Parc, Bala, LL23

A CHARMING PERIOD FARMHOUSE, RESTORED TO A HIGH STANDARD, WITH BUILDINGS AND LAND, OCCUPYING A PEACEFUL LOCATION WITH MAGNIFICENT PANORAMIC VIEWS.

ACCOMMODATION IN BRIEF

- Vestibule
- Cloakroom
- Sitting Room
- Dining Room
- Kitchen
- Utility
- Downstairs shower room.
- 3 Double bedrooms
- Family Bathroom

OUTSIDE

- Traditional stone outbuildings, one with planning permission for a cottage
- Further outbuildings including garage
- Lawned gardens with terraces
- Woodland
- Extensive Parking
- Pasture
- In all about 2.3 acres (0.93 ha)

LOCATION

Rafel occupies a stunning location, surrounding by rolling open countryside and within the Snowdonia National Park. Situated about 3 miles to the west of Bala, the property enjoys an extremely private and slightly elevated position, set well back from the lane and having spectacular, far reaching views across its own land and adjoining fields towards the Arenig Range. Indeed, the property’s ‘glorious isolation’ and yet being within close proximity of a well serviced town is one of Rafel’s primary attributes, and one which is invariably hard to find when searching for a property.

Bala provides a comprehensive range of services to include high street banks, local mini-supermarkets, surgery, local stores, independent traders and various pubs & eateries. On the recreational front there are many scenic walks locally including in the Arenig, Berwyn and Snowdonia Ranges. Cycling and mountain biking are well provided for at Llandegla and Coed y Brenin near Dolgellau, and on Bala Lake there is a sailing club, kayaking and paddleboarding. There many other outdoor pursuits locally including white water rafting, gorge walking, paintball and several golf courses nearby including at Bala and Llangollen.

Schooling is well provided for in the area, with state primary and secondary schools in Bala, and for those seeking private education there are independent schools at Oswestry School, Moreton Hall, Ellesmere College, Shrewsbury, and the Kings & Queens in Chester.

COMMUNICATIONS

The property enjoys good road communications being approximately 10 miles from the A5 accessing Snowdonia, Chester, Shrewsbury and Wrexham. Both Liverpool and Manchester, which are served by international airports, are within daily travelling distance, and there is a regular rail service to London from Chester and Shrewsbury stations.

DESCRIPTION

Rafel is a charming period property which is said to date from the middle of the 1600’s and is Listed Grade II being a fine example of a late C17 or early C18 vernacular storeyed, end chimney farmhouse. The Listing also states that there was a property at this site since the 1200’s, which was part of a larger estate. Dring the present owner’s tenure since 2017, Rafel has been subject to a comprehensive scheme of renovation, carried out sympathetically to preserve and highlight the historic character and nature of the building, whilst adding modern cosmetic finishes including quality kitchen and bathroom fitments, new central heating system, and adding insulation where practicable. The result is a wonderful period home, full of character including exposed ceiling and wall timbers, an impressive inglenook fireplace in the dining room, deep windowsills, slate floors and a blend of painted and exposed stone walls.

From the vestibule with cloakroom off, the centre of the house is a lovely cosy sitting room with wood-burner and double aspect to the front and rear of the house. Steps lead from the sitting room to a spacious utility with plenty of storage, plumbing for washing machine, and cupboard housing the Worcester boiler and cylinder. There is independent access to outside, and also a shower room which has been well designed and fitted.

At the other end of the house is a lovely dining room; a very atmospheric room with magnificent deep fireplace and access into the kitchen. The kitchen has been superbly fitted, and comprises a series of wall and floor units with oak doors, cupboards and drawers beneath granite and slate work surfaces, a Rangemaster cooker with double oven, grill and 6 ring hob and Bosch dishwasher. There is also a door from the kitchen to outside.

At first floor level there are three double bedrooms and a family bathroom. The bedrooms all have impressive vaulted ceilings adding to the character of the building, and the bathroom has been superbly fitted to maximise the space, and with quality tiling and sanitary ware.

OUTSIDE

The property is approached via a privately owned track over which Rafel has access rights, and through a gated entrance to a wide courtyard parking area formed by the house and traditional buildings. Attached to the northerly end of the house close to the kitchen is a stone and slated, single storey range part of which has previously been used as a temporary form of accommodation. It currently provides good storage, and planning permission has been granted for it to be converted to a holiday cottage, also with a kitchen/living room extension with vaulted ceiling and facing west to take full advantage of the views.

Attached to the rear of the building is a lean-to block and corrugated garage, which would be removed as part of the conversion scheme. On the opposite of the yard is a two storey stone and corrugated barn. This too provide extensive storage space at both ground and first floor levels, but also offers scope for conversion to other uses subject to the availability of planning permission. Indeed, a scheme for conversion to a pair of holiday letting cottages has previously been approved in 1995. Above the barn and accessed via a flight of steps and also from a grassed track which leads back to the drive is an open fronted timber and corrugated pole barn (9m x 5m approx.).

The gardens are to the south west of the house to benefit from plenty of natural light and the views. A lawn extends down to the field which gently falls away to a copse at the furthest part of the site. If fenced from the garden, the field is suitable for grazing horses or livestock. Against the side of the building is a recently constructed terrace with slate tiled floor, stone walls and herbaceous borders, and providing a wonderful outdoor entertaining area. The remainder of the land is woodland with a slate chip path and steps rising from garden to two seating areas.

PROPERTY INFORMATION

Address: Rafel, Parc, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7YU

Tenure: Freehold with vacant possession.

Services: Mains and spring water supply. Mains electricity. Private drainage (Septic Tank). LPG central heating.

Local Authority: Gwynedd County Council. Tel:

Council Tax: Tax Band D - £2,126.37 payable 2024/25. EPC: Rating D

Viewings: Strictly by appointment with Jackson-Stops, Chester office Tel: .

Fixtures: Unless specifically mentioned in these particulars, all contents fixtures and fittings, garden ornaments, statues, carpets and curtains are excluded from the sale. Certain items may be available by separate negotiation.

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