Stretton on Fosse, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56

The Old Rectory is a distinguished former Grade II* Georgian rectory with origins dating to the late 16th century. Built of local Cotswold limestone, the house was extended and enhanced during the 17th and 18th centuries, reflecting its continued importance within the parish and village. Occupying a traditional position close to the parish church, the Rectory historically stood as one of the principal houses in Stretton on Fosse, home to successive rectors who played a central role in community and ecclesiastical life. The building’s measured proportions and enduring architectural character are the result of these centuries of careful evolution.

The Old Rectory offers extensive and well balanced accommodation arranged over three principal floors, combining the architectural integrity of a historic rectory with versatility ideal for modern family living. The ground floor is centred around a reception hall, from which the principal reception rooms flow naturally. These rooms comprise an elegant drawing room, a formal dining room and a Comfortable sitting room, all of which benefit from excellent natural light through large sash windows and showcase a wealth of charming period features, including wood panelling and impressive open fireplaces.

The heart of the house is the impressive kitchen/breakfast room, a light-filled and practical space well-suited to family living, with direct access to a pantry, a utility room and out on to south facing terrace.

The first floor offers substantial bedroom accommodation arranged around the principal staircase. The principal bedroom suite is particularly notable, benefitting from excellent natural light and a generously sized dressing room. Several further large bedrooms are arranged on this level, many enjoying views over the gardens and village, with sash windows reinforcing the historic character throughout. The second floor provides an additional range of bedrooms, ideal for guests, older children or ancillary accommodation.

RECTORY COTTAGE, BARN & OUTBUILDING
Attached to the northern end of the house is a charming one-bedroom cottage, formerly linked to the main residence, which provides valuable ancillary accommodation and is ideal for use as staff or guest quarters. In addition to the cottage, there is an attractive barn which previously benefited from planning consent for conversion into an impressive entertaining complex, incorporating an indoor swimming pool, gym, snooker room and sitting area. The barn currently houses a gym, former stables and a range of useful storage rooms. The property is further complemented by a quadruple garage.

GARDEN & GROUNDS
The Old Rectory is set within beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds extending to almost 27 acres, enjoying a superb parkland setting. A sweeping, meandering driveway leads through mature trees and open parkland, creating a wonderful sense of arrival and revealing a tranquil pond that enhances the natural charm of the setting. Surrounding the house are extensive, well maintained lawns interspersed with fully stocked flower beds and established borders, providing year round colour and interest. Several patio and terrace areas offer ideal spaces for outdoor dining and entertaining, with attractive views across the gardens and grounds. The wider garden and land comprise an orchard, tennis court, mature specimen trees and paddocks leading down to a perimeter stream.

Stretton on Fosse is an attractive and unspoilt North Cotswold village, set along the historic Fosse Way and surrounded by open countryside. Renowned for its fine collection of period houses built in mellow Cotswold stone, the village offers a peaceful traditional character, with amenities including a well regarded public house and parish church.

The nearby market towns of Shipston-on-Stour, Moreton-in-Marsh, and Chipping Norton provide an extensive selection of shops, supermarkets, and quality eateries. The celebrated Daylesford Organic Farm Shop in Kingham is just a short drive away, while Soho Farmhouse can be reached in around 30 minutes.

Education options in the area are exceptional, with the highly regarded Kitebrook Preparatory School just six miles away. A strong selection of leading independent schools is within easy reach, including Bloxham School, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Tudor Hall, St Edward’s and Sibford School, while an excellent range of state and grammar schools can be found in Cheltenham, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick and Oxford.

Stretton on Fosse is ideally positioned for commuters, with regular train services to London Paddington from Moreton-in-Marsh (76 minutes) and to London Marylebone from Banbury (50 minutes). The village also benefits from convenient road links via the M40 to London and Birmingham, and the M5 to the West Country.

The surrounding area provides outstanding opportunities for leisure and outdoor pursuits, with extensive walking, cycling and riding across the Cotswolds countryside. Golf is well catered for with several highly regarded courses nearby, including Chipping Norton, Broadway and Tadmarton Heath, and leisure centres in Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Norton. Racing enthusiasts will enjoy nearby courses at Stratford and Cheltenham, while walkers are spoilt for choice with a network of scenic footpaths and bridleways.