Report this ad

**ref: Johug**
To Start
A Jacobethan jewel, beautifully set in the rolling countryside of Radnorshire, Norton Manor is one of the Marches’ finest country houses. Built in 1858, and Grade II listed in 1985, the manor has a tremendously handsome façade and an abundance of original features inside, from a majestic imperial staircase to the ornate pediments that crown each doorway. Unfolding over 16,000 square feet, the house boasts 14 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, far reaching views, and a vast annexe with serious income potential.
Discreetly positioned at the end of a near mile long driveway through lush parkland, Norton Manor is situated some two miles from Presteigne: Gateway to Mid Wales, and recently named by the Times as one of the best places in the UK to live.
The Main Course
Upon entering the manor, you’re greeted by a colossal, full height, top lit reception hall of staggering proportion: Sumptuous plasterwork, panelling and oak flooring set the tone for an imperial staircase of exceptionally grand scale, framed by Serpentine marble clad pilasters and an elegant arch.
This jaw-dropping space provides access to the formal reception rooms; the first being a beautifully proportioned drawing room: Double aspect, with full height sash windows to the front and side, a solid Blue Minky granite bar and multi-fuel stove lend this room a wonderfully cosy feel, belying it's enormous size. A door leads into the formal dining room; overlooking rolling lawns, with a working fireplace, this elegant space is perfect for large family gatherings and Christmas dinners of dreams.
From the dining room, it’s into the heart of the home: A truly spectacular space, this former ballroom is not your average open plan kitchen living room! Defined by an imposing fireplace, decorative coving, ornate plasterwork and a stunning gold accented ceiling, the expansive living area also features a double multi-fuel stove, double doors to the garden, and ample dining space. The kitchen is fitted with an array of units, granite worktops, two integrated dishwashers, a double rangeoven, and a huge central island on wheels.
A door leads from the kitchen back into the grand entrance hall; blink, and you’ll miss the cloakroom, separate boot room, and pantry/utility space discreetly tucked away beneath the imperial staircase. Thought to be of Italian design with lantern topped newel posts and a wrought iron, gold leafed balustrade, the staircase leads to a galleried landing; above, three enormous stained glass rooflights flood the space with natural light. There are seven bedrooms in this part of the house, all with en-suite facilities and lovely views over the surrounding countryside.
The Icing on the Cake
Norton Manor includes excellent ancillary accommodation, affording wonderful lifestyle opportunities and valuable income potential. A substantial section of the house has been converted into a fully furnished, turnkey holiday let, which also lends itself to multi generational living.
Accessed via multiple points from the main house (the staircase, the main entrance hall, and outside), the accommodation can be let as an entirely separate entity, or alongside the main house. Comparable properties in the area are both highly sought after and thin on the ground, and typically command a nightly rate exceeding £1000.
Outside, guests will find a fabulous outdoor kitchen, equipped with two pizza ovens, two smokers and a barbecue, plus a covered 12-seater dining area, and an open courtyard.
Inside, this part of the manor exudes a quiet elegance and easy charm. A flagstone floored hallway leads to a gorgeous eat-in kitchen: Fossil sandstone flooring and a multi-fuel stove give this room a wonderfully cosy, homely feel, which is further enhanced by a range of high-quality appliances: An integrated dishwasher, electric range cooker, granite worktops, a separate larder, and a double sink.
The ground floor includes a panelled bedroom with an en-suite shower, and a snug area, as well as two cloakrooms. Upstairs, a landing leads to four further en-suite double bedrooms and a laundry room. The second floor comprises a bathroom, two/three double bedrooms, and a separate games room – perfect for smaller guests.
Deliciously Moreish
Norton Manor also includes a recently restored wing, meticulously updated by the current owners. A work in progress, it currently comprises two floors and a loft. All renovations have been carried out with listed building consent and signed off by building control. The planning permission allows for five bedrooms and two bathrooms; the additional energy required to heat a space of this size is supplied by the efficient biomass system.
The Green Green Grass
Norton Manor’s epic driveway opens onto a sweeping gravelled expanse in front of the main façade, providing ample parking. Refreshingly for a house of this size, the gardens are low maintenance and manageable, comprising approximately half an acre. To the southeast, there is a beautiful expanse of sunken lawn, accessed by stone steps on either side, with panoramic views of the countryside beyond. The garden to the southwest has been configured to take maximum advantage of the late afternoon sun; this area is mainly laid to lawn, with a wonderful outdoor dining area accessed from the kitchen.
Tucked away at the front of the house is hard standing for four lodges; two are in situ, providing ideal staff accommodation.
Further Afield
The property is situated in the picturesque village of Norton, two miles from the thriving border town of Presteigne, where you can find an excellent deli, butcher’s, greengrocer, and fishmonger, along with gorgeous independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. Sited at the confluence of Powys, Shropshire, and Herefordshire, Presteigne is surrounded by beautiful, unspoilt countryside which attracts walkers and cyclists from all over the globe.
The pretty market towns of Kington and Knighton are both within 7 miles. Leominster, famous for antiques, can be reached in twenty-five minutes, Ludlow’s culinary delights in thirty, and Hay-on-Wye’s literary treats in thirty five. Forty minutes away, the cathedral city of Hereford provides a full range of shops, services, and excellent rail links.
Presteigne offers both primary and secondary education, and the wider area is home to many highly regarded schools, including the Ofsted outstanding rated Fairfield High, Hereford Cathedral School, Lucton, Moor Park, and Christ College, Brecon