A magnificent century-old Arts and Crafts home nestled in England's picturesque Cotswolds is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year while seeking new owners. Kingcombe, built in 1925 for legendary furniture designer Gordon Russell, has been listed for sale at £5.5 million (approximately $7.4 million). The Grade II-listed property combines the atmosphere of a private museum showcasing early 20th-century design with all the warmth and comfort expected from a luxury family residence.
The historic estate sits in the town of Chipping Campden, which became a hub for the Arts and Crafts movement in the early 1900s. This transformation began when architect Charles Robert Ashbee left London for the countryside, attracting a creative community of artists, designers, and writers who established workshops, studios, and even founded the Campden Trust to preserve the local landscape. Russell, who had already gained recognition for championing traditional craftsmanship over machine-manufactured furniture, found his ideal canvas in Kingcombe.
The property showcases exceptional architectural heritage through its collaboration with renowned designers. Russell commissioned architect Leslie Mansfield to design the residence, with additional touches later added by J.C. Shepherd. The result is a striking Cotswold-style home featuring local limestone construction, stone-mullioned windows, sweeping rooflines, and a garden facade punctuated by two classic gables. The architectural vision extends beyond the house itself, as Russell enlisted celebrated landscape architects Geoffrey Jellicoe and Russell Page to create gardens that would complement his architectural masterpiece.
The meticulously designed gardens represent outdoor rooms connected by winding pathways, featuring carefully framed vistas and playful water features spread across more than 11 acres. According to Savills agent David Henderson, who is co-listing the property with Jackson Stops, "This is a truly exceptional Arts and Crafts country house with very special gardens. The view across the countryside towards Chipping Campden is spectacular." The grounds include terraces offering sweeping views of the English countryside, a tennis court, a wild swimming pool, and a whimsical folly tower that adds storybook charm to the landscape.
The interior of Kingcombe spans over 8,000 square feet of sun-filled space distributed across three floors. The layout includes a galleried reception hall, five reception rooms, a kitchen and breakfast room, and eight bedrooms. Original features throughout the home pay homage to Russell's meticulous attention to detail, including oak paneling, bespoke cabinetry, and subtle marquetry work. Recent renovations have successfully integrated modern conveniences while preserving the property's historic character and charm.
The elevated position of the estate provides exceptional views stretching across the countryside toward Chipping Campden and Brailes Hill, offering a rare sense of openness even by Cotswolds standards. Additional structures on the property include a triple garage with a self-contained apartment, a studio and gym facility, and a second apartment suitable for guests or staff accommodation. For potential buyers interested in acquiring this living piece of design history, Kingcombe represents both architectural significance and practical luxury living in one of England's most desirable regions.
