SHOWCASE A Swainswick manor, with its own cottage and heated pool

IN A MANOR OF SPEAKING We’re talking a Grade II Swainswick manor house with spectacular views, swimming pool, a separate annex and its own cider gardens By John Mather

If you were going to tell somebody else about this five-bedroom country pile you might have trouble getting the words out because your breath would’ve been well and truly taken.

This stunning and substantial part of a Grade II listed manor house is found just two miles from the edge of the city in the prettyas-a-picture village of Swainswick and commands magnificent views across a rural valley.

On approach, the formal gates lead onto a cobbled path through the manicured lawn bordered by evergreens, trees and shrubs bursting with flowers, and that leads up to the garage at the side of the property. Above the garage, with self-contained access, is a newly renovated two-bedroom annexe, originally known as The Cider House, but more on that later.

First the gorgeous property itself. It has that rustic, wooden beam, charm but with an airy lightness and wellthought layout normally associated with more modern builds. Arranged over two floors, the good-sized formal drawing room and substantial dining room are linked by a grand reception hall, both with large open fireplaces and mullion windows, plus there’s golden parquet wooden flooring throughout.

At the rear of the house, opening onto the garden, is

a spacious kitchen/breakfast room with high ceilings and steps up to a garden room, creating a lovely informal entertaining space. Off the kitchen is a cute and cosy snug with a wood-burning stove. There’s also the always useful utility room for laundry, plus a separate downstairs toilet.

On the first floor there are four bedrooms, the principal bedroom with en suite shower room. There are also two further bathrooms, and on the top floor, in the converted roof space with a high vaulted ceiling, is a fifth room, perfect for occasional guests or as a home office.

The landscaped south-facing gardens at the back of the home are mainly laid to lawn, which means easy to care for, and are bordered by mature shrubs and fruit producing trees, including apple trees. For al fresco dining and entertaining, there’s a pretty patio terrace, but to really astound and impress those visitors, lead them to your swimming pool with its own very summerhouse for changing, lazing and sipping poolside cocktails. The pool is heated so you don’t even have to wait for summer.

Indeed, if you did decide it was high time to kick back and relax a little more, cocktail in hand, you could always rent out the two bedroom annexe which adjoins the house. The scrumptious and recently refurbished Cider House has its own separate access, and is already currently a very successful holiday let.

This self-contained cottage is full of period gems and features such as exposed beams, circular windows and Bath stone walls. The modern, open-plan kitchen leads to a cosy living/dining area which has double doors opening out on to the delightful walled garden at the rear. There is a separate room, currently with a sofa day bed and desk, leading to a downstairs bathroom. A small staircase winds up to a principal en suite bedroom nestled in the eaves of the old barn, with a generous shower and separate bath offering an impressive view of the valley skyline as you bathe.

The patio outside the Cider House’s entrance looks out over the back garden, and there’s an elevated seating area in the front garden with such far reaching and wonderful vistas you may even be tempted to move into this gem, and let out the main part of the house.

Swainswick village itself is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is renowned as a great spot for walking and horse riding. As well as its own highly regarded primary school, it is well-placed for the muchcelebrated nearby schools in Bath. With easy access to the M4 and Bath city centre so close, you can see why properties in this village don’t come on the market very often. So if you want this rural beauty, it’s time to stop pondering, and time to get procuring. HOUSE NUMBERS Bedrooms 5 Self-contained annexe 1 Swimming pool 1 Sq ft 4,328 Guide price £1.850m For more: Savills Bath, Edgar Buildings, 17 George St, Bath. tel: 01225 474500; www.savills.co.uk

FOR THE HOME Our local businesses are poised and ready to help with all your home needs for autumn

KUTCHENHAUS Kutchenhaus have opened a brand new showroom in the heart of Bath bringing their beautifully designed and highly engineered German kitchens to the city. Owner Rob Cash and his experienced and talented team look after every customer through the journey from enquiry to completion, creating kitchens of the highest standard at affordable prices. 5 Saracen St, Bath BA1 5BR; Tel: 01225 634025; www.kutchenhaus.co.uk/showroom/bath

CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN Clair Strong Interior Design is a small, creative company based in Bath, providing a wide range of services for both residential and commercial clients. Her portfolio of projects includes the design, project coordination and sourcing for some of Bath’s most beautiful residences, as well as sports clubs, offices and other commercial venues. Contact Clair on 01225 426906 or 07855 79731 www.clairstrong.co.uk

MENDIP FIREPLACES Bath’s leading fireplace, wood burner, gas fire, chimney and flue specialist. From classic to contemporary, concept to completion, their team of experts can work with you to achieve your perfect interior. Brands include Chesney’s, Barbas Belfires, Hwam, Stuv and Jetmaster. Get in touch or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton Combe, Bath BA2 7HD. info@mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk, Tel: 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk

KELLY MARIE KITCHEN INTERIORS Working from her beautiful showroom and with over 15 years’ experience in the kitchen industry, Kelly Marie has built a strong reputation. She combines technical aspects of design with an intrinsic creativity, producing functional yet beautiful spaces. Her portfolio includes luxury German made kitchens and Italian painted shaker kitchens. Full design and installation service. Tel: 01225 481881 www.kellymariekitchens.com

BATH KITCHEN COMPANY Based in the heart of Bath and specialising in bespoke, handmade kitchens, Bath Kitchen Company become personally invested in every kitchen they design and build. It’s about attention to detail at every stage – creating a beautiful space that enhances the way you live. 7-9 North Parade Buildings, Bath BA1 1NS; Tel: 01225 312003 www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk

ETONS OF BATH Founded in 2006, Etons of Bath is the UK’s only specialist interior design practice focussed on refurbishing, renovating and reinvigorating Georgian and Regency homes and hotels. Their team of 12 interior designers, planners and project managers can help you design and deliver classically inspired interiors that add value, turn heads and improve the use of space. Tel: 01225 639002; www.etonsofbath.com

WESTSIDE DESIGN Westside Design is a family-run Bath based company offering a tailored design, manufacturing and installation service for all aspects of cabinet making and joinery. Specialising in contemporary bespoke kitchens and interiors. Contact Michael on 01225 330843 or 07976 268458 or email info@westsidedesign.co.uk www.westsidedesign.co.uk CHEVERELL Cheverell is set in the heart of Wiltshire with a stunning showroom and workshop, offering a full bespoke design, manufacturing and installation service in kitchens, bedrooms, and interiors. Established in 1989 it has over 30 years of experience to guide you through the whole process. Cheverell, Waller Road, Hopton Park, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 2GH; Tel: 01380 722722; www.cheverell.co.uk

BONITI Boniti is based on the outskirts of Bath and offers a wide range of quality interior and exterior products: natural stone and timber flooring, Everhot range cookers, garden furniture and Kadai firebowls. As well as the vast selection of products on offer, a friendly and personal service is at the heart of all that they do. Dunsdon Barn, West Littleton,Wiltshire SN14 8JA; Tel: 01225 892 200; www.boniti.com