The property
With the safety of our customers and owners in mind, and in line with the latest travel guidance, guests should adhere to the new social distance requirements outlined by the Government. Prices for some of our larger properties have been reviewed to reflect the occupancy during this time.
The Old School House is a beautiful, historic house which sleeps 12 guests, in five bedrooms, with two bathrooms. Dating back to 1869, the house was originally built for the village school mistress, and has various wonderful character features including a large fireplace with a wood burning stove, original walk-in pantry and a spacious bathroom with a freestanding clawfoot bath.
The period features have been complemented by the warm contemporary décor and modern facilities, including a Smart TV with home cinema system and built-in HD Freesat, two iPod docks and wireless internet access. There is a stunning enclosed garden and off-street parking for up to five cars is available on the driveway.
The Old School House is located in the pretty village of Lower Swell, surrounded by the stunning Cotswold countryside. Two of the village’s focal points are the beautiful War Memorial standing on the tranquil village green and the silvery waters of the River Dikler, a popular spot for trout fishing. The village benefits from having a beautiful countryside inn which offers superb food, an open fire and hosts local walks and activities.
Lower Swell is just one mile from the delightful market town of Stow-on-the-Wold which is popular for its numerous antique shops, pubs and restaurants. The location is also ideal for exploring the wider region including the many beautiful towns and villages of the Cotswolds, as well as further afield places, such as Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford and Bath. The Old School House is situated at the end of a short lane, from which the garden is accessed. A path through the garden takes you to the front door of the house, which leads to:
Kitchen/dining room: The kitchen and adjoining dining room are the heart of the house, with the dining room containing a large wooden table that comfortably seats 12 guests. The dining room also contains a book library. The kitchen is bright and spacious, and is equipped to a high standard, including a cooker with ceramic hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher and coffee machine. Adjoining the kitchen is a walk in pantry and a utility room, containing a washing machine and tumble dryer.
From the dining room, a door leads to the:
Living room: The large, yet cosy living room contains a wood burning stove (initial logs provided), a Smart TV with a home cinema system, and comfy seating for 12. There are also two portable iPod docks.
A door from the living room leads to stairs to the first floor:
Bedroom 1: Double bed;
Bathroom: Beautiful roll top bath, basin and toilet, with stone fireplace;
From the first floor landing, stairs go up to the second floor:
Bedroom 2: Contains a double bed;
Bedroom 3: Contains a double bed and a single bed. This bedroom is accessed via bedroom 2.
Returning to the dining room, another set of stairs leads to:
Bedroom 4: Double bed;
Bathroom: Walk-in electric shower, wash basin and toilet;
Bedroom 5: Contains an antique Victorian double bed and a single divan bed.
Returning to the kitchen, the front door leads out directly into a fabulous, peaceful garden, with distant views towards the church in Stow-on-the-Wold. The enclosed garden has a flagstone terrace, with teak garden furniture and a charcoal barbecue, overlooking the lawn and shaded woodland areas. All the main rooms in the house look out onto the lovely gardens.
About the location
CHELTENHAM
Tewkesbury 5.9 miles; Cirencester 14.7 miles; Stratford-upon-Avon 30 miles;
Cheltenham is a town in Gloucestershire and lies beneath Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds and above the vale of the River Severn. It is known as 'The Western Gateway to the Cotswolds'. This edge-of-the Cotswolds spa town is hard to beat for refined elegance and Regency terraces, annual festivals, Ladies' College and racecourse. Also fortnightly farmers markets, classy shops and restaurants all surrounded by glorious countryside. The town is home to the renowned Cheltenham Festival, 4 days of horse jump racing culminating in the Gold Cup, held annually in March at Cheltenham Racecourse. It's also known for Regency buildings, including the Pittville Pump Room, a remnant of Cheltenham’s past as a spa town. There's fine art at The Wilson museum, and the Victorian Everyman Theatre has an ornate auditorium.
Note: The Old School House is an old property and has many character features, including narrow and steep stairs, and multiple floors, which could pose difficulty to guests with limited mobility.
