In 1906 well-meaning Edwardians erected Quenington Village Institute for the ‘betterment of the village’.
The building started life as a reading room, and in time became the village hall, and the venue for everything from parish meetings to dances and movie screenings.
But when villagers recently voted to move their village hall to a former chapel, the Institute was offered a new lease of life – as a residential property.
And now, in the same month that villagers are celebrating the opening of their new village hall, estate agents Moore Allen & Innocent are offering the Institute for sale, with a guide price of £475,000.
The 107-year-old building, of Cotswold stone and traditional timber construction, has been given a stunning interior makeover, without losing any of its exterior charm.
The 695 sq ft hall has been converted into a bright and contemporary open plan living area. Trestle tables, fluorescent lighting and night storage heaters have given way to the latest in energy efficient heating and directional lighting, while the room is dominated by a modern Ild woodburning stove.
New windows have been created to flood the room with natural light, and a false ceiling removed to reveal the original oak beams.
New oak floorboards have been laid, and the oak theme is reflected throughout the house: from the doors and kitchen work surfaces to the staircase that leads to a mezzanine floor.
Contemporary meets classic in the kitchen, which boasts top-of-the-range Magnet units below those bespoke oak worktops, a Rangemaster cooker, and Bosch dishwasher.
Behind the main living area are two double bedrooms – one en suite with a bath – and a family bathroom with bath and walk-in shower.
On the mezzanine floor a third bedroom, or office, has been created, while a utility room with washing machine and dryer is located off the main accommodation.
The property is fronted by an easily maintained courtyard garden, and is bounded by Cotswold stone walls.
While situated in the heart of the popular village – with its busy and friendly pub, The Keeper’s Arms, recommended by The Good Beer Guide every year since 2011 – there is a pleasant rural outlook from the bedrooms.
For families, the property is a short drive from Hatherop Church of England Primary School and the independent Hatherop Castle Preparatory School.
Farmor’s Secondary School and Sixth Form – both rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted – and the market town facilities of Fairford are two miles south, while Cirencester is nine miles away.
Meanwhile, the purchasers are assured a warm welcome from their neighbours at the new Village Hall.
For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Moore Allen & Innocent on 01285 648100 or log on to www.mooreallen.co.uk