Summary of Features

Substantial Listed house needing investment
5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 receptions, ancillary domestic rooms
Large cellar & attic, attached domestic outbuildings
Classic detached period stone outbuilding with scope
13 Acres of traditional pastureland
Private and secluded rural location on edge of Bromyard Downs

Acreage

In all about 14.36 Acres.

Location

Mileages: Bromyard <11/2miles, Malvern 11 miles, Leominster 13 miles, Worcester & Ledbury 14 miles, Hereford 16 miles, Ludlow 22 miles, Birmingham 45 miles
Road: M5 (Jct 7) 16 miles and M50 (Jct 2) 18 miles
Railway: Malvern, Leominster & Worcester
Airport: Birmingham (52 miles), Bristol (75 miles)

Situation

The Down House is situated in an elevated position in a small hamlet, just outside the traditional market town of Bromyard, equidistant between Worcester and Ledbury. The property enjoys fine views and is in a truly beautiful, rural and secluded location on the edge of the Bromyard Downs; an area covering 280 acres of Common Land and a wildlife haven. The Cathedral cities of Hereford & Worcester and the motorway network are all within easy reach.

The Down House

This extraordinary property is a hidden gem, secluded in an elevated position on the edge of common land. Accessed is off the A44, via an unmetalled small track, passing several Downs cottages before reaching this holding after 500 meters.
The Down House is a rare find, not on the market in over 60 years and in the same ownership and occupation during this time.
This is a magnificent and authentic property that appears structurally sound but will benefit from modernisation, it will need sigificant investment to meet modern living standards.
This Grade II Listed property was built during the 1830's as a "gentleman's residence", constructed of local stone under a slate roof with stucco faade to three elevations. A petticoat veranda on two sides provides style and shelter, from both sun and cold weather.
This large house is arranged over two floors with a large cellar (with internal acces) plus an enormous attic space, with internal stairs.

The Down House Ctd.

The first floor has five bedrooms and two bathrooms arranged around a large central landing "room", a further ancillary "play room" may have been staff quarters, accessed from a rear landing and second stairs. Attic stairs lead from this rear landing.
The ground floor has a formal entrance to a spacious central hall, with stairs to first floor. All four reception rooms open from this hall, which joins with the rear passageway to the kitchen and ancillary domestic rooms - several pantries, WC, back stairs, large back kitchen and door to the rear courtyard. The latter has a range of single storey outbuildings, for domestic and garden storage, and a pump house for the private well (the only water source until connection to mains four years ago).
The kitchen sits next to the dining room and a trusty oil-fired Aga takes pride of place. The fitted units were hand made of Canadian maple and have stood the test of time. The quarry tile flooring makes this a very practical room, with plenty of storage space and a larder, plus room for an everyday dining table. There is impressive flagstone flooring to the back hall and kitchen, with lots more storage space and two pantries.

The Outside

The access track passes the stone outbuildings and arrives at a stoned driveway beside the house, two entrance gates through stone walls lead to front and back doors to the house.
The grounds to this property would have been quite grand during its heyday but are now overgrown. A large walled garden sits immediately to the west of the house and a formal lawn in front, to the south, with sweeping stone steps leading down to a lower terrace, formerly a grass tennis court. Mature shrub borders and specimen trees abound.
Beyond the residential curtilage are the five pasture fields (13 Acres) surrounding the property and outbuildings. This land has been traditionally farmed for years and two paddocks in particular are of high environmental value, latterly managed under a Countryside Stewardship Scheme. These paddocks are filled with rare species of fauna and flora.

The Outside Ctd.

On arrival to the house, you pass the impressive stone outbuildings - a range of historic buildings, originally designed for the management of this smallholding. These comprise stabling, cart shed, a trap barn with groom's rooms over and a cider barn complete with original press still in situ. Above all are lofts for storing forage. These buildings form an L- shape around a small yard and appear largely in decent condition. These are now somewhat redundant but have tremendous scope; for reinstatement or for alternative uses/conversion (subject to planning).
There are several more modern rudimentary wooden outbuildings which provide some garaging, a workshop and useful storage.
Much like the house, the grounds and land will need time and investment to lift to restore the original vision.

Property Information

Access main road

The access track to this property is a small stoned track, off the A44, which is not suited for large vehicles or horse lorries. The A44 itself creates some road noise that can be heard outside this property.

Services

Mains electricity and water, private drainage (septic tank) and oil-fired central heating/Aga. Well water also available.

Broadband

Superfast fibre broadband is connected, 350 mbps d/l (FTTP via Gigaclear).

Local Authority

Local Authority: Herefordshire Council: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/

Council Tax

Band "G" (£3,627 for 2023/24).

Listing

The house is Grade II Listed.

Probate

Application for probate has yet to be submitted but we are advised this should not be contentious. A longer exchange timescale should therefore be anticipated.

EPC

Exempt due to Listed status.

General Information

Schools

Primary: Bromyard, Brockhampton, Bredenbury & Pencombe. Further information is available at: www.herefordshire.gov.uk
Secondary: Bromyard, Worcester, Hereford & Leominster. Further information is available at: www.herefordshire.gov.uk
Independent: Malvern, Worcester, Gloucester & Hereford have some outstanding independent schools. Further information is available at: www.isc.co.uk

Local

The traditional and thriving market town of Bromyard is nearby and offers an excellent range of shops to satisfy most domestic requirements, which include a doctor's surgery, vets, Churches, supermarket, acclaimed butcher, library, theatre, and leisure centre along with rugby, cricket, and football clubs. More extensive shopping, leisure and cultural facilities are available at Malvern, Leominster, Worcester and Hereford. The popular and historic market town of Ludlow is also easily accessible.

Recreational

The area offers many fine walks along the Bromyard Downs, Bringsty Common, which has been designated a special wildlife site and is a haven for birds & butterflies, and the Frome Valley, and through the Brockhampton Estate (National Trust), which is on the doorstep. The Malvern Hills re also only a short distance away. There are a range of outdoor pursuits and sports clubs within the locality, including Bromyard Rugby, Bowls, Cricket and Archery Clubs. A variety of festivals and events are held regularly within the locality and surrounding areas, including Ludlow Food Festival, the Ledbury poetry Festival and the Three Choirs Festival.

Postcode

HR7 4QJ.

Directions

From Bromyard: Head east on the A44 towards Worcester, after leaving the town travel for 1 mile only. Go past Holden Vintage & Classic (then aftre 500 meters), look out for a left turn onto a small track, before you reach the Malvern Road turn (on the right). This turning is quite small and identified by a telegraph pole immediately before a bus stop layby on the left. Follow this track for 500 meters to the end.

What3Words

W3W: ///occupy.prove.remaking

Viewings

By prior appointment only via Grant & Co Estate Agents on 01531 637341. We are not able to accommodate viewings for non proceedable applicants.

Agents Notes

Agents Notes Grant & Co and their clients give notice that: 1. They have no authority to make or give any representations or warranties in relation to the property. 2. These particulars have been prepared in good faith to give a fair overall view of the property, do not form any part of an offer or contract and must not be relied upon as statements or representations of fact. 3. Any areas, measurements or distances are approximate. The text, photographs and plans are for guidance only and are not necessarily comprehensive. It should not be assumed that the property has all necessary planning, building regulation or other consents. The Agents have not tested any services, equipment or facilities. Purchasers must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise. Fixtures & Fittings Unless mentioned specifically all fixtures & fittings are excluded from the sale.