Location

Fort William occupies an elevated position from which there are beautiful views across Chalford Valley to the countryside beyond. There is also an added advantage in that the property backs on to Rodborough Common, National Trust managed land Area of outstanding natural beauty – AONB) well known for its wonderful flora and fauna as well as the walking and breath taking views out towards the Severn Estuary.

The name Butterrow is an amendment to Butter Row which was named after the butts used in archery practice.

Stroud, encircled by five dramatic valleys and once described by the London Evening Standard as Notting Hill with wellies, is a small market town with a Bohemian feel and eclectic mix of specialist shops, cafes, galleries, markets and bookstalls. There is also a Waitrose supermarket, Vue cinema and an award winning Farmers' Market. There is also the highly regarded Five Valleys Shopping Centre. In 2021, The Sunday Times ranked the town as the Best Place to Live, principally for its schools, transport links and green spaces.

There is a broad choice of state and private schools in the area including Beaudesert Preparatory School on Minchinhampton Common and Wycliffe College at Stonehouse. Marling School for Boys in Stroud and Stroud High School for Girls are both state funded grammar schools. There are also many primary schools in the area.

From Stroud there is a regular First Great Western service to London Paddington whilst Junction 13 of the M5 is not too far distant. There are many and varied recreational activities in the area including racing at Cheltenham and Chepstow, gliding at Aston Down, polo at Cirencester Park and Aston Down and First Division Rugby at Kingsholm, Gloucester. Casual golfers will enjoy the Old Minchinhampton golf courses where players need to avoid the roaming cows! On the opposite side of the town are the two new courses at Minchinhampton Golf Club, one with a parkland style and the other with links characteristics. Sailing is available at the Cotswold Water Park and Frampton-on-Severn.

Description

Fort William probably dates back to the 16th century and prior to its conversion to a house was probably a chapel, as evidenced by the Gothic arched windows. In any event the property was built and designed to maximise the views which are sensational. The reception rooms are arranged on the top floor which is level with the main part of the garden. The bedrooms are therefore on the lower ground floor level where there is the original front door.

The everyday front door opens into a hall off which is a cloakroom and to one side the well fitted kitchen beyond which is a utility room. Also glazed double doors leads into a light and airy dining room having skylights and glazed panelled doors leading into the garden. Arranged at the front of the house is the split level drawing room, an excellent entertaining room which takes advantage of the magnificent views. At one side there is a wood burning stove set in a stone surround and opposite a further cassette style wood burner set in Cotswold stone on a raised dais which creates a separate sitting area. Also on this floor is the main bedroom with en suite shower room and glazed doors leading out on to a garden terrace. The remaining three bedrooms are on the lower ground floor, are of good size and complemented by a family bathroom with a separate shower.

The property can be approached from either the front garden where there is private parking or via a separate driveway which leads through the garage to a further parking area and car port. The beautifully landscaped garden is arranged over a number of terraces and linked by pathways and stone steps. Planted with an array of interesting shrubs, there is colour throughout the seasons. There are also a number of relaxing sitting out areas all of which enjoy the views. On the level alongside the dining area is a particularly lovely seating area with a vine covered pergola and an idyllic spot from which to watch the world go by.
The views and atmosphere are known to have inspired Delius to compose some of his famed music when he stayed at the property in his youth in about 1820, sent by his parents to learn the textile trade but distracted by the beauty of his surroundings.

Directions

From Cirencester take the A419 Stroud. On reaching Aston Down roundabout bear left for Minchinhampton. Procced over Minchinhampton Common and then onto Rodborough Common. As the road forks keep right and proceed down the hill for three quarters of a mile and until you see the Butterrow roadside sign. Turn left here (signposted Mount Vernon) and then take the 1st drive on the right which leads to the property.