The Travellers Rest sounds like it might once have been a place where coaches or riders might have tarried for the night on their journey through Warwickshire.

However, the 16th century cottage on the Stratford Road in the village of Wootton Wawen was originally only a one-up, one-down, with a large open fire on the ground floor, so it was not quite large enough to act as a coaching inn.

Nonetheless, its occupants did used to offer food or shelter to people and water for their horses as they passed through on their way from Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon.

And this old black and white photograph seems to indicate that in the early/mid part of last century passers-by could still drop in for a “plain tea” or a glass of mineral water.

Built in 1588 overlooking the Saxon church, Travellers Rest is the oldest and only remaining thatched cottage in the village.

An unthatched half reveals it has been added to during its long lifetime, although this wing too was built of brick and timber.

With so much history under its belt (and under its thatch) it is no wonder that the Travellers Rest is Grade II listed.

The current owners were drawn to its chocolate box charm, which made a dramatic change from their previous new-build property.

Inside the cottage period features such as exposed beams and flagstone floors blend effortlessly with extended rooms to create a comfortable family home.

It has a spacious formal lounge with feature fireplace, an ideal room for entertaining.

There is also a cosy sitting room in the thatched part of the cottage. With a fireplace that has space for a log burning stove, it is an ideal retreat in winter.

There is also a snug which could be put to a number of uses – a quiet place to relax with a good book or in front of the TV, a playroom for the children or perhaps a study for the home worker.

At the heart of the property lies a farmhouse kitchen. It has limestone floors, solid oak work tops, Belfast sink, granite topped central island, an AGA stove cooker and exposed beams.

The room is L-shaped and continues round into a vaulted dining area with glazed door out to the terrace and gardens beyond.

There is also a cloakroom accessed from an inner hall with stairs to the first floor. Again, this is a versatile area which could have a number of uses – as a formal dining hall, reading area or office.

Upstairs there is a large landing, again offering a good amount of usable space.

It leads to four bedrooms that range in size from large single/small doubles to suite-sized rooms.

The master bedroom has an en suite bathroom. There is also a shower room and a cloakroom with toilet and basin. Bedroom two has a basin in the room.

Outside in the garden there is plenty of room for children to run around and work off some energy.

The plot covers around half an acre and include large expanses of lawn, a beech hedge with orchard beyond, formal gardens and wooded recreational spaces.

Wootton Wawen is well equipped with a village shop, a gastro pub, primary school and post office.

* There is an open day being held at Travellers Rest on Saturday, July 25, from 10am to noon.

VIEWING INFORMATION

AGENT: Fine and Country

TEL: 0121 746 6400

WEB: www.fineandcountry.com

GUIDE PRICE: £610,000 (offers over)