TRADITIONAL ENGLISH COTSWOLD MANOR – There is something quintessential about traditional English homes. Maybe it’s the fact that some are hundreds of years old, seeped in history of an age gone by, where one can almost feel the presence of the occupants of the centuries gone by, or maybe it is just the wonder of a construction method rarely used in today’s modern home building methods.
However, as you view a traditional English Manor there is no denying that they exude a character unlike any other. Feast your eyes on this traditional English Cotswold manor and take a journey into a bygone age where things over the centuries have been allowed to remain and more importantly be preserved.
Images: All images are brought to you by courtesy of Barefoot & Thompson
Front Entrance View
They say that you often take for granted what is around you everyday, and while for the most part this is true, I never take for granted the heritage of my country and as an Englishman it is nice to know that homes built hundreds of years ago are still being used to house families in comfort and style. On that note, I have a secret to tell… While this home is a typical Manor that you would readily find in the Cotswold, England, this home is in fact only an hours drive from Auckland, New Zealand, which for me only added to the interest when I decided to pen my article on this wonderful traditional Cotswold English Manor.
Wonderful view of the Traditional English Cotswold Manor coming up the driveway.
When I first came across this home I had no doubts in my mind I was looking at a traditional Cotswold Manor. The long sweeping driveway, the barn converted into a garage, the heavy set wooden doors, even down to the slate roof and surrounding countryside it is almost impossible to believe this is not England.
Regardless of its country of origin this is still a stunning manor and one that is beautifully appointed throughout.
Elevated view of the Traditional English Cotswold Manor.
Obviously it is not just the English who have a deep appreciation for period manor houses and this beautiful home, within a stunning location, is testament that the English style of living, of a bygone age, is alive and well and living in the hearts of many, regardless to the boundaries of nationality – so wonderful!
Patio Area with beautifully manicure gardens.
The patio area is so typically English country residence. I love the use of what appears to be reclaimed bricks for the structure which only adds to the character of the home.
Beautiful Patio area overlooking the lake.
The occupants obviously love and appreciate the English style of country living, there are very few modern features in the home, regarding kitchen appliances and furnishings, but the beauty of this home comes from the surrounding countryside where the home is designed to blend with everything that is natural.
View of the rear gardens – the Chocolate Box appeal.
If you have never gazed upon an English garden then this is a prime example. Not all English gardens are formal or stately, most are just quaint, with rustic lawns, brick or cobbled paths and the odd water feature, such as the fountain shown above. Note the staircase leading to the upper door – this is warmly known as a Granny Annex and traditionally it is where our parents would be housed – still within the family home but apart to allow them and the other members of the family complete privacy.
Typical country style living room, complete with floral sofa and a roaring fireplace.
The photograph above really does depict the typical modern English Country Style of interior design. The use of floral furnishing, natural earthen colors and a roaring fireplace set the tone for the room. See how the windows are set deeply in the thick brick walls and how oak beams are used as door and window load-bearing support – these all add to the character of a truly traditional English Cotswold Manor.
Open Plan Dinning and Kitchen Area remains warm and cozy with the use of natural colors and deep dark mahogany furniture.
Rear view of the open plan dinning and kitchen area where modern appliances meet traditional furnishings.
White traditional kitchen cabinetry mixed with oak cabinetry blends the old with the new.
The open plan kitchen and dinning area really do enforce the country style of living. Certainly there is a mixture of old and new, but the new and modern elements are restricted to the kitchen appliances while everything else, the porcelain kitchen sink, the white and oak cabinetry and even the mahogany dining furniture is all kept in the typical English Country Cottage style which is what gives this home so much character.
Master Bedroom with views across the lake.
A purely modern bathroom in a period home.
I hope you have enjoyed the journey and while this Traditional English Cotswold Manor may happen to be in New Zealand it is still a stunning home that exudes a restful English cottage atmosphere and style of living from a bygone age.
