Bourton House, Bourton On The Water, Cheltenham, GL54

Life slows to a gentler pace in Bourton-on-the-Water. Steeped in history yet brimming with charm, its honey-stone streets are lined with antiques shops, tearooms and traditional pubs. Close to the village’s heart, this house stands quietly apart – a Grade II-listed farmhouse that has evolved with sensitivity and style.

A private drive leads through electric gates to landscaped gardens, where a brick façade and climbing greenery make a captivating impression. Inside, interiors by JH Designs bring modern comfort to the home’s 17th-century bones. Beamed ceilings, leaded windows and carved stone fireplaces form a rich architectural backdrop, softened with light tones and thoughtful furnishings.

Two reception rooms pair heritage and harmony – one centred around a wood-burning stove, the other inviting easy conversation. The dining room lends itself to long lunches or evening gatherings, while a study offers quiet focus with garden views.

To the far end of the home, the kitchen captures a contemporary country aesthetic. Beneath a vaulted ceiling punctuated by skylights, shaker-style cabinetry meets a cream AGA and zellige-tiled splashback. Steel-framed glazing opens to the terrace and gardens beyond – a south-facing setting of nearly half an acre. Past the patio, explore a walled expanse of lawn, orchard and rose garden that shifts with the seasons.

Outdoors, the walled garden is a particularly attractive feature of the property and is principally laid to lawn with well-stocked flower and herbaceous borders, a small orchard area and a rose garden. The garden has a southerly aspect and in all, the property measures almost half an acre in total

Upstairs, the principal bedroom suite brings a sense of retreat with its dressing area and generous en suite bathroom, where a shower and rolltop bathtub await. A second en suite bedroom and three further rooms complete the layout, all light-filled and elegantly composed.

Location
Set in the heart of the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water is one of Gloucestershire’s most characterful villages. Its honey-hued architecture, arched stone bridges and lively market square tell stories that span centuries. Today, its charm endures in the form of antiques shops, tearooms and traditional pubs, alongside attractions like the Model Village and Dragonfly Maze. Nearby, discover National Trust landmarks such as Bibury and Minster Lovell Hall, or explore the wider Cotswold countryside before returning to the quiet comfort of Bourton House.

Moreton-in-Marsh – 15mins drive

Kingham – 17 mins drive

London Paddington to Kingham - 1 hour, 20 minutes