Elcombe, Slad, Stroud, GL6

A beautifully renovated, detached Cotswold stone cottage situated in a truly charming hamlet in the Slad Valley. Nestled beneath the picturesque Laurie Lee Wood. Woodside cottage offers some of the most stunning views across the valley. Having been lovingly renovated by the current vendors they have retained many of its original features, including exposed beams, an original stone staircase, an inglenook fireplace complete with a bread oven and exposed stonework. Enter through the porch offering ample storage space. A door from the porch leads into the cosy sitting room, featuring front aspect views, wood panelling and a beautiful fireplace with an enclosed wood burner. The noteworthy kitchen/dining room, located just off the sitting room, offers a range of base and wall units with solid oak worktops, a Belfast sink, built-in appliances and underfloor heating throughout. A stable door in the dining area provides direct access to the front of the property. Particular emphasis should be placed on the stunning main bedroom, with its vaulted ceiling, exposed beams and wooden French doors leading to the rear garden. This room also includes an en-suite walk-in shower room with underfloor heating. Stone stairs from the sitting room lead up to the first floor, which presents a home office space and access to the second bedroom. This generously sized double bedroom has a well-positioned window overlooking the front aspect. A modern bathroom is also located on this level.

The current owners have crafted a stunningly landscaped garden. At the front of the property, the village green is complemented by a charming spring with a stepping stone pathway leading to the house as well as a bench that offers a picturesque view down the valley. The front also features a garage. The rear garden is thoughtfully designed, with a lower seating area adjacent to the house and a resin pathway that connects different sections of the garden. The central part of the garden is laid to lawn, surrounded by privacy-enhancing fencing and well-planted borders. At the top of the garden, an elevated patio provides breath-taking views and an ideal spot for alfresco dining.

Elcombe is a charming hamlet tucked beneath woodlands, offering picturesque views across the Slad Valley, just north of Stroud. Slad itself is well-known as the home and final resting place of author Laurie Lee, who based his famous book Cider With Rosie on his childhood in the village. The heart of village life revolves around the Parish Church and the Woolpack pub, while nearby towns like Painswick and Stroud provide a variety of shopping, recreational, and educational options. The Elliot (Swifts Hill) Nature Reserve boasts clear-day views extending to Wales and is interwoven with footpaths, making it a haven for rare orchids and adders. Located about 2 miles from Stroud, Slad is conveniently positioned with Gloucester, Cheltenham, and Cirencester just 7, 11, and 14 miles away, respectively. These surrounding towns offer a wide array of social, recreational, and retail amenities to cater to diverse interests. The area also boasts strong educational options, both in the private and state sectors. From Stroud station, direct trains to London take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Additional information
The cottage has a direct link with the book 'Cider with Rosie' by Laurie Lee, being the home of the school teacher referred to in the text Miss Flynn. Miss Flynn was described as 'pale as a thistledown, a flock-haired pre-Raphaelite stunner, she had a small wind-harp which played tunes to itself by swinging in the boughs of her apple trees'

Services
The property is freehold. Oil central heating, mains electricity, water and a shared septic tank. The council tax band is D. We have checked the service and reception levels available locally through the OFCOM network checker and the broadband services available include standard & ultrafast broadband, and you are likely to have service from the main service providers (EE, Three, O2 and Vodafone)