- Wonderful country house +
- Six bedrooms +
- Four bathrooms +
- Four reception rooms +
- Range of outbuildings +
- Gardens +
- Paddock of about 2 acres +
- Modernisation required +
- No onward chain +
West Foscote House sits gracefully on the edge of Grittleton, a highly regarded North Wiltshire village within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Built in the mid-19th century as part of the Neeld estate, this striking six-bedroom Grade II listed country house is rich in history and character, with distinctive gables, a sundial, and a bell tower that once marked the end of the working day for farm labourers. ‘It’s a house with great bones – full of character and charm – and we’ve always loved how welcoming it feels,’ say the owners.
Set within four acres of gardens and grounds, the property offers an impressive yet comfortable layout. High ceilings, large sash windows, and elegant proportions define the interiors. The principal reception rooms include a handsome drawing room, dining room, and sitting room, while a vast billiard room provides a unique space for entertaining. A farmhouse-style kitchen and galleried staircase add to the sense of grandeur. Upstairs, six bedrooms are served by two en-suites and additional bathrooms, with the flexibility of a wing that can be arranged as a self-contained two-bedroom annexe. ‘It’s a larger home that one doesn’t rattle around in – a perfect size.’
The gardens are beautifully mature, with sweeping lawns, established trees, a kitchen garden, orchard, and an adjoining two-acre paddock. ‘Our mother loved the gardens and dedicated a lot of time to developing them for us all to enjoy, from boules on the lawn to family lunches in the sunshine.’ Outbuildings and barns provide extensive scope for equestrian or smallholding use, while a private driveway leads to ample parking and a garage. ‘The outbuildings offer so much potential to the right person.’
The setting combines seclusion with excellent connectivity. Grittleton itself offers a thriving community, church, tennis and cricket clubs, while nearby Yatton Keynell provides a post office, shop, and an outstanding primary school. The area is well served by both state and independent schools for all ages. Bath and Bristol are around 25 minutes away, with mainline services to London from Chippenham taking just over an hour. Junctions 17 and 18 of the M4 are also close at hand.
‘The house has been incredible for entertaining, from Christmas in the billiard room to weddings in the garden.’
‘The garden is magical – a place of freedom for children and a haven of peace for adults.’