Falcon range with five gas hobs. The overall effect is traditional, but without compromising on modern comforts. Open shelving provides plenty of space for displaying glassware, while wide mango wood counters are ideal when cooking for a group. White-washed, solid reclaimed floorboards run underfoot, and a half-wall of panelling runs below exposed stone. On the opposite side, two doors provide easy passage to the garden.

An original stone passageway with a timber lintel guides towards the dining room, a bright space with white-washed walls and floorboards, more exposed stone, and plenty of space for a large table and chairs. This space wraps around to the entrance hall, currently configured as a sitting area with a Stovax log-burner in an original fireplace and more reclaimed floorboards. A smart WC is tucked behind.

A door at the far end of the entrance hall opens to the living room; dual-aspect windows, including an eight-over-eight sash window, draw a serene light into the space.

From the dining room, stairs ascend to the first-floor landing. Three bedrooms emanate from here; the principal is a particularly lovely space, with the home's characteristic pared-back palette, exposed timbers and a large en suite bathroom, complete with a luxurious roll-top tub.

The second bedroom has a similar finish to the principal. The third slightly smaller room has a ladder up to a wonderful eaves-set mezzanine level, presently arranged as a private study. These rooms are served by a pristine shower room, with white panelling and tiles and sleek chrome fittings.

The Great Outdoors

A verdant garden extends at the front of the house, filled with texture and colour year-round. A stone-laid space directly adjacent to the kitchen is currently arranged with seating and is the perfect spot for outdoor dining, surrounded by the rose plant that climbs up the home's front exterior.

Beyond are beds chock-full of lavender and rosemary, along with mature magnolia and silver birch trees and a section of lawn. Adjacent is a stone-laid driveway with space to park up to two small cars.

There is also a loose stone courtyard at the rear of the house.

Out and About

Bisley is a buoyant Cotswolds village with two cosy local pubs, The Stirrup Cup and The Bear, which also has rooms. There is also a popular farm shop along with the Green Shop, which sells sustainable and refill products.

A 10-minute drive away, Stroud stands at the meeting point of the Five Valleys and is surrounded by the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in all directions. It has a brilliant array of shops and cafés, including an outpost of Waitrose. Stroud also has an award-winning farmers' market and a lively music scene, with venues across the town supporting a variety of performances year-round.

Cheltenham, a Regency town renowned for its festivals of literature, jazz, film, folk music, comedy and science, is under a half-hour drive away. It also has a busy racing calendar, including the Gold Cup. Cirencester is even closer to home and has a stellar offering of high street and independent shops, a Waitrose, restaurants, cafés and pubs. Known to some as the 'capital of the Cotswolds', it has a fascinating Roman history - the remains of which are on display at the town's amphitheatre. The town is also home to the New Brewery Arts Centre and The Barn Theatre. On the other side of the town is The Pig in The Cotswolds, with its celebrated hotel, restaurant and gardens.

Bisley has a local state-run primary school; other state options can be found in nearby Bussage. Private options within easy driving distance include Wycliffe College and Rencomb College. There are also state-run grammar schools in Stroud.

Stroud station, a 10-minute drive away, runs services to London Paddington in around 85 minutes. Bristol and Bath can be reached in just under and over an hour by car, respectively.

Council Tax Band: D