The Forge Barn Lower Oddington Gloucestershire GL56 0UP
The Forge Barn The Forge Barn is a delightful detached cottage possessing exquisite character and charm, situated on the high street in the heart of the village of Lower Oddington. Owned by one family for the last forty years, this simple eighteenth century stone-built barn was for most of its incarnation a carpenter s workshop and forge, latterly providing stabling to a nearby house before becoming an antique shop in the 1970s. The current owner a London cabinet maker happened to see a sale notice in the window during one of his regular buying trips to the Cotswolds and in 1973 began a winter s labour of love, taking on a single-handed project to convert the dilapidated building into a perfect little country home for his young family. I was an object of much affectionate curiosity in the village, recalls Mr Platt of those long cold months, but everyone was so kind and good to me, understanding my focus to get finished as quickly as possible for my wife and children to move in. The previous owner regularly took pity, inviting me to sit by her fire with a hot toddy of whisky and ginger wine in the worst of the weather, whilst my immediate neighbour offered cheerful company and soon agreed to be roped in for heavy labour, knocking through thick stone walls, helping to install joists and all the beautiful floorboards which I had cut from a recently felled elm tree at a local saw mill. Our local plumber was equally wonderful at sourcing reclaimed materials including our shopsoiled radiators from London and pine panelling in our dining room from a shop interior in Chipping Norton. He was such a clever man, capable of such fine workmanship that we have never once had a leak in all the years we have lived here. The sense of community spirit has remained one of the most treasured aspects of their life in the village. Our younger daughter was soon offered a free pony by another neighbour which is why the far end of the barn, intended as a garage, was soon returned to a stable and more recently our next door neighbour kindly assigned us a piece of land so that we could have a proper little walled cottage garden to sit in, which we have also very much enjoyed. Today the cottage is a treasured family home complete with beautiful, unique and characterful interiors including a simply furnished country kitchen, a formal dining room sufficient to seat eight people and a large characterful beamed sitting room suffused with light and benefitting from both morning and evening sun, with French windows opening out onto a south-facing pretty gravelled courtyard. Converted from the original stables, a double and a single bedroom are also provided on the ground floor - the latter which might easily be turned into an en-suite bathroom, perhaps and above is a truly gorgeous master bedroom set within the original exposed A frame, together with a family bathroom. A small loft behind a hatch door is still used by Mr Platt as an artist s studio (clambering in despite being well into in his eighties) and as such, this intriguing secret space would no doubt be taken over by any incoming children as a perfect playroom. However, bearing in mind beyond is an external single storey 1960s extension additional stabling, now containing the immersion tank and boiler and providing ample garden storage the opportunity suggests further extension, subject to relevant consents. Such potential will now be a project for the next owners, as Mr Platt and his wife are finally moving to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. We have been so lucky. This has been a marvellous place to live, in the midst of such beautiful countryside, a happy village provided by two pubs and a great community - even just the walk down the country lane to the old church has been a joy. Having been embraced by everyone from the moment we arrived here, we will miss it all immeasurably.
The Forge Barn The Property A rare opportunity to acquire a detached barn conversation situated within the heart of this premium Cotswold village and just a short walk from the highly regarded village pub. This charming stone built period home boasts an abundance of character and offers further scope to improve and extend (subject to the necessary planning consents), whilst benefitting from a pretty walled garden and parking for several vehicles. Accommodation Entrance, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, two ground floor bedrooms, master bedroom with vaulted ceilings and a bathroom on the first floor, gardens and off road parking. Location Situated within the valley of the River Evenlode, Oddington is considered by many as one of the most desirable villages in the Cotswolds. Surrounded by beautiful countryside (which is easily accessible from a network of footpaths that weave through the village) one of the most attractive features in Oddington is the adjacent woods, which are particularly pretty in the spring months when the bluebells and wild garlic come out. Also a major draw to Lower Oddington is the renowned Fox Inn, a Cotswold stone quintessential British pub with flagstone floors, exposed beams and open fires. The historic market town of Stow on the Wold is only 2 miles outside of the village, whilst Moreton in Marsh (6 miles) and Chipping Norton (7 miles) are both within easy reach and offer a wide array of useful amenities. The nearest train station is at Kingham (3 miles) which provides a mainline service between Worcester and London Paddington (via Oxford) and the village also benefits from the provision of regular bus services. Directions From Stow on the Wold proceed out of the town on the Oddington Road (A436), signposted for Chipping Norton. Take the second right hand turning signposted Lower Oddington. Follow the road into the village, passing the pub on the right hand side, and the property will be found on the left identified by our For Sale board.
Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Copyright 2017 Fine & Country Ltd.Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg. No. 3889306. Registered Office: Harrison & Hardie Limited, High Street, Bourton on the Water, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 2AN. Printed 09.08.2017
Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0)1608 651000 tom@harrisonjameshardie.co.uk 17 High Street, Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire GL56 0AF