Northwick Park, Blockley, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56

A splendid 17th-century Grade II* listed former orangery
in a fine parkland setting.

Description

The Orangery, listed Grade II* as being of Special Architectural and Historic Interest, is probably of late 17th century origin and could possibly be the work of William Talman who was responsible for some of the remodelling of The Mansion.

The property is constructed of golden coloured Ashlar stone with rusticated quoins under a hipped slate and lead covered roof behind a parapet. The property faces due south and lies at right angles to the west elevation of The Mansion in a secluded and quiet situation and is linked by a screen wall with two shell niches. There is an Acanthus leafed coved cornice, tall sash windows (replacement) and a central door with a double flight of steps down to the garden. There is also a range of cross-mullioned windows to the barrel vaulted kitchen/ morning room.

The rear of the property was added later and the whole building was most imaginatively converted in 1992. The property provides an exciting and unique home with excellent acoustics for music in the drawing room.

The drawing room has six magnificent full height sash windows with built in window seats overlooking the terrace towards the garden. The Orangery is a very elegant property with flexible, well-presented accommodation.

The gardens are a special feature of the property. From The Orangery itself, perron-style flights of stone steps with delicate wrought iron balustrade, leads down to a wide flagstone terrace and further steps lead to a formal garden with a central urn (a copy of the Longleat urn in the British Museum).

There are formal manicured lawns, stone walling, gravelled pathways and two box hedge parterres. A flagstone pathway leads round to the side of The Orangery and through an original panelled door, with moulded stone architrave relief, giving access to the parking area and parterre garden.

From the side garden there are views over the parkland. The parterre garden lies to the north of the property and comprises a series of box hedges with roses. There is also a delightful fish pond. At one end of the parterre garden there is a paved terrace with ornate railings from which a spiral staircase leads down to a pretty and private sunken garden planted with shade loving plants.

The garaging lies to the north of the property and is approached over a substantial tarmacadam drive providing private parking for numerous vehicles.

Location

Northwick Park is situated within 35 acres of managed parkland in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the heart of the North Cotswolds. The Mansion itself is an important Grade I listed building, restored and converted to provide six beautifully proportioned apartments.

Northwick Park dates from 1686 when the west front elevation, an impressive three storey ashlar stone structure, was begun. In 1728 Sir John Rushout, son of a wealthy Flemish merchant, commissioned an extensive remodelling of the property using the architect Lord Burlington, a key figure in the history of British Architecture and the rise of neoclassicism in Britain.

Northwick Park Mansion is reputed to have been visited by Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton. In more recent history the Estate housed the famous collections owned by Captain Spencer Churchill, cousin of Sir Winston Churchill, who himself often visited the Estate. Following Captain Spencer Churchill’s death in the early 1960s the Estate had various owners and The Mansion was subsequently converted into six luxurious apartments by the Wallace and Hoblyn Partnership in 1989.

In addition to the conversion of The Mansion, the various buildings forming part of this historic Estate were also converted to form individual houses and cottages, together with the construction of a number of high quality dwellings all built in local vernacular style creating a thriving Cotswold community. The properties that go to make up Northwick Park benefit from many communal facilities including the use of 35 acres of parkland with fine croquet lawn, four all weather tennis courts, outdoor heated swimming pool with changing facilities and 24 hour security service. There is car parking for residents and guests.

Square Footage: 2,669 sq ft



Directions

From London take the M40 to Junction 8 at Oxford and then the A40 Oxford Ring Road to the A44. Proceed past Chipping Norton and Moreton-in-Marsh. At Bourton-on-the-Hill turn right on to the B4479 past Blockley and then turn left signposted Broad Campden. After about a quarter of a mile, the entrance to Northwick Park will be found on the left hand side. Proceed up the drive and take the second turning right through two stone pillars and at the T-Junction turn left and proceed to the end of the drive where The Orangery will be found directly ahead.

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Additional Info

Local Authority: Cotswold District Council t .

Mains gas, electricity and water are connected. Private drainage. Gas fired central heating. Telephone subject to BT transfer arrangements.

The current service charges made payable to Northwick Park Management company is £1,030 per quarter. These charges cover the upkeep of the gardens and grounds and other communal facilities. The grounds at Northwick Park are owned by Northwick Park Ltd of which every property has a share.

Particulars prepared: March 2025. Photographs taken: March 2025.