'Darling Buds of May' Glorious 17th Century Idyll

Summary

Perfect for families & holiday-makers, ramblers, reunions and hen parties! Edge of village country idyll, beneath the North Wessex Downs.

This glorious home boasts three perfectly appointed reception rooms and five generous double bedrooms with added sofa beds in the Play Room (sleeping up to 14).

Sitting in its own extensive private garden, the house is located on the edge of a sleepy village, nestling beneath the beautiful downs. This peaceful, private and lovely home can provide the perfect setting for those precious get-togethers for families and friends. Great for social gatherings with large Garden Terrace & with its six-person wood-burning Hot Tub. Golf chipping green, croquet, and mown garden paths to explore.

Horses, chickens & ducks create a charming backdrop to this beautiful farmhouse. Two minutes walk to the thatched village pub, ideal for a pint after a ramble across this historic part of England. Area of Natural Beauty. Historic Devizes, Bowood and Avebury close at hand, and beautiful City of Bath a short journey away by car or by train (12 mins) from Chippenham.

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The space

This characterful 17th Century farmhouse is located on the edge of the historic village of Heddington, in Wiltshire, about 17 miles due west of Marlborough and three miles south of Calne in Wiltshire. The Grade II listed house lies between the pretty village church and the open countryside at the foot of the downs.

The house is set in its own extensive gardens along with a rustic barn which is also available for parties of up to 60 people by arrangement. There are no near neighbours, so calm and privacy are assured. There is virtually no through-traffic down the lanes; and in cloudless weather the sunsets are gorgeous… and because there is no street-lighting, at night the moon and stars are vibrant.

The house has five generous double bedrooms and comfortably sleeps 10… plus another two people on the comfy king-sized sofa-bed in the ground-floor Playroom if required, making a total of 12. We can also add two single futon style beds, one in the Playroom and one in a bedroom, to take the max total to 14 people.

Three of the bedrooms are on the first floor consisting of, the blue room - a King bedroom with chest of drawers and garden views and family bathroom next door with shower over bath. Further along the corridor is the French room with an antique Provence style standard double bed. Next door is a spacious family bathroom with free standing bath with shower hose attachment. Large green plants make this bathroom a lovely relaxing place to be. At the end of the corridor is the master bedroom with emperor size bed and wardrobes and chest of drawers for clothes. There are is a separate powder room on the first floor.
A separate set of stairs lead to each of the spacious bedrooms at the top of the house. Bedroom ceilings adorned with ancient beams are very spacious. One of the attic rooms there is a SuperKing size bed, the other there is a King size bed. Please note there are steep stairs to access two of the bedrooms.

A large classic Drawing Room offers a more formal space with its open wood fire (logs provided) and tuned-up baby-grand piano - please help yourself! Next door is the cosy Snug Room which is ideal for relaxing and watching TV in front of the (electric) log fire. The traditional kitchen opens onto the light and airy Garden Room where 12 people can comfortably dine (or up to 16 with the other table added).

Beyond the Garden Room is the Play Room, also ideal for relaxing and watching TV, where there is also a second tuned-up upright piano, plus the king-size sofa-bed mentioned above.

Through the sliding glass doors of the Garden Room is the extensive garden terrace, for outside dining and relaxing in fine weather, and making use of the gas-fired BBQ, seasonal swimming pool and hot tub. All rooms overlook the large private garden. Ample off-road parking for 10+ cars in the private drive.

Dogs are welcome anywhere downstairs, and can conveniently sleep in the large but cosy Boot Room where the boiler happens to be situated. Fresh hen and duck eggs are available each day from our own poultry (when in season). There is a walk-in Larder, plus two freezers and two fridges on site, as well as the fully functioning Laundry with tumble-dryer, washing-machine and ironing equipment.

The garden is interlaced with mown pathways which are fun for kids to explore. There is also a small duck pond which is informally fenced for safety reasons, but please do keep a vigilant eye on any small children. There is also an outside trampoline, please use it at your discretion.

Walk straight from the house and past the pretty church to the historic “Ivy Inn”, only two minutes’ walk; or head out along the numerous bridleways and footpaths to explore the downlands – mainly designated as “Right to Roam” -- and which provide public access for walking, picnics, observing nature and watching the sunset.

The chalk grasslands (much of it designated SSSI – site of special scientific interest) are well known for its variety of rare species of flora (including wild orchids and other indigenous wild-flowers); and fauna, including several deer species along with rabbits, hares and a variety of birdlife including skylarks and other song birds, as well as red kites and buzzards. Pheasants, partridges, hares and fallow deer abound. The panoramic views are spectacular the whole year round.

For those less dedicated to steep hill-climbing, preferring more gentle gradients, it is possible to drive about a mile to the top of the hill where the tarmac stops at the informal (free) car park, and explore the site of the bronze age fort at Oliver’s Camp and the mixed woodland beyond, as well as the evocative Civil War battlefield of Roundway Down (1643), and the Devizes White Horse. The whole downland area is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), with views of up to 25 miles on a clear day.

Maps and numerous suggestions for interesting local rambling are provided as part of the “Welcome Pack” you will find on arrival, as well as suggestions for pubs, restaurants and local attractions.

Guest access
Guests have full and private use of the entire farmhouse, gardens and parking during their stay.
Other things to note
There are animals on this property. You are welcome to bring up to three well behaved dogs. We ask that they are kept off furniture and downstairs. We also ask that you clear up after your dog on departure. There is a fee of £35 per dog per stay.