The Alms Houses, Forthampton Near Tewkesbury

Gloucestershire. Sleeps up to 4

Tewkesbury 3.7 miles. This beautiful property sits in a stunning churchyard location at the top of a hill in the tranquil and unspoilt village of Forthampton. Architecturally distinctive with unique features, The Alms Houses was designed by William Burges, known as one of the greatest Victorian Arts and Crafts architects, and provides an idyllic base for a family of four and their canine companions seeking a base in the Cotswolds. Park up at the bottom of the drive and walk past the church and just beyond lies a series of houses. Enter at the rear into a purpose-built boot room/dog kennel where you can dry off your furry friends and sort out your walking attire before heading inside. The kitchen is well-equipped and features delightful, light blue tones throughout, providing all the necessities for a home-cooking – there's even a dishwasher so you won’t have to lift a finger when cleaning up! Gather in the dining room to enjoy the fruits of your labour before collapsing on the sofa as the woodburner gently warms the space. Completing the ground-floor is the family bathroom, featuring a freestanding bath and walk-in shower, so you can best decide how to freshen up. The bedrooms sit upstairs but are accessed via separate staircases at either end of the cottage; the master houses a queen-size bed whilst the second room offers twin beds that can be joined to become a king-size. Make the most of the spacious garden as you relax on the patio furniture or wander the idyllic church grounds and marvel at the views overlooking the Severn Vale Malvern and Cotswold Hills. Forthampton is a quiet village with numerous footpaths running through, some of which start from the cottage. Just under two miles away is a hearty pub, The Hunters Inn, with the Michelin starred Butchers Arms slightly further away in Eldersfield, whilst there is a fantastic selection of restaurants, cafés, takeaways, pubs and supermarket in the nearby town of Tewkesbury. This charming market town is also home to a weekly market on Wednesday and Saturdays, a medieval abbey with a Romanesque Tower that dates back to 1121, along with John Moore Countryside Museum and the Tewkesbury Battlefield, a must for those keen historians. Ledbury is nearby and offers a range of quality eateries from cafés to high end restaurants, Cheltenham is further afield and is famously known for its racecourse, whilst there is also the fascinating Pittville Pump Room and The Wilson Museum which holds a fascinating selection of art. Those holidaying with children can visit Toddington Railway, offering a 28 mile roundtrip, whilst the Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park offers a chance to feed lambs and those older children will appreciate a visit to Gloucester Cathedral, famously used in Harry Potter. Walking and cycling opportunities come in abundance, with the Malvern Hills and Cotswolds AONB easily accessible, plus there are the charming destinations of Worcester and Stratford-Upon-Avon. The Alms Houses provides a truly fantastic retreat, whatever time of year.

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