The Old Priory: Cotswold Manor House With Roman Heritage

The Old Priory is a beautifully restored Cotswold manor house situated on the site of one of the largest Roman Villas in England.

The present house, currently on sale with Savills Estate Agents for £7.8 million, has origins that go back to the early 16th century.

Much evident today, however, is the work of 19th century architects when the house was largely remodelled.

The history of The Old Priory is fascinating in as much as it chronicles and reflects the development of this area which has a rich and diverse heritage.

The now covered remains of the Roman Villa, which extend over more than 2 acres and is remarkably preserved, has not been exposed since 1973.

Although known as The Old Priory for more than 200 years it is believed that any specific ecclesiastical associations were pre reformation.

Elements of the Roman Villa were used and can be seen in the fabric of the existing house.

No less impressive is the setting which places the house in an enviable situation close to the thriving market towns of Stroud and Nailsworth and yet with bucolic views principally of ones own land which extends to some 85 acres.

The current house is planned around an H shape with the principal entertaining space situated on a raised ground floor.

The large vaulted ceilinged hall gives a measure of the style and overall scale of the rest of the house. From the hall the drawing room, dining room, and a professional kitchen, all lead, making it an ideal space in which to entertain.

The library and study are adjacent.

The large and well-arranged family kitchen is situated on the ground floor and leads directly onto the garden and a terrace.

The whole of this floor is everyone's dream space with traditional style boot rooms, pantry and laundry room along with a cellar.

The first floor is perfectly arranged for family and guests although a separate guest house across the courtyard is always handy.

The generous principal bedroom and bathroom occupies a wing of the house with a second bedroom and bathroom nearby that also hides a secret tower room.

Three further bedrooms and three further bathrooms complete the ideal arrangement.

The grounds add completely to the magic of The Old Priory.

Largely restored and re-imagined by the current owners with great style and a plantsman's understanding and appreciation of an English garden.

There is much to delight including an acre lake, Victorian spring water garden, kitchen garden, orchard, woodland walks, formal lawns and herbaceous borders.

As you would expect of a house of this quality it comes with a Tennis Court and the most stunning infinity Swimming Pool (12m) and Pool House (the design of which is inspired by the Roman heritage of the site) with a 32ft entertaining room along with changing/shower room and fully equipped kitchen.

There is an attractive range of period stone buildings including garaging and stabling, with many of the original features and fittings still in place.

It would also make for further residential accommodation.

Stable Cottage is an immaculately restored cottage with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, dining room and living room and has proved to be a very popular Airbnb.

Priory Lodge situated at the far end of the property on the Stroud Road is available as separate lot and is subject to a tenancy.

The Old Priory is situated in the village of North Woodchester between the popular market towns of Nailsworth and Stroud.

The property enjoys wonderful rural views across undulating countryside, whilst having the benefit of amenities close by.

The village of North Woodchester is popular for its rural location.

The manor house is now Grade 1 listed.

Grade I listed means the property is of 'exceptional interest' - only around 2.5% of listed buildings are Grade 1 listed.

The photos provided above were courtesy of Savills Estate Agents.

If you’d like to see more about the property, or to purchase it, contact Savills Estate Agents.

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