Lower Littleworth House is a large yet welcoming Edwardian family home, newly and sensitively renovated, on the edge of the quintessential Cotswold village of Amberley. The house commands truly spectacular and far-reaching views over the Woodchester valley and beyond towards the Forest of Dean, and both the interior and exterior living areas take full advantage of its elevated position. Built in 1911 from Cotswold stone with a pretty beamed facade and with over 5000 square ft arranged over four floors, there is ample room for a restful and private break with family or friends.
ACCOMMODATION
The house comfortably sleeps 8-11 people, with room for up 14. Sleeping arrangements are made up of 2x double bedrooms, 1x twin room that can be used as a double or twin, and 2x single bedrooms. Extra mattresses or trundles provide 3x extra beds, with one further double sofa bed in the snug and one single sofa bed in the garden room (not counted in the total). All 5 bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms, the master suite having a huge sunken bath for soaking up the views, and there are two further cloakrooms. Towels and linen are all provided.
INTERIORS
All the rooms at Lower Littleworth House have extra large windows to truly bring the surrounding countryside into the house. The fully fitted kitchen/breakfast room is a very sociable space with gas stove, two ovens, coffee machine and other mod cons including integrated ceiling speakers via the Sonos app system. The room projects into a glazed dining area with incredible views and direct access to a large balcony ideal for outdoor dining.
The house benefits from underfloor heating throughout and a wood-burning stove in the drawing room, complete with an upright piano. A separate snug houses books and a widescreen TV including Sky movies and sports channels. On the lower ground floor a huge garden room has direct access onto the covered terrace (and the large springfree trampoline), used as a dedicated children's play area with plenty of games available.
OUTSIDE
As you drive down the village lane a gravel drive with gable gates fronts the house, with plenty of space for up to five cars. The rear garden has been landscaped to accommodate the incline, including an outdoor kitchen (BBQ and pizza oven), outdoor dining both in the sun and in the shade, and two large terraces. The sloping lawn leads to an area of private woodland, and should a larger playing field be needed the expanse of Michinhampton common is only a couple of minutes by foot.
THE LOCAL AREA
Lower Littleworth is a pretty hamlet just below the popular village of Amberley, a collection of period houses, stone cottages and beautiful views. You'll be a stones throw from Rodborough and Michinhampton common (shared with free-roaming cattle herds in the summer), covering 600 acres of National Trust land and offering beautiful walks right on the doorstep, in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Three excellent pubs are within easy walking distance - The Black Horse, The Lodge and The Amberley Inn - the first two with great beer gardens taking advantage of the views. And for young and old alike the renowned Winstone's ice cream parlour, which draws a crowd in the summer months, is a leisurely amble from the house.
Nailsworth is the local town and a very pleasant walk or short drive away, providing a good selection of shops within easy reach for everyday needs. Nailsworth is the hub of a busy local community, with popular cafés, farm shops, and delicatessens including the celebrated fishmonger and deli William's Kitchen, and Hobbs Bakery of television fame (featured in 'The Fabulous Baker Brothers'). Equidistant is the town of Stroud, brimming with independent, alternative and eclectic shops and galleries - from fossils to fairies and vintage to vinyl - and home to one of the most celebrated farmers markets in the country (every Saturday). Other well known Cotswold towns such as Bibury, Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold are all within easy reach.
Slightly further afield and the area draws sports enthusiasts from all over the country. There are excellent golf courses at Minchinhampton and Cotswold Edge, polo at Cirencester Park, Aston Down and Westonbirt, horse-racing at Cheltenham, Bath and Chepstow, and world-renowned equestrian eventing at Gatcombe and Badminton. Westonbirt is also home to a well-known arboretum, and the region has many picturesque walks and rides through footpaths and bridleways around the surrounding countryside. For more of the hustle and bustle of town, the ancient Roman town of Cirencester, Bath (famous for its natural hot springs and 18th Century Georgian architecture), Bristol and Cheltenham are all within 30-45 minutes drive, each offering their own character-packed day out.
GETTING THERE AND AWAY
Stroud (3 miles) and Kemble (8 miles) are the nearest train stations with regular and direct services to London Paddington in 75-90 minutes. By car, access to the M4 (junction 18) is 13 miles away, and the M5 (junction 13) is 6 miles. Bristol International Airport is around 60 minutes drive and London Heathrow airport is around 90 minutes.
BOOKING
Bookings are generally in 7 day blocks, Saturday to Saturday, but this can be amended upon request.