Vyners Cottage Main Street | Long Compton ... AWS
Vyners Cottage Main Street | Long Compton | Warwickshire CV36 5JJ
Vyners Cottage On first sight this traditional, newly thatched cottage has plenty of chocolate box appeal but, upon stepping over the threshold, the interior presents in a completely unexpected way. The subject of an award-winning architect’s design, it has undergone a far more radical makeover than a standard refurbishment. Indeed, this is a transformation from a ruined and unworkable property into an eminently practical and wonderfully sociable modern family home. The surprises, whether just in the size of plot and the full scope of its accommodation, are not obvious. Inside, however, is an unexpected box of delights. With some parts dating back to at least 1645 there is evidence of likely medieval origin, according to the archaeologist in charge of works. There are later additions in the nineteenth and midtwentieth century, and for those who like a clear narrative from past to present this cottage tells its own story today, from humble dwelling to magnificent showstopper. There is still an abundance of traditional character within the steeply sloping eaves, exposed beams and deep inglenook fireplaces. Once upon a time this was a pub – The White Swan – and later it became home to the famous war artist Evelyn Dunbar whose posters encouraged women to sign up for the land army. Indeed, the cottage itself appeared in her pretty 1945 Christmas card. “We bought the cottage thirteen years ago,” says James, an engineer. “By then it was decaying, dark, cold and damp, propped up, sagging, with ceilings so low you got neck ache going from room to room. A small, detached granary had been partconverted as a separate annexe. Given a substantial plot there was plenty of potential but first we had to address the structure of the main cottage. We lowered and underpinned the ground floor in the main cottage, removing all the ceilings and joists and installing a super strong steel frame.” This removed the necessity for ‘pit props’, achieving some proper head height as well as better flow and a sudden abundance of light, but it was also to resolve an alarming discovery. The original A-frame had been cut through completely in places and was buckling under the weight of the roof. “It was imperative we did all the structural stuff properly before going on to other practical elements. Only then did we re-wire, install gas central heating, running under-floor heating under new slate floors and putting in a state-of-the-art boiler. Much of our original restoration fund went into the unseen fabric, nonetheless it gives considerable peace of mind today!”
Making good the outside was equally important. “We completely restructured and enclosed the plot, landscaping and fencing the gardens for privacy, providing large parking areas to the front and rear and installing a sheltered sunny patio outside the kitchen, including a countersunk splash pool for the children plus a large log cabin that we use as a summer dining room and gymnasium. All this is space is perfect for large celebrations - last year we imported several tonnes of sand and had a massive beach party! It’s sociable no matter what the weather.” As part of the architect’s suggested brief, they also built a new two-storey detached office / duplex apartment and integral garage at the far end of the plot. “There’s a right of way onto the green lane behind us and we’ve had approaches from developers since then, offering to split the annexe off, but we wouldn’t part with it.” Able to use this as a handy bolthole during the renovation it now serves as extra living space to accommodate friends and family, and for occasional holiday-lets. “We’ve allowed for 140 days letting a year, bringing in a gross income of around £10,000. Everyone who stays here loves it. It’s aesthetically pleasing on the exterior, barnlike, but very warm and snug inside. Looking out across the fields and hills is entirely peaceful – you can even see the church sitting up in bed, all lit up under the night sky, like camping but in complete comfort. And at Christmas we managed to host nineteen people for three days - cramming them in every nook and cranny! It’s a real luxury to have this much flexible living space.” What has been the best part of life here? “Of course we relish the ‘wow factor’ of such a fantastic house. Everyone who steps inside is taken aback and that’s something to be proud of the preservation and restoration as much as the exciting new elements. But first and foremost we would say how wonderful village life is here. We have made so many friends, the neighbours are lovely and the children have been incredibly happy. Originally, the garden was a liberating environment in itself with lots of open space to play. Now the children are older we can hike out for miles on the Macmillan Way, stepping straight from the back gate directly onto the countryside footpath leading up towards Whichford.The Norman Knight pub is within twenty-five minutes’ walk – a good summer’s day stroll for Sunday lunch. So, it has been a marvellous family home in many ways - the ultimate good life, I suppose.”
Vyners Cottage The Property A beautifully presented Grade II Listed thatched cottage occupying a central position within this popular South Warwickshire village. The property which has undergone recent improvement comprises well-proportioned and characterful accommodation with parts of the property boasting an attractive contemporary finish. Located at the bottom of a mature garden is a garage and detached one bedroom annexe, currently used as a successful holiday let it provides immaculate accommodation for guests or relatives and can deliver a healthy additional income. Accommodation Ground floor: Entrance, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, family room, W.C/utility, double bedroom. First Floor: Master bedroom with en-suite, two further bedrooms, bathroom. Annexe comprising sitting room with kitchenette, bedroom and en-suite. Garage, summer house, plunge pool, courtyard, parking and mature garden to rear. Location Long Compton is a traditional Cotswold village situated close to the Oxfordshire border. Within the village there is a Parish Church, village store, public house and primary school. The larger towns of Shipston on Stour, Moreton in Marsh and Chipping Norton are all within easy reach of the village and provide a wider range of amenities. Directions From Moreton in Marsh, take the A44 signposted for Chipping Norton. Follow the road and take the left hand turning for Barton on the Heath. Follow the road through the village and into Long Compton. Proceed along along Main Street where the property will be found opposite Crockwell Street, identified by our For Sale board.
Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Copyright © 2017 Fine & Country Ltd.Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg. No. 3889306. Registered Office: Harrison & Hardie Limited, High Street, Bourton on the Water, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 2AN. Printed
Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0)1608 651000 [email protected] 17 High Street, Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire GL56 0AF
Vyners Cottage On first sight this traditional, newly thatched cottage has plenty of chocolate box appeal but, upon stepping over the threshold, the interior presents in a completely unexpected way. The subject of an award-winning architect’s design, it has undergone a far more radical makeover than a standard refurbishment. Indeed, this is a transformation from a ruined and unworkable property into an eminently practical and wonderfully sociable modern family home. The surprises, whether just in the size of plot and the full scope of its accommodation, are not obvious. Inside, however, is an unexpected box of delights. With some parts dating back to at least 1645 there is evidence of likely medieval origin, according to the archaeologist in charge of works. There are later additions in the nineteenth and midtwentieth century, and for those who like a clear narrative from past to present this cottage tells its own story today, from humble dwelling to magnificent showstopper. There is still an abundance of traditional character within the steeply sloping eaves, exposed beams and deep inglenook fireplaces. Once upon a time this was a pub – The White Swan – and later it became home to the famous war artist Evelyn Dunbar whose posters encouraged women to sign up for the land army. Indeed, the cottage itself appeared in her pretty 1945 Christmas card. “We bought the cottage thirteen years ago,” says James, an engineer. “By then it was decaying, dark, cold and damp, propped up, sagging, with ceilings so low you got neck ache going from room to room. A small, detached granary had been partconverted as a separate annexe. Given a substantial plot there was plenty of potential but first we had to address the structure of the main cottage. We lowered and underpinned the ground floor in the main cottage, removing all the ceilings and joists and installing a super strong steel frame.” This removed the necessity for ‘pit props’, achieving some proper head height as well as better flow and a sudden abundance of light, but it was also to resolve an alarming discovery. The original A-frame had been cut through completely in places and was buckling under the weight of the roof. “It was imperative we did all the structural stuff properly before going on to other practical elements. Only then did we re-wire, install gas central heating, running under-floor heating under new slate floors and putting in a state-of-the-art boiler. Much of our original restoration fund went into the unseen fabric, nonetheless it gives considerable peace of mind today!”
Making good the outside was equally important. “We completely restructured and enclosed the plot, landscaping and fencing the gardens for privacy, providing large parking areas to the front and rear and installing a sheltered sunny patio outside the kitchen, including a countersunk splash pool for the children plus a large log cabin that we use as a summer dining room and gymnasium. All this is space is perfect for large celebrations - last year we imported several tonnes of sand and had a massive beach party! It’s sociable no matter what the weather.” As part of the architect’s suggested brief, they also built a new two-storey detached office / duplex apartment and integral garage at the far end of the plot. “There’s a right of way onto the green lane behind us and we’ve had approaches from developers since then, offering to split the annexe off, but we wouldn’t part with it.” Able to use this as a handy bolthole during the renovation it now serves as extra living space to accommodate friends and family, and for occasional holiday-lets. “We’ve allowed for 140 days letting a year, bringing in a gross income of around £10,000. Everyone who stays here loves it. It’s aesthetically pleasing on the exterior, barnlike, but very warm and snug inside. Looking out across the fields and hills is entirely peaceful – you can even see the church sitting up in bed, all lit up under the night sky, like camping but in complete comfort. And at Christmas we managed to host nineteen people for three days - cramming them in every nook and cranny! It’s a real luxury to have this much flexible living space.” What has been the best part of life here? “Of course we relish the ‘wow factor’ of such a fantastic house. Everyone who steps inside is taken aback and that’s something to be proud of the preservation and restoration as much as the exciting new elements. But first and foremost we would say how wonderful village life is here. We have made so many friends, the neighbours are lovely and the children have been incredibly happy. Originally, the garden was a liberating environment in itself with lots of open space to play. Now the children are older we can hike out for miles on the Macmillan Way, stepping straight from the back gate directly onto the countryside footpath leading up towards Whichford.The Norman Knight pub is within twenty-five minutes’ walk – a good summer’s day stroll for Sunday lunch. So, it has been a marvellous family home in many ways - the ultimate good life, I suppose.”
Vyners Cottage The Property A beautifully presented Grade II Listed thatched cottage occupying a central position within this popular South Warwickshire village. The property which has undergone recent improvement comprises well-proportioned and characterful accommodation with parts of the property boasting an attractive contemporary finish. Located at the bottom of a mature garden is a garage and detached one bedroom annexe, currently used as a successful holiday let it provides immaculate accommodation for guests or relatives and can deliver a healthy additional income. Accommodation Ground floor: Entrance, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, family room, W.C/utility, double bedroom. First Floor: Master bedroom with en-suite, two further bedrooms, bathroom. Annexe comprising sitting room with kitchenette, bedroom and en-suite. Garage, summer house, plunge pool, courtyard, parking and mature garden to rear. Location Long Compton is a traditional Cotswold village situated close to the Oxfordshire border. Within the village there is a Parish Church, village store, public house and primary school. The larger towns of Shipston on Stour, Moreton in Marsh and Chipping Norton are all within easy reach of the village and provide a wider range of amenities. Directions From Moreton in Marsh, take the A44 signposted for Chipping Norton. Follow the road and take the left hand turning for Barton on the Heath. Follow the road through the village and into Long Compton. Proceed along along Main Street where the property will be found opposite Crockwell Street, identified by our For Sale board.
Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Copyright © 2017 Fine & Country Ltd.Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg. No. 3889306. Registered Office: Harrison & Hardie Limited, High Street, Bourton on the Water, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 2AN. Printed
Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0)1608 651000 [email protected] 17 High Street, Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire GL56 0AF
