A House in the Woods

Wed 11 May 2016

If glorious isolation is what you’re dreaming of then Warren House in Stansbatch, Herefordshire will be right up your street, or should we say track!

The house built in 1768 and recently completely renovated lies at the end of a mile-long gated, tree-lined track in the middle of woodland on Wapley Hill.  The only neighbours here are the deer, rabbits, birds and other wildlife that inhabit the land and whatever the season, the location is spectacular, from the moonlight snow to the glorious summer garden and clear starry nights.

But it’s only when you see an aerial shot of the house that you realise just how magical this location really is.  The house sits amidst its own acre of south facing ‘woodland’ garden complete with deck, mature trees, shrubbery and mixed borders, two ponds teeming with fish and wildlife, as well various outbuildings and polytunnel.

Built against the lower ramparts of the Iron Age Wapley Hill Fort using stone quarried from the fort itself, it was originally the Warrener’s House at the centre of a deer park and rabbit warren.  The Forestry Commission bought the land in 1927 including Warren House, which became home for the Forestry Commission Carpenter.

This four-bedroom property is currently home to Tony and Elizabeth Halls who have lived here since 2007, having taken on Warren House under a repairing lease in 2006.  As Elizabeth explains: “In May 2006 we walked up Wapley Hill to look at a ‘deep forest property’ advertised by the Forestry Commission.  The house is up a gated track lined with maples and then it opens out when it reaches the lower ramparts of the hills fort.  There was an ancient Bramley apple tree growing up through the decking, which was in blossom; there were azaleas and rhododendrons in flower and for us it was love a first sight.”

The couple have completely renovated the house and having rescued such a magical place will be extremely sad to leave.  Tony adds: For health and other reasons it time for us to move on and we are looking for another careful set of owners who will enjoy the peaceful joyful haven it has been for us.”

The accommodation is generous comprising a character sitting room with original fireplace, oak beams and game hooks.  There is also a spacious breakfast kitchen with LPG fired AGA, cellar, utility area, snug/study, ensuite bedroom and a further bedroom currently being used as an office.

Upstairs features a first floor landing, big enough for the current owners to use as a dining room with its great views, there’s also another living area and kitchen, once again taking advantage of the view over the trees.   There are a further two bedrooms, guest WC, utility room and fantastic mezzanine.

It will also appeal to anyone whose looking for an off grid home that still retains all the modern conveniences. The house has a comprehensive off-grid infrastructure including two generators, wind turbine, LPG gas, an Aga, Worcester Bosch boiler (for central heating and hot water system), reed-bed draining and sewerage system, borehole water supply, satellite broadband installation and wifi router.

The Forestry Commission owns the leasehold and Warren House is being sold with an 11.5 year lease via McCartneys estate agents in Kington.  

James Garibbo from the company said: “This property is a true one of a kind.  Surrounded by fantastic forest and glorious countryside it is a real escape in the country.  Homes like this certainly don’t come to the market often so its well worth a viewing.”

Please click here for full details  or contact 01544 230316 or email kington@mccartneys.co.uk for more information. 

Viewings are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, please, with McCartneys through May and early June.  The sale is by formal tender, with a guide price of £70,000, and a closing date of 10th June.

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