The seven bedroomed Cotswold vicarage where composer Ralph Vaughan-Williams was born and spent his early childhood has gone on the market for £1.25million.

The house at Down Ampney, nr Cirencester, Glos, was built for the composer's father, the parish priest Rev Arthur Vaughan Williams, in 1865 and Ralph was born there in 1872.

His father died suddenly in 1875 and his mother, Margaret, then moved with the children to live in her family home in Wotton, Surrey.

The property remained the Vicarage untill 1946 when it was sold by the Church of England. Fourteen years later it was divided into two separate homes and the house now on the market, called Pilgrims, was formed from the front part of the vicarage.

Ralph Vaughan Williams became one of Britain's most famous and popular composers with two of his best known works, Lark Ascending and Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, regularly appearing in the top five of Classic FM's annual Hall of Fame. Lark Ascending was last year's number one.

Agents Hamptons International of Cirencester say: "This delightful village property is constructed of stone with a Cotswold stone roof, listed as Grade II with many architectural features in addition to a useful attached cottage creating excellent annexed accommodation or letting potential.

"The property sits within a generous plot with established gardens extending in all to 0.78 acres and is approached over a sweeping gravel drive to the front with a secondary driveway to the rear. In all the property extends to 4,191 sq ft. An inviting entrance porch leads into the property which enjoys a good flow of accommodation.

"The 26 ft. drawing room is an impressive space with high ceilings, original panelling, large dual aspect windows and a fine, wide staircase rising to the first floor. The kitchen breakfast room is comprehensively fitted and opens on to a delightful rear courtyard and the sitting room also provides dining space with a full height ceiling and large fireplace with wood burning stove.

"To the first floor are six bedrooms, one of which is ensuite with a further shower and bathroom. In addition there is access to a useful first floor attic space from the landing which currently comprises of two areas, each with windows and subject to planning has the potential to provide excellent additional bedroom accommodation or home/work space.

"The annexe is a fantastic complement to the main house and enjoys two access points, one from the rear driveway and another onto the pretty courtyard. The living space is arranged over the ground floor and comprises a well appointed kitchen, 15"10' living room, bedroom and bathroom. Adjoining the annexe is a useful workshop and garage.

The gardens are a wonderful feature of the property with a sweeping driveway leading up to an area of parking at the front of the house. A secondary driveway provides access to the rear and to the garage.

"The gardens are mostly laid to lawn with established shrubs and borders, mature trees and a high stone boundary wall providing privacy. To the rear of the house with access from the sitting room, kitchen and annexe is a charming courtyard garden. In addition, to the rear of the property is a further area of garden, laid to lawn with an established kitchen garden and direct access to the village road."