Goodrich

Arch Cottage

This charming stone-built country home is set within the heart of a highly sought-after village which lies at the base of Coppett Hill, a peak that offers good walks and a splendid view of the River Wye. The three-bedroom home carries a plethora of period details - such as exposed beams and feature fireplaces - as well as a wine cellar and a picturesque cottage-style garden with a superb summerhouse.

Location:

The village of Goodrich sits within the centre of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are two excellent country pubs - The Hostelrie and The Cross Keys, both of which consistently garner rave reviews for their welcoming atmosphere and delicious food.
In addition, Goodrich boasts a fantastic village hall that frequently hosts various events and operates as a pop-up cinema. There is also a centrally located church, a tennis club, a cricket club and a tearoom. There is also an extremely well-regarded primary school in the village - a stone's throw from Arch Cottage - which has attained a 'Good' Ofsted score. Arguably, the village is most well-known for its commanding 11th Century hilltop castle which stands on the northern fringe of Goodrich beside the river Wye. This fortress features the 'Roaring Meg' - the largest and only surviving Civil War mortar, which was cast in 1646 for the castle's siege.
Goodrich also sits around five miles in either direction between the popular market towns of Monmouth and Ross-on-Wye, both of which feature good comprehensive schools, independent shops, cafes and reputable restaurants. It is worth noting that Monmouth also offers the prestigious Haberdashers private schools. A range of excellent road networks is nearby. The A40 is a short distance 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 can be joined at Ross-on-Wye, and this gives good access to the M5.


The home at a glance:

Unusually for a cottage, this stone-built period property carries high ceilings throughout, which accentuates every room's generous proportions. The heart of the home is a spacious dining kitchen. Plenty of light cascades into this dual-aspect space and, while hosts prepare delicious meals, there is plenty of room for families and guests to gather around them. The farmhouse-style kitchen is equipped with timelessly elegant shaker-style units with solid oak countertops, plus a Rayburn oil-fired range cooker and a fitted Welsh dresser - complete with glass doors and a plate rack. There are two reception rooms on the ground floor, the largest of which is a triple-aspect sitting room which exhibits the historic character of the home beautifully well; there are exposed beams, a window seat and a painted stone wall which accommodates a log-burning stove and an old bread oven. A door in a corner of the room gives access to a stone staircase, which leads down into a wine cellar. The other reception room on this level presently serves as a capacious study, as there is a large, fitted desk and plenty of built-in storage. However, due to its proximity to the kitchen, it may also otherwise suit as a formal dining room.

This level of the home also features a reception hall with access to a conveniently placed shower room - which provides an area to freshen up after time spent enjoying the great outdoors. There is also a sizable utility room which contains a Belfast sink plus space and plumbing for a washing machine and a tumble dryer. It is also worth noting that this area includes plenty of room to air-dry laundry and features a door to the driveway. There are two staircases which give access to the first floor, one off the kitchen and one off the sitting room. On this level, there is another sitting room - a charming triple-aspect space which exhibits glorious, elevated views over Coppett Hill and also boasts several exquisite features, an original wooden floor, exposed beams and a cast iron feature fireplace.
Of the bedrooms, the master overlooks the manicured rear garden and includes an en-suite shower room. Meanwhile, the other two bedrooms - both of which bear exposed beams - are served by the family bathroom, which features a three-piece suite.

The Great Outdoors:

The fully enclosed cottage-style garden offers an idyllic countryside haven. The setting is a real sensory joy; colourful, scented flowers bloom in abundance throughout the year, and therefore every season brings a new delight. A variety of lovely birdsong and children's laughter stemming from the nearby primary school fills the air. A mature walnut tree, Bramley apple tree, a herb garden and clusters of wild strawberry plants offer delectable treats. Pathways wind through the gorgeous grounds, and there are several paved terraces, which ensure that occupants can follow the sun or the shade throughout the course of the day. On the far side of the garden, there is a substantially sized summerhouse, which has a light and a power supply, and this is large enough to comfortably accommodate a double bed. Therefore, the spot may lend itself as a peaceful guest suite during the warmer months of the year.
In terms of parking arrangements, there is a driveway which is secured behind two five-bar gates.

General Services:

Mains water, electricity and drainage. Oil-fired central heating. Telephone line and fibre broadband available.
Local authority Herefordshire Council. Tax band E
Tenure Freehold

Directions:

From Ross-on-Wye, head out of town along Walford Road and pass through the village of Walford. Then, shortly before The Inn on The Wye, turn right over Kerne Bridge. Pass Flanesford Priory on the right-hand side of the road, head under a bridge and then turn right into Goodrich. Arch Cottage will be found on the right-hand side of the road.

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Distances
Ross-on-Wye 4 miles - Monmouth 7 miles - Hereford 16 miles - Gloucester 23 miles - Cheltenham 30 miles - Bristol 52 miles - (All distances are approximate