bolton farm, offenham, worcestershire

Bolton FarmStation Road | Offenham | Worcestershire | WR11 8LW

Bolton Farm Update Option 2.indd 1 22/06/2015 16:48

Bolton FarmBolton Farm in Offenham is a Georgian property dating back at least to 1780, with some evidence of earlier buildings on the same site. Complete with approximately 10 acres including a lake, it has seen a great deal of historic change over its three century span but the famous 1840 Tithe Map clearly shows the property with more or less the same boundaries as today (minus barns), described as a small-holding. It was first owned by the Lords of the Manor of Bretforton (the Ashwin family) and then by a Philip Rock of Aldington, inhabited for most of the time by tenant farmers, notably by William Bolton and his family after whom the property was named. Remarkably few families have actually lived here – after the Boltons, principally the Tredwells, the Beans (one being a former Mastermind champion and local historian), the Cooks and then the current owners, and most of those were growers – at one time there were over one hundred and thirty growers in the local area.

Originally with four principal rooms the farmhouse was extended and improved in the 19th Century, creating typically high Victorian ceilings by converting half-height storage rooms into additional bedrooms. Around the same time, sash windows were installed to most of the rooms in the gable ends, the courtyard was enclosed and an additional bedroom constructed above, but bathrooms did not feature until the early twentieth century. Other outbuildings around the property came and went over time, including a barn erected in World War Two by prisoners of war. In the early 80’s the lake was created by the previous owners who subsequently added an extension to the side of the farmhouse and then sold off the barns. The current owners have lived in Bolton Farm for sixteen years, continuing to carry out refurbishment whilst respecting the age of property and using reclaimed materials as far as possible, intent upon making the property work better for them as a family home. They recreated the internal courtyard style, discovering an original well in the process as well as a time capsule dated 1905 (which, rather disappointingly, only gave details of prices of vegetables and other housekeeping matters). Inspired, they have left another time capsule that hopefully contains some things of more general interest for a future generation to discover. They have nothing but fond memories to take away with them: “Our main delight has been the wonderful view over the lake that changes through the seasons. We have so enjoyed rowing on it and picnicking alongside it, keeping ducks, watching swans come and go, spying an occasional otter and a wide array of wildlife such as foxes, hares, roe and muntjac deer, herons and green-woodpeckers and, on the domestic side, ducks, sheep and horses – you name it! The lake is self-managing, being spring-fed and discharging into the brook beyond, whilst the land is mostly and usefully very level for grazing or cultivation. The soil is particularly good, with a partial irrigation system. It’s been a great adventure playground for children but the previous owner used one field as a golf course in his retirement and the acreage could just as easily be managed as a wildflower meadow or cut for bedding hay, or used for various hobby-interests and more commercial applications including livery of some kind, husbandry of rare breeds, niche crops and so on – one can make it as much or as little work as you want it to be.

“Above all, the farmhouse has been a wonderful and flexible family home, brimming with character and interest, placed in a unique setting, providing ample space for our extended family and many visitors. The most we had at once was twelve, all in proper beds and not falling over each other! Other than being superbly suited to a large family and for entertaining, it’s also a fantastic place to work from home and it is so easy to get to many places of interest or work.’

“We shall be very reluctant to leave. Our time here has been our own little slice of the Good Life, growing and enjoying wonderful fruit and vegetables, living simply in harmony with the changing seasons, overlooking the frozen lake and white grounds of the winter months to the lush greens and dappled light of high summer, and we could not have loved it more. To our successors we say – just enjoy!”*

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.


The PropertyAn exquisite Georgian farmhouse, Bolton Farm offers a unique opportunity to purchase a substantial family home, which exudes an abundance of character and is steeped in local history. Dating back to 1780 the property has seen significant change over the years and the current vendors have continued to refurbish the property, using reclaimed materials wherever possible to reflect its long history, whilst aiming to create a home which works equally well for modern day living. Bolton Farm enjoys a plot of approximately 10 acres of land which includes a large spring fed lake, stable and further outbuildings, and viewing is unhesitatingly recommended at your earliest convenience.

Accommodation and LandEntrance hall, sitting room, dining hall, kitchen, study/further reception room, utility room, cloakroom/shower room, cellar, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, three further double bedrooms and one single bedroom, family bathroom, gallery landing/sitting area, WC, integral double garage with storage area, outhouse/boiler house, large storage barn (which could accommodate further vehicles if required), stable and gardens including a courtyard, terrace and lawns extending to about 1.5 acres, paddock, lake and field, and large front field of approximately 5 acres.

OffenhamOffenham is a large rural village located approximately 3 miles to the North East of Evesham. The village enjoys excellent amenities including two public houses, general stores, post office, primary school, parish church and a small hotel. The village also houses one of the few wooden maypoles within England, around which annual celebrations are held. Only a short distance from Broadway and the beautiful North Cotswolds, the larger centres such as Cheltenham, Worcester and Starford upon Avon can be all be reached within a 30-40 minute drive whilst Birmingham, Solihull and Oxford are all within approximately an hour’s reach. Equally, there’s a direct train service from Evesham to London Paddington or via the main station at Worcester to other destinations, including Malvern and Hereford.

DirectionsFrom Moreton in Marsh proceed towards Evesham on A44. Proceed past Broadway and through Wickhamford. At the roundabout take the third exit and then turn left at the following roundabout before taking the next right hand turning signposted to Offenham. At the crossroads in the village turn right and take the next right hand driveway to Bolton Farm (identified by our for sale board).


Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and quoted in metric with imperial equivalents and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed

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Fine & Country Moreton in Marsh 17 High Street, Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire GL56 0AF

Tel 01608 651000


bolton farm, offenham, worcestershire

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