6 bed detached house for sale

Upper Swell, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54

Elegant Cotswolds country house in a beautiful setting close to Stow-on-the-Wold.

Description
Upper Swell Farm is a fine example of a grand Cotswold stone family home, in a magical setting that offers substantial accommodation and a selection of living spaces. The principal house, which is not listed, is accessed via electric gates up to a sweeping carriage driveway in front of the formal entrance. It’s here that viewers can fully appreciate the property’s special position with views over its own paddocks and parkland gently sloping below. There are a further two vehicular entrances to the barns, outbuildings and ancillary accommodation. The main drive is constructed of resin set Breedon gravel which is both in-keeping with the traditional look of the property and is ultra low maintenance.

The house is beautifully presented. It was completely renovated and extended by the previous owners and subsequent refurbishment has created a stylish and modern family home. The décor is a fascinating blend of original features and thoughtful, bespoke design.

The spacious and bright handmade country kitchen is the hub of the home and overlooks the garden and entertaining terraces. It features luxurious Calacatta marble tops, underfloor heating and warm wooden floors. There is also a comfortable sitting area with wood burner and fender seat and then up a few steps to an elegant breakfast room with vaulted ceiling and striking glass arched doors to the southern terrace. Like everything in the house, the kitchen design displays a careful attention to detail including bespoke shutters and sliding mesh inserts to allow air flow without bugs. There is a utility space off the kitchen and down some steps, a cloakroom and separate utility space which doubles as a washing room, wine store and pantry. The rear entrance door leads straight into a boot room, perfect for dogs and wellies and then along a glazed walkway to the wood panelled study, currently used as a snug. It’s full of character and has a window seat with views down to the river. The principal reception room is aptly named ‘the Long Room’ as it runs the depth of the house in the north wing with a triple aspect and fabulous views. This impressive entertaining space is where the current owners host formal dinners and parties. There is another stone fireplace as well as French doors leading out to a garden terrace.

Up the graceful, curved staircase from the entrance hall, there is a mid level, on which the current owners’ study/sitting room is located to enjoy the wonderful views. This room’s position, original features and unusual decor really need to be seen to be appreciated. There is a ‘Juliet’ balcony and a secret cocktail bar. The fine oak floor boards add to the sense of elegance.

The principal bedroom suite enjoys the same spectacular south and westerly views. Occupying its own portion of the first floor, the suite includes ‘his and her’s’ dressing areas, a spacious bathroom and a stunning feature wall in the bedroom as well as another ‘Juliet’ balcony. Along the corridor, there are a further two immaculate, ensuite double guest bedrooms. The children’s zone is currently located on the second floor and configured as two bedrooms with a play room and family bathroom plus a separate nanny suite with its own smaller staircase.

The attractive landscaped gardens wrap around the principal house and are completely private. They consist of a variety of stone terraces and entertaining spaces facing south and west with several lawns, topiary plants and trees. There is an orchard and productive vegetable garden. The land sitting below the main house also includes a small woodland and has its own river frontage onto the River Dikler, with wild trout. The property enjoys riparian rights.

Upper Swell Farm offers a choice of flexible living spaces within the estate, all detached from the principal house and all built in the same warm Cotswold stone.

The Long Barn sits to the side of the garden and is currently configured as a leisure wing with direct access to the swimming pool. It is a sizeable self contained living space, mostly on one level and the quality of the finish lends itself to ancillary accommodation. There is a double height gym with glass doors to the garden, a cinema room, large kitchen/diner and utility, a double bedroom with ensuite and at the other end, a bedroom suite with dressing room. On the first floor, there is an office with full internet connectivity.

The Coach House has three garage bays and a store fitted with traditionally styled electric doors and an EV charger. Above, there is a characterful and modern one bedroom studio flat with a vaulted ceiling and attractive beams which would be ideal for guests or staff.

The heated indoor swimming pool is situated in a south facing conservatory with multiple glass doors which open out onto the gardens.

The traditional stone Cotswold threshing barn completes the courtyard to the north of the property and can be accessed either from the road or the courtyard. Totalling 191 square metres, it has been converted into an entertaining space and with some updating, could offer a fabulous party venue. There is an attached greenhouse and potting shed and store. The barn also offers a great opportunity to create extra living accommodation (subject to planning.)

lot 2 - outbuildings and land Consisting of a long drive, large agricultural storage barn, stable block, former grass tennis court and a block of pastureland divided into paddocks.

Lot 3 - homefield house Homefield House is a substantial dwelling situated on the far side of the courtyard, behind a large stone wall to the north west of the estate. The house is a traditional Cotswold stone barn conversion attractively set in its own courtyard behind a wall with metal gate and formal stone portico entrance. The property is full of character and has been carefully extended to connect with the converted apple loft. The accommodation is generous and ideal for relatives, visiting guests or to provide rental income. It could also potentially be utilised as two separate properties as it is easily divided and has two kitchens and separate accesses. There are 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, an impressive formal sitting and dining room with vaulted ceiling and a minstrels’ gallery and a kitchen/diner and utility room. There is a separate self contained 1 bedroom cottage/annexe and a stable block within the grounds.

Location
Upper Swell farm is situated on the edge of the pretty Cotswolds hamlet of Upper Swell, surrounded by picturesque rolling countryside, just outside the historic market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. Quintessentially Cotswolds, the village sits above the River Dikler and comprises mostly stone period properties and a fine Norman church. There are plenty of local shopping options including at Stow, just over a mile away with its range of independent shops, deli’s, antiques, restaurants and a supermarket. The renowned Daylesford Organic Farm and Lifestyle shop is a few minutes drive away providing the very best organic meat and ingredients along with an irresistible bakery and patisserie. Soho Farmhouse is also within easy reach. The regency spa town of Cheltenham provides a larger selection of shops and amenities as do the historic towns of Cirencester and Stratford Upon Avon, including the world famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Upper Swell is conveniently located for commuters, with Moreton-in-Marsh train station just 5 miles away, delivering direct trains to London Paddington.
For sporting fans, there is racing and cricket at Cheltenham, trail hunting with the Heythrop and North Cotswold, quality golf at Broadway and Wychwood as well as fantastic local shoots.

There is a wide choice of highly acclaimed schools in the area, both state and private, including Kitebrook Preparatory, Kingham Hill senior day and boarding school and Swell CofE Primary. Cheltenham College and Cheltenham Ladies are also accessible.

Square Footage: 6,243 sq ft

Acreage:
24.61 Acres

Directions
From London and Oxford, take A40 westbound to Burford, at Burford roundabout turn right onto A361 then at the bottom of the high street, turn left onto A424 to Stow-on-the-Wold. After the traffic lights in Stow, take the next left turn onto Tewksbury Road. Upper Swell is a mile further on and the gates to the house can be found immediately after the river bridge on the left hand side.

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Additional Info
Services: Mains water and electricity. Private gas. Lpg and Drainage.

Cotswold District Council t:

Council Tax Band H

All viewings are strictly by appointment only through the vendor’s joint selling agents.