Yr Hen Ysgol – £695,000 Aberbanc | Penrhiwllan | | | SA44 5NP YR HEN YSGOL

Yr Hen Ysgol, which means the old school in Welsh, is a beautiful Grade 2 listed property, and is a rare Just some of the features on offer with this character property include a superb full height dining/reception opportunity to purchase a former school which originally opened to pupils back in 1848; the home also has room with fireplace, which also features amazing original pitch pine wood and glass screen divider, leading an attached cottage and some spectacular countryside views. Within the curtilage there is a separate (non into an artisan kitchen, both well lit by the school windows which also have custom-built wooden shutters, the listed) two storey building currently used as an office. The previous owners used the school rooms at Yr kitchen also offers a 2 oven Aga for cooking and hot water, reclaimed slate has been used to create the work Hen Ysgol as an artist studio. surfaces, there’s a large pantry and utility room. From the kitchen there are stairs to a beautiful mezzanine floor with views over these two rooms. The present owners have created a memorable and quirky home with some exceptional features which must be seen to be appreciated. Rarely do properties of this character, style and charm come onto the market. Please contact Fine & Country West for more information and an early viewing. In addition to the main house accommodation, the purpose-built annexe currently used as office accommodation could be used (with appropriate planning) as additional Living Space. Kitchen/breakfast 1 Main kitchen Main kitchen stairs to mezzanine Feature dining room Feature dining room

Mezzanine floor Kitchen/breakfast 1 Reception Room Bedroom 1 Seller Insight

When Ian and I were looking to purchase a property in Wales, we had what we thought were a daunting list of requirements and so it proved, so it took us over twelve months to achieve our goal. We wanted an old property that oozed character, charm but also had some quirkiness. Well Yr Hen Ysgol, which means the old school in Welsh, was a beautiful Grade 2 listed property and just what we needed. The former school which originally opened to pupils in 1848 also has an attached cottage and some spectacular countryside views. The previous owners used the school rooms at Yr Hen Ysgol as an artist studio.

The property is in the peaceful village of Aberbanc, but close to shops in Llandysul and with the historic town of Cardigan about a 15 miles drive away. There are good schools in both Llandysul and Newcastle Emlyn. Also on our wish list was room to build an office outside the home, so with a playground already there, space was certainly not an issue. The two storey office was built in 2005 and great care was taken using Welsh roofing slate and stone that was a close match to the school house to ensure that the office remained in keeping with such an important property. Last on our wish list was somewhere for Ian’s 80 year old parents to live. They wished to join us in our move to Wales but it was so important that they were going comfortable and happy. So the cottage which is attached to the school house and previously housed the Head Master, was perfect for them. Both were still keen gardeners, despite their ages and they enjoyed the garden, which was a great size for them to potter about in and keep their hands busy! For Ian’s parents it was very important that they had their own front door and door key so that they could maintain their independence, but have help, if help was needed, close at hand.

When we purchased the property it is safe to say it was in need of serious TLC. So over the last twenty years whilst we have been living at Yr Hen Ysgol, we have undertaken a programme of building works, initially starting internally. These works include: replacing all sitting room windows, creating a kitchen with an Aga in one of the school rooms complete with a walk-in larder and a mezzanine above. We had great fun with kitchen planners who couldn’t understand that we wanted a character kitchen and had no intention of taking out the original floor to ceiling glass and wood panelled doors that separate the two classrooms! The kitchen is our favourite room with room for two sofas so ideal to cook, chat and entertain too. We also created a mezzanine above the kitchen would easily make a further bedroom, but ideal for a study, music room or a play or games room. Then a downstairs dressing room with a shower room alongside was created, plus a further bathroom, next to the sitting room.

In the last eighteen months the whole of the school and cottage rooves have been replaced as have four chimney stacks and the five dining room windows. The school house has also been re-painted with care taken to ensure the colour was acceptable for a Grade 2 property. Throughout our building programme which has kept us busy over the last twenty years we were determined that the character of this special property was kept.

Yr Hen Ysgol is a place quite unlike anything else in this beautiful area and is now on the market and looking for a very special owner and family that will love this unique, quirky property as much as we have.* * 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. Bedroom 3 Office/Study Office/Study Office/Study

Fine & Country Ltd. Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg. No. 2597969. Registered office address: St Leonard’s House, North Street, Horsham, West Sussex. RH12 1RJ. copyright © 2021 Fine & Country Ltd. 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

FINE & COUNTRY

Fine & Country is a global network of estate This unique approach to luxury homes marketing agencies specialising in the marketing, sale and delivers high quality, intelligent and creative rental of luxury residential property. With offices concepts for property promotion combined with in the UK, Australia, Egypt, France, Hungary, Italy, the latest technology and marketing techniques. Malta, Namibia, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, The Channel Islands, UAE, USA and West We understand moving home is one of the Africa we combine the widespread exposure of the most important decisions you make; your home international marketplace with the local expertise is both a financial and emotional investment. and knowledge of carefully selected independent With Fine & Country you benefit from the local property professionals. knowledge, experience, expertise and contacts of a well trained, educated and courteous team of Fine & Country appreciates the most exclusive professionals, working to make the sale or purchase properties require a more compelling, sophisticated of your property as stress free as possible. and intelligent presentation - leading to a common, yet uniquely exercised and successful strategy emphasising the lifestyle qualities of the property. Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0)1974 299 055 [email protected]