Plas Derwen

Plas Derwen is an outstanding and exquisite example of Edwardian Arts and Crafts architecture that is set in an elevated position above the River Vyrnwy. There is significant access to the river and a landing for boating and fishing with hillside views across the Welsh borders. Originally constructed in 1904 and designed after the manner of C F A Voysey, Plas Derwen was originally built for a city businessman and his family. Over the last 25 years the house has been well maintained and sympathetically and carefully restored by the present owners including the reconfiguration of the kitchen and staff accommodation to form a central family living ‘hub’ of kitchen/breakfast/living room.

Arts and Crafts iconic design detail is present throughout the house and includes the use of heart motifs which mirrors Voysey’s motto ‘Head, Hand and Heart’ which in turn became the motto for the Society of Designers in 1896. The elegant period architectural details include carved fitted external benches, oak panelling reputedly from Liberty and Co to the dining room, a hand turned wide staircase, panelled doors, ornate fireplaces, deep skirting boards, built in bookcases and beamed ceilings.

The wide part glazed front door leads from the useful storm porch to the welcoming and spacious reception hallway. Both the drawing room and dining room face the south lawn with deep bay windows maximising both natural light and also the peaceful river and rural views. The atmospheric dining room is striking with original panelling including a fitted glazed cupboard and an inlaid fireplace with hammered copper detail. The drawing room is gracious in size and proportion with windows to two sides, built in book cases and a carved fireplace with feature glazed tile inserts. The kitchen/breakfast living room offers a superb family ‘hub’ with wide window overlooking the gardens and river and ample space for free standing furniture. The kitchen is comprehensively fitted with cupboards in a shaker style with both a Rayburn and range cooker as well as views and staircase access to the courtyard and coach house.

A utility room, pantry and cloakroom with W.C completes the ground floor accommodation.

An attractive staircase leads from the hall to a wide well lit first floor landing with linen cupboard. The spacious principal bedroom faces the south lawn featuring woodland and river views an ensuite bathroom, fitted in white, and charming Arts and Crafts fireplace. There are three further large double bedrooms on this floor complemented by a family bathroom with bath and shower over. Bedroom six could be a utilised as a study demonstrating the versatility of this house. A secondary staircase rises from the half landing to the second floor with two double bedrooms with deep dormer windows offering sensational rural and river views and a further bathroom. The tank room is accessible from this staircase. The second floor would make an ideal principal bedroom suite or a private area for a nanny/au pair or relative’s use.

Exterior photographs were taken summer 2021 and interior photographs were taken in March 2022.

Plas Derwen is situated on the outskirts of the Welsh border village of Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain (Llansanffraid means "Church of Saint Bride" in the Welsh language) with day to day amenities including shops and a petrol station. Oswestry and Welshpool are 9 and 11 miles away respectively and offer comprehensive shopping, leisure and educational facilities with both state and independent schooling.

Outside
Plas Derwen is approached over a gated gravel driveway with plentiful parking and steps, surrounded by a topiary yew hedge, leading to the formal front entrance. Double wooden gates lead to the cobbled courtyard with stair rising to the kitchen. The garage, coach house and garden stores all lead off the courtyard. There is planning permission in place to convert the coach house to a self-contained dwelling which would make an ideal home office suite or ancillary accommodation suitable for a variety of uses including staff, relative, gym or a holiday cottage to generate an additional income.

Planning ref: M/2007/0799 | Listed building consent for the conversion of stable to annexe

The gardens
Beautifully landscaped mature gardens are a key feature of Plas Derwen and offer distinct areas and comprise of 3.24 acres in total. Great care and attention has been devoted to ensure the planting follows organic principles and complements the Arts and Crafts architecture as well as the Welsh landscape. The river Vyrnwy plays a keys part in the gardens setting with an elevated view and access, via steps, down to a river pathway. The south lawn, bordered to the riverside to one side and mature plating has access to the woodland walk that leads down to the river offering peace and tranquillity as well as fishing and boating from a landing stage. The walled gardens feature box hedging, arches with clematis and roses, peonies, fruit trees and vegetable beds. This is a tranquil and romantic horticultural oasis that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons. Beyond, there is a paddock with further woodland.

Fishing rights, to the river Vyrnwy, are included and we understand they are the length of the river frontage to the property and extend to the middle of the river bed.

Marketed by: Strutt & Parker, Shrewsbury