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A Charming Character Stone Built Detached Property Originating in the 1720s as a Drovers’ Rest with large Workshops, Office, and Private Landscaped Gardens. Originally two smaller cottages, this property is nestled in the village of Rhydspence, a short distance west of Whitney-on-Wye, in the Wye Valley.
Porch – Entrance Hall – Sitting Room – Snug – Kitchen/Dining Room – Attached Workshops with Office – Cellar – 2 Master Double Bedrooms with Ensuites – 3rd Double Bedroom – Single Bedroom – Family Bathroom – Extensive Gardens of approximately 0.5 acres – Stream – Garage – Garden Shed – Woodstore
The Property
Porch and Hallway – The entrance to Rhydspence Cottage is through a striking red door and brings you to the original centre of the home. The snug, stairs and living room all branch off from the main hallway and access to the cellar is through the full-height cupboard beside the stairs.
Cellar – The cellar is currently unconverted and accessed from the rear of the hallway down stone steps. The cellar was originally used to store barrels, when it was an inn, and the original stone floor is still in place. There is access to the garden via the cellar door and a new fire escape window has recently been installed, so is primed for conversion.
Snug – Opposite the sitting room and accessed from the hallway, the snug is the perfect quiet second living space, ideal for a library or reading room and has an open fire. The stripped floorboards give the room character, and the built-in bookcases fill the back wall. A window seat, also a feature of the living room, frame views down onto the landscaped gardens. This room has enormous character and is an inviting retreat.
Sitting Room – Opposite the snug is the main living room with log burning stove and exposed brickwork fireplace. Views to the gardens below create a feeling of seclusion and privacy while the exposed stone feature wall is reminiscent of its extensive history.
Kitchen/Dining Room – Accessed down a few steps from the Living Room is the Kitchen which is over 24ft long. There are windows to both sides, creating a light and airy space with exposed beams and a door to the courtyard garden. There is plenty of space for a large family dining table and is an extremely sociable space in the home.
Courtyard Garden – Behind the house and accessed from the kitchen is a pretty gravelled courtyard garden. East facing, this seating area is ideal for coffee or breakfast in the morning sunshine.
Workshops and Office – Accessed through a wide door from the kitchen are the workshop spaces and office. There are two sets of double doors which open on to the lane, large picture windows and skylights, making this space idea for myriad purposes including artist’s studio or games room. The workshop has been insulated and could provide further accommodation or become a self-contained annexe subject to the correct planning consent. The third workshop is currently an unconverted garage and can only be accessed from outside. However, the footprint could be incorporated into the current workshops extending the space by another ten feet or more.
Landing – Returning to the hallway, inside the front door, is the staircase to the first floor. There is a lovely half-landing where the two cottages combine, creating lovely symmetry in the front two main ensuite bedrooms with box windows, and a long corridor down to two further bedrooms and the family bathroom.
Bedrooms 1 & 2 – At the front of the property, and overlooking the landscaped gardens, are the two main bedrooms. Of equal proportions and both with feature fireplaces, the two main bedrooms have built-in wardrobes, shower room and separate WC. They are both cleverly designed to provide ensuite facilities without restricting any of the space.
Bedroom 3 – Returning to the half-landing and down the corridor is the third bedroom of good proportions and near to the family bathroom. Small windows along the length of the room look out over the lane and feature fireplace and built-in wardrobe retain the character expected of a cottage of this age.
Bedroom 4 – Beside the family bathroom lies the fourth bedroom, also with views of the lane. It is the smallest of the four bedrooms.
Family Bathroom – At the end of the corridor is the family bathroom with clawfoot bath and Georgian style porcelain. There are views over the rear garden and down to the stream.
Outside
The property which, in all, extends to approximately 0.5 acres, is approached by a stone terrace at the front door. From here steps lead down to the landscape gardens with winding gravel paths and beds that are primed for the keenest of gardeners. The garden is designed in staged levels creating fascinating corners and areas that are ideal for mini explorers.
The gardens slope towards the boundary of the stream that marks the border between England and Wales. The paths and steps lead around the house below the east wall and join up to the lane beside the bridge. Attached to the garage there is a garden shed and piggery, now used as a wood store.
Area
Rhydspence is on the English/Welsh border, home to the famous 14th Century Rhydspence Inn and Rhydspence Cottage which was originally The Sun Inn (or Welsh Inn) which is mentioned in Kilvert’s Diary. Next door there would have been a shoeing station for oxen; the area is steeped in history and retains much of its charm. The world-renowned market town of Hay-on-Wye lies approximately 4 miles to the south and offers a good range of facilities, including a primary school, numerous shops, two Norman castles and, of course, over two dozen bookshops. Hay is most famous for its annual literary festival which is held in May/June each year and attracts over 80,000 visitors.
Practicalities
Powys Council Tax Band ‘F’
Mains Water, Mains Electricity, Oil Heating
Private Drainage
Ultrafast Full Fibre Available
Awaiting EPC
Directions
From Hereford, take the A438 towards Brecon, after approximately 13 miles, turn left towards Brecon and Hay-on-Wye. Continue straight on to the A438 towards Brecon for approximately 4 miles and then turn right into Rhydspence. Pass the Rhydspence Inn and travel around the bend and over the stone bridge. The property can be found on the left-hand-side and there is parking outside the workshops and garage.
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- Detached Stone Character Property
- Workshops and Office
- Approx. 0.5 acre gardens with stream
- Garage and Outbuildings
- Large Kitchen
- 4 Bedrooms (2 ensuite)