Mawley Cottage, Quenington, Gloucestershire

This meticulously renovated stone cottage is set in the heart of the Cotswolds in the charming village of Quenington, nestled in the Coln Valley. Reimagined by its current architect owner, the finish inside is exquisite, pairing a contemporary approach to materiality with the house's distinctive period bones. Front south-facing gardens offer quiet space for reflection, with extensive walking routes from the doorstep through to the picturesque countryside beyond. Bibury, Burford and Cirencester are all easily reached in less than 20 minutes by car.



Setting the Scene



The village of Quenington is situated in rolling countryside, around nine miles to the east of Cirencester. Quenington takes its name from the Old English 'Cwenenatun', meaning women's settlement; the word 'Queen' has the same derivation. Central to the village, and a short stroll away from the house, is the 12th century Knights' Gate and St Swithin's Church, which was largely built in the late 11th century.



Thought to date to the 18th century, Mawley Cottage is set back from a quiet lane, with a gated private driveway and south-facing gardens.



The Grand Tour



Inside, a stone porchway set on the front façade provides plenty of space for coats and boots, leading through to the main living spaces. The current owner, an architect, has taken a sensitive approach to the interiors, gently updating each room with a mindful application of natural materials and a soft colour palette.



The two primary living areas unfold on the eastern and westerly sides of the house. A soft natural light illuminates the kitchen and dining area, which is arranged in a sociable, open layout around an Aga. Solid timber joinery houses the appliances, including a Miele fridge, freezer and dishwasher. Space for utility and laundry facilities lies in the smaller room adjacent accessed via a glazed door, alongside a ground floor WC.



The sitting room is a warm and welcoming space at the heart of the house; here, a log burner set within a Cotswold stone fireplace forms a natural focal point. Solid timber shelving lines one wall and southerly light filters in through the windows.



Upstairs, three double bedrooms provide quiet and restful retreat, with views onto the garden and across the valley. The principal and second bedrooms each have solid timber built-in wardrobes, and there is a useful laundry cupboard on the landing. A deep roll-top bath features in the bathroom.



The Great Outdoors



Primarily laid to lawn, the front gardens are mature and full of colour, with a useful wood store to one side. A low-lying traditional stone wall divides the driveway from the garden and forms the front boundary, while shrubs and perennials bring vibrancy, shape and interest throughout the seasons. The shade of the trees provides a peaceful spot for an evening sundowner.



Out and About



Quenington is a friendly, pretty village, with an ancient church, a knights' gate and the River Coln on the doorstep. Two excellent country pubs are within easy walking distance from Mawley Cottage: The Keepers Arms and The New Inn, which both serve an excellent food.



The River Coln marks the edge of the village, with open countryside beyond. Here, The Old Rectory hosts the Fresh Air Sculpture show - a biennial summer sculpture exhibition - while walking routes north through fields lead to Coln St Aldwyns.



There are plentiful options for eating and drinking in the wider Cotswolds area. Of note are The Swan and The Twig coffee shop in Bibury, a 10-minute drive from the house. Two popular hotels with restaurants and spas, Barnsley House and Dormy House, are less than 20 minutes away by car.



Also popular with residents are The Five Alls in Kencot, The Weatsheaf Inn in Northleach, Southdrop’s Thyme Ox Barn, and The Fox at Great Barrington for a bite to eat by the river. The popular town of Burford lies 11 miles to the east and has a good selection of independent shops and restaurants, and the city of Bath can be reached in around an hour and 25 minutes.



For weekend activities, Cotswold Water Park and Cotswold Wildlife Park are all nearby, while Painswick’s Rococo garden and Painswick Beacon, the site of an ancient Iron Age Hill Fort, are slightly further afield.



There are a number of excellent schooling opportunities in the area, including Hatherop Castle Prep, Fairford C of E Primary and Rendcomb College.



For rail connections to London, Swindon is the closest train station, around 35 minutes away. From here, trains connect directly to Paddington in around 50 minutes.



Council Tax Band: D