Clearwater Cottage

Description - This charming, detached, four-bedroom cottage, nestled into the hillside in the pretty Wye Valley village of Whitebrook, sits in a 1.74 acre plot which includes a pony paddock, stable, hay barn, machinery store and two loose boxes.

For the vendors, it's been more than a house it has provided a unique lifestyle. "Part of its appeal, when we bought it, was the opportunity it presented for our children, who were passionate about horses. Around here, there are lots of bridlepaths and wonderful off-road riding through the woodlands and along the riverbanks."



The vendors, who moved here more than 20 years ago, say their family also revelled in the opportunities to grow their own vegetables and keep chicken and ducks, making the most of the lovely rural environment.

Nevertheless, the country property is only six miles from the market town of Monmouth, with its shops, schools and recreational facilities and it has access to motorway links to Cardiff, Bristol and the Midlands.

Step inside:-

The cottage is believed to be at least 150 years old and the vendors have carefully extended and modernised it, retaining its original charm and character whilst introducing light and space. They have transformed a small three-bed property with a galley kitchen into a lovely family home with generous living accommodation. On the ground floor, there is a choice of three reception rooms, which the vendors tend to use at different times of the year. There's a lounge at one end of the house, with a wood burning stove to make it cosy. "We use that room more in the winter. In the summer, we use the living room which has two bay windows." The vendors have also added a sun room. It has large picture windows to take advantage of the lovely views and double glazed doors opening to a gravelled seating area overlooking the grounds and surrounding woodland.

The vendors currently use the sun room for relaxing in and sometimes for entertaining, but it could easily be used as a dining area, having direct access to the next-door kitchen/breakfast room. This spacious room has attractive, modern, white gloss kitchen units, with plenty of cupboard space, including a large larder. There's a comprehensive range of integrated appliances.

The downstairs accommodation also includes a WC, off the sun room.

Upstairs, there are four bedrooms (three double rooms and a single room) plus a family bathroom. The master bedroom has an en-suite shower room and, making a particularly lovely feature, there are French doors leading out onto a decked seating area, set into the hillside. This looks across the gardens and paddock. "In the morning, we open those doors to the sound of the birds. It's really quite beautiful. We often bring our breakfast up there."

Explore the area:- - Whilst it now boasts one of the most tranquil, rural locations imaginable, years ago Whitebrook would have been a busy and noisy industrial site. The steep sided valley was, from the early 1600's, the location for a branch of Tintern wireworks. In the mid 1700's, paper mills took over as the main industry and much of the local housing dates from that time, having been built for the millworkers. In this historic valley, the remains of dams, leats and warehouses can still be seen, as well as former mills, many of them converted into desirable homes.

The small village is situated in the Lower Wye Valley, in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it a good base for those who enjoy the outdoors - walking, climbing, cycling, canoeing, riding and enjoying beautiful scenery and wildlife. On the west (Welsh) side of the River Wye, Whitebrook is mid-way between the village of Tintern, with its renowned Cistercian abbey and the market town of Monmouth. Lining this town's historic streets and tucked away in pretty courtyards are a variety of independent shops, tempting tea rooms and coffee shops and there's a Lidl, a Waitrose and an M&S Food. Monmouth hosts regular markets and a busy programme of events, boasts good leisure and recreation facilities and nearby world-class golf courses. For live entertainment and film, there's a choice of The Savoy Theatre and The Blake Theatre.

Whitebrook is approximately 3.5 miles from Trellech Primary School and the reputation of Monmouth's state schools, the Haberdashers' Monmouth independent boys' and girls' schools and the nearby Llangattock School Monmouth with Monmouth Montessori Nursery make this area popular with families.

There are a number of good pubs and restaurants in the vicinity of Whitebrook, including Michelin-starred The Whitebrook.

From Whitebrook, there is good access to the motorway network, linking to Cardiff, Bristol and the Midlands, making this rural location attractive to commuters.

Outside - The property is in a peaceful, rural location, set in natural gardens and grounds, bordered by woodland and surrounded by the sights of the changing seasons. "First there's the snowdrops, then the primroses, cyclamen, daffodils and bluebells. There's apple blossom on our cider apple tree and the changing leaves on the oak and birch and our walnut tree. It's a source of delight."

The 1.74 acres of grounds include several places to sit and enjoy the views, plus for the green-fingered, a greenhouse and a small raised vegetable bed. The equestrian facilities comprise a pony paddock, stable, hay barn, machinery store and two loose boxes.

In the gravelled stable yard, there is ample parking for a horsebox or trailer and cars. There is also dedicated private parking for four cars on land the far side of the lane.

Coronavirus Precautions

Please read the following carefully before requesting a viewing:

Viewings

We are only able to offer in-person viewings with buyers who are in a 'proceedable' buying position, or if selling, have their own property on the market. Full details of our Covid Policy will be explained upon booking an appointment but the key points to consider are:

1 - Please make sure you have viewed all of the marketing material to avoid any unnecessary physical appointments. Pay particular attention to the floorplan, dimensions, video (if there is one) as well as the location marker.

2 - Only 2 people from the same household are able to view at the same time and we ask politely that no children attend.

3 - You will have to wear your own face mask. We are unable to provide these.

4 - The viewing will be touchless with doors left open and we will maintain a 2 meter distance as much as possible.

5 - Viewings are limited to 30 minutes where possible.

6 - If you would rather view by FaceTime/Skype/WhatsApp then please let us know (subject to connectivity).

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Marketed by: Fine & Country, Monmouth