For Sale: The Prettiest House in England’s Prettiest Village

Castle Combe, a village in England’s Cotswolds, is often described as the prettiest village in the U.K. And it’s easy to see why. With picturesque houses built of locally quarried golden stone, panoramic views of the countryside, and a bubbling brook that runs through the center, the quaint village has been pictured in many period TV shows and movies, including “Downton Abbey,” “Poirot,” “War Horse,” and “Bridgerton.” In fact, no new houses have been built in this tiny village since the 1600s, which certainly lends to its fairy-tale charm and architectural authenticity.

This Grade II listed home’s location, right in the center of the village and next to a lovely arched bridge, makes it possibly one of the most photographed homes in Castle Combe and maybe even in all of England! With a natural stone exterior, a narrow flower bed and tangled wisteria vine out front, the three-bedroom, three bath cottage sits on just under half an acre. Ancient but updated for modern life, the one-of-a-kind house is now available for “offers over $1.9 million” via Matthew Pegler at Savills.

Bridge House, as it’s known, offers a wealth of period features dating back to the 17th century: exposed stone walls and wooden beams, mullioned windows, stone fireplaces, and wonderful old doors. The house was extended to the rear with a large kitchen and living space, which makes the most of the views of the garden and surrounding woodlands. In all, there is about 2,700 square feet of space on two floors.

Perfect for stowing wellies and coats, essential in the typically damp English countryside, the front hall houses the home’s venerable oak staircase, while the spacious drawing room showcases an inglenook fireplace, built-in cabinetry and charming window seats. There’s also a study or family room with a cozy wood-burning stove.

The dining room boasts a tall ceiling, another impressive fireplace and a mezzanine sitting area or study. Off that is the kitchen, with its heated stone floor, extremely expensive Aga range, and center island with sink. The adjoining sitting area offers double doors to the garden; there’s also a utility room and a bath.

Upstairs are the three bedrooms; the main bedroom includes an en suite bathroom, as well and an antique fireplace and lovely views to the garden. The other two bedrooms, with views to the front, share a family bathroom complete with separate shower.

The enclosed rear gardens are well laid out, with a stone patio off the back of the house, a large level lawn with pathways to either side, mature flower beds, and a few trees. This section of the garden offers a loggia, fire pit, and water feature. Leading off the gardens is a large gravel parking area, with easy access to single covered carport and workshop. The more untamed areas of the gardens include an outbuilding with painted panelling, a covered veranda and a greenhouse, while the nearby woods are filled with wild garlic, bluebells and mature trees.

This quiet, picturesque setting couldn’t be more quintessentially English country village. Just be prepared to look your photographic best when coming and going because rafts of tourists will surely be snapping pictures for their scrapbooks!