Latimer Manor is a magnificent, Grade II*, 16th and early 17th Century house. Described in Marcus Binney’s book “In Search of The Perfect House” as “A perfect small Cotswold manor”. It boasts random stone elevations, dressed stone chimneys and leaded light mullion windows all under a clay tile and Cotswold stone roof. A gabled porch to the front of the property is flanked by a flagstone terrace and the front elevation features a climbing Wisteria.
The approach over cobbled meandering tree-lined drive with an old cart pond to the right, opens in to a wide, gravelled parking and turning yard. There are formal gardens with holly bush topiary and lawn enclosed by beech hedges and Cotswold stone walls
It is believed that Latimer Manor was the home of Bishop Hugh Latimer, in charge of the parish of West Kington at the time of Henry VIII. He became famous for helping the King divorce his first wife and marry Anne Boleyn. Another historical point worth noting is that to either side of the stone mullion window of the dining room, are a red and white rose. Their unity could symbolise the end of the War of The Roses that Henry VII was responsible for.
Trademark interior features include high ceilings, striking carved stone chimney pieces with high mantles, built in wooden seating and stone flooring. The property has been well modernised over the years and the bathrooms, throughout the house, are of particular note. Further details of the accommodation are as follows: Wise, studded, wooden door of 16th Century origin leads to a spacious reception hall/dining room featuring a chamfered beamed ceiling and dressed stone fire surround. The south facing drawing room to the left, offers impressively high beamed ceiling with polished oak floor. This leads to the sitting room, again with the trademark features of wooden window seating and a fine carved stone chimney piece. There is also a study with a view over the pedestrian approach to the property. The kitchen and breakfast room with a broad oak door leading to the outside courtyard, has a limestone floor and traditional, hand built, wooden kitchen units with concealed appliances. There is a two cover AGA and granite work surfaces. The ample utility room provides access to a boot room and cloakroom with WC and also incorporates the back staircase.
Bedrooms are well proportioned and the majority contain stone surround fireplaces. The principal bedroom suite has hand built, panelled wardrobes a superb en suite bathroom featuring a central roll-top bath, fireplace and stand alone power shower. One wall bears the date 1617. There is a vanity unit with double sink and marble surround.
A major benefit to the property is the scale of the outbuildings – there are six in total – which are positioned around the front section of the house and beyond. The 17th Century main barn, which incorporates some stabling and a workshop, is built of random stone elevations under a stone tile roof. There are numerous further barns, some of which were former cart sheds and cow byres. All are constructed of similar materials and are in keeping with the main house. A log and garden store is situated nearby. The rest of the land surrounding the various outbuildings is arranged as a series of paddocks, divided by post and the rail fencing and with mains water fed troughs.
The main lawned garden is enclosed within well-kept beech hedges and a Cotswold stone wall. Features include a lined walkway and climbing roses. There is also a charming stone terrace near the front of the house that is ideal for tables and chairs in the summer months. Beyond the main barn and not visible from the house are barns with planning permission and listed building consent to create a separate single dwelling which faces away from the main house and outbuildings.