The Old Court House In Castle Combe
The Old Court House is one of the oldest houses in Castle Combe, Wiltshire.
The property was built in 1490 and it retains its wealth of character, including Henry VIII's original coat of arms painted above the fireplace.
Rumour has it that Henry VIII, famously known for his six marriages, visited the village and this was painted in his honour.
King Henry and Anne Boleyn allegedly stayed in the nearby Manor House, which dates back to the 14th century.
Once a beautiful home, this 15th century gem has been turned into a luxury self-catering property, available for guests to book online.
As well as the quirky indoor features, there is also a relaxing hot tub on the patio behind the house.
In the winter months, the wood burning stove, located in the sitting room, throws out a huge amount of heat.
The house includes two king sized beds, two loft beds, one queen bed and a baby crib.
The historic structure is also Grade 2 listed - meaning it’s defined as a structure that is "of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve it".
Someone who recently visited said: “The Old Court House was very well maintained, clean and as advertised!
”Such a rich history we found fascinating. The location was central to all thing Castle Combe (albeit a very small village).
”The locals are warm and sell ice cream and cakes right out of their homes! PS. Castle Inn dining was exceptional.”
Another person, who visited in 2023, said: “There truly is nothing not to like about this cottage and location. Absolutely beautiful place.”
We had a look on Booking.com earlier, and it is available to book during the next few months, at a reasonable price.
It’s worth noting that free parking is available too.
The accommodation is situated in the heart of the village, often called 'the prettiest village in England'.
Surrounded by Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Castle Combe features beautiful honey-coloured houses made from Cotswold stone, typical for a village of this area.
One of the most fascinating things about Castle Combe is that it strictly bans any modern attachments to the exterior of its houses, including TV dishes.
So when you visit, it's like stepping back in time.
Its history dates back to the Roman era, and evidence of its ancient origins can be seen in the cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings.
The Market Cross, an ancient stone structure at the village centre, has been a gathering point for centuries and is a great place to start your exploration.
This iconic structure, dating back to the 14th century, stands as a reminder of Castle Combe’s bustling market days.
Stroll along the village to the bridge and you’ll not only enjoy the views but may be able to purchase homemade cakes, sweets or bunches of flowers from outside the locals’ houses.
Stop at the bottom of the village by the bridge and enjoy a great photographic moment too!
On the edge of the village is the Castle Combe Circuit, where drivers have the opportunity to test out different vehicles, drive your own car or motorbike around the circuit or tackle the Rally course.
There are also a host of events throughout the year at the circuit including race days for both cars and motorbikes.
The village has also played host to many filming productions, the most famous of these being Doctor Dolittle filmed in and around the village in 1966.
More recently, it had a major role in Stardust, The Wolf Man and War Horse. In 2016, Castle Combe starred in Doctor Thorne!
If you’d like to visit the Old Court House, the address is: Market Pl, Castle Combe, Chippenham SN14 7HT.
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