The Priest House Croome Court | Croome D’Abitot | | WR8 9DW THE PRIEST HOUSE

Entering Croome Court through the imposing London Arch designed by , all that can be seen are acres of beautiful parkland and in the distance, the long ridge of The . It is only after travelling some way along the drive that Croome Court itself comes suddenly, magnificently, into view. Ahead lies one of the greatest mansion houses in the country, an historic and architecturally distinguished building which boasts ornate interiors and 750 acres of landscaped gardens. Within the grounds of Croome are some 15 properties surrounding the Mansion House. The Priest House is a unique and special Grade II listed Queen Anne style home built in the Georgian period (1750) that sits proudly as the focal point in its own square.

The Priest House is a highly desirable Grade II listed property which has been thoughtfully and extensively refurbished to an exceptional standard, taking maximum care to retain features and character of the original property. The fine accommodation is beautifully proportioned and presented throughout accessed by an elegant, light and spacious reception hall boasting a fine cantilevered stone staircase with sweeping polished handrail. Many quality features are included within the formal reception rooms including deep skirtings and cornicing with panelled doors with deep architraves beneath flagstone floors.

Ground Floor Hall - Elegant ‘L’ shaped entrance area with flagstone floor and door leading to the rear garden. Bespoke built in understairs bookshelves and storage cupboard.

Drawing Room – A large room with an impressive stone fireplace and woodburning stove. Four double aspect sash windows with views to the front and rear gardens. Stunning full height, hand painted built in cupboards in the recesses either side of the fireplace, and a built in bookcase on the opposite side of the room.

Cloakroom WC

Dining Room – Panelled room with fireplace and window to rear garden.

Kitchen Breakfast Room – Bespoke handmade Benton’s kitchen with electric Aga and walnut surround and a combination of mahogany and granite work tops. Oak flooring, built in dishwasher, microwave and washing machine. Five ring gas range with electric oven. Hand painted wall and base units, with a stunning full height larder and display cupboard with seating and matching dining table and bench. Walnut central island with cupboards on both sides and granite worktop. Matching Smeg retro fridge freezer is also included. Sash windows with views to front and rear gardens.

Office – Situated to the left of the property, separate but adjoined to the main house. Full electrics and telephone sockets. Shelving and base units, slate floor and glass roof with large bespoke glazed door to the rear garden and terrace.

Games Room – Again to the left of the property. Large entertaining space used as a cinema/games room. Door leading to the double garage.

Garage – Large double garage. Accessible from both the games room and the external residents parking area.

Seller Insight

When the current owners of the historic Priest House drove up towards this magnificent home, they could not believe the amazing scene before them. ‘I still pinch myself when I drive through the London Arch and see The Malvern Hills framed like a famous painting before me. It’s a view that you could never tire of, and makes you feel privileged to be able to live amid such beauty.’

This was some 15 years ago, when they were looking for a home for a friend who needed to downsize from her enormous Georgian Town House in Cheltenham. The Priest House offered all the Georgian splendour she was used to, high ceilings, classic symmetry, but in a manageable size, as it is in fact much smaller than it looks. The current owners had no intention of moving themselves at the time, but it was love at first sight. ‘I had always dreamed of owning that picture-perfect Georgian House, but usually they come with lots of land, too many rooms and high maintenance costs, whereas The Priest House has large gardens with uninterrupted views of the parkland but without the expense of maintaining it yourself.’ It is also the perfect lock up and leave house, which as they spend much of the year abroad, was also a winning factor. The only issue was that they both worked from home and its modest proportions didn’t offer an office or a much needed playroom for their daughter and her friends. Working with Malvern Hills Council they managed to find a solution to the lacking rooms and so they moved mountains to ensure that The Priest House became their new home.

‘It will be an enormous wrench to leave this house that we have all loved so much, but a new life abroad now awaits us and it’s time for another family to add their story to this beautiful historic house which will always be forever in our hearts.’*

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

First Floor

Bedroom One – Good sized double bedroom with en-suite. Built in wardrobes with two windows looking over the rear garden and parkland beyond.

En-suite – Bath with shower over, WC, and hand basin unit with cupboards below, attractively inset into dado panelling. Sash window with seat and fitted plantation shutters.

Bedroom Two – Large double bedroom with a double aspect both to the front and rear of the property. Substantial fitted wardrobes. NB: (Please note there is lapsed planning to split this room into two, should a fourth bedroom be required).

Bedroom Three – Good sized double with fitted wardrobes and views over the rear garden and parkland.

Family Bathroom – Bespoke finish. Double sinks set into a vanity unit with cupboards under, separate shower and bath with shower over, WC. Wood panelling up to dado level. Window to the rear of the property.

Landing – Large area with bespoke full height cupboards and three sash windows overlooking the front gardens all fitted with plantation shutters.

Outside The property is approached over a gravelled courtyard with central flagstone path set between formal level with four magnolia trees all encircled by clipped box hedging to the double panelled front door with a classic glazed light, all set within a carved stone portico.

The Priest House benefits from a substantial south facing terrace and large private gardens, with magnificent uninterrupted views of the parkland and Robert Adam in the distance. Surrounded by a wealth of mature trees and shrubs and having private access to the 750 acres of Landscape gardens.

The private gated entrance gives a sense of security to all residents and being part of a National Trust Park owners also benefit from guest passes for themselves and their visitors which can be used in all National Trust properties. The private gardens and grounds in the resident only areas are beautifully maintained by the owner’s management company, with very reasonable bi annual maintenance charges. CROOME D’ABITOT

The Priest House lies within the ancient settlement of Croome D’Abitot in South Worcestershire. This magnificent estate sits only 5 miles to the East of Upton-upon-Severn, famous for its festivals, marina and gastro pubs, and 6 miles to the West of the Historic market Town of Pershore, defined by its Abbey, boutique shopping and annual plum festival.

The County Town and Cathedral City of Worcester, lying on the banks of The River Severn, is some 8 miles North providing for high street shopping and characterised by one of England’s great Cathedrals, its Racecourse, County Cricket Ground, Premiership Rugby Club and University.

The neighbouring village of Defford, which gives its name to the airfield synonymous with the invention of the radar, provides for a local pub, sailing on the River Avon and active village hall. Whilst Cheltenham and its Racecourse, some 21 miles to the South, is within easy reach for days out and high end shopping. Elmley House is well placed for ready access to the North Cotswolds and Broadway (19 miles) as well as Stratford-upon-Avon (26 miles) and Great Malvern (12 miles).

The M5 motorway (accessed via J1 of The M50 or J7 at South Worcester) provides for ready access to Birmingham and the surrounding industrial and commercial areas as well as Birmingham International Airport (43 miles) and the M40. London (132) is best accessed by the M5 South which also provides for commuting to Cheltenham, Gloucester and Bristol (58 miles).

The newly opened Worcestershire Parkway Railway Station is situated to the east of Worcester, off Junction 7 of the M5, and is intended to increase the capacity to London as well as reduced journey times. This will have a significant impact on Worcestershire’s accessibility to the Capital and other regional centres.

If education is a priority then Worcestershire is blessed with an enviable mix of schooling at all levels, including a variety of independent establishments, allowing parents to select the right environment for their children’s needs.

Services Mains water and electricity, communal private drainage system and communal LPG tank, with private meter for central heating. Broadband and telephone are connected. (Fibre Optic planned to be installed October 2020)

There is a maintenance charge of £700 per annum, paid in two instalments, one in January and one in July. This covers sewage, gardening and maintenance of all communal areas. There is an additional payment to the sinking fund, usually annually of around £350.00 although none has been requested this year due to the fund being well stocked and no works required. This money is used for major projects like replacing all the gravel to the parking areas etc.

Tenure & Possession The property is sold Freehold

Local Authority Council Council Tax Band G

Disclaimer In accordance with Section 21 of The Estate Agents Act 1979 (Declaration of Interest), please note that a vendor of this property is a member of Fine & Country Droitwich Spa.

Viewing Arrangements Strictly via the vendors sole agents Fine & Country on 01905 678111.

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Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed 14.09.2020

VANESSA BRADFORD FINE & COUNTRY

Fine & Country is a global network of estate agencies Fine & Country Droitwich Spa specialising in the marketing, sale and rental of luxury T: 01905 678111 | M: 07967 046051 residential property. With offices in the UK, Australia, email: [email protected] Egypt, France, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Namibia, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, The Channel Islands, UAE, USA and West Africa we combine the widespread exposure Vanessa is a Real Estate specialist who has worked within the upper quartile of of the international marketplace with the local expertise the property market for many years and demonstrates exceptional knowledge, and knowledge of carefully selected independent property experience and skill. She shows owners how to achieve the best possible prices professionals. for their homes and uses her considerable negotiating skills to ensure that all offers reach their full potential. She has grown up in Worcestershire and lives with Fine & Country appreciates the most exclusive properties her husband, daughter and 4 dogs in the small hamlet of Oddingley. She supports require a more compelling, sophisticated and intelligent the Fine and Country Foundation, helping the homeless and less fortunate by presentation - leading to a common, yet uniquely exercised organising charity events locally. In her spare time, she loves walking her dogs, and successful strategy emphasising the lifestyle qualities of cooking and travelling. the property. YOU CAN FOLLOW VANESSA ON This unique approach to luxury homes marketing delivers high quality, intelligent and creative concepts for property promotion combined with the latest technology and Absolutely fantastic. The best service from any estate agent marketing techniques. - and I’ve met a few. Vanessa is a superb professional, and exceeded all our expectations both in her approach and We understand moving home is one of the most what she achieved in selling our house, sold the weekend important decisions you make; your home is both a it went on the market. Thanks to her and the whole team. financial and emotional investment. With Fine & Country Highly recommended.” you benefit from the local knowledge, experience, expertise and contacts of a well trained, educated and courteous team of professionals, working to make the sale or purchase of your property as stress free as possible. Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0)1905 678111 [email protected] 12 Victoria Square, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire WR9 8DS