Stourton Manor is a Cotswold sanctuary where the world around you melts away. Arriving down the gated driveway the gardens emerge into view beside the golden hued manor. Dating back to the 1600s it is full of beautiful historic details and unique characteristics.
The home feels welcoming and invites you to explore. Each room is decorated with carefully chosen antiques to fit the heritage of the building and you find original features throughout. Opening wooden latch doors reveals panelled rooms, flagstone flooring and large inglenook fireplaces. Both living rooms have an open fire and you can choose the sitting room to watch TV or the drawing room where you become absorbed in conversation. Cooking meals at the AGA in the traditionally styled kitchen you can eat together in the dining room as the woodburning stove crackles alongside. Wooden staircases are hidden behind doors and it feels as if the house is being discovered for the first time as you head off to choose your bedroom. The master suite gives you some added privacy as it can be closed off and on the top floor you'll find a charming single bedroom with an Indian four-poster bed. Each of the five bedrooms has its own characterful features and you will find extra sitting areas on the first and second floors.
In the adjacent annexe, set across the first floor is a king-size bedroom, shower room and a gym, ideal for anybody who needs to stay active. This annexe is currently under renovation and will include a range of equipment so you can work up a sweat.
The gardens at Stourton Manor are a delight where you can pick your own fruit and vegetables when in season and take a moment of peace in the secret garden. Covering two-acres there is a tennis court at its heart which will be the centre of your summer days. The traditional knot garden has a bench to linger over your morning coffee and you can take a moment to surround yourself with the fresh scent of the rose garden.
Ground Floor
Living Room
Elm panelled walls and an open fire tucked in an inglenook surround give this room a warmth and comfortable atmosphere. It's a room to retreat to after dinner for a glass of brandy while you choose what to watch. You have access to a full Sky package so your favourite films are on hand, or if you'd prefer, peruse the bookshelves. A secret hatch opens to the kitchen and the windows present a lovely view of the garden.
Kitchen
Full of personality, the traditional kitchen is a treasure trove of quirky details. A rug warms the original flagstone flooring while baskets and pans hang overhead. The AGA is perfect for family dinners and despite its historic appearance, you have all the mod-cons you could need. A coffee machine, dishwasher, fridge/freezer and microwave are all on hand. Glasses and crockery are stored in antique units and you'll find cutlery and small utensils in the apothecary cabinet.
Cloakroom
Hidden under the stairs, the burnt red cloakroom has a WC and cute corner sink.
Dining Room
Beneath a beamed ceiling the dining table sits alongside a woodburning stove. This room is a beautiful example of the history of the house with panelled walls and a large fireplace. It evokes long evenings of feasting and chatting, discussing how times once were here. The dining table seats ten with a bench and six chairs.
Drawing Room
The larger of the two sitting rooms, the drawing room gives you the chance to switch off. Light the fire, pour a glass of wine and relax in your peaceful surroundings. There is no TV in this room so pull up a table for a game of cards or spend the evening sharing stories.
First Floor
Bedroom One
The master bedroom suite is perfect for the guests of honour. A super king-size bed awaits and there is an oriental cabinet for storage. Staying in this room you can close the door to the landing and have your own private bathroom next door.
Bathroom
Even the bathrooms at Stourton Manor have a hint of the historic with wooden flooring and a wonderful claw foot bath. There is also a WC and basin and a feature rug adds colour to the room.
Bedroom Two
Looking over the gardens, bedroom two is a bright space with wooden panelling, exposed beam and wooden flooring. The super king-size bed has a bedside table to each side and there is an eye-catching chest of drawers and a decorative fireplace. Starting your day here is a delight as a breeze drifts in.
Bathroom
Panelled walls continue in the bathroom which has a WC with an old high cistern, rolltop bath with a shower above and a basin. Take a moment to look out over the knot garden to the side of the house.
Bedroom Three
The final bedroom on this floor, bedroom three, has a king-size bed. Plump bedding invites you to stay longer in the morning as the light floods in.
Sitting Area
The first floor landing has space to sit, perhaps while waiting for your fellow guests to be ready to head out for the day. There are a couple of two-seater sofas and a desk and writing table if you need to catch up on any work.
Second Floor
Bedroom Four
Feature A-frame beams contrast the white walls of bedroom four. A super king-size bed sits at the centre with a single bed to one side, ideal for parents who have a small child staying with them. Wicker furniture gives you space to sit and read.
Bedroom Five
A charming surprise, this bedroom has a large single Indian four poster bed. Sleeping here feels like you are in a fairy tale with softly draped linens surrounding you. There is a small desk and an old fireplace adding interest.
Bathroom
Shared between guests of bedrooms four and five, the bathroom has a bath, WC and basin tucked beneath an exposed beam.
Sitting Area
Before heading to bed, sit a moment on the landing admiring the shape of the ceiling above which is adorned with beams. It's a lovely spot to decompress at the end of the day.
Laundry Room
Beside the bathroom is a handy laundry room with a washing machine, tumble dryer, and plenty of space to dry wet clothes.Annexe - First Floor
Bedroom Six
Currently under renovation, bedroom six will have a king-size bed.
Shower Room
The large walk-in shower is ideal for refreshing after a session in the gym, and for guests staying in bedroom six. There is also a WC and a basin.
Gym
Whether you prefer a run on the treadmill or a session on the cross-trainer, there is something in the gym to suit your needs. Weights, yoga equipment and an exercise bike ensure you get a full body workout.
Outside
Covering an impressive 2 acres, the gardens are full of hidden surprises. Wander to the vegetable patch to pick some pieces for dinner and some flowers to decorate the table. You'll find fruits in the orchard where you can help yourself and tucked away in a corner is a secret garden. Surrounded by high hedges there is a bench tucked in the corner where you can escape with a book. The lawns surround the tennis court which is a fabulous addition to your stay here. Get some local strawberries and spend a summers day courtside while the family compete.
