Rodmarton

The focal point is Rodmarton Manor, constructed in the early twentieth century for the Biddulph family. Designed by Ernest Barnsley, the house was built almost entirely from locally sourced materials, with every detail crafted by hand using local labour. After Barnsley's death in 1925, his brother Sidney and architect Norman Jewson continued the work, staying faithful to the original vision.

The house's distinctive three-winged design arranges around a central circular courtyard, creating a composition that feels integrated into the landscape rather than separate from it. Throughout the building, you can see the careful craftsmanship that defined the Arts and Crafts movement, with honest use of materials and skilled labour evident in every room.

Rodmarton Manor opens to visitors seasonally, giving you a real sense of early twentieth-century country life and design thinking that remains relevant today. The village itself has remained largely undeveloped, which means the estate sits within its original setting, preserved and peaceful. Since Rodmarton is close to Cirencester, you can easily combine a visit here with exploring that town's excellent shops, restaurants, and Roman museum. For anyone interested in design history or architecture, this makes a worthwhile stop.