Church Lane, Barford CV35 8ES

Property Ref: JL0210

A Striking Gothic Tudor Character Residence located in a quiet backwater at the end of a charming country lane, next to woodland walks and overlooking beautiful countryside in the most desirable Warwickshire village of Barford.

This completely unique and superbly ornate property offers four bedrooms, 0.6 acres of mature lawned gardens and a triple garage!

An outstanding example of Gothic Tudor design, the property boasts a very interesting history indeed. Its elegant wooden beams and intricate carvings having caught the eye of many, including a wealthy American who loved it so much he actually moved it piece by piece from its original site in Warwick, to where it sits today, tucked away discreetly from view behind wrought iron gates.

Set out on one level, we are immediately struck by the beauty of the Gabled Porch on the east front with its roof supported by two miniature Ionic Columns and Reclining Lions.

The main entrance is via a pedestrian gate off the lane that takes you to a smaller gabled porch and main front door.

The property is wonderfully bright,  with daylight flooding in through arched casement windows, with an open living space that flows from the entrance hall into a spacious dining room  and wrapping around a wooden beam into the atmospheric sitting room and a dazzling kitchen off.

The sitting room, the heart of the house,  steps back in time with oak panelled walls,  impressive open fire with an ornate wooden carved surround imported from Italy. A wonderful room to relax and unwind, especially cosy on winter nights against the glow of the fire. Double doors open from the lounge to the gabled porch and gardens.

The recently refitted ‘Shaker Style’ Kitchen, has been thoughtfully designed with clear modern lines to offer workspace and excellent storage. Equipped with modern top of the range appliances and  finishes in a navy blue with off-white composite worktops.

The inner hall leads off to four bedrooms, recently re-fitted family bathroom and separate W.C.  All enjoying lovely views over the gardens.

The smallest of the four bedrooms could potentially be made into a second bathroom and the largest of the bedrooms could easily accommodate an en-suite.

Gardens and Grounds

Barford Lodge is set in mature grounds approaching 0.6 of an acre. The garden is predominantly laid to lawn, interspersed with pretty herbaceous borders and vibrant trees. The peaceful terrace is ideal for al fresco dining and sundowners.

To the front and side, you are surrounded by trees and woodland.   The sweeping drive divides the gardens and leads from the front to the back of the plot where you find the detached triple garage, benefitting from both power and light. There is a 3 phase electric supply for faster home car charging.

The History - Barford Lodge was not always at Barford!

Barford Lodge once stood on a completely different site in Warwick!

In 1872, an American gentleman decided he loved this house so much that he had it painstakingly dismantled piece by piece and moved from its original location in Warwick, where it is believed to have stood since the 16th century as a Toll House, and set about rebuilding the property in its new home in Barford as the Lodge House to Watchbury House.

And in more recent times,  it is said to have been coveted by  non other that 007, Roger Moore!

Now a property that catches 007’s eye and makes a wealthy American go to such lengths has to be very special!

Nearby - There are lovely woodland walks on your doorstep and a fabulous community space is just up the lane with children’s play equipment and playing fields. The centre of the village is only a few minutes walk where you will find a couple of pubs,  village food store and post office and the wonderful village primary school.

Barford is a sought after village known for its friendly and welcoming community. Set amidst the gentle Warwickshire countryside there are many delightful villages all around. As well as superb access to the nearby towns of Warwick, Leamington and Stratford-upon-Avon.

An area of outstanding beauty this is a walkers paradise with Charlecote Park, a grand 16th-century country house, surrounded by its own deer park, on the banks of the River Avon as well as Compton Verney Mansion House and Gardens, both within a short distance.Travel

With excellent road and rail networks Barford lies about 3 miles south of Warwick, 8 miles south west of Stratford-upon-Avon, 6 miles south west of Leamington Spa.  Just 1.5 miles from J15/M40 and within easy commuting reach of many major towns and cities. Rail networks with frequent trains to London, Birmingham and the north can be accessed from Warwick Parkway, Leamington Spa or Banbury.

Schools

There is an excellent range of state, independent and grammar schools in the general area. Independent schools include Warwick Preparatory School, The Croft Preparatory School, Stratford Preparatory School, Warwick (Boys) and Kings High (Girls) in Warwick; Kingsley School (Leamington Spa); Rugby, Princethorpe College and Bloxham. Grammar Schools locally include King Edward VI school (Stratford-upon-Avon) (Sunday Times State School of the decade award, 2020), Stratford Girls Grammar School and Alcester Grammar School.

Grade II listing - This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.

Barford Lodge, formerly Longbridge Toll House on the Warwick to Stratford Turnpike. 1843 by D G Squirehill of Leamington for the Turnpike Trust. Moved in 1872 to the present site as a lodge for Watchbury House. Brick, faced with painted render and elaborate mock decorative pattern timber framing in early C17 West Midlands style. Steeply pitched clay tile roof. All gables have pierced bargeboards and moulded pendants. Single storey, F-shaped plan of which the north gabled cross wing may be an addition of 1872. Gabled porch on east front with roof supported by two miniature Ionic columns carried on the backs of reclining lions. Two-light casement windows, each casement with a semicircular head, and set in timber surrounds with pilasters and relief carving in the spandrels. Two rendered brick chimney stacks each with two polygonal shafts.