Symonds Yat West

Nutshell

A broad sweeping view across wooded hills, rocky limestone cliffs, idyllic villages and the spellbinding River Wye is magnificently exhibited before this three-bedroom bungalow and self-contained one-bedroom annexe. Owing to its serene location, the grounds are frequented by the inquisitive wildlife who reside in this tranquil corner of the Wye Valley AONB.

It is worth noting that planning permission has been granted to extend and enhance the main home (Ref: 240922) so therefore there is an opportunity for the next custodian to make their mark on Nutshell.


Location
The spectacular setting of Symonds Yat is set within the heart of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is famed for its gorgeous riverside landscapes. There is a multitude of welcoming country pubs and restaurants that are exceedingly popular with residents and tourists alike.
There are many delightful walking and cycle routes throughout the area and, for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, various companies offer a wide range of activities such as canoe hire, rock climbing and caving.
The closest village, Whitchurch, is particularly sought after, partially owing to its Church of England Primary School which is graded as 'Outstanding' by Ofsted. The popular community-spirited village shop, Woods of Whitchurch also operates as a coffee shop and takeaway. In addition, Whitchurch boasts a village hall, a reputable MOT centre, a highly commended hospitality venue - The Old Court Hotel - plus a post box and bus stop.
Symonds Yat is just two miles from the Welsh border and centred between the popular market towns of Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth, both of which offer highly regarded secondary schools, supermarkets, restaurants, pubs, leisure facilities and independently owned shops.
A series of major road networks are also easily accessible; the A40 is around a mile away and the eastbound road provides a direct route to Gloucester, Cheltenham and the Cotswolds. Meanwhile, motorists heading in the opposite direction can journey towards the M4 at Newport, giving access to Cardiff and London. In addition, the M50 motorway begins in Ross-on-Wye, around eight miles away, which gives good access to the M5.

The home at a glance
Nutshell is perched on a hillside in Symonds Yat West, in a sublime spot that towers over the River Wye as it winds its way through the rocky landscape. The detached bungalow boasts a large balcony that stretches across the whole length of the home and therefore presents a private spot to soak in the spectacular scenery.
The sitting room also showcases the panoramic view as it features full-height wall-to-wall windows and a set of sliding glass doors. This space also includes an inset log-burning stove, housed beneath a wooden mantle, therefore presenting a cosy space to enjoy the Wye Gorge during the colder months of the year.
An open archway links the sitting room with a formal dining area, which includes a window that lets light pour in and captures a view of the rear garden.
Beyond the dining room, there is a kitchen fitted with base-and-wall-mounted high-gloss cabinets, including several display units. There is a sink with a pull-out swivel tap fitted beneath a window overlooking the majestic vista, plus an integrated electric oven, ceramic hob, extractor fan, space for an under-counter fridge/freezer, and plumbing for a dishwasher.
The conservatory presently serves as a utility room - as it has space and plumbing for both a washing machine and a tumble dryer. As the space is streamed with plenty of natural light, it also lends itself perfectly to a potting shed as well as a handy boot room.
Of the bedrooms, all are large enough to accommodate double beds but there are two contenders for the master bedroom; one is dual-aspect and exhibits the magnificent country views to the north and east. The other has an en-suite shower room and is linked with another smaller conservatory, which has previously been used as a dressing room.
In terms of washing facilities, there is a shower room next to the largest conservatory-cum-boot room - meaning that there is a conveniently placed area to freshen up after enjoying the great outdoors.
The Great Outdoors
The grounds of Nutshell are just shy of one acre* and near the home, there is a wooden cabin which is used as a one-bedroom stylish annexe with an open-plan living arrangement and an en-suite shower room. This has the potential for use as a successful holiday rental property.
The garden itself is predominantly sloped owing to the hillside location, but some areas have been landscaped to create more level terraces, which offer idyllic spots for alfresco dining.

Planning to enhance the home
Planning permission (reference 240922) was granted by Herefordshire Council in July 2024 to extend Nutshell by replacing the existing conservatories on either side of the home and enhancing the layout. A more open-plan arrangement in the home's centre would be created - and a vaulted ceiling and set of bi-fold doors to the balcony would be added to this space. The kitchen would become larger as the shower room would be removed and a new bathroom would be established in another zone of the home by tapping into the plumbing in the current en-suite shower room.
An expansive master suite would be built in the place of the larger conservatory, and this would boast an en-suite bathroom and an adjoining office/dressing room. Within this area of the home, a utility/plant room and a boot room would also be established.
Of the other bedrooms, the dual-aspect bedroom would remain the same whereas another would be added in place of the smaller conservatory - although it may otherwise be used as another reception room - and this would include a set of French doors to the balcony.
In addition, the external walls would be insulated to improve the home's energy efficiency, there would be landscaping of the garden and the construction of a workshop within the grounds.
General

Services
Double glazing. Electric heating. Mains water and drainage. Fibre broadband is available.

Local authority
Herefordshire Council. Council Tax Band: D for The Nutshell. A for Annexe.

Tenure
Freehold

Agents note
*We are advised by the approximate plot size by the vendors and therefore the acreage would need to be verified by your solicitor.
There is a public right of way across the driveway.

Directions
From Ross-on-Wye, follow the A40 towards Monmouth and take the exit at Whitchurch. Take the first exit at the roundabout; passing the primary school and stay on this lane. Pass The Paddocks Hotel and the right-hand fork where the driveway to the property will be found on a lower large-level terrace - immediately, the property will be found on your right-hand side.
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Monmouth 5.5 miles - Ross-on-Wye 7.5 miles - Hereford 17 miles - Gloucester 26 miles - Cheltenham 33 miles - Bristol 50.5 miles - (All distances are approximate)