Fyfield, Lechlade, Gloucestershire, GL7

Baxters Farm occupies a wonderful secluded setting. It is privately tucked away on the edge of Fyfield, surrounded by its own land, and is a home to wildlife with over 60 species of birds including kingfishers, owls and woodpeckers. The property dates from c.1800 and comprises a charming Cotswold farmhouse, built in the vernacular style of the local stone, together with a magnificent period barn which provides ancillary accommodation and great entertaining space. The main house has a charming tmosphere. The reception hall gives a good feeling of space with a welcoming inglenook fireplace. The drawing room is a wonderful room, with a double-height ceiling and a limestone floor. Three pairs of French windows onto the south facing garden room flood the room with light, and a timber staircase leads to a galleried first floor sitting area. The kitchen/breakfast room is a good size with space for a large table and comfortable chairs by the open fireplace which has a roasting spit. The fitted equipment includes an Aga, ishwasher, Gaggenau hob and indoor barbecue grill. The staircase leads from the hall to a large landing which is lined with bookshelves. The principal bedroom is open to full roof height, with exposed beams and roof timbers, and there is a dressing room and bathroom en suite. There are three further double bedrooms, all of which have wood boarded floors, and two further bathrooms (one en suite). Approached from the galleried itting area above the drawing room is a further attic bedroom.

The Barn
Situated across the drive from the farmhouse, this impressive traditional period barn was converted by the vendors in the early 1990s and designed with great flair by The Pocknell Studio. The barn was featured extensively in the book Cotswold Stone Homes ? History, Conservation, Care by Michael Hill and Sally Birch which rightly refers to the 'well-judged, inventive and sensitive design'. The main reception area is an impressive 62 feet in length making it ideal for entertaining. It has a stone paved floor and a large woodburning stove. Bi-fold doors open onto the south facing gardens giving a wonderful outlook. At the western end of the barn is a kitchen/breakfast room, again with bi-fold doors onto a veranda with vines, the rose garden and swimming pool. There is a bathroom and shower room and at first floor level there are two double bedrooms.

Baxters Farm, in the hamlet of Fyfield, is in the parish of Eastleach, a beautiful small village with two Norman churches. It is also so close to the village of Southrop that you can walk by the river that runs through the property to reach the village school, a 12th century church and an award-winning pub within 0.6 mile. Nearby Fairford, Lechlade and Burford have a good range of everyday shops and services, with a wider choice at the ancient market town of Cirencester (about 12 miles). • The main regional centres are Cheltenham, Oxford and Swindon, all of which are within easy daily commuting distance. • Many excellent pubs and restaurants within a short drive. There is good access to the A417 dual carriageway to Junction 15 of the M4 at Swindon or equally the A40/M40 at Oxford. Direct rail services to London Paddington from Swindon or Charlbury stations, the former scheduled to take from approximately 55 minutes. Ample local sporting opportunities including a number of golf courses. The area has long been associated with equestrian sports including polo at Cirencester Park, National Hunt racing at Cheltenham and Newbury, and the Badminton, Blenheim and Gatcombe Horse Trials. Many lovely walks and rides in the area. Private schools in the area include St Hugh's, Hatherop Castle, Pinewood, Rendcomb, Beaudesert Park and the Cheltenham Colleges

Outbuildings
Leading off the driveway is a detached stone ouilding comprising a double garage, two stables and a workshop. There is a further old stone building on the west side of the house and a small potting shed in the herb garden.

The Gardens and Grounds
Baxters Farm sits within beautiful gardens and grounds. Designed and laid out by the present vendors, they provide the perfect setting for
the house. The gardens are divided into various specific areas including a white garden, pergola garden, herbaceous garden and sunken garden. The rose garden is especially charming, and incorporates the heated swimming pool. The vendor is a former President of the Herb Society so the sheltered, walled herb garden contains every culinary herb, growing in formal beds around a central pool. With herbs like fennel, hyssop, savory, dill, chervil, thyme, sage and also scented roses, this is a garden which appeals to all the senses. To the west of the main garden is a small lake with willow trees on small islands. There is a small wood leading on from a nuttery. The gardens lead down to the River Leach where there is approximately 400 yards of double bank fishing. Behind the stable/garage block is a vegetable garden and a small orchard with a hard tennis court. On the opposite side of the drive near the stables is an ideal paddock for horses, with a field shelter and a separate gate onto the lane.