Charming 16th century home that once featured on a Cadbury’s Milk Tray box goes on sale for £495,000

A charming thatched cottage which featured on a Cadbury’s chocolate box is on the market for £495,000.     

The 16th century three-bedroom cottage named Thatchways is in the village of Harvington, Worcestershire, and appeared on a 1978 Milk Tray box. 

Owners Andrew and Ruth Clements have owned the quaint cottage for the last 16 years, which is being sold by estate agent Knight Frank. 

The 16th century three-bedroom thatched cottage named Thatchways is in the picturesque village of Harvington, Worcestershire 

The quaint cottage features an added conservatory with trailing plants on the black and white exterior to compliment the thatched roof

The quaint cottage features an added conservatory with trailing plants on the black and white exterior to compliment the thatched roof 

The classic Cadbury Milk Tray launched in 1915 and the Thatchways cottage featured on its 1978 box (top)

The classic Cadbury Milk Tray launched in 1915 and the Thatchways cottage featured on its 1978 box (top) 

Mrs Clements, 51, said: ‘We have lived in the home since 2003 and we’ve loved it. Parts of it date from the 16th century, while a section was added in the early 20th century. 

‘It has incredible charm and character with the low ceilings, wooden beams and flagstone floors.

‘We were told at the pub one New Year’s Eve by a local that it had featured on the Cadbury’s box.

‘We didn’t believe it at first but when we contacted the Cadbury archive they confirmed it.’ 

The ground floor has three reception rooms, a kitchen and a conservatory, as well as a large bedroom.

Upstairs, there are two more en-suite bedrooms which are accessed from their own separate staircases. 

The gardens are split into two areas, with a paved courtyard garden and a second, secret garden by the driveway, which is hidden among the trees. 

There is an ornamental pond with a stream and waterfall, with a summerhouse that is used as an office. 

Jamie Youngman, senior negotiator at Knight Frank Stratford, said: ‘This attractive thatched cottage is situated in the pretty and thriving village of Harvington.

‘The property has been extended over the years and now forms a beautiful three bedroom home which blends the property’s wealth of original character with layout that is ideal for modern day living. 

The low stone wall surrounds the property which is not only a charming period property but also acts as a practical family home

The low stone wall surrounds the property which is not only a charming period property but also acts as a practical family home 

A cosy snug room with low-beamed ceilings and wood burner which leads onto the upstairs rooms. The owners moved into the property in 2003

A cosy snug room with low-beamed ceilings and wood burner which leads onto the upstairs rooms. The owners moved into the property in 2003 

The conservatory features trailing vines and a large dining table which is perfect for summer dining. The french doors open onto the hidden courtyard

The conservatory features trailing vines and a large dining table which is perfect for summer dining. The french doors open onto the hidden courtyard 

One of the hallway entrances to the property has a stable doorway and oak-panelled seating with plenty of room to store muddy wellies

One of the hallway entrances to the property has a stable doorway and oak-panelled seating with plenty of room to store muddy wellies 

One of the en-suite bedrooms in the cosy cottage where the owners have lived for the past 16 years and describe it as having 'incredible charm'

One of the en-suite bedrooms in the cosy cottage where the owners have lived for the past 16 years and describe it as having ‘incredible charm’ 

One of the three bedrooms in the property features light and airy tones to compliment the country cottage windows. The beams have been painted white to match the decor of the room

One of the three bedrooms in the property features light and airy tones to compliment the country cottage windows. The beams have been painted white to match the decor of the room 

The charming Strawberry Fields Lilliput Lane model was believed to have been inspired by the 16th Thatchways cottage

The charming Strawberry Fields Lilliput Lane model was believed to have been inspired by the 16th Thatchways cottage 

A patio with garden table for entertaining which leads onto a secret garden hidden by trees which features a waterfall and ornamental pond

A patio with garden table for entertaining which leads onto a secret garden hidden by trees which features a waterfall and ornamental pond 

The beautiful country kitchen features a cream AGA, oak-panelled cabinets and a wine rack which opens onto the conservatory

The beautiful country kitchen features a cream AGA, oak-panelled cabinets and a wine rack which opens onto the conservatory 

The long kitchen has an abundance of cupboard space and neutral features. The stone flooring and country cottage details add to the charm of the property

The long kitchen has an abundance of cupboard space and neutral features. The stone flooring and country cottage details add to the charm of the property 

‘The Cadbury connection, with it appearing on the chocolate box, certainly adds a romantic element to the property, as well as the fact it was one of the Lilliput Lane cottages.

‘But this would not just be a romantic buy, as it has been designed and renovated in a way which makes it a practical family home, something which is not always the case with thatched cottages.

‘It really is a special home and I know the owners have loved their time here.’

One of the bedrooms has been converted into a children's room with fairy lights and rustic beams. It even features a small stained-glass window above the door

One of the bedrooms has been converted into a children’s room with fairy lights and rustic beams. It even features a small stained-glass window above the door 

A living area featuring french doors onto the courtyard. A Knight Frank senior negotiator said the home blends a romantic charm with practicalities of family living

A living area featuring french doors onto the courtyard. A Knight Frank senior negotiator said the home blends a romantic charm with practicalities of family living 

The floor plan of the three-bedroom property shows the two en-suite bedrooms upstairs with a workshop and and office in the surrounding garden

The floor plan of the three-bedroom property shows the two en-suite bedrooms upstairs with a workshop and and office in the surrounding garden

The cottage is also believed to be the inspiration for the Strawberry Fields model maker Lilliput Lane.

The company, founded by the late David Tate, made a range of miniature handmade models of real English and Welsh cottages.    

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