Penybont, Llandrindod Wells, Powys

Description

As you approach along the impressive tree-lined drive, you catch your first glimpses of this stunning Grade II Listed Gothic-style country house. Nestled within approximately 20 acres of beautiful gardens and ancient woodland, it's hard not to fall in love with the property immediately. However, the pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the castellated folly tower that stands majestically at the rear of the house, adding a unique and captivating charm.

History

The property boasts a rich history; originally built in a classical Georgian style in 1755 by John Price, the founder of the Bank of Radnorshire, as the centerpiece of a large estate. In 1817, it was significantly improved by its then owner, Mr. John Cheeseman Severn. During the mid-1800s, the Hall was 'Victorianized' with the addition of a third floor and gabled roof features. John Price and both Severns were local gentry, all serving as High Sheriff of Radnorshire. The 1950's saw a significant reduction in size by Lord Ormathwaite, with about one-third of the property being demolished. The castellated folly tower was erected by John Percy Severn during his tenure. The current owners have cherished this wonderful country estate for the last 40 years, enjoying every moment in its serene and historic surroundings.

Location

Penybont is a pretty rural settlement on the A44 between the traditional Herefordshire market town of Kington and Rhayader, one of the prettiest areas in Mid Wales. The regional Victorian town of Llandrindod Wells lies about 4 miles away where there is a good choice of local shops, a cottage hospital, secondary school and a rail connection on the Heart of Wales line. More regional center’s such as Hereford about 30 miles awayoffer a comprehensive choice of shopping amenities. The surrounding area is known for it natural beauty with rolling hills and lush meadowland the focus of the local farming industries.

Walk Inside

The property is entered through a pair of double doors leading into an entrance foyer adorned with attractive tiled flooring. The traditional front door opens into a spacious entrance hall, offering a fitting introduction to this grand property, characterized by high ceilings and decorative ceiling cornicing. There are three large reception rooms currently arranged as an opulent dining room, a sitting room, and a billiards room. These rooms provide excellent spaces for entertaining, each featuring intricate ceiling cornicing and flooded with natural light from full-height windows. Two of these rooms also boast traditional fireplaces, now fitted with modern woodburners. The kitchen/breakfast room, fitted with a granite worktop, is equipped with a range of integrated appliances, including an oven, hob, and fridge. Sliding doors from the kitchen open onto the expansive front lawn. The ground floor is further complemented by a cloakroom and a useful utility room.

First Floor

The traditional staircase leads to the first-floor landing, where a large window frames a picturesque view of the Folly set within the beautiful grounds at the rear. The first floor houses the principal bedrooms, with the master bedroom enjoying dual-aspect windows and window seats overlooking the gardens. This room also features a walk-in wardrobe and an ensuite bathroom. There are four bedrooms on this level, with the potential for a fifth if the dressing room/large study off the master bedroom is not required. The spacious rear bedroom, features a bay window and an ornate fireplace with a marble surround. The bedrooms are served by a family bathroom comprising a panelled bath, WC, and wash basin, along with a separate WC. The second floor contains three additional rooms; currently used for storage and home gym, two of which have feature fireplaces and built-in cupboards.

Annex

Attached to the main residence, the self-contained annex provides supplementary accommodation. Completely self-sufficient, it is ideal for an elderly relative or as a rental unit to generate additional income. The annex comprises a sitting room, kitchen, two bedrooms, and a family bathroom. It is complemented by its own private garden and parking area, ensuring privacy.

Walk Outside

The property is approached along a tree lined drive that graciously leads you through the tree cover into a parking area and alongside a double garage. The immediate gardens are beautifully maintained with large areas of lawn, a paved seating area with water feature and a great range of mature shrubs providing tremendous colour through the spring and summer. Beyond the garden is the wildlife haven, a substantial ancient woodland with a range of tree types providing the perfect habitat for a range of wildlife and providing great opportunities for any buyer. On the edge of the woodland is a concealed storage area containing a modern portal frame barn (60ft x 24ft) and traditional brick and timber sheds, ideal for wood storage. The title also includes a parcel of land of just over 3 acres, which is slightly detached from the property, which includes a large wetland area surrounded by trees, the perfect retreat for an evening walk, accessed via a right of way.

The Folly

The folly has been documented on numerous occasions and forms a particular feature of Penybont Hall. Believed to have been built as a prospect tower as it is sufficiently taller than the house to enable a clear view over the roof tops to the mountains beyond.

Vendor Interview

In 1984 Richard and I were looking for our retirement home in the Llandrindod Wells area. Richard has his family roots here, and we also had business connections locally. Our criteria was a large house with privacy and nice grounds that we could enjoy with our families. We came to view Penybont Hall and were very impressed with this locality; on entering the gates you have total privacy, combined with lovely views, extensive gardens and an amazing woodland, and yet you are in easy reach of main roads leading to the north, south, east and west. The hall itself was equally great, although much in need of loving care. Not too big that it seemed unmanageable, and with impressive features such as wood panelling, lovely cornices, spacious rooms, fireplaces and ceilings. We set upon several years of renovations, aiming to bring it back to life with warm colours, modernisation of rooms and extensive ground work to also achieve a comfortable and enjoyable environment.

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Our six grandchildren have had wonderful times here - quad biking on the lawns, building dens in the woods and having sleepovers with their friends in the treehouse and Folly. Our two children and grandson have had their wedding celebrations in marquees on the front lawn, and we have frequently hosted charity events here. The village of Penybont has a friendly local pub and a thriving community hall, holding many events throughout the year. There is an excellent junior school 1 mile away in Crossgates and the town of Llandrindod Wells , 4 miles away, has very good local amenities, including a secondary school, shops, hospital bus and a railway station. So why are we moving on? We are both now in our eighth decade, and need to downsize. It will be a hard house to leave, but our memories of it will stay with us and we hope the next owners will cherish it as much as we have over the past 40 years.

Notes

There is a footpath running through the amenity/ wildlife area to the south of the main house. The wildlife/ amenity area is accessed via a right of way.