This pretty Grade II-listed cottage is perched on the high street of Tilshead, a charming hamlet in Wiltshire. Defined by the warmth of its brick façade and thatched roof, it is archetypal of the local vernacular. A loving renovation has gently contemporised the cottage's aesthetic, while retaining charming touches such as exposed beams and tongue and groove panelling. Currently, this three-bedroom house unfolds over 1,317 sq ft, and there is planning permission to extend, adding two further bedrooms. The bustling towns of Salisbury and Devizes are only a short drive and Bath is under an hour away.

Setting the Scene

Sunnyside is one of a handful of thatched roof houses along the High Street, likely dating back to the 17th-18th century. The house was re-thatched in September 2022. The name Tilshead is derived from 'Theodwulf's Hide' as it was known in the 11th century. It adopted Tilshead in the 16th century. In 1086, at the time of the Domesday Book, Tilshead was a borough and great royal estate with two manor houses to the north and the south. The borough may have been designed as a collection centre for wool, due to an increase in sheep farming during the Saxon years. The estate was once much larger than it is today, though by how much is unclear. Its lands have been slowly absorbed by neighbouring estates over the years. The North Manor was added to Dole Hundred in the 12th century and South Manor was added to Whorwellsdown Hundred by the 13th century. For more information, please see the History section below.

The Grand Tour

A thatch-covered entranceway opens into a bright and commodious sitting room. Wooden floors chime with lime-plastered walls and characterful beams in the ceiling. The current owner has installed new shutters across the large windows, which bathe the room in light. A wood-burning stove is found in an inglenook with its original wooden lintel, while newer checkerboard tiles now line its hearth. A pair of French doors lead to the garden.

The kitchen is also home to the same distinctive beams. Here, cabinetry has been painted green, complimenting the walls which have been painted in 'Setting Plaster' by Farrow & Ball. The room is connected with the garden through a stable door. There is a guest WC on this floor, lined with attractive tongue and groove panelling.

On the first floor there are three generous double bedrooms, all benefitting from built-in wardrobes. The bedrooms are serviced by a family bathroom, with a sweet yellow-painted window.

The Great Outdoors

The gardens have been beautifully landscaped and meticulously cared for, and enjoy an excellent degree of privacy. There is a raised terrace to the rear, which is positioned for afternoon and evening sun and ideal for alfresco dining and entertaining. A pathway leads from the house to a summer house/home office, which has power and light.

The garden also contains the office and garage, which have planning permission to be converted and connected to the house to provide two additional bedrooms, as well as a useful boot room. There is parking at the front of the house and in the garden, which is accessed via double gates from the road.

Out and About

Sunnyside Cottage is situated in the sought-after village of Tilshead; it has a variety of amenities including a petrol station with convenience store, local pub the Rose & Crown, Italian restaurant, and a thriving village school and church.

A short drive from the house is the market town of Devizes and the cathedral city of Salisbury, which has regionally-recognised retail, cultural and educational establishments, as well as a range of popular restaurants and bars and a twice-weekly farmers' market. Shrewton, which is about 3 miles away, also has a popular monthly farmers' market.

Shaftesbury and the large village of Tisbury are both easily reached by car, playing host to regular charter and farmers’ markets, book and vintage fairs, an annual food festival, and the occasional French market. The popular Beckford Arms and art centre Messums are both about 25 minutes away by car.

Bruton is also under an hour by car; its excellent dining options include the Michelin-starred Osip, The Old Pharmacy, At the Chapel, The Newt and Roth Bar and Grill at the must-visit Hauser and Wirth gallery. Home chefs will be delighted by the fresh ingredients at Durslade Farm Shop. In the nearby village of Batcombe, Margot Henderson’s recently opened The Three Horseshoes adds to the excellent dining options in the area.

Tilshead lies at the heart of Salisbury Plain, a chalk plateau covering 300 square miles of downlands. The plain is world famous for its rich archaeology, namely Stonehenge. Since large areas have been designated for military training, the sparsely populated plain has become north-west Europe’s largest area of calcareous grasslands. With the remaining areas of coniferous woodland, the region is teeming with wildlife, supporting 13 species of nationally endangered plants, and 67 species of rare invertebrates. It is officially recognised as a site of international importance for birds. There are two nature reserves with stunning footpaths winding through them from which to observe the outstanding beauty.

There are a range of well-regarded schools in the area. The Lavington School in the market town of Devizes is less than a 10-minute drive from Tilshead, as well as the independent Dauntsey's Schools, about five minutes away in West Lavington.

Salisbury is brilliantly connected, with direct trains from its station to London Waterloo in less than an hour-and-a-half.

Council Tax Band: E