Location

Edgeworth Manor and the valley it surveys are hidden away from view, amidst one of the most beautiful parts of the Cotswolds, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Frome Valley, with its river meandering through, appears untouched by the outside world. A rural idyll, but within easy striking distance of national road and rail links via the M4, M40 and the Swindon mainline station and Kemble mainline station. There is also a helicopter landing pad within the grounds.

Miserden, just two miles away, has a village shop and Post Office. The Daneway Inn, Fostons Ash and the Crown Inn are all popular pubs within a few miles. Stroud, ten miles away, and Cirencester, just seven miles away, are ideal for everyday shopping with their regular weekly and monthly markets and choice of supermarkets. They also boast a wealth of independent shops and cafes.

The larger town of Cheltenham offers a greater choice of shops and is host to a number of festivals including the Jazz and Literature Festivals.

There is local access to bridleways and footpaths to enjoy in this completely unspoiled part of the Cotswolds. Sporting opportunities include racing at Cheltenham and Bath and golf at Cirencester and Minchinhampton. There is also polo at nearby Edgeworth, Beaufort and Cirencester Park Polo Clubs. In addition there is hunting with the Cotswolds Hunt and water sports are nearby at the Cotswold Water Park.

There is a wide choice of both preparatory and public schools in the area including Beaudesert, Cheltenham College, Cheltenham Ladies, St Edwards, Dean Close and Westonbirt.

Description

Edgeworth Manor sits magnificently in an elevated position with views over its gardens, woodlands and stunning sylvan valley below. The long tree lined Carriage Drive, with pillared entrances and elaborate wrought iron gates at each end, makes an imposing entrance to the Manor. Stone steps lead up to the heavily studded oak front door which sits within a stone carved entrance, with its coat of arms from earlier times.

Upon entering the baronial hall, there is a real sense of arrival. This is created by its unrestrained scale, architectural integrity and detail, which continues throughout this beautiful and magnificent house. Features include barrelled and ornately carved ceilings, coffered ceilings, oak panelled rooms, bright stone mullioned windows, detailed cornicing, ancient oak floors and staircases along with wonderful fireplaces that illustrate what a remarkable manor house this is, undoubtedly, one of the finest in the Cotswolds.

The present owner has created a family home which is beautifully restored, warm and inviting as well as providing the ability to entertain on a grand scale. The attention to detail is exquisite from the hand painted stencilling in the kitchen, to rich honey coloured stone worktops and bathroom surrounds.

Main Courtyard
The gravel drive passes the Grade I listed Church of St Mary and through the main iron gates. Before arriving at the front of the house, which is bordered by lawns, are two ancient yew trees and a delightful orangery which is framed with silvered oak pillars.

This south facing orangery has two decorative stone and lead water troughs at either end, whilst an espaliered fig covers the back wall and a vine rambles through the roof.

Inner Courtyard
Approached through high wooden gates, this courtyard is bordered by an old hayloft, thought previously to have been the reading room of the Church. The Coach House, Coach House Cottage and Coach House Cottage garage, tractor store, three bay woodstore, stable, tack room and workshop also border this private courtyard. The hayloft, presently used as a storeroom, has leaded light windows, a staircase to a mezzanine with an old hayloft door. A 'jack and jill' bathroom off the mezzanine is shared with the main bedroom of the Coach House Cottage.

There is a large agricultural barn at the rear of the workshop

Gardens and Grounds
Spectacular gardens lie predominantly to the south and east of the house with breath-taking views over the valley. The garden door opens to a lawned terrace with historic stone finials and piers. The kitchen doors open to wide stone steps to a further lawned terrace with a lavender hedge. In turn, further steps divide in two, with graceful wrought iron balustrades, and drop to the lower terrace and garden where there is a pretty stone summerhouse. The lawns sweep down to the pond below, under the arching boughs of a glorious lime tree.

The lower terrace also leads round to a walled rose walk, bridged by a rose covered pergola. Stone gargoyles mark the entrance. From here an ancient yew arch leads back to the main courtyard. The stunning walled kitchen garden is accessed through a silvered oak studded gate. An old stone trough with an iron water pump sits at the top. Here there are lovely views to beautiful rolling countryside. Either side are two avenues of cordoned apple trees with espaliered fruit trees on the stone walls behind. There is also a cutting flower bed, herb beds, a large vegetable garden and two greenhouses. Roses, foxgloves, peonies and other beautiful cut flowers are in abundance within this remarkable secluded garden.

A track leads through the gardens, past the pond to the woodland below. This wooded valley is utterly magical and enchanting. A mixture of broadleaf and spruce trees, with swathes of wild garlic. Only a quarter of a mile from its source, the River Frome meanders through the valley floor, and is crossed by an ancient stone bridge. Below the woodland on the far side of the valley, are two pasture meadows.

Directions

From London take the M4 to junction 15. Proceed north on A419 signed to Cirencester. After 17 miles continue onto the A417. After a further 4.8 miles take the exit towards Duntisbourne Leer. Continue for 3 miles. The entrance gates to Edgeworth Manor are on the left just after School Lane. Proceed through the stone gatepiers, past North Lodge down the long drive to the manor.