Nympsfield Road, Nailsworth, Stroud, GL6

This stunning cottage high above Nailsworth combines olde worlde charm with a truly stylish modern interior. The property has been completely renovated in the last three years by the current owners inside and out, to a very high standard, and now has a new kitchen and bathroom, new windows and doors, new carpets, vintage-style radiators and also new electrics throughout. But the owners have retained the period charm of Elsinore with its exposed Cotswold stone walls, original beams, inglenook fireplace and mullion windows. The property dates back to at least 1840, but the owners believe it could pre-date that, as it once had a different name.

A large hallway with original beams and storage leads into a beautiful sitting/dining room with a wealth of beams and a large Cotswold stone inglenook fireplace housing a new wood-burning stove. A useful new utility room/downstairs toilet has been created leading off from this room, as well as double doors out to the garden. Also on this floor there is a delightful beamed snug with bespoke solid oak cupboards and a cast iron feature fireplace, as well as a stylish new contemporary kitchen in shades of black and cream. Open tread stairs lead up to the first floor, where there are three double bedrooms, all with exposed Cotswold stone walls, and a stunning new bathroom with an all-in-one shower/jacuzzi/steam room and bath. Two of the bedrooms have built-in cupboards and there is also a clever walk-in wardrobe off the landing. The property has double glazing throughout.

The gardens wrap around the cottage and are delightful, with paths winding among lavender bushes, lawns and flower beds and a number of mature trees. The gardens have been completely landscaped by the current owners with new fences and walls and clever use of outdoor lighting - the two patio areas and large pergola with barbecue all have power running to them and outside sockets, while the tree at the front can be lit up at night. The seating areas allow you to follow the sun throughout the day. There is also a new wood store, a small orchard area with apple, pear and plum trees and an extra piece of garden where the old piggery has been converted into a greenhouse. The gardens offer views towards Minchinhampton Common and have been a real labour of love for the owners. The property also has a single garage and a new paved area with parking for three cars within the plot.

“What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare?” - these are the opening lines of the world-famous poem Leisure by W H Davies, written in 1911 while he was living in a cottage at Watledge. Today, Nailsworth has changed a great deal since Davies’ time, but there is still much to stand and stare at in the bustling town centre, home to many independent businesses, selling everything from artisan bread, meat and fish to stationery, fashion and handmade jewellery. Nestling at the bottom of steep wooded hills, Nailsworth is now an attractive and vibrant shopping destination, with a large selection of interesting speciality shops and cafes, including the famous Williams Food Hall and Hobbs House Bakery. It is a quirky and friendly town, with a good selection of restaurants, as well as three supermarkets, a regular farmers’ market and a ‘green’ football club. Nailsworth is well positioned for both town and country. Climb the steep ‘W’ hill out of town and you find yourself on acres of stunning National Trust common land, home to a prestigious golf course. The town is also on the doorstep of beautiful Woodchester Park, with miles of woodland walks and secluded lakes. Yet just four miles away is Stroud, with more comprehensive shopping, educational and leisure facilities, connected by bus services. Junctions of the M4 and M5 motorways are within easy reach and railway stations at Stroud (4 miles) and Kemble (10 miles) provide main line services to Gloucester, Swindon and London Paddington.