A beautifully appointed Grade II listed, period country home in the village of Bentham, sited in grounds totalling circa 10 acres with a detached cottage, two stables and an outbuilding that have planning granted for development to three separate dwellings.

DESCRIPTION
Properties of this scale, architectural merit and scope to develop areas rarely come to the market in this charming pocket of Cheltenham. The house is particularly impressive with the originals dating back, in part, to as far as 1276 with a lovely history as the manor house to Bentham and one of the oldest in the district. Bestowing a Grade II Listing, it is a home of historic interest having been used as a Nunnery, part of Llanthony Priory, following which it was in the same family for almost 300 years. A medieval fishpond and moat, that adjoins the lane, are also significant historical points to the house and land. Today’s home is a wonderful blend of period grandeur with a more modern day finish and the current owners have taken great care to retain the very special original features, whilst making Bentham Manor the most comfortable and inviting home throughout. Spanning over 4700 Sq Ft of immaculate accommodation set out over three floors of living, bedroom and entertaining space in addition to a separate two-bedroom cottage and various outbuildings with planning to convert to houses, should a prospective owner wish.

The main entrance into the property is via a charming reception hall with the original flagstone flooring which introduces the dining hall, this is a wonderfully warm and bright space which is not only used as a formal space it opens to a further hallway and the principal reception rooms. Bentham Manor has a fine choice of living rooms, the main drawing room is charming and elegant with a stone fireplace, beamed ceilings and double aspect windows. Adjacent is a snug/reading room and to the other side is a further sitting room, a warm and relaxing space with an Inglenook fireplace, flagstone flooring and a leaded light bay window. The kitchen is a beautiful space which is in keeping with the style of this period home with access directly to outside. The kitchen itself offers a range of hand crafted units befitting a country house, and an oil fired Aga inset with an exposed brick surround.

There is utility room and a cloakroom off the inner hall.

Bentham Manor has a beautiful balance of bedroom accommodation over the two upper floors. The exceptional staircase rises to the galleried landing, off which are five bedrooms, flooded with natural light and all of wonderful proportions. The master bedroom has an en suite shower room and the remaining rooms share a bathroom and a separate shower. A further staircase rises to a large bedroom on the second floor and three rooms arranged as a study, playroom and child’s bedroom.

SITUATION
Bentham is a pretty village located at the bottom of Crickley Hill, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, characterised by its open, countryside scenery. Situated on a pretty semi-rural lane, Bentham Manor is set in the heart of the village, enjoying this active community. Whilst distinctively semi-rural, the village itself is within a short drive of Leckhampton, offering excellent day to day shopping, some lovely local coffee shops, excellent recreational facilities. Bentham is extremely accessible, which has made it a sought after location, offering quick access to motorways networks, the M5 and M50 and the A417, Cirencester to Swindon. Yet within a 15-minute drive of the property, is Cheltenham’s cultural centre, fashionable shops, Michelin starred restaurants, salons and bars. Less than a hundred miles from London, Cheltenham nestles beautifully between the Cotswold Hills and the Wye Valley and is home to numerous prestigious schools including Cheltenham College, The Cheltenham Ladies’ College, and St Edwards. Owing to this and the cultural lifestyle on offer, including playing hosts to several highly acclaimed festivals, it is now regarded as one of the places to live and raise a family. For the commuter, there is easy motorway access.

THE GARDENS & GROUNDS
Bentham Manor has two points of access which meet by way of a circular driveway, sweeping around to the front of the house and cottage, providing a grand entry befitting a house of this stature. The immediate, more formal gardens surround the house and are laid to lawn with mature planting, borders and a picket fence providing a well-established setting that is idyllic for a house of this stature. The acreage extends to ten, ideal for a small holding and two stables would provide equestrian facilities, if so desired. Areas of interest are dotted throughout the grounds including a medieval pond, various seating areas and a moat alongside the land. The views from inside the house, gardens and land are picture perfect, open to the elements and vast countryside at every viewpoint.

THE OUTBUILDINGS
The large outbuilding, that adjoins the stables, has planning granted to convert the current building to three separate residential properties. Designed in barn style, each with three bedrooms and their own private outside space. Planning Application Number – Tewkesbury Borough Council – 21/00003/LBC.

THE COTTAGE
Situated adjacent to the main house, is a detached cottage with two bedrooms providing excellent ancillary accommodation to the main house, ideal as guest space, home office or holiday accommodation if one requires.

LOCAL AUTHORITY
Tewkesbury Borough Council

Oil fired heating.

EPC available.