5 bedroom house

A unique detached house, full of character and charm, beautifully complemented by large well-established gardens of approximately 1 acre, together with a former coach house. Further land, of approximately 5 acres, is available by separate negotiation.

Almeley Manor lies on the edge of the popular village of Almeley and occupies a slightly elevated south facing position with far reaching views, currently over its own land, towards the Black Mountains in the distance. The village is set away from main roads and has a thriving community with an award-winning delicatessen and village shop, public house, an excellent primary school, village hall, church and cricket club. Further facilities are available at the larger village of Eardisley (2 miles) and at the pretty black and white village of Weobley (6 miles). The market towns of Kington and Leominster are within easy reach as is the ever-popular town of Hay on Wye, with its world-renowned annual literary festival. The cathedral city of Hereford lies to the south east (16 miles) with shops, theatre, eateries and road and rail links to other parts of the country.

Almeley Manor is a fine example of mainly 15th and 16th century architecture. Known as a ‘Hall House’ this Grade II* property oozes character and atmosphere and still retains many early features including an impressive two storey porch with a brattished lintel over, an unusual chequer board ceiling in the dining room and several impressive fireplaces, including one with ancient corbels in the master bedroom. There have been some later additions including a large Arts and Crafts style extension in the early 20th century all of which combines with double glazing throughout to create very comfortable living accommodation. The whole property is set in delightful gardens and grounds along with the Stable Lodge, which was the former coach house to the Manor. This includes stables, a tack room, wood store, work shop, two garages and a self-contained one-bedroom apartment on the first floor with its own separate street entrance.. The house is set within large and beautiful gardens with a further 5 acres of land to the front of the house (by separate negation) with a small stream, woodland and pasture, available by separate negotiation.

On arrival a cobbled pathway leads to an impressive two storey porch with a front door to a large and welcoming reception hall which has a flagstone floor. There are exposed timbers, a staircase to the first floor and doors providing access to the cloakroom and main reception rooms. These include a wonderful and very spacious dining room, ideal for entertaining, with stunning early 16th century ceiling with carved beams arranged to create a fascinating chequer board effect. There are leaded windows to the front, and a splendid stone fireplace with oak lintel above. A separate ‘snug’ creates a quiet area and has its own good-sized fireplace and fitted wood burner and again plenty of character. The drawing room is light and spacious with an impressive open fireplace, windows to one side and a glazed door leading out to the gardens. To the rear lies the kitchen/breakfast room, with windows overlooking the herb/heather garden, and an extensive range of fitted cupboards and drawers as well as granite working surfaces and a two-oven-oil fired Aga, with separate electric ceramic hot plates to either side, and a built-in electric double oven. The kitchen is supported by a good-sized utility room with door to outside with a rear hall leading to a Butler’s pantry with original fittings and a separate study/library.

A staircase from the reception hall rises to an impressive and spacious first floor landing with vaulted ceiling, windows to the front and rear, exposed timbering and doors to the bedrooms. The master bedroom suite comprises a spacious bedroom, dressing room with en suite off and a further playroom or private study. There is an excellent guest bedroom suite; with dressing room, large bathroom with twin baths and a double bedroom with a fascinating stone fireplace with ancient corbels above as well as wonderful views to the front. There are two further bedrooms, and a smaller bedroom, all with their own individual charm and character. Many of the bedrooms have built in wardrobes. There are two further upstairs bathrooms and a secondary staircase leading back down to the rear hall.

External stone steps provide access to a cellar which houses the central heating boiler and provides additional storage space if required.

External stone steps provide access to a cellar which houses the central heating boiler and provides additional storage space if required.

The Stable Lodge duplex has its own separate lockable entrance door from the road, with a covered open bay behind and its own front door to the east of the stable block. From a downstairs room a staircase leads to a large sitting room on the first floor, with spectacular views over to Hay bluff and the Black Mountains. There is also a dining/kitchen room, a bathroom and a small further sitting or study area, and a double bedroom to the rear. The flat has two off road parking spaces.

Almeley Manor occupies an elevated position and stands in wonderful gardens and grounds of just over 1 acre that wrap around the property. These are well-established and well-tended and further enhance the style and setting of the house. There are formal lawn areas to the front and side, interspersed with flagged and cobbled pathways and a large array of well-stocked herbaceous and shrub borders. On the south western side of the house is a large terrace garden with various beds and a ‘rose-walk’ to one side. There are various trees, two orchard areas, and a wildlife pond. At the rear of the house is courtyard which provides shelter and privacy and includes a Mulberry tree, fig trees and a well. For the vegetable enthusiast, there is a walled kitchen garden (27m x 10m) with greenhouse, potting shed, compost bins and soft fruit section.

The remaining land is positioned on the other side of the lane, protecting the property’s outlook, and is laid to pasture which runs down to a small stream with a small ribbon of trees. It extends to approximately 5 acres, with gated roadside access and, coupled with the stables, makes it ideal for equestrian use. However, this land is currently not included in the sale price.

Directions
From Hereford city, proceed out of the city on the A438 towards Brecon for approximately 12 miles. Pass through the villages of Staunton on Wye and Letton. At Willersley, the road continues straight-on to become the A4111 to Kington. Continue through the village into Eardisley and immediately before the Tram Inn public house turn right towards Almeley. Proceed for approximately 2 miles and at a small cross roads turn right towards the village. Almeley Manor will be the first property found on the left-hand side, just before the village church.

Services and Considerations
Mains electricity, mains water, private drainage, oil fired central heating. It is not our company policy to test services and domestic appliances, so we cannot verify that they are in working order. Any matters relating to rights of way should be checked with your solicitor or surveyor. Council tax band G and A. EPC n/a. Tenure freehold. Fast broadband.



Marketed by: Brookes Bliss Estate Agents, Hereford