Washwell House, Painswick, Gloucestershire

This marvellous Grade II-listed house overlooks the rolling hills of the Five Valleys region in the Cotswolds National Landscape, around 10 minutes' drive from Stroud. It was built in the 17th century, with substantial additions made in the 18th and 19th centuries. The primary plan spans some 5,300 sq ft, with eight versatile bedrooms and a series of atmospheric living spaces. There is also a self-contained annexe, and a covered heated swimming pool situated in the serene private grounds of around an acre and a half.



Setting the Scene



Washwell House lies in Painswick, a town known as the 'Queen of the Cotswolds'. From the 17th century, Painswick's rapid growth was fuelled by its thriving wool and weaving trade. It is also home to the sole surviving complete Rococo garden in the UK, completed by Benjamin Hyett in the 1740s on the grounds of the Grade I-listed Painswick House.



The house lies in a tranquil spot close to the centre of Painswick. Surrounded by trees and greenery, the house is built from honey-coloured Cotswold stone. Oriented to face the magnificent landscape on its doorstep, its rear façade is punctuated by 12-pane sash windows on the ground and first floor, while dormer casement windows peer from beneath the stone slate roof.



The Grand Tour



Set back from the road, a private driveway sweeps round to the rear of the house. From here, entry is to a grand inner hall with flagstone floors, leading to a main entrance hall accessible from the front of the house.



There are three versatile reception rooms; the first is currently used as a dining room and is characterised by neat cornicing, dark timber floorboards, an original fireplace, and full-height sash windows with midnight-blue shutters and trim, framing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.



Two further sitting rooms provide additional opportunities for relaxing – one has a fireplace with a painted brick surround, while the other (once the kitchen) has a large alcove where the fireplace would have previously stood. A set of glazed doors unfolds onto the garden, and a casement window with shutters draws in additional light.



At the opposite end of the house, an expansive kitchen has recently been fitted with bespoke cabinetry by deVOL, washed in olive green with black slate work surfaces. A cast-iron fireplace with marble surround sits next to a large pantry cupboard, while a marble-topped dairy table island has room for bar seating. There is a butler sink, a double oven, and open shelving. Exposed timber beams run overhead, while sash windows frame arresting views of the countryside.



A conservatory is accessed from the kitchen, with plans drawn up to renovate (subject to planning permissions). From here, there is a door to the cellar. On this floor, there is also a handy utility room, a laundry room, a large vinery and a guest WC.



The first floor is occupied by four generous double bedrooms, each with fitted storage and sash windows providing wonderful views of the greenery beyond. The principal bedroom is drenched in golden brown, with wood-panelled walls. It has an original fireplace and an attached dressing room, as well as direct access to a Jack-and-Jill shower room, which is shared with the second bedroom. There is an additional Jack-and-Jill bathroom on this floor.



Four further bedrooms are found on the second floor, in the eaves of the house. One has exposed timber floorboards, white-painted brick walls, and a pitched roof, and would also be suitable as a studio. There is also a bathroom with a bathtub.



A separate one-bedroom cottage spanning 775 sq ft is attached to the house, and has its own entrance, parking and courtyard garden. There is a sitting room with an original brick chimney breast, and a large wood-panelled kitchen and dining room. Upstairs, there is a bedroom, a bathroom and an attic room, which could be converted into a second bedroom with the correct permissions. Outside, a greenhouse is attached.



The Great Outdoors



An acre and a half of private grounds extends from the rear of the house, with panoramic views across the Painswick Valley. The grounds are largely laid to lawn and home to a variety of mature trees, while a paved courtyard and a kitchen garden provide opportunities for outdoor entertaining.



A covered heated swimming pool is suitable for dips all year round. A former stable block is useful for garden storage, and there are two large additional storage rooms. A large driveway at the rear has parking for several vehicles.



Out and About



Painswick sits in a commanding position overlooking the Five Valleys, in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, four miles north of Stroud. The house lies near the town centre, where narrow lanes are lined with historic stone cottages dating as far as the 17th century.



The Oak, a 16th-century pub offering excellent real ales and seasonal British fare, is a seven-minute walk from the house. The 18-hole Painswick Golf Club is a two-minute drive away; it is also a Site of Specific Scientific Interest due to its rare limestone grassland, which supports a unique wildlife. With plenty of walking trails within easy reach, the house is brilliantly positioned to explore the idyllic broader region on foot.



Perfect for a weekend stroll, Painswick Rococo Garden is a short walk away, interspersed with romantic vistas, ponds, and winding woodland walks. St Mary’s Church is also around the corner, attracting visitors looking to admire the iconic 99 yew trees that stud its recognisable landscape.



The market town of Stroud is a 10-minute drive away, offering excellent independent businesses, a Waitrose supermarket, and a national award-winning farmers' market. The music scene is vibrant in this artistic town, with venues like The Subscription Rooms supporting a variety of performances year-round.



There are plenty of places to dine, including Juliet, from the team behind the ever-popular 300-year-old pub The Woolpack in nearby Slad. Wilder in Nailsworth is also of note.



There are excellent schooling opportunities in the area. For younger pupils, The Croft Primary School is three minutes’ drive from the house. Within easy reach by car or bus, Stroud has several well-regarded secondary schools, including Stroud High School, Marling Grammar School, and Archway School.



Stroud rail station is a 10-minute drive away, and runs services to London Paddington in around an hour and a half. There is easy access by car to the M5 motorway.



Council Tax Band: H