Tree-lined lanes weave through the pretty countryside, leading you to the peaceful village of Sandford St Martin. This small but perfectly formed village is a wonderful base for an exploration of the Cotswolds. As you step inside the stone walls of this pretty cottage, you'll find character features, a luxuriously rustic kitchen, a wooden beamed living room with a wood-burning stove and a walled courtyard that speaks of lazy morning coffees in the sunshine and sunset drinks that linger long into the evening.
Pale stone floors lead your eye through to the bespoke kitchen with exposed brickwork, a gas AGA, an original bread oven and cunning hidey holes creating clever storage. At the far end is a delightful dining area with an antique table set beneath a soaring roof lantern and a statement chandelier. Hidden behind a sliding timber door are a useful utility space and a ground-floor cloakroom. Doors lead out to the private courtyard. The living room is a warm and welcoming space, filled with thoughtfully curated art, and curios, each piece carefully chosen by the owner. Wherever you turn there's an old book to read or a picture to study. The first floor is equally charming with two superb bedrooms and a fabulous bathroom with a double-ended free-standing bath and a separate shower.
Hidden behind Little Oakley Cottage is a beautiful walled courtyard filled with planting and a water feature. A timber corner sofa is topped with cushions making this a delightful space to while away a few hours with a good book or enjoy drinks as the day drifts by. There is no allocated parking but on-street parking outside the cottage is freely available.
Ground Floor
Kitchen:
There is a step up to the front door, which in turn leads you into a stylish kitchen. A butler sink sits beneath the window, alongside a slimline dishwasher, whilst a restored butcher's block is in the middle of the room, providing useful preparation space or somewhere to sit with a drink. A gas AGA with a 6-ring gas hob takes pride of place in the chimney breast, alongside an original bread oven (not in use). A Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine is cunningly hidden away behind the old wooden door to the right of the AGA. Crockery and glassware are stored in the glass-fronted dresser and the fridge freezer and toaster can be found in the cupboard.
Dining Room:
The dining area is at the end of the kitchen and a delightful room that is flooded with natural light from the roof lantern and glass doors to the courtyard. A stunning chandelier hangs above an antique table, surrounded by a wooden bench and four rattan-seat chairs. Overlooking the proceedings is a statement tapestry wall hanging.
Utility:
Hidden behind a sliding timber door is a utility area with a washer/dryer and a door through to the ground floor cloakroom.
Living Room:
This is a room that adapts with the seasons. During the cooler months there's a cosy wood-burning stove to light, as the days become warmer, throw open the courtyard door and let the outside in. A large sofa and pair of mid-century chairs provide plenty of comfortable seating, the bespoke shelves hold a myriad of old books and artwork. Perhaps now is the time to pick up that classic you've always been meaning to read.
First Floor
Bedroom One:
This tranquil bedroom is beautifully furnished with a super king-size bed, white-painted timbers line the walls and ceiling, adding to the overall air of calm. Clever hanging and shelving storage has been created on either side of the bed. Bedside tables and overhead reading lamps add to the charm.
Bedroom Two:
The second bedroom is equally charming. A king-size bed is placed before a panelled wall, with bedside tables on either side. The high ceiling boasts a wicker pendant light and a pretty dressing table with an ornate mirror hanging above and a chest of drawers provide storage. There are also hooks and wooden hangers on the rear of the door.
Bathroom / Shower Room:
If ever there was a room to invoke bath-envy, it's this one. This bathroom was designed with total relaxation in mind. A large walk-in shower stands in one corner with a large rainfall shower and a hand-held shower head. A bespoke hand basin sits atop a vintage wooden wash table, whilst a double-ended freestanding bath is a place for long soaks after a day of exploring.
Outside
Tucked behind Little Oakley Cottage is an enclosed courtyard. With planting and a terracotta urn water feature it's a peaceful place to relax. A timber corner sofa is topped with cushions to create a comfortable seating area. There is on-street parking on the road outside the cottage.
