4 bed semi-detached house for sale

High Street, Blockley, Moreton-In-Marsh, Gloucestershire GL56

A handsome period home at the heart of the village

Description
Steeped in over three centuries of history, Halfway House is a beautifully characterful Grade II listed honey stone village property, believed to date from 1690, with later Victorian extensions added to either end. Of particular note is the impressive Baroque doorway, complete with a keystone pediment dated 1732, marking the property’s first recorded renovation. Over the centuries, Halfway House has played a notable role within the village, having traded as a butcher’s shop for more than 200 years and later as an antiques shop. Today, it occupies a prominent and much admired position at the heart of Blockley, a thriving and picturesque Cotswold village.

The current vendors have owned the property for the past five years and have undertaken extensive yet entirely sympathetic improvements throughout. Their careful approach has ensured that the integrity and charm of the house remain firmly intact, while significantly enhancing its functionality and comfort for modern living. The result is a beautifully balanced home where historic character and practical design sit in perfect harmony, with attention to detail evident at every turn.

At the heart of the home is the charming kitchen, a space rich in atmosphere and period detail. Features include original flagstone flooring, exposed beams, exposed stone walls and a striking open fireplace, all combining to create a warm and welcoming environment. A traditional butler sink, stone mullion windows and an electric eco Aga complete this authentic yet highly usable room, making it both a focal point and a social hub of the house. Leading from the kitchen is a versatile dining room, fitted with underfloor heating and benefitting from direct access to the garden. An orangery style, this flexible space would lend itself equally well as a formal dining room, family room or additional reception space. A utility room/ downstairs cloakroom is also conveniently located off this area. The study offers dual aspect views across the village, flooding the room with natural light. Enhanced by beautiful panelling, this room is ideal as a home office or snug, once again underlining the adaptability of the accommodation. The sitting room is a delightful and cosy retreat, featuring original antique oak flooring, a focal fireplace with log burner and a charming window seat overlooking the high street - the perfect spot to watch village life go by. Completing the ground floor is a useful cellar, ideal for storage, wine or general household use.

The staircase itself is a notable feature, rising through the house with beautiful original panelling and a particularly charming coloured glass window, proudly displaying the property's crest, a subtle but striking reminder of the home’s heritage and craftsmanship. The first floor offers two generously proportioned bedrooms, both of equal size and each suitable for use as a principal suite. Both rooms benefit from their own en suite facilities and enjoy fabulous expansive windows that fill the spaces with light. These rooms feel calm, elegant and beautifully balanced, offering peaceful retreats within the house. On the top floor are two further spacious bedrooms, each with attractive vaulted ceilings that enhance their sense of character and volume. One bedroom benefits from built in storage, while the landing also provides excellent additional storage. These bedrooms are served by a well-appointed family bathroom, completing the upper floor accommodation.

Outside, the garden provides a wonderfully private and tranquil retreat. Stone steps lead up to a lawned area surrounded by an abundance of mature trees, including eucalyptus, and beautifully planted flower beds featuring jasmine and climbing roses. The garden enjoys a sunny aspect and peaceful atmosphere, with a terrace area perfect for summer alfresco dining, entertaining or quiet relaxation. Despite its central village position, the garden feels notably quiet, secluded and serene.

Further adding to the appeal, the property benefits from live planning permission, offering exciting scope to enhance its potential and functionality (including an extension to the rear, to serve as a boot room.) Full details can be found under the relevant planning reference 23/00949/ful, providing purchasers with confidence and opportunity for future improvement.

Location
Blockley is a highly regarded Cotswold village set within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, positioned between the market towns of Chipping Campden (3 miles) and Moreton in Marsh (4 miles). Much of the village is designated a Conservation Area, reflecting its rich architectural heritage and historic significance.

The village enjoys a thriving and well supported community, offering an excellent range of local amenities including a post office, village shop and café, public park, primary school, hotel, two public houses, three village halls and a sports and social club. Its appeal was nationally recognised when Blockley was voted Best Place to Live in the South West by The Sunday Times in 2017.

Blockley lies approximately 3 miles from Chipping Campden School, and 4 miles from Moreton in Marsh, which provides a mainline rail service to Oxford (35 minutes) and London Paddington (88 minutes). The neighbouring centres of Broadway (6.5 miles), Stow-on-the-Wold (7 miles), Stratford upon Avon (18 miles), Cheltenham (25 miles) and Cirencester (26 miles) offer an excellent selection of shopping, cultural attractions, leisure facilities and further schooling options.

Educational provision in the area is widely regarded as exceptional, with options including Blockley C of E Primary School, Kitebrook, Chipping Campden School, Cotswold Academy, Pate’s Grammar School and Cheltenham College, among others.

The wider Cotswolds offers a vibrant calendar of events throughout the year, from internationally renowned festivals such as the Cheltenham Literature Festival and Cheltenham Gold Cup Week, to major music and food events including Wilderness Festival and The Big Feastival, alongside a wealth of concerts, exhibitions, arts and theatre productions and of course the renowned Daylesford Organic Farm shop and café.

Surrounded by designated special landscape countryside, the area is ideal for walking, riding and outdoor pursuits, with access to outstanding footpaths and bridleways, including nearby sections of the Cotswold Way. The immediate locality is rich in historic houses and celebrated gardens.

Square Footage: 2,272 sq ft