The Old Cider Mill, Cleeve Prior WR11 8LQ

The Old Cider Mill sits within the idyllic and highly regarded village of Cleeve Prior, surrounded by the beautiful mellow Blue Lias stone architecture that gives the village its unmistakable character. Rich in history, atmosphere and charm, it is one of those rare properties that instantly captures the imagination.

Positioned prominently within the heart of the village, this enchanting property comprises a charming period cottage to one side of a striking stone archway, with a magnificent detached barn to the other, together creating one of Cleeve Prior’s most distinctive and atmospheric frontages. Behind this intriguing façade lies a remarkable home set in mature grounds, all unfolding beautifully beyond the arched entrance.

Believed to date from the 16th and 17th Centuries, both the cottage and barn are constructed of local Blue Lias stone beneath traditional tiled roofs, creating an exceptional pairing of considerable architectural significance and immense charm.

The arched stone entrance with wrought iron gates forms a striking focal point between the two buildings, leading directly into the private courtyard beyond and immediately establishing the timeless atmosphere that runs throughout the property.

The Cottage

The principal cottage offers beautifully atmospheric accommodation arranged across two-and-a-half storeys, with each room reflecting the building’s long history and wonderful sense of character.

An enclosed porch with a fine oak entrance door opens into the welcoming reception hall, where exposed beams, tiled flooring, window seating and original detailing immediately establish the tone of the home. From here, an arched opening leads naturally through to the fitted kitchen area.

Beyond the kitchen lies one of the cottage’s most beautiful rooms — a stunning beamed dining room centred around a magnificent inglenook fireplace with a substantial timber bressummer beam, inset brickwork and tiled canopy. Original flagstone flooring and panelled detailing further enhance the warmth and atmosphere of this remarkable space.

To the first floor, the sitting room enjoys lovely views towards the church and continues the rich period feel, with another handsome fireplace framed by stone piers, a curved timber beam and copper canopy. Also on this floor are the third bedroom and spacious bathroom, itself notable for exposed beams and unusual original built-in drawers beneath a wide oak sill.

The second floor provides two further bedrooms, both with exposed ceiling timbers, leaded light windows and charming period features.

The cottage and barn were comprehensively restored in the 1970s under the supervision of renowned Worcestershire architect Frederick Charles, with assistance from the Historic Buildings Council and Civic Trust. Great care was taken to preserve the character and authenticity of the buildings, with exposed timbering, leaded light windows, original joinery, exposed stonework, flagstone flooring and period fireplaces all carefully retained. While this important restoration safeguarded the historic fabric of the property, the cottage would now benefit from sensitive improvement and updating, offering the next owner the opportunity to continue its story with care.

The Old Cider Mill

Alongside the cottage stands an impressive detached barn, the former Cider Mill. The barn centres around a dramatic vaulted ceiling with impressive exposed timbering and original flagstone flooring beneath. Large double doors open onto the roadside frontage whilst stable doors and a striking minstrel’s gallery further enhance the character of the building.

Stepping inside, the scale and atmosphere of the barn are immediately breathtaking. Particularly striking is the original stone flooring beneath your feet, beautifully laid in a circular pattern historically designed to accommodate the turning movement of horses within the building during its working life. It is an extraordinary surviving feature and one that gives the barn an authenticity and sense of history that simply cannot be recreated.

The sheer romance of imagining this space transformed into a habitable living environment is undeniable. With its vast volume, exposed stonework, ancient beams, original flooring and dramatic gallery above, the barn has all the ingredients to become an exceptional living space. Centred around the original floor design and magnificent timber structure, it would be truly spectacular, blending historic craftsmanship with contemporary design to create the sort of room that would always be a conversation piece.

Historically used as a studio and showroom space, it is understood the barn currently benefits from planning consent for light industrial use whilst also offering exciting future possibilities subject to the necessary consents.

The Grounds 

Behind the barn, the property opens beautifully into a wonderfully atmospheric courtyard,  a charming space framed by dry stone walls and character features entirely in keeping with the age and feel of the property itself. The courtyard has a wonderfully organic, timeless quality, softened by mature greenery and framed beautifully by the surrounding Blue Lias stone buildings.

From the courtyard, a pathway gently lead's through to the rear gardens, passing a detached stone-built outbuilding currently used as an office/hobbies room, offering excellent flexibility for working from home, creative use or additional storage.

The gardens beyond are quite exceptional and hidden away from the outside world. Predominantly laid to lawn and surrounded by mature trees, established shrubs and cottage garden plants, the space has a wonderfully peaceful and slightly wild romantic quality that perfectly suits the property. Traditional dry stone walling, mature greenery and dappled sunlight filtering through the trees create a setting that feels private, established and incredibly special.

Pasture Land

Across the rear of the gardens, and available by separate negotiation, is approximately 4.89 acres of permanent pasture land, creating an increasingly rare combination of historic village living with substantial adjoining acreage. Accessed both from the property itself and separately from Cleeve Road (B4085), the land offers enormous lifestyle appeal together with excellent equestrian, grazing or amenity potential. From above, the setting is particularly striking, with the historic cottage and barn sitting organically within the village landscape whilst the paddock land unfolds beautifully into the surrounding Worcestershire countryside beyond.

Set within the desirable Cleeve Prior Conservation Area and surrounded by beautiful countryside, The Old Cider Mill represents a truly remarkable opportunity to acquire and restore one of the village’s most memorable and historically important homes.

A rare and atmospheric period property combining architectural beauty, craftsmanship, history and future potential in one exceptional setting.

A separate third-party dwelling, known as Brewers Cottage, lies within its own distinct section of the wider grounds and is held under separate title ownership. Brewers Cottage benefits from prescriptive pedestrian access rights through part of the property, understood to relate to pathway access from the gate to the front door and garden gate of Brewers Cottage only, and not to the gardens or courtyard serving The Old Cider Mill.

Buyers should note the property is offered with vacant possession of the main dwelling and associated buildings. 

Property Information
Offered to the market with no upward chain
Tenure: Freehold -  Grade II Listed
Services: Oil, mains drainage, electricity, water
Broadband: Ultrafast
Flood Risk Rating: No Risk
Council Tax Band: E

The Local Area

Cleeve Prior is a highly regarded village set on the Warwickshire/Worcestershire border, surrounded by rolling countryside and enjoying a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. Its history stretches back over a thousand years, first granted by King Æthelred to the Priors of Worcester in 872, and this long-standing connection to church and estate life continues to shape the village’s character today.

Sitting close to the northern edge of the Cotswolds, the village offers easy access to some of England’s most beautiful landscapes while retaining a strong sense of continuity, heritage and an unspoilt village identity.

Residents enjoy excellent walking routes directly from the village, access to the River Avon, and fishing rights for villagers, making the area ideal for those who value an outdoor, nature-connected lifestyle.

At the heart of the village lies a designated conservation area, characterised by traditional Blue Lias stone cottages, the beautiful 12th-century Church of St Andrew, and the well-regarded King’s Arms public house. The village hall hosts a wide range of clubs, social events and activities and includes a popular tea shop, reinforcing the strong community spirit for which Cleeve Prior is known.

Schools

The village is served by a small primary school, highly regarded within the local area. Beyond this, there is an excellent choice of state, grammar and independent secondary schools in nearby towns, including Stratford-upon-Avon, Alcester and Warwick, making the village particularly appealing to families seeking both quality education and village life.

Transport & Connectivity
Despite its peaceful rural setting, Cleeve Prior is exceptionally well connected. The village lies within easy reach of Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Evesham, Broadway and the wider Cotswolds, offering a balance of cultural, historic and practical amenities.

Honeybourne Station (approximately 3.5 miles) provides direct rail services to London Paddington, while Warwick Parkway and Banbury offer fast connections to London Marylebone. Birmingham Airport, at approximately 18 miles, ensures convenient national and international travel.