Church Street, Maiden Bradley, Warminster, BA12

The Old Manor House is situated in the heart of the village of Maiden Bradley and surrounded by an enclosed garden with a mature copper beech, apple and pear trees. The village has a very rich history and the earliest reference to the village is in 878 on a Saxon land charter. The house itself is very old and of Norman origin, and still retains some original features such as the old bread oven and a magnificent carved fire surround in the first floor reception room. Maiden Bradley has been a hub of activity throughout history and the house itself has been both the village shop and a coaching inn helping to increase trade in the 18 th century on the important route from London to Barnstaple and Bath to Poole. Flagstone flooring, fabulous original beams, oak paneling, mullion windows, and exquisitely carved fireplaces can be found at every turn within this property creating a feeling of grandeur whilst also retaining a unique family home. Two perfectly proportioned reception rooms, with their high ceilings and open fires, can be found on the ground floor and are all beautifully and naturally lit through the exceptionally large windows. A generous, family-style kitchen/dining room overlooks the pretty garden. A door from the kitchen leads to a large boot/utility room. The jewel in the crown would have to be the remarkable, atmospheric dining hall with its 12th-century bread oven and a succession of oak beams. This is the perfect room for family gatherings. A staircase leads down to an extensive cellar which spans the width of the house. The impressive wide wooden staircase with gentle low treads leads to two further floors. It is thought the staircase itself originated from a Spanish Galleon. The large window on the first-floor landing bathes the whole house in sunlight in the late afternoon, giving it a wonderful feeling of tranquility. On the first floor, the glorious drawing room is home to a breathtaking fireplace, crafted from stone and adorned with all manner of decorative embellishments. This is a very bright, spacious room with a window overlooking the enclosed garden. The master bedroom is on this floor, complete with shower room ensuite, and two further double bedrooms both of which are wood-paneled along with the family bathroom. The sweeping staircase ascends to a second floor, leading to three further bedrooms, one of which has an ensuite w.c. The pretty, south-facing garden is totally enclosed with mature hedging and planted with ancient apple and pear trees, which produce wonderfully tasty fruits. The magnificent copper beech at the end of the garden completes the air of calm. An ornamental iron gate leads to a courtyard, where the old stables have been converted into a cottage with a double bedroom, bathroom, and open-plan kitchen/reception room with a log-burning stove. This is the perfect annex for guests, staff, or to generate income as a B&B. There is a double garage on the far side of the courtyard. Tenure: Freehold Council Tax Band: G Local Authority: Wiltshire