Frampton Mansell, Stroud

An exceptional country house with superbly proportioned living and entertaining spaces, self-contained one bedroom annexe, separate 2 Bedroom Lodge, swimming pool and circa 5 acres of landscaped garden, paddocks and woodland

Description - The Downs Barn offers a superbly proportioned country house with separate two bed lodge. The combined estate offers the rare opportunity to purchase a substantial Cotswold property beautifully laid out with a stylish interior designed with exceptional flair. The property works equally well as a family home as it does for entertaining, with the added bonus of The Lodge which offers a superb source of income generation.

The former barn is accessed via a sweeping driveway opening to an impressive facade with elegant Gothic-style arch in the glass panelled entrance. Dating back to the 17th century, the barn was converted into a sensational family home in 1986. The spacious reception hall sets the tone to this fabulous home which is welcoming and stylish in equal measure. Opening to a rear facing snug, tall arched windows with a nod to the Gothic era, overlook the garden, creating a light-filled space which would work equally well as a dining hall. The kitchen is clearly the heart of the home and a fantastic room for hosting family and friends. A beamed ceiling adds character and a cream Aga provides a cosy focal point. There is ample space for a large dining table and a sofa, perfect for chatting with family and friends whilst cooking up a feast. A garden room leads off the kitchen and out to the garden, making the layout ideal for alfresco entertaining. Leading off the kitchen is a good sized utility/back kitchen. A ground floor annexe including bedroom with en-suite and kitchenette, offers a great self-contained space for multi-generational living.

A spacious and bright lower level games room/gym opens to a landscaped sunken garden with manicured topiary. The drawing room is located on the first floor and offers a magnificent entertaining space with hand-painted checkerboard walls, large feature fireplace and superb views over the garden and as far-reaching as the Marlborough Downs. Six bedrooms are spread across the first and second floors, three with en-suite plus a further family bathroom with hand-painted silver leaf mural and separate WC on the top floor. The principal suite on the second floor has a sensational arched window and magnificently stylish hand-painted ceiling.

The grounds are beautifully presented with a mixture of landscaped gardens, paddocks and woodland. Formal gardens envelope the main property with a fabulous swimming pool tucked away to the rear of the house, together with well-stocked borders, sunken topiary garden and established trees. A magnificent tree-lined avenue runs through the centre of the two paddocks. Outbuildings comprise a garage, workshop, good sized garden store and a field shelter.

Detached from the main house, The Downs Barn Lodge offers a beautifully presented two bed cottage with spacious open-plan kitchen/living area, opening to a courtyard garden, two bedrooms, one en-suite, plus a further bathroom. The Lodge is currently run as a successful holiday let but would work equally well for multi-generational living.