FoscombeAshleworth, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL19 4JN

Situation
Foscombe House occupies one of the most magical settings in Gloucestershire with part of its beauty being that it is set in the middle of its own beautiful parkland grounds, with swathes of wild flower gardens and two sweeping driveways of around half a mile each approaching the house from either the north or south, gently weaving through the woodland and parkland setting until Foscombe House appears in view. This setting, on the summit of Foscombe Hill, enjoys exceptional peace, privacy and unrivalled views, not only across its own grounds but from a higher aspect, unspoiled rural views across to nine counties.

The History of Foscombe House
Constructed of warm toned blue lias stone with ashlar dressings, topped with a distinctive castellated tower with turret, Foscombe House is the epitomy of glorious Victorian Gothic architecture with sun filled rooms enhanced by the most beautiful features. The height and proportions of the rooms creates the most wonderful flow of living space and for such a substantial property, there is a feeling of comfortable living and a warm environment further enhanced by the far reaching outlook from all the principal rooms.

Foscombe House
On the ground floor, a handsome carved staircase inset with quatrefoils and ornate square newels rises to the upper floors with quatrefoils also gracing the windows and the ornately carved orangery. A large archway opens to the impressive sitting room with pyramid stone fireplace decorated with a stag in a roundel with wood burning stove and an ornate ceiling with beams and stone corbels decorated with carved shields and leaves.

The drawing room is the most elegant of spaces with a wide bay window overlooking the grounds, a stone carved fireplace with marble columns and woodburning stove, elaborate carved door architraves, ceiling mouldings and French doors opening into the Orangery which is a glorious room with two elevations of ornate stone mullioned windows with carved leaf decoration.

The morning room with its east facing orientation is a classically stunning room, again with carved stone fireplace with woodburning stove and glorious carved pine buffet with panelled head above and over the alcove and door leading into the orangery creating a wonderful flow of living space. The dining room is a lovely entertaining space with two arched windows with shutters overlooking the sweeping lawns. The kitchen is a superbly proportioned room that has been re-fitted with a traditional Mark Wilkinson kitchen. Very much a chef 's kitchen with extensive storage units and work space and two mullion windows overlooking the lawns ensuring a lovely light and bright atmosphere.

On the first floor, off the impressive landing, are five double bedrooms served by five bathroom suites, all enjoying beautiful views, bedroom six has been made in to an excellent laundry/ utility room.

Rising up to the second floor are three delightful bedrooms, perfect as children's rooms, served by a shower room and on the third floor, situated at the top of the Tower, is the smoking room with feature trefoil windows, fireplace and doorway leading out to the roof terrace where the views are spectacular.

The Coach House
The Coach House, formerly the recording studio for the Rolling Stones is an attractive two/three bedroom detached red brick and timbered property of around 2000 sq feet providing excellent ancillary space. The present owner has renovated and restored this property with great care, re-building the external elevations and modernising the interior to create an extremely smart dwelling, perfect for guests or staff and benefitting from its own enclosed garden.

The Outbuildings and Ancillary space
To the northwest of the property is the converted stable block that is now an excellent recreational building, with a fitted kitchen, large leisure room, ladies and gent's cloakrooms and an adjacent pool room with resistance pool and fitted sauna and steam cabin. Adjacent to this is a 60' timber clad modern vehicle store, providing secure storage for up to twenty vehicles, with the facility created by the owner to hoist a helicopter in to this vehicle hanger.

The Gardens and Grounds
The gardens and grounds are breathtaking, creating the most beautiful setting for Foscombe House with acres of flower meadows, lawns and parkland to wander through, in complete privacy. The present owner has planted 1000's more trees during his residency and created pathways that meander through the meadows leading to a Japanese style garden with shaded cover and water feature, the most wonderful canopied terrace with seating for 20 guests on a paved terrace set in the lawns, an expanse of east facing terrace taking in the grounds and views, vegetable garden with large greenhouse and two natural ponds. Much of the land has been planted and maintained to attract wildlife with quiet areas for nesting ducks and other waterlife and denser wooded areas for red deer and roe deer.

There are two approaches to Foscombe House, the most used being off Wickridge Street and marked by ornate wrought iron gates. The long private driveway is flanked by woodland and electric gates open up to the front of the grounds and the carriage driveway that sweeps around the house, bordered by a wide lawn with ornate fountain. The driveway and gardens are interspersed with magnificent oak trees that flank the driveway as it continues to the north side of the property and meanders down to Foscombe Lane.

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