The Old Vicarage, Calne, Wiltshire

This Grade II-listed six-bedroom house sits in the pretty market town of Calne, Wiltshire. Originally built in the 1600s, past residents include Joseph Priestley, a scientist credited with the discovery of oxygen. Extending over 5,000 sq ft of space, the house has a series of versatile rooms, including a voluminous drawing room, a sunroom and a library. It sits surrounded by almost an acre of land, and has a heated swimming pool as well as a peaceful summer house.

Setting the Scene

Positioned on the River Marden, Calne is a pretty market town on the north-western side of the North Wessex Downs hill range, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The shops and restaurants of the town are within easy walking distance, and regular trains to Bath, Bristol and London run from nearby Chippenham.

Dating from the 1600s, with later additions in the 19th century, The Old Vicarage was once home to scientist Joseph Priestley. One of the most prominent figures in the town’s history, he is credited with the discovery of oxygen, which was inspired by bubbles he saw in the streams of Calne. He lived at The Old Vicarage with his family from 1775 to 1780, and worked in a laboratory at nearby Bowood House.

The Grand Tour

A private gated entrance forms the approach to the house, accessed via a gravelled driveway with ample space for several cars.

Set within beautifully landscaped gardens, the house’s honey-toned Yorkstone façade is punctuated by a series of tall sash windows. Inside, a grand entrance hall leads to a light-filled drawing room, its wide bay window framing views across the garden. Here and throughout the ground floor, high ceilings are traced by ornate cornicing. A cast-iron fireplace is perfect for hunkering down on cooler evenings.

An additional sitting room is found at the front of the house, illuminated by tall sash windows with painted timber shutters. A large dining room sits adjacent.

In the kitchen, Shaker-style cabinetry wraps around walls, while time-worn flagstones run underfoot. A dark blue gas Aga is set into a tiled alcove, and there is a separate electric oven. An expansive sunroom is accessed from the kitchen, unfolding onto a peaceful interior courtyard.

The ground floor plan is completed by a series of further rooms, including a playroom, a library and a study.

Six bright double bedrooms are found on the first floor. The vast principal bedroom is bathed in light from tall sash windows on two sides, and has high ceilings and fitted storage. The second bedroom is of similar proportions, and there are four additional bedrooms.

There are three shared bathrooms, one with a bathtub and two with showers.

A cellar provides additional storage space, and a separate wine store is accessed from the kitchen.

The Great Outdoors

The house is surrounded by almost an acre of land, which is largely laid to lawn and bordered with a variety of mature trees and shrubbery. A paved area and a summer house provide additional spots to recline outdoors, while an interior courtyard is perfect for a morning coffee.

To the rear of the house, a heated swimming pool is a lovely suntrap; a pergola provides shady respite on the warmest of days.

A double garage provides additional parking space.

Out and About

Calne has a wonderful selection of daily amenities and independent shops. A favourite local coffee shop and brunch spot is Fay's Bistro, overlooking the River Marden. The Piggy Bank micropub and acclaimed gastropub The George & Dragon in nearby Rowde come highly recommended.

Devizes is also close by and has a wonderful farmers’ market on Thursday mornings. It has an excellent butcher’s and an artisan bakery, while the larger town of Marlborough has a vibrant high street with independent shops, restaurants, and cafés, and a branch of Waitrose.

Lacock and Corsham are similarly popular nearby towns, while slightly further afield are Tetbury for antiques and Westonbirt National Arboretum. The cities of Bath and Bristol are both under an hour by car. Even closer to home is Bowood House and Gardens, a wonderful Georgian estate set within 100 acres of parkland.

The selection of nearby schools is excellent. State options include Kingsbury Green Academy and three other secondaries in Chippenham, a 15-minute drive away. Independent schools nearby include St Margaret’s Preparatory School, St Mary’s, Dauntsey’s School in West Lavington, and Marlborough College.

Regular rail services to London Paddington are available from Chippenham rail station, a 17-minute drive away, with a journey time of just over an hour. In the opposite direction, services run to Bath and Bristol in around 10 and 20 minutes respectively. The M4 is easily accessible for routes to London and Bristol, with connections to the M5 and the south west.

Council Tax Band: G