Manor Barns, Malmesbury, Wiltshire

This singular four-bedroom home lies in the village of Norton, close to the pretty market town of Malmesbury, Wiltshire. Once a series of agricultural buildings and barns, the house has been thoughtfully restored and redesigned by its current architect owner to incorporate a series of versatile living spaces. The house is fitted with a pair of air source heat pumps, and underfloor heating runs throughout the ground and first floor. A vast-double-height space is currently used as a yoga studio, and a series of additional outbuildings are suitable for further development. The house is perfectly positioned for easy access to the surrounding Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset countryside, while nearby Chippenham rail station provides regular services to London.

The Tour

A welcoming entrance hall leads through to a light-filled drawing room. French doors are set into a recessed archway with textural blue-painted plaster walls, while other walls are original Cotswold stone with brick detailing. Polished concrete runs underfoot, and a double-sided alcove houses a Henley stove.

An expansive double-height kitchen, dining and sitting area lies beyond, its pitched ceiling supported by timber roof trusses. A series of Crittall-style double doors extend across its length, opening onto the dining terrace and garden and bathing the room in natural light. Smart kitchen cabinetry has a generous provision of work surfaces, and integrated appliances including a wine fridge. At one end, a seating area is perfect for reclining after dinner, while a utility room is found at the other.

The principal suite is found on the first floor, its vaulted ceiling emphasised by an ochre faux painted accent wall. A dressing room is attached, while a large en suite bathroom has a freestanding bathtub, a walk-in shower, terrazzo tiles and exposed roof trusses.

There are three further double bedrooms on the ground floor, each with Crittall-style doors onto the garden. They share two bathrooms; one has a bathtub and a shower, and the other has a shower.

A series of versatile rooms complete the plan, including a large double-height space currently used as a yoga studio. There is also a music room, a workshop, a studio and a plant room.

On the first floor, a peaceful study sits above the utility room, in what was once the water tower.

Outdoor Space

A sweeping garden at the front of the house is largely laid to lawn with spectacular 180 degree views to the south. A terrace is well-suited to outdoor dining, while a large driveway to the side of the house has space for several cars.

A series of outbuildings are ripe for further development including an original cart barn for which planning permission is in place.

The Area

Malmesbury is well served by a fantastic array of independent shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs as well as more mainstream options, such as Waitrose. The jewel of the town is the Old Bell Hotel, thought to be the oldest hotel in England, and perfectly situated to take in striking views of the abbey and town centre. There is a good selection of state and private schools in the area, including Malmesbury School and Westonbirt School.

The town is perfectly positioned for easy access to the surrounding Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset countryside. Dyrham Park, the National Arboretum at Westonbirt, and Highgrove House and Garden are on the doorstep, along with the Peto Gardens at Iford Manor. Ever-popular Stroud is less than 20 miles away, offering an even greater array of amenities as well as an award-winning farmers' market. The Stroud music scene is vibrant in this artistic town, with venues across the town supporting a variety of performances year-round. The popular Cotswold village of Tetbury with Calcot Manor Spa, is renowned for its antique shopping, while nearby Castle Combe is regarded as one of the country's prettiest villages.

Bath, Bristol and Cheltenham are all within easy driving distance. Chippenham rail station is a 22-minute drive away, and has regular connections to London Paddington in just over an hour.

Council Tax Band: G