Monksbury Court Monkhide | Ledbury | Herefordshire | HR8 2TU MONKSBURY COURT

Located in the heart of rural Herefordshire, triangulated by Ledbury, Bromyard and The County Town of Hereford, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a country estate that embraces a beautifully renovated period home, two lettable dwellings, office suite, detached barn with consent for two more dwellings, and circa 16 acres in all (not verified).

Main House

Ground Floor • Entrance Porch • Reception Hall • Sitting Room • Dining Room • Breakfast Room • Kitchen • Family Room • Cloakroom • Rear Porch • Inner Hall with stairs to the First Floor

Seller Insight

Situated in a glorious rural location, almost equidistant between the bustling towns of Ledbury and Hereford, is Monksbury Court, a beautiful country estate that boasts a charming four bedroom house, a cottage, an apartment and offices, all set within sixteen acres of spectacular gardens and grounds. “Monksbury Court originally dates back to the 1600s but it has been added to over the centuries, mainly in Victorian times when the front hall, main reception room, main bedroom, and hop barn and kilns were added,” says the owner. “Historical references also show that there used to be a moat, a chapel and a dovecote, all sadly long gone, but it’s still a property with an immeasurable amount of character and charm. My husband bought it eighteen years ago and he says that it was everything about it that sold it to him. It sits on a no-through road in this gorgeous rural setting so it’s incredibly peaceful here, and we have around sixteen acres of private grounds so we feel totally away from it all.”

“The house itself is extremely attractive, both inside and out, and for us it’s been a much-loved home. It was practically derelict when my husband originally came here so not long after he purchased it he had it beautifully renovated throughout – luckily I moved in when all the work was finished. We’re both very much into architecture and we both believe in retaining and enhancing a building’s character rather than ripping out its heart, and I’d say that during the refurbishment process my husband struck a really nice balance between the old and the new. It has a wealth of gorgeous period features but it is also really comfortable and is exceptionally conducive to modern living.”

“Outside, we have a beautiful garden that extends to around three acres and wraps right the way around the house, and the rest of the acreage is one huge open field into which we’ve cut a footpath so we can step out of the front door and take our dogs on lovely long walks without ever leaving the property. In an old building, that used to house the hop barn and hop kilns, we’ve created a one-bed cottage, a two-bed apartment and offices so we’ve been able to run our very successful business from home, while also generating an income from the rental of the cottage and the 13 acres of land. That’s the beauty of this property, there’s a wealth of potential and therefore you can do so much here. We actually have a beautiful Dutch barn that’s currently used as extra storage space but we have planning permission in place to convert it into two houses so that could be a really exciting project for the new owners.”

“The main reception room is a very tranquil space and has a warm and welcoming feel. In fact, people often say that the minute they walk in it’s almost as if the house wraps its arms around them.”

“This is a location that offers the best of everything. We’re surrounded by glorious countryside and yet we’re just fifteen minutes from Ledbury, which is a gorgeous town with shops that cater for just about every need. We can spend the day in Leominster perusing the antique shops, or head into Ludlow to admire the gorgeous architecture while enjoying a spot of lunch, and we have an array of lovely farm shops in the local area where we can pick up some delicious seasonal produce. We’re spoilt for choice.

“The garden is my absolute pride and joy, and I’ve spent the past fifteen years breathing new life into it. And within the grounds we must have planted around fifty trees to add to the already amazing specimens such as the Wellingtonia Sequoia and cedar trees, which we understand were the Victorian version of a status symbol.”

“The time has come for us to downsize as we are retiring, and we’re going to miss absolutely everything about the property,” says the owner. “The sheer beauty and comfort of the house, our stunning garden and grounds, the abundance of wildlife and also the lifestyle that this very special place has afforded us. I’ve no doubt that the new owners are going to be every bit as happy here as we have been.”*

* 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 • Main Bedroom • En-Suite Shower Room • Bedroom Two • Bedroom Three with En-Suite Shower Room • Bedroom Four • Family Bathroom • Landing Area with doorway providing access to adjoining Cider Cottage

Cider Cottage Ground Floor First Floor • Entrance Hall • Landing • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Bedroom • Sitting Room • Bathroom • Inner Hall with stairs to: The Pocket (situated on the Ground Floor) • Bedroom One • Hallway with cupboard off • Bedroom Two • Sitting Room • Utility Room • Kitchen • Cloakroom • Inner Hall • Shower Room

Offices (situated on the First Floor) • Principal Office Space • Raised Reception Area with access to: • Private Office One (within former hop Kiln) • Private Office Two/Boardroom (within former hop kiln) • Kitchenette • Two Cloakrooms Outside There is a generous gated and gravelled driveway providing for private access to the main residence on the South side of Monksbury Court. The predominately lawned gardens are enhanced by a variety of specimen mature trees all of which enjoys a wonderful rural aspect across the valley to the South and Stoke Edith. The rear access serves the remaining accommodation and the rear of The Court. There is further parking and lawned areas. Also, within the curtilage of The Estate is a paddock, 13 acre level arable field, and the abandoned evidence of the former Hereford to Gloucester Canal with the original Georgian Canal Bridge providing access to the main house.

LOCATION

Monksbury Court sits within the rural Herefordshire hamlet of Monkhide. This is an historic settlement dissected by the former Hereford to Gloucester Canal, much of which remains evident including a section within the estate. The location gives its name to “Monkhide Country Wines” a local business that produces highly regarded fruit liqueurs. Herefordshire is increasingly recognised for its food and beverage culture, built on its history of beef cattle and cider.

Monkhide is triangulated by Ledbury (8 miles) to the South East, Hereford (9 miles) to the West and Bromyard (9 miles) to the North. Whilst there are limited amenities based within neighbouring villages, all of these more significant towns and the city provide for all that is required to embrace the rural idyll.

Within the wider Wye Valley area, Monkhide is well placed for Leominster (14 miles) to the North, and both Ross-on-Wye (17 miles) and Hay-on- Wye (27). Travelling further afield, Ludlow (25 miles) and Shrewsbury (54 miles) lie to the North, and The County Town and Cathedral City Of Worcester (19 miles) is to the East, along with Great Malvern (13 miles) and The Malvern Hills.

Hereford, defined by its magnificent Cathedral and adjacent “Mappa Mundi” Museum, remains a major gateway to Wales and the heart of the farming community. Cardiff is only 64 miles away. Bromyard is a former Market Town with an eclectic mix of local shops, whilst Ledbury is increasingly popular with those seeking to escape from more urban areas of England with its marriage of magnificent period buildings and wide ranging amenities. Ledbury is also the gateway to the M50 motorway for onward travel to London (129 miles), Birmingham (50 miles) and Bristol (58 miles).

The main rail network may be accessed at Ledbury or Hereford. London Heathrow is 115 miles distant and Birmingham Airport is 57 miles.

For days out and recreation, Broadway (37 miles) on the edge of the Cotswold is readily accessible, along with Stratford-upon-Avon (43 miles) and Cheltenham Racecourse (31 miles). The West Coast of Wales at Aberystwyth is only 86 miles.

If education is a priority, the area is also well served with a variety of both maintained and independent schooling allowing parents to select an establishment that best suits their children’s needs.

Services Mains water and electricity. Private drainage. Oil fired central heating.

Tenure Freehold

Local Authority Herefordshire Council Monksbury Court – Council Tax Band G Cider Cottage – Council Tax Band A The Pocket – Council Tax Band A First Floor Offices– current rateable value is £3,000

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

Website For more information visit www.fineandcountry.com

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00 am - 5.30 pm Saturday 9.00 am - 1.00 pm

The Pocket, Monskbury Court

Cider Cottage, Monksbury Court

Offices, Monksbury Court

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 29.04.2021

RICHARD HARPER 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: 07801 734216 residential property. With offices in the UK, Australia, [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 Richard has lived and worked within Worcestershire all of his life and started in of the international marketplace with the local expertise the property industry at the age of nineteen. Having worked in estate agency for and knowledge of carefully selected independent property 15 years, he left in 1994 to spend 20 years in residential development, prior to professionals. joining Fine & Country in 2014. Away from the business of selling houses, Richard has Chaired his local Parish Council, acted as a School Governor for 12 years and Fine & Country appreciates the most exclusive properties remains an “Ealdorman of The Ancient Court Leet and Court Baron of The Manor require a more compelling, sophisticated and intelligent of Bromsgrove.” presentation - leading to a common, yet uniquely exercised YOU CAN FOLLOW RICHARD ON and successful strategy emphasising the lifestyle qualities of the property.

This unique approach to luxury homes marketing delivers high quality, intelligent and creative concepts for property promotion combined with the latest technology and “Richard was key to the sale of our house! He is a warm, marketing techniques. sincere friendly chap, who was very perceptive and understanding of our situation and aims from day one. We understand moving home is one of the most His considerable experience, integrity, thoroughness and important decisions you make; your home is both a professionalism were matched by his communication, financial and emotional investment. With Fine & Country sensitivity and support during the whole process. His you benefit from the local knowledge, experience, excellent advice was particularly important when setting up expertise and contacts of a well trained, educated and the house for the Open Morning. We are indebted to Richard courteous team of professionals, working to make the sale for his help and company throughout our journey.” or purchase of your property as stress free as possible. 6 Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0)1905 678111 [email protected] 12 Victoria Square, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire WR9 8DS