THE ESTATE
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The Cornwell Estate spans 2000 acres of a stunning area of untouched English countryside that lies between Chipping Norton and Stow-on-the Wold, (a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: AONB). Much of the estate is farmed and is in a high level stewardship scheme. There are also two wetland areas, lakes, a number of spring-fed streams and woodland, home to Roe deer, badgers, foxes, otters, geese and a family of swans!

At the centre of the estate is the small hamlet of Cornwell, which is mentioned in the Domesday Book, (11th century ). There is also a small church, hidden in the grounds, which dates back to the Norman era.

The original Manor house, belonging to the Penyston family is Jacobean. Built on the proceeds of the once lucrative Cotswold wool trade. Probably a large farm house for the local land owner. In the late 17th century a Georgian façade was added to gentrify the house.

An American heiress, Mrs Anthony Gillson, bought the house before the second world war, as a family home. She wanted to renovate and beautify both house and village so hired the services of Clough Williams-Ellis the architect who created the Italianate village, Portmeirion, in north Wales. Substantial alterations were made to the house, perfecting its Georgian façade, and transformed the village and giving the gloomy Jacobean cottages pretty Georgian style windows.

Clough Williams-Ellis, also created much of the existing formal and landscaped garden which harnesses a local stream and several springs to create a particularly tranquil garden which acts as the centre piece to the surrounding grounds, lakes and woodland.

The House & Estate have been home to the Ward family since 1959, where Alexander grew up with his siblings Rachel, Tracy, Jeremy & Benjie, and is now the home of Alexander and his family.

For further details please contact Charlotte on 01608 698673.