7 bedroom detached house for sale

Nestled in the Monmouthshire countryside and with stunning views over the Vale of Usk, is this wonderful seven-bedroom, 16th Century home. The exquisite interior includes a beautiful Clive Christian style kitchen and an abundance of reception space, while amid the six acres (STMS) of grounds there is a detached coach house.

The Story
Strolling through his beautiful grounds, into his fabulous panelled hall and up his impressive staircase, the owner of Llanwenarth House, still finds it hard to believe he lives here.
The magnificent Elizabethan country mansion has been his home for about three years now - but it feels as if he has known it all his life.
I was always drawn to it, he admitted. I used to walk by the canal and wonder what it would be like to live there.
Today it not only has incredible original features but also wonderful modern additions, such as its stunning handmade kitchen.

FINE DETAILS

Formerly a boutique hotel, the property dates back to 1532. Much of its character still remains yet the expansive home also embodies great comfort and ease of living.
Rooms are bright and airy and have been designed with high quality fixtures and fittings. Chandeliers reflect in gleaming white marble floors.
Rooms with wooden panelling in the style of Hampton Court and ornate fireplaces are now complemented by exquisite antique furniture, such as four poster beds.
We have a Clive Christian type kitchen, which is handmade and finished in a Farrow & Ball cream, he said. It has polished black granite work surfaces and gold inlay.
He added: Everyone who comes here is very impressed by the detail.

LIVING HISTORY

Upstairs, are great open spaces set beneath the high, vaulted beamed ceiling, which could be used as bedrooms or leisure areas.
It is simply wonderful up there. You can still see the original cruck beam, which is thought to have come from a ship's hull, he said.
With the open fire it is absolutely beautiful - and it is amazing to think the timber goes back to before the house was even built.
Also dating back through the centuries is the coach house, with its cobbled yard. Here ice and meat were once kept in the cellar but now the building houses a laundry room.
This does lend itself to any use, however, and would make a delightful place if converted, he added.

GLORIOUS OCCASIONS

The house would be simply magnificent for entertaining. Inside, its reception rooms are spacious and the presence of a second kitchen makes catering easy.
You could have the most superb parties here. There is surround sound in all the rooms and the grounds would be perfect for weddings, he said. There would be plenty of room for marquees and the setting lends itself beautifully to the photography.

DREAM HOUSE

From the linen-fold panelling, high ceilings and deep cornicing in the rooms to being able to hear the crunch of the gravel as visitors arrive and the sight of boats passing on the canal, life at Llanwenarth House is just idyllic, said the owner.
In so many ways I feel very privileged to own this place, he said. Especially, when I think back to when I was a lad and I used to look up to see the windows and imagine who might be living inside.


ACCOMMODATION
GROUND FLOOR

Approached via a sweeping driveway with a tear drop centre, an ornamental water feature and Victorian style lamp lights, is this commanding Elizabethan manor house. Stepping into the bright reception hall you will immediately be impressed by this exquisite home, which boasts marble flooring and beautiful Elizabethan carved wood throughout. To the right you will locate the drawing room which has wooden flooring, hand carved Linea fold wall panelling dating back to 1532, Murano chandeliers and a striking feature fireplace. The cinema room has high ceilings and views over the gardens, a lovely place for relaxed family gatherings. Moving on, the sitting room is fabulous with further high ceilings, marble flooring, a feature fireplace and extensive views over the Sugar Loaf, making this a peaceful and tranquil expanse. As you enter into the opulent Clive Christian style kitchen with its hand finished black pearl granite work tops, hand painted tiles, gold leaf inlay, marble flooring and Murano chandelier, the attention to detail will simply take your breath away. To the left of this stylish kitchen you will find a further reception room, a large study, ideal for those wanting to work from home and a cloakroom. The ground floor benefits from a second kitchen with granite work tops, an integrated microwave, a Belfast sink and range master cooker, so there is an abundance of space for catering for parties and events. Additionally there is a useful utility room.

FIRST FLOOR

Ascending the staircase to the first floor you will notice a breathtaking chandelier and an impressive full size Henry VIII carved in to the alcove, along with a painted mural. To the right of the stairway three sumptuous bedrooms are waiting to be explored with built in wardrobes, high ceilings and carving. The desirable master suite has a dressing room, a marble fireplace and glorious panoramic views over the gardens, while the en-suite bathroom offers an ornamental raised Jacuzzi bath and shower.

SECOND FLOOR

The breathtaking second floor enjoys wooden beams and cruck trusses dating back 600 years. This open plan living space exudes character and charm with stone fireplaces, wooden flooring and windows allowing plenty of natural light to flood through. From this impressive area you can move into a further bedroom with built in wardrobes, a high ceiling, wooden beams, an open stone fireplace and remote mood lighting.


SETTING THE SCENE
Llanwenarth House dates back to the 16th Century and was built from locally quarried warm rose-grey limestone, by the Morgan family who were the ancestors of Sir Henry Morgan. King Charles is said to have kept his reserve horses and armour here to assist the Royalist cause during the civil war.

The gardens of six acres (STMS) complement the unique house beautifully.
The walled garden is magnificent, said the owner. This is a lovely setting with some very old trees.
I love the glorious green views from house, across the gardens and beyond. I still enjoy the presence of the canal at the bottom.
The great lawns would be superb for summer garden parties, croquet and all sorts of formal functions. For a family, there would be so much space for children to explore.
I also adore the fact there is so much wildlife here. It is so picturesque and so tranquil.
There is a delightful selection of flowers and you will also find an orchard, so you can produce your own apples, plums and walnuts. Additionally there are views of the Sugar Loaf and the Blorange Mountains and a detached coach house suitable for conversions or as a holiday let.


WITHIN EASY REACH
There are many historic sights within easy reach, Chepstow, Raglan, Pembroke and numerous other castles which formed the ancient chain of the Welsh Border Marches; Hereford cathedral and many other lesser but equally beautiful churches, Offas Dyke path as well as the superb Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains with opportunities for walking, pony trekking, climbing and rough shooting. Other sporting activities include golf on the Monmouthshire Golf Course or The Celtic Manor Resort and Golf Club home of the 2010 Ryder Cup. Enjoy trout and Salmon fishing on the river Usk and Chepstow and Cheltenham racecourses are within easy reach on race days.

Monmouth is only a short distance away and provides excellent private and public schools. Whilst in the surrounding areas there is an array of Michelin Star Restaurants.

The house is perfectly situated overlooking the Vale of Usk and is three miles from historic market town of Abergavenny, an ideal base for sight seeing and enjoying the local produce. Newport and Hereford cities are both close to hand. The A449 provides good access to the M4, giving links to Bristol and Cardiff, while the A40 connects to the M5.


DIRECTIONS:
From Monmouth at the roundabout take the third exit onto the A40, signposted Newport, Abergavenny, Chepstow and Forest of Dean. At the traffic lights continue forward signposted to Newport and Abergavenny. Branch left and then merge onto the A40 signposted Abergavenny. At the roundabout take the third exit and at the next roundabout take the second exit onto the A465, signposted Merthyr Tydfil. At the following roundabout take the first exit onto the B4246, turn right after 150 yards onto an unnamed road over the Canal Bridge and Llanwenarth House can be located on the right hand side.

For those with satellite navigation the postcode for the property is NP7 9SF.



Fine is the seller's agent for this property. Your conveyancer is legally responsible for ensuring any purchase agreement fully protects your position. We make detailed enquiries of the seller to ensure the information provided is as accurate as possible. Please inform us if you become aware of any information being inaccurate