High Penn, Calne, SN11

Fine & Country are delighted to present Walnut Tree Cottage. A stunning redesigned home with an extraordinary bespoke kitchen at its heart. Set in over half an acre of gardens in a peaceful countryside setting.

Overview:

Walnut Tree Cottage is a beautifully designed and highly individual countryside home. The cottage is quietly positioned in an elevated position at the top of a rural lane, enjoying far-reaching views across the surrounding Wiltshire landscape. Originally forming part of the farm buildings, Walnut Tree Cottage has been thoughtfully redesigned and extended by the current owners just 5 years ago, blending contemporary comfort with characterful design, resulting in a home that feels both welcoming and distinctive.

Set within a peaceful rural setting yet conveniently close to town amenities, Walnut Tree Cottage offers the rare opportunity to enjoy the tranquillity of country living while remaining within easy reach of shops, restaurants and excellent transport connections.

Seller Insight:

Our Favourite Room:

The Heart of Our Home
Choosing a favourite room is no easy task—each space in our home holds its own special meaning. But if I had to pick, it would undoubtedly be our kitchen. Not just because it's the place where we cook and gather, but because it’s so much more than that.

This kitchen wasn’t just a random selection from a catalogue; it was custom-built, originally designed as a showroom for Smallbone/Mark Wilkinson Furniture in Knightsbridge, London. It's one of a kind, made to fit a circular building and show off the exceptional craftsmanship of the designers. When we stumbled upon it, we knew it was special, and we decided it was worth adapting our home to make it fit.

The room became the heart of our home long before the rest of the house was even built around it. We extended the house to accommodate this masterpiece of design. Its beauty is not just in the aesthetics but in how thoughtfully everything has been arranged. The space is practical yet elegant, with an intuitive flow that allows for both quiet moments and lively gatherings. Every detail feels carefully crafted for both style and function.

One of the most striking features is the bespoke circular skylight that floods the room with natural light. Whether it’s a grey winter morning or a bright summer afternoon, the light is always perfect. It brings an airy, open feeling to the space and makes the kitchen feel like an extension of the outdoors. It’s a place where you can’t help but feel energized and inspired.

Over the years, we've hosted countless dinners, celebrated milestones, and had conversations that stretched late into the night. There's something magical about this room—something that brings people together. The kitchen has a "wow" factor that never fades, no matter how many times we've been in it. It's more than just a place to prepare meals; it’s where we create memories.

The Ideal Next Owner:

Our home is made for someone who values both tranquillity and connection. It would make a fantastic family home, with ample outdoor space for children to run and play freely. The large garden, complete with raised beds and a beautiful hexagonal greenhouse, provides plenty of opportunity for gardening enthusiasts to indulge in their passion, while the sprawling grounds offer room to roam for everyone.

Set in the heart of the countryside, this home offers spectacular views from our back gate of the White Horse, Cherhill Monument, and the rolling downs beyond. Whether it’s a crisp winter morning or a golden sunset, the scenery here is always breathtaking. Country walks are right at your doorstep, with footpaths leading to cozy village pubs just a stroll away, all accessible through our gate. It’s a place where you can truly unwind, leaving the hustle and bustle of city life behind.

For those who appreciate peace and solitude, there are countless hidden pockets to retreat to - whether it’s the summerhouse, a quiet corner of the garden, or simply curling up by the window with a view. The area is a sanctuary of calm, offering a pace of life that’s hard to find elsewhere.

If you love the finer things in life, you’ll find them here. From the carefully crafted spaces to the high-quality finishes, this home is a testament to craftsmanship and style. At the same time, if you enjoy being close to the conveniences of town, you're only a short walk away from shops, restaurants, and larger grocery stores.

This is a place for someone who wants to enjoy the best of both worlds: the peace of country living, with the convenience of town life just moments away. If you’re looking for a home where you can relax, entertain, and create memories for years to come, this could be the perfect place for you.

Why We Love Living Here:

Our home has been a dream come true. One of the things we love most is how low-maintenance it is—everything is designed with ease of living in mind, which gives us more time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Despite the tranquillity, we’re never far from anything we need. It’s the best of both worlds—quiet country living with easy access to everything.

The walks from our doorstep are something we never take for granted. We can literally step out and walk for miles through the countryside, with views that change with every season. It’s the kind of place where you can breathe deeply, take it all in, and feel a sense of peace that’s hard to find elsewhere.

The house itself flows beautifully. It’s all on one level, which creates a seamless feeling of space. When we decided to downsize, we knew it had to be somewhere that truly suited our lifestyle. After visiting friends in this area for many years, we knew we wanted to be here. We'd tried to buy a house at High Penn before, but after a setback with the sale, we thought we’d lost our chance. Looking back, though, it’s clear that things happen for a reason. When this place came available, we felt like we’d won the lottery. It truly is the most perfect home for us.

There’s something magical about the location—there’s no through traffic, just a quiet lane leading to our barns. It’s incredibly peaceful. We used to stay with friends here to look after their dogs, and in fact, our puppies were born next door. We’ve always loved the beauty of the sunsets, especially when shared with friends. The way the sky turns red and the stillness of the evening makes it feel like time slows down.

This house was designed with care to fit our needs, and it works beautifully for both a family or a couple. The rooms are all generously sized, and they flow together in a way that enhances the overall experience of living here. It’s a place that feels open and connected, yet private and intimate at the same time. It’s easy to live here, and even easier to fall in love with.

What We Love About the Local Community:

The local community here is something truly special. It’s, without a doubt, the friendliest town my partner has ever lived in. Having moved away a few times, he’s always come back, drawn by the warmth and sense of connection that you just can’t find anywhere else. The people here are genuine, welcoming, and always ready to lend a hand or share a conversation.

What’s even more remarkable is how much there is to do, despite the town’s small size. There’s always something going on, and the events bring everyone together in a way that makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger. Though we’re not particularly "churchy" people, we’ve still come to love some of the quirky family events they host. For instance, the annual Teddy Bear Parachute Jump from the church tower is a favourite—watching teddies float gently to the ground never fails to bring a smile.

The Christmas season here is especially magical. There’s the fun and festive Santa Run, where parents and kids alike don red suits and run through town together, creating a sight that’s both joyful and heartwarming. Then, the light parade brightens up the winter evenings, filling the streets with a sense of community and holiday cheer.

In the summer, the town becomes a haven for bikers during the biggest Bike Meet of the year. Motorcyclists from all over flock to the town to show off their bikes, share stories, and celebrate their passion for riding. It’s a vibrant, energetic event that draws people from near and far.
Throughout the year, the town hosts a variety of food, music, and arts festivals that bring colour and excitement to the streets. Whether it’s sampling delicious local food at the market or enjoying live music with friends, there’s always something that makes you feel connected to the culture and spirit of the town. We also have a local market each week, where fresh produce, handmade goods, and friendly faces make for a perfect way to spend a morning.

It’s these little touches—whether it’s a community event or just a quick chat with a neighbour—that make living here so special. We truly feel lucky to be part of such a welcoming, lively place.

Commuting: Easy Access to Major Cities and Beyond:

One of the things we love most about living here is how easy it is to get around. Despite being tucked away in the countryside, we’re incredibly well-connected to major cities and transport links.
Bath is just a short drive away, and you can catch a train from Chippenham station in just 11 minutes. During the day, we tend to take the train, as it’s the easiest and quickest option, although in the evenings, we often prefer to drive when the roads are quieter, and parking is easier.

For those who need to commute to London, both Chippenham and nearby Great Bedwyn offer direct train services that can get you to the city in about an hour—perfect for anyone working in the capital but seeking a quieter place to call home.

In addition, the M4 motorway is only 20 minutes away, providing fast access to Bristol, the Cotswolds, and beyond. Whether you need to head west to Bristol or east to the heart of London, it's an easy drive from here.
We’re also well-served by regular and frequent bus services that run every 15 minutes or so, connecting us to nearby towns like Swindon, Devizes, and Chippenham. It’s a great option if you don’t want to drive or need to take public transport to connect to other routes.
Overall, whether you're commuting for work or heading out for leisure, everything is easily accessible from here, making it a perfect spot for both convenience and peace of mind.

Why We Chose This Property:

Our decision to buy this property was truly a case of everything falling into place at the right time. The annex was originally part of our friends' property next door, and when they were advised to sell it separately from The Old Dairy, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity. Having previously lost out on one of the barns opposite, we knew this was our chance to finally live in the place we had always dreamed of.
Our friends had lived here since the barns were converted 18 years ago. We frequently looked after each other’s dogs when we or they were away, and during those times, we stayed in their barn—an experience we always cherished. We fell in love with the peaceful setting. The barn had always felt like a home away from home.
When the annex became available, we saw it as the perfect opportunity to downsize and create a new chapter of our own. We bought the annex and built our home, Walnut Tree Cottage, around it, so it’s been a true labour of love. We’ve taken care to build something exceptional.

We were fortunate enough to be ‘stuck’ here during the ash cloud of 2010, and later, during Covid, we found solace in this peaceful retreat that this home provided. It gave us the time to work on the house and the extension, turning it into the place we’ve always wanted.

This property is our perfect haven—a space that feels like home, not just because we live here, but because of the memories we’ve created and the love we’ve put into it. It was meant to be, and we couldn’t be happier with our choice.

Accommodation:

The accommodation has been thoughtfully arranged to create a natural flow between living spaces, making the house equally suited to relaxed day-to-day living and entertaining guests.
The centrepiece of the home is the remarkable bespoke kitchen and dining space. The handcrafted cabinetry and curved layout create an elegant yet highly functional environment. Above, a circular skylight fills the room with natural light throughout the day, enhancing the sense of openness and making the space feel bright and uplifting in every season. Just off the kitchen, a useful utility room houses further state-of-the-art integrated appliances, as well as the guest cloakroom.

Adjoining the kitchen is a series of welcoming reception spaces, including a comfortable sitting room centred around the fireplace with inset Stovax log burner and bespoke shelving. To the rear of the cottage, and taking full advantage of the surrounding garden views, the oak-framed garden room with limestone flooring from Artisans of Devizes, creates the perfect spot to retreat to all year round.

The bedrooms are both generous sized with high, vaulted ceilings and whilst being thoughtfully positioned to provide privacy and comfort. Both bedrooms enjoy a pleasant outlook, with the principal bedroom overlooking the gardens and the guest bedroom having direct access to the private courtyard.

The bathroom, again with limestone flooring from Artisans of Devizes, has been beautifully finished, featuring a large walk-in shower, a freestanding Witt & Berg copper bath and a bespoke double vanity unit.

Throughout the house, exposed beams, carefully chosen materials and quality craftsmanship combine to create a home that feels both stylish and timeless.

Outside:

The gardens surrounding Walnut Tree Cottage are a true highlight of the property, offering a wonderful sense of space and privacy. Extending to just over half an acre, they provide plenty of room for outdoor entertaining, gardening and family life.

A series of seating areas and quieter corners allow you to enjoy the landscape at different times of day, whether relaxing in the sunshine, entertaining guests or simply taking in the peaceful surroundings. Raised vegetable beds and a striking hexagonal greenhouse provide an ideal setting for those with a passion for gardening.

From the garden gate, footpaths lead directly into the surrounding countryside, offering beautiful walks with views towards the White Horse at Cherhill, the Cherhill Monument and the rolling downs beyond. These routes connect to nearby villages and welcoming country pubs, making it easy to enjoy the landscape on foot.

Summer House:

Positioned within the garden is a charming summer house, designed to be enjoyed throughout the year. Fully insulated and fitted with power, lighting and a wood-burning stove, it provides a warm and inviting retreat whatever the season. Currently used as a peaceful space to relax and unwind, it could easily serve a variety of purposes including a home office, creative studio or comfortable guest accommodation.

Location:

Walnut Tree Cottage is situated in the elevated hamlet of High Penn on the edge of the market town of Calne, Wiltshire. Calne provides a range of everyday facilities including supermarkets, independent shops, cafés, public houses, healthcare services and leisure facilities. For the golfing enthusiast, Walnut Tree Cottage is within striking distance of the Bowood Estate, home to Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, which includes a championship golf course, spa facilities, hotel and fine restaurants set within landscaped parkland.

The area is well positioned for access to several larger towns and cities. Chippenham, Swindon and the Georgian city of Bath provide a wider range of shopping, cultural and commercial amenities.

Transport connections are convenient, with the M4 motorway (Junction 17) approximately 12 miles away. Mainline rail services from Chippenham and Great Bedwyn offer direct trains to London Paddington in around one hour.
The area is well served by a range of schools. Local primary schools are available in Calne and nearby villages, with secondary education at Kingsbury Green Academy in Calne and Hardenhuish School and Sheldon School in Chippenham. Independent schools in the wider area include St Mary’s School Calne, Dauntsey’s School, Stonar School near Bath and Marlborough College.

Services:
Private drainage & Air Source Heat Pump

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