Grays Lane, Ibstone, HP14

Gatehill Cottage is a particularly charming country home occupying an idyllic rural setting. Nestled within its own grounds and surrounded by beautiful gardens, the property enjoys an exceptional sense of privacy and seclusion. The cottage was traditionally constructed and includes a wealth of original character, including substantial reclaimed exposed beams, timber lintels, and a charming brick fireplace, all combining to create a sense of heritage.

Over the years, the property has been sympathetically refurbished and thoughtfully extended to provide beautifully balanced accommodation for modern family life. Great care has been taken to preserve and complement the cottage's original character while introducing high-quality contemporary finishes, including the use of handmade rustic terracotta floor tiles throughout much of the ground floor, together with premium flooring finishes elsewhere.

The most significant enhancement is the superb open plan kitchen and breakfast room, completed in 2024, creating an exceptional contemporary living space with a bedroom suite above. At the same time, an attractive oak-framed garage and carriage house were constructed, perfectly complementing the character of the original cottage.

Throughout, the Cottage has been meticulously maintained and is presented to an exceptional standard. Its versatile layout provides elegant and well proportioned living spaces, equally suited to relaxed family life and entertaining. One of the property's defining features is its magnificent garden. Wonderfully private and beautifully established, it provides a delightful backdrop to the house and completes what is a truly special country home.

Gatehill Cottage's charming traditional features blend effortlessly with its carefully considered modern additions, creating a home that is both characterful and highly functional. The accommodation has been thoughtfully designed to provide an excellent flow between the principal living spaces.

Outside

Gatehill Cottage occupies a private plot of c.1.25 acres, approached via double electric gates with a separate pedestrian entrance and intercom. Enclosed by mature hedging and established trees, the grounds offer an exceptional sense of privacy. A sweeping gravel driveway leads to the cottage and a newly built timber garage/carriage house with an adjoining log store, while providing ample parking for several vehicles.

The wraparound gardens have been thoughtfully arranged to create a variety of attractive outdoor spaces. An orchard lies to the east, with expansive lawns extending to the north and west beneath mature specimen trees, including elegant willows. A south-west-facing terrace provides the perfect setting for al fresco dining, or simply relaxing and enjoying the outlook, while a formal vegetable garden beyond the northern lawn offers excellent potential for growing fruit, vegetables or flowers.

Situation

Gatehill Cottage enjoys an elevated position along a quiet country lane in the sought-after village of Ibstone, set high in the Chiltern Hills above the Hambleden Valley. Surrounded by beautiful countryside within the Chilterns National Landscape, the area offers exceptional opportunities for walking, cycling, riding and other outdoor pursuits. Despite its peaceful setting, Ibstone has a thriving village community with amenities including St Nicholas Church, a well-regarded primary school, the popular Chilterns Fox public house and an active cricket club.

For everyday shopping and a wider range of amenities, High Wycombe is approximately nine miles away, with the attractive market towns of Henley-on-Thames, Marlow and Thame also within easy reach, offering an excellent selection of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities. The M40 (Junction 5) is just two miles away, providing excellent road connections to London, Oxford, the M25 and the national motorway network. Mainline rail services from High Wycombe reach London Marylebone in approximately 25-35 minutes, while services from Henley-on-Thames provide access to London Paddington in around 50 minutes.

The area is particularly well regarded for its schooling. In addition to the village primary, there is an excellent choice of highly regarded state and independent schools, including John Hampden Grammar School, Wycombe High School, Wycombe Abbey School and Caldicott School.

Property Ref Number:

Additional Information

Local Authority
Buckinghamshire Council.
Council Tax Band G.

Services
Mains water and electricity.
Oil-fired central heating.
Private drainage.