I have lately been researching houses across different parts of the country, including hunting lodges in Leicestershire, 16th century cottages in Cornwall (see last post) and most recently a Victorian rectory and a Georgian town house in Wiltshire.
The Old Rectory
I admit that Wiltshire is one of my favourite parts of Great Britain, although whenever I go somewhere new I decide that is my favourite, so this is liable to change with every new trip. However, visiting the archives in Chippenham allows me to drive through beautiful villages such as Pickwick and Box, as well as past one of my favourite views.
However, along with spectactular views and picturesque villages, the two recent houses have been quite challenging to research in their own individual ways. Firstly, the rectory, while only constructed in the 19th century was a bit tricky because conflicting information about when it was built caused a bit of a hurdle. However, after a visit to the RIBA Library in London I managed to track down the architect, who designed the house in the early 1840s, and was a Fellow of the Society of Antiquities, exhibiting at the Royal Society many times between 1831 and 1849.
The second house has had a very different life, built as a large town house for a wealthy family in the early 1700s, changing many times to become a bank and offices.
The house, situated in the heart of a beautiful Wiltshire village has managed to retain many period features, including a protected staircase.
The house would in fact be ideal for a fabulous restoration to bring it back to life as a large family home.
Researching the house was also a bit of challenge, with many changes over the years, but with the help of the current owner, it has been established by trawling through deeds and a number of wills that the house was owned by the Perry family in the mid 18th century, and it is possible from its construction in around 1720.
Will of owner in early 1800s
Not only does this house offer the opportunity for a beautiful restoration, but it has the most spectactular views from the roof (a dream roof terrace).
I will be posting more on the houses of Wiltshire in the coming weeks, but thought I would post a ‘taster’ of what’s to come.
For more details about homes for sale in Wiltshire visit our website – www.chestertonhumberts.com
