Location

Fairford is a most attractive and historic town which straddles the River Coln, in the Cotswolds area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Architecturally, the centre of the town has remained largely unspoilt but, more importantly, Fairford has retained an excellent cross-section of shops and facilities, including primary and secondary schools, a cottage hospital, doctors surgery, dentist, library and a range of shops which cater for most everyday needs. At its heart is the magnificent St. Mary's Church which adjoins the high street where most of the shops are situated. Cirencester is about 9 miles away and provides more boutique shops and an excellent range of services.

The A419 dual carriageway is about 5 miles away and gives direct access to Swindon, the M4 (Junction 15), as well as Cheltenham, Gloucester and the M5 (Junction 11A). There are train services to London Paddington from both Kemble and Swindon whilst Heathrow airport is about 75 miles away.

There are a wide range of local sporting opportunities including various golf courses, polo at Cirencester Park and the Cotswold Leisure Centre in Cirencester. The Cotswold Water Park at South Cerney provides a wide range of water based activities with boating on the River Thames at Lechlade. There are tennis and football clubs in the town and shooting with local syndicates. Good local pubs include The Swan at Southrop and The New Inn at Coln St Aldwyns. There are spas at Barnsley House and Thyme in Southrop.

A good selection of primary schools are found in the area including Meysey Hampton, Down Ampney and Ampney Crucis with secondary schools in Fairford and Cirencester. Within the private sector there are the preparatory schools of Hatherop Castle, Rendcomb College, Prior Park, Beaudesert Park and St Hugh's, with Rendcomb, Westonbirt and the Cheltenham Colleges for the later years.

Description

Burdocks is a highly impressive Queen Anne style house which was built in 1910 by Guy Dawbar, well known for his work in the Arts and Crafts style. The house is beautifully proportioned, provides exceptional entertaining space and incorporates many original period features. The house stands centrally within its beautiful and mature landscaped gardens which include extensive outbuildings and a staff cottage.

The property is found on the outskirts of Fairford and is approached off a country lane which leads to the village of Marston Meysey. Stone piers with automated wrought gates give access to a sweeping driveway which leads up to the house. Here there is a circular parking area with central fountain. The drive continues to the service building and staff cottage.

The front door opens into an impressive hall off which are the principal reception rooms. The drawing room is an elegant entertaining room with fireplace and good natural light, there being windows on three sides. Also off the hall is the dining room which has a door to the garden and is interconnecting with the drawing room and sitting room. Beyond are family and staff sitting rooms as well as the kitchen/breakfast room. At this end of the house there is also a utility room, rear staircase and steps down to the cellar with boiler room.

The splendid cantilevered staircase leads up to the galleried landing.

On the first floor there is a study with wide bay window. The bedrooms include a spacious principal suite with dressing room and bathroom, two further bedrooms and three bath/shower rooms. Two staircases serve the second floor which comprises seven bedrooms and three bath/shower rooms.

The outbuildings including workshops, garden stores as well as garaging for at least seven cars. Beyond is a two storey staff cottage with two bedrooms. Of particular merit however, is the splendid pool house which provides extensive entertaining space as well as a gym and sauna. In addition glazed doors lead out from the games room on to a south facing terrace beyond which is the swimming pool. There is also a tennis court.

The house stands centrally in its gardens and grounds. The wide expanses of lawn are broken by structured yew hedging and from the south side of the house there is a pretty vista over three ornamental ponds with fountains. Close to the pool house is a productive vegetable garden Tucked away is a private island retreat with loggia, approached over lavender pathways and perfect for summer entertaining.

The grounds are well studded with specimen trees and are made private by boundary woodland. The north side of the house is less formal and includes a stream and duck pond.

Directions

From Cirencester take the A417 proceeding through the Ampneys and Poulton. On the outskirts of Fairford turn right (signposted Marston Meysey) and Burdocks will be found on the left hand side after a short distance.