Sandy Lane, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15

Originally an old worker's cottage set on the Bowood Estate, this charming two-bedroom thatched Grade II listed home is nestled within well-developed gardens and comes with a double garage and an annexe. Positioned alongside similar standout properties, it sits within a conservation area and enjoys far-reaching views and abundant wildlife. ‘Sandy Lane is well known for its lovely position and attractive homes, so we always dreamed of living here,’ say the current owners. They add, ‘the property benefits from direct access to Bowood, a stunning Capability Brown landscape with miles of unspoilt rural walks.’ Tranquil setting aside, the proximity of the area to excellent amenities, including the M4 motorway, Bath, and Chippenham, makes this home as convenient as it is idyllic. Improved over the past few years, including the conversion of an old garage into a self-contained separate annexe currently used to accommodate guests and as an art studio, the property is in good overall order. ‘We have also spent time improving the garden, initially employing a garden designer to define the space and then slowly implementing the changes over the past couple of years.’ A stand-out of this character home, the garden now has several distinct areas including a sunken garden with cottage-style planting, a veg plot with a poly tunnel, a wildflower meadow and wildlife pond, and a woodland walk. ‘Each area of the garden is designed to be enjoyed at certain times of the day and year. For example, the sunken garden makes a great early morning sun trap while the flowers are designed to be head height for enjoying the smells and colours.’ ‘The whole back of the property looks out onto the Bowood Estate and further out to the Marlborough Downs, so the views are stunning.’ ‘The local wildlife is incredible, with regular sightings of birds of prey, deer and pheasants – we even feed a family of woodpeckers each day.’ ‘The thatcher we use has worked on our cottage his whole life and knew all of the owners going back fifty years, so he had been able to give us lots of historical detail around the property.’ ‘The “snug,” with its cosy log burner, is the perfect place to sit, read and warm you toes.’ ‘Being able to walk into Bowood is a huge plus, particularly for those with dogs. The local pub, a short walk away, serves good food.’ Additional Information: Postcode: SN15 2PZ Local Authority: Wiltshire. Conservation area Council Tax Band: F Services: Mains water, gas and electricity. Private drainage Tenure: Freehold Listed: Grade II EPC: D Broadband: Please see - checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/broadband-coverage Mobile Phone Coverage: Please see - checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/mobile-coverage Stamp Duty Payable: Please see - gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax/residential-property-rates