DESCRIPTION
Forwood West is a superbly proportioned and handsome country house. Offering over 6,000 sq ft of space, the property offers a myriad of versatile and light-filled rooms, which work superbly for everyday family living and equally well for entertaining. Dating back to the 17th century, the Grade II listed house exudes a warmth and character that only centuries of history can create. The vaulted reception hall sets the tone to this impressive home which seamlessly combines period charm with contemporary living. The kitchen is very much the heart of the home with ample room for a large dining table and sofa and a striking teal coloured Aga. A fabulous vaulted wine cellar leads off the kitchen, believed to be part of the brewery which once existed on the site and a walk-in pantry with original stone shelves makes a useful back-kitchen. Opening directly to a south-facing patio, the kitchen is well located for al fresco entertaining or a morning coffee. A utility and cloakroom lead off the rear hall, perfect for hiding laundry, together with a second temperature-controlled pantry. The two main reception rooms are beautifully proportioned with high-ceilings, working fireplaces and both with external access. The drawing room has a magical bay window with double doors opening to the garden, the perfect spot for an evening drink or a quiet afternoon relaxing with a book. The library offers a third reception room and a superb working environment. Two sets of stairs lead to the first floor with four bedrooms, the principal with en-suite, plus a family bathroom. A fabulous games room provides a superb additional space, ideal as a cinema or billiard room or teenage den; this section of the house could easily be sectioned off to create a separate apartment and already has planning approved for such. Two more bedrooms are located on the top floor plus a snug, providing a further area that could easily create self-contained living. Stunning aged beams adorn one of the attic bedrooms, creating a truly magical, tucked-away haven.

The garden is set to the south side of the property and largely comprises level lawn with raised seating areas overlooking the stunning panorama towards Gatcombe Park. A plethora of wonderful dry stone walling, divides the tiers. Gated gravel parking is located at the bottom of the garden, together with further driveway parking and a double garage to the north side of the property. A pretty greenhouse plus a potting shed and wood store provide useful additions to the garden. The garden has wonderful well stocked borders and fruit trees, creating a classic English country garden.

LOCATION
One of Forwood West's key attractions is its magical setting. Located on the fringe of the idyllic market town of Minchinhampton, overlooking the royal Gatcombe Park estate, this is a handsome house in a truly regal setting. Within walking distance of Minchinhampton, this quaint town offers a host of amenities including several popular cafes, a gastro pub, village shop, post office and chemist and superb butchers. Minchinhampton Common offers hundreds of acres of National Trust land, perfect for country walks and host to a golf course and excellent pub. Minchinhampton has a wonderful sense of community spirit with numerous local events and a thriving town hall which plays host to amateur dramatics and concerts. The market towns of Stroud, Cirencester and Tetbury are all within a short drive and Stroud also has several major supermarkets, including Waitrose, as well as an award winning Saturday Farmers' market. One of the key draws to the area is the excellent choice of schools in both the state and private sector. Minchinhampton has a popular primary school and there are several sought after grammar schools in Stroud, Gloucester and Cheltenham. In the private sector, Beaudesert Park is a five minute drive from Forwood West and Westonbirt and Wycliffe are also within easy reach, as well as numerous sought after schools in Cheltenham. The area is well placed for travel links with trains into London Paddington (circa 90 minutes) from nearby Stroud Station and both the M5 and M4 easily accessible.

DIRECTIONS
From our Minchinhampton office proceed down Well Hill (diagonally opposite our office) and once the lane levels out after a few hundred yards, you will see a right hand turn with a cattle grid and post box; follow this drive and Forwood West is the last house at the end of the road, with a double garage directly in front of you.