The Malt House is situated in the picturesque village of Bisley, which lies to the northwest of Cirencester, amidst some of the Cotswolds most attractive and unspoilt countryside. Bisley is a particularly classic village characterised by pretty period cottages and houses, with a post office, shop, and a church.
Cirencester, which is deservedly known as ‘The capital of the Cotswolds’ and approximately 10 miles away, is a historic Roman town which became an important centre for the wool trade in medieval times. Today it is a thriving market town. Shopping in Cirencester is highly regarded, and off the main streets there are many interesting back lanes with specialist shops, particularly Black Jack Street. Cheltenham is the main regional centre. The town is noted for its shops as well as the Literary Festival and other cultural activities and amenities and of course National Hunt racing at Cheltenham Racecourse.
In Stroud, you will find an wide-ranging mix of cafes and shops and one of the best Farmers’ Markets in the country. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Five Valleys, the town is nestled in a backdrop of dramatic Cotswold countryside. Most of the shops are owned by independent proprietors where you will find something for everyone from fresh bread and cakes to specialist wines, fine quality meats and cheese.
Stroud thrived on its woollen mills in the Industrial Revolution but is now the centre for the creative industries with writers and artists and the host of numerous festivals throughout the year.
Gloucestershire is renowned for its excellent selection of schools. Local private schools include Cheltenham College, Cheltenham Ladies College, Beaudesert Park, Kings School, Wycliffe College, Rendcomb, and Westonbirt. Additionally, there are a number of local state schools including three highly regarded Grammar Schools, Stroud High and Marling School in Stroud, and Pate’s Grammar School in Cheltenham.
Communication links are excellent: there is a fast and regular Great Western Train service from Kemble to London Paddington which takes approximately 75 minutes with stops at Swindon, Didcot and Reading. Additionally there is a service from Swindon to London Paddington which takes approximately 55 minutes with stops at Didcot and Reading. Road communications via the A417/419 dual carriageway offer good access to Junction 15 (M4) at Swindon and Junction 11a (M5) at Gloucester, making the main centres of Bath, Bristol, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Oxford and Birmingham within easy daily commuting distance. Heathrow, Bristol, Birmingham, Gloucester airports are all within easy reach.
Sporting opportunities are abundant in the area with nearby golf courses in Cirencester, Cheltenham and Minchinhampton, sailing and water sports at the Cotswold Water Park, hunting with the VWH and Cotswold Hunt, and Polo in Cirencester Park.
