Munsley, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8

An outstanding Grade II listed equestrian estate occupying an exquisite rural setting

Description

Paunceford Court is a Grade II listed equestrian estate discreetly located on the outskirts of Ledbury. Occupying an enviable and private setting the main residence and estate have been vastly improved by the current vendors and now offers state of the art facilities. The paddocks, formal gardens and parkland extends to 25.49 acres and incorporate a beautiful freeform lake. The 17th Century oast house has a wealth of character and charm, a distinctive conical roof together with fine examples of vernacular architecture and remains a symbol of Britain's cultural heritage.

Approached via secure electric gates, the long private driveway cascades to the principal entrance and in turn to the extensive facilities. Entered by way of a traditional reception hall, the accommodation sprawls the full width of the property. The country-style kitchen is fitted with a comprehensive range of tasteful units, granite work tops, three bay AGA and an attractive island unit. The dual aspect breakfast room has a central inset burning stove, exposed ceiling joist and a French door opening to side terrace. In addition there is a fitted utility room and a useful cloakroom. The cellar is substantial, totalling 691 sq ft. Ideal for storage it has the great benefit of having a dedicated wine storage area.

The delightful day room perfectly compliments the adjacent drawing room, each with their own notable characteristics, they add to the wealth of formal living space and afford attractive views. A discreet interconnecting door opens to the annex/staff quarters, which is equipped with a fitted kitchen, utility room and reception hall. Stairs rise to a highly spacious and versatile bedroom that doubles as a sitting room area and has the benefit of a well appointed en suite. Further stairs rise to the second floor, mirroring the first floor, it has a very large bedroom/sitting room together with a fitted en suite. It provides an ideal place to house extended family or use as official staff accommodation.

The principal entrance hall has a magnificent oak stairwell rising to the to the first floor and in turn to the outstanding bedroom quarters. The principal suite is served by an independent bathroom, has generous wardrobe space and a useful walk in wardrobe. Bedroom two affords beautiful views over the landscaped gardens and has the benefit of well-appointed en suite with a free standing bath.

The second floor consists of three further double bedrooms of which bedroom four is equipped with a useful en suite, and a separate family bathroom.

Gardens and Grounds:
The formal gardens are an utter joy. Principally laid to a manicured lawn there is a wealth of deep-set herbaceous beds, stocked flower beds, mature trees and established hedging. The centre piece are the outstanding freeform lakes with display water fountain. There are a number of themed areas all of which are private and enjoy beautiful views over the escarpment. The west wing garden has an outstanding terrace with elaborate native hedging, it really is the perfect place to enjoy a morning coffee.

Equestrian Facilities:
Paunceford Court is arguably one of the leading equestrian estates in the county. With superb communications and within a 17 mile commute of prestigious Hartpury College (host to a variety of National and International events) the multifaceted facilities include: a 60m x 20m indoor arena, complete with mirrors and viewing gallery, 60m x 20m outdoor arena with viewing platform, both arenas have Andrews Bowen surfaces. A stable block with 10 individual Monarch horse boxes with feeders, automatic drinkers and open rear windows in addition to washdown area, solarium, drying room, secure tack room, washing area, feed area and useful cloakroom. Dutch barn with four individual horse boxes together with feeders and automatic drinkers. Timber barn with three further stables with addition of a foaling box and overflow stable, and a Monarch walker affording six covered horse bays. There is a canter track around the perimeter of the paddocks. All fields are bounded by post and rail fencing, have electric wire running low pulse feed and have the benefit of a water supply. Together with an array of storage, there are superb hacking routes to the north tip of the boundary.

Location

Munsley is a traditional Herefordshire village located on the outskirts of the historic market town of Ledbury. Renowned for it's independent shops, stalls and coffee houses it has a wealth of amenities which include a supermarket, pharmacy and Doctors Surgery.

The Cathedral City of Hereford is approximately 14 miles away which has a wider selection of shopping, a vibrant centre and High Street, together with cinema, leisure centre and hospital.

Communications are superb: the M50 motorway is approximately a 9 mile commute which provides direct links to the M5 and in turn to The West Country, Bristol and Midlands.

Ledbury has a mainline train station with a direct route to London Paddington (approximately two hours) together with other major cities.

Notable schools in the area include: Hereford Cathedral School, Lucton School, The Downs, Malvern, The Elms School, Colwall, Malvern College, and The King's School, Worcester.

Local equestrian venues include Hartpury College, Summerhouse Equestrian nr Gloucester, Kings Equestrian nr Bromyard, Allens Hill at Pershore and Ace Cross Country (M50 Jct 1). The local hunt is the Ledbury.

Square Footage: 7,334 sq ft


Acreage: 25.49 Acres

Additional Info

Services connected: Mains water, mains electricity, private drainage, oil fired central heating.

Local Authority: Herefordshire county council.

Directions: From Ledbury proceed south on The Homend passing by the rail station and out of the town. Continue on the B4214 for approximately one mile and a half and at the crossroads turn left adjacent to Hollow Lane. Follow the country lane for approximately half a mile, the entrance to Paunceford Court will be on the left denoted by gated entrance.