Siston CourtMangotsfield, South Gloucestershire, BS16 9LU

The property occupies the central wing of Siston Court, the Grade I listed Elizabethan stone manor house at the heart of the Siston Conservation Area. This highest category for listed buildings in the UK, ‘Grade I' is ascribed to buildings of exceptional architectural and historical interest. Built in the 16th century, the house has since hosted many notable guests from Queen Anne of Denmark in 1613, to Edward Prince of Wales in the early 20th century. Oliver Cromwell is also rumoured to have lodged here in 1642, and to have left his boots behind! Having contributed to the war effort as a hostel for WLA ‘Land Girls', Siston Court was divided into six individual homes after World War II, with the West Wing occupying a major portion at the centre of the property.

Whilst its exterior is imposing, it is striking how comfortable and practical the interior proves to be. Much of the accommodation is bathed in natural light despite its extremely generous scale of over 4000sq ft. It is clear that all of the property has been put to good use by the current owners, who have lavished considerable care upon it. Wherever changes have been made, they have been carried out with such attention to detail that the integrity of the building remains uncompromised, while its appeal as a contemporary family home has been significantly enhanced.

From the sweeping driveway to the front, an oak-panelled entrance vestibule leads into the magnificent reception hall, immediately giving a sense of history and status with ornate plaster details, hand carved ceiling beams and a notable addition by the vendors of floor to ceiling cabinetry and library shelving. The windows overlooking the front feature much of the original glazing within splayed reveals and working shutters. This is a comfortable, well-loved room that at various times of the day may be used as a quiet reading room, study or alternative sitting room. The main drawing room is simply beautiful, with its original panelling, wonderful ceiling height, and westerly facing windows taking up the majority of one elevation bathing the room with afternoon sun and giving it a calm and tranquil ambiance. The carved oak fireplace provides a central focal point and there is no doubt this is a space that offers charm and warmth year-round. The more intimate and cosy sitting room that lies opposite, with its oak shelving and Jacobean style fire surround is a quiet retreat enjoying a lovely aspect over the rear grounds.

The kitchen/breakfast room overlooks the front elevation with wide oak boards and blue lias flagstone flooring. The farmhouse style kitchen has pale grey base units with solid teak countertops and an oil-fired Aga. There is a large traditional freestanding dresser (available by separate negotiation). The kitchen benefits from direct access to the front of the property.

A significant addition made in recent years has been the intricate oak staircase. This incorporates a cloakroom at ground floor level and gives access to a small cellar and services below. The stairs lead up to a half landing with a mezzanine bedroom and en suite. The stairs continue to the top floor bedrooms, again these are generously proportioned rooms with high ceilings and many original period features, including wide exposed floorboards and extensive fenestration. There is a choice of principal bedrooms looking out either over the front or the rear of the property, the latter making the most of extensive country views. There are two further bedrooms on this floor, the smallest currently used as a study. In addition there is a large family bathroom with freestanding roll top bath, shower and WC.

The grounds
The property is accessed between the two Sanderson Miller lodges leading to the original turning circle with parking area to the front. A secondary spur off the main drive leads to the rear of the walled garden which has private access to the garaging. It is rare to find such extensive private gardens attributed to just one portion of a manor house. Without doubt, these are a very special feature of this magnificent home. The owners have certainly enjoyed these gardens having planted them with an extensive range of colourful flowering shrubs, with Roses, Peony beds and a spring meadow awash with Bluebells, Daffodils and Primroses. The grounds are dotted with mature trees and hedges including Copper Beech, flowering Cherry, Yew, Quince, Apple, Medlar and a Mulberry Tree. The sheltered walled garden is linked by two arched openings with a number of herbaceous beds and fruit trees as mentioned. Further fruit cages and beds will delight other such keen gardeners with productive vegetable beds, a workshop, storage sheds and a wildlife-attracting pond. In all a very special garden.

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