The origins of why Church Cottage is so named are evident from the moment you turn off the High Street onto this peaceful lane. Filling the skyline at the end of the lane lies the ancient Church of St John the Baptist, immortalised forever by LS Lowry in his painting of Burford Church. The elegant pale Cotswold stone of this cottage sits perfectly in harmony with its historic surroundings.
As you step through the front door Church Cottage begins to weave its magic. The sympathetic restoration ensures this is a house that remains true to its roots. Original ironmongery, light switches, vintage finds, and original works of art create a warm and welcoming feel. On the ground floor, you’ll find a country-style kitchen, a cosy living room with a wood burner and a spacious dining room with simply glorious views over the church. Upstairs, are three bedrooms, one with an en-suite shower room and a family bathroom.
Hidden from view, Church Cottage also benefits from a beautiful, fully enclosed garden where you can while away long summer evenings on the rose-clad terrace. This is a rare find in an old town such as Burford, and is a truly lovely south-facing garden, with uninterrupted views over the church and there’s plenty of outdoor seating. There is one off-street parking space, on the drive.
Ground Floor
Entrance Hall and downstairs WC:As you step through the red front door into the entrance hall, you’ll find plenty of room for coats, umbrellas, boots, and shoes. Above is a Victorian clothes-drying rack, operated on a pulley system, providing an efficient and environmentally friendly way to dry clothes. There's also a downstairs WC and washbasin, situated in the old privy.
Kitchen:There is one step into a well-equipped kitchen, a light and airy space filled with original features. The super-efficient ‘Everhot’ range cooker will be warm and ready to use and is fantastic for baking and drying alike. The row of cream cupboards conceals all the practical things needed for a self-catering stay including a separate fridge and freezer, washing machine and dishwasher and in the tall cupboard you’ll find the microwave, and a full range of plates, glasses, and cooking equipment.
A real feature of the kitchen is the owner’s collection of vintage tins in the glass-fronted cabinet.
Sitting Room:This cosy room is the heart of the cottage, with original painted wooden floorboards and beams, cheerful floral curtains and comfortable seating including two armchairs and a three-seater sofa. An inviting wood-burning stove sits within the original brick fireplace, framed by handmade oak bookcases. The perfect place to curl up next to the fire with a book in hand or settle down to watch the smart television, which can be found in the antique pine corner cupboard, along with a DVD player, Bluetooth speaker and a selection of games and puzzles. French windows lead out into the garden.
Dining Room:Offering stunning views over the church, this is a delightful room where you can linger over long and leisurely meals. The six-seater dining table ensures plenty of space, and double doors lead from here out to the secluded rose terrace, where alfresco meals can also be enjoyed. Furniture from a bygone era and pretty ceramics create a warm and characterful atmosphere.
First Floor
Upstairs Landing:At the top of the stairs, you’ll find a wide wooden worktop which houses the travel cot and a baby changing mat.
Bathroom:A bright and compact bathroom, with a gorgeous, original 1930’s bathtub with attached shower hose, W.C., and wash basin.
Bedroom One:With its soft, pastel-coloured walls and furnishings and comfortable
queen-size bed, it’s hard not to feel cosy in this charming bedroom with its sloping ceiling. There’s also plenty of space and storage, with two bedside tables with drawers, a lovely vintage pine chest of drawers, and a small hanging cupboard. This bedroom offers lovely views over the gardens and rooftops of old Burford.
Bedroom Two:Set up as a children’s bedroom, this charming room is sure to enchant all ages. There is a pair of comfortable single beds with a large vintage pine chest of drawers between them. A captivating illustration of a rabbit family hangs above, guaranteed to delight young guests, while the quaint fireplace (not working) and patchwork curtains all add to the appeal of this cheerful twin room.
Bedroom Three:Complete with two 1940s chests of drawers, bedside tables, and modern radio – the master
king-size bedroom is full of thoughtful touches. This room has a fabulous view of the church and the rose terrace below. If you leave your windows open on a summer evening, you can enjoy the scent of the roses in the bedroom.
En-suite:The en-suite shower room has a walk-in shower, WC, wash basin and cubby holes for storage.
Outside
Hidden behind Church Cottage is the most wonderful of gardens. Offering total privacy and seclusion, this is a gorgeous spot to enjoy lazy summer afternoons and for children to play. The garden is south facing ensuring lots of sunshine and during the spring and summer months filled with flowers, it also offers the most beautiful views of the church. This delightful garden also boasts a rose terrace, where you can dine alfresco or enjoy sunset drinks, surrounded by the heavenly scent of roses. There’s plenty of outdoor seating throughout the garden, there is also a small lockable shed, which is a good spot for deliveries to be left and luggage to be stored. There is one parking space on the private driveway, this is extremely rare for Burford.