The Alms Houses

About this property

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.

On the confluence of the Rivers Severn and Avon, this historic riverfront town retains its mediaeval charm with a large number of half-timbered Tudor structures. With more than 350 buildings that are recognised as being of historic interest and located in a conservation area, Tewkesbury is renowned for having one of the greatest mediaeval Black and White townscapes in the nation. In addition to numerous museums, a heritage centre, and a wealth of unique shops, tea rooms, restaurants, taverns, and wine bars, the town is home to an impressive 12th-century abbey with the tallest Norman tower in England. The town hosts music festivals, vintage and food fairs, farmers' markets, and other events all year round. The Severn Way and Shakespeare's Avon Way are both close by, and there are many excellent walks that can be enjoyed from the town. A ancient Georgian town close to the opulent spa resort of Cheltenham, it offers a staggering selection of stores, theatres, restaurants, pubs, and tourist attractions. Other festivals in this bustling town include ones for comedy, music, science, literature, and cricket, to mention a few! The racecourse hosts a number of additional horse racing events throughout the year in addition to the yearly, internationally renowned Gold Cup races. The ancient city of Gloucester boasts lively city centres, Victorian Docklands, a majestic Norman cathedral, and cloisters that appeared in the Harry Potter movies. A wonderful day trip includes the spectacular Royal Forest of Dean, Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Bath, a World Heritage Site, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, and several unspoiled Cotswold towns and villages.

Accommodation

Two bedrooms: 1 x queen-size, 1 x twin (can be linked to create a king size).

Ground-floor bathroom with freestanding bath, walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC.

Kitchen.

Dining room.

Sitting room with woodburning stove.

Boot room/dog kennel

Central heating.

Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, dishwasher, washing machine.

TV, WiFi.

Power included in rent.

Bed linen and towels included in rent.

Travel cot and highchair available upon request.

Roadside parking.

Lawned garden and patio with furniture.

Two well-behaved pets welcome (please no dogs upstairs).

Sorry, no smoking.

Shop 3.5 miles, pub 1.6 miles.

Note: Check-in from 16:00, checkout by 10:00.

Note: The property is situated on a hill.

Note: Please make sure the sofas do not roll back onto the radiators for fire reasons.

Note: Please do not use disposable barbecues.

Note: The church driveway is narrow and therefore can only be used for unloading, parking can be found at the bottom of the drive on the other side of the road.

Note: Pets are not allowed on furniture or upstairs