The Hemmel, Hereford, Herefordshire

The Hemmel is one of eight beautifully crafted houses that make up The Parks, a scheme designed by Stolon Studio near Hereford. Working with the original bones of these substantial agricultural buildings, the practice has peeled the forms back to reveal intricate beam structures and double-height volumes. The house has a private garden in addition to a communal two-acre pasture. The amenities of Hereford can be reached in 10 minutes by car and include a diverse selection of places to eat, an independent theatre, a railway station and well-regarded schools.



The Architect



Stolon Studio was established by Robert and Jessica Barker. Drawing from their own experience of living in meticulously designed mews in Forest Hill with their neighbouring families, they embarked on a mission to craft thoughtfully designed living spaces that prioritise wellbeing. Their commitment extends beyond individual homes, as they aspire to foster socially conscious communities through innovative developments.



Environmental Performance



Great care has been taken not only to ensure that these houses are energy efficient, but that their construction is rooted in local vernacular and materials. Using painstakingly preserved oak and elm beams, the structures have been straightened, restored and reset, rather than rebuilt. Clay paint has been thoughtfully applied, allowing these remarkable architectural elements to retain their charm while allowing the buildings to breathe. A varied planting scheme throughout the site works in tandem with the pond to boost biodiversity and create beautiful shared spaces for the residents.



The complete retrofit of these historic buildings has included replumbing, new electrics, the introduction of air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, insulation and double glazing to create a collection of highly efficient homes with low running costs. There is private parking with an EV charge-ready point. Fibre broadband runs throughout the site to enable efficient home working. The existing red Hereford brick was matched with locally sourced new bricks, seamlessly blending the old and the new, while new oak-framed windows were crafted locally.



The Tour



The Hemmel sits on the western flank of the old farmyard and is one of the largest houses within the scheme. Its layout has been thoughtfully considered to create a sociable hub at the front and private spaces to retreat to at the rear.



The finish throughout is of a notably high standard. The kitchen is formed of warm terracotta cabinets and marble-effect worktops, with the bathrooms making use of similarly earthy tones. New woodwork and windows echo the deep red tone of the bricks outside and contrast with the light clay paint on the old beams and walls.



A snug with French doors opening to the garden could serve equally well as a fifth bedroom. There is also a downstairs en suite bedroom with separate access to the garden, which could be self-contained if desired.



Upstairs, there are two further double bedrooms. The main room is en suite with an impressive vaulted ceiling that creates an expansive sense of volume. A shared bathroom sits off the landing. In the eaves is a fourth bedroom, apt for various uses and with far-reaching views across to the Malvern Hills.



Outdoor Space



The house has a private garden wrapping around the property, and two separate terraces – each making the most of both morning and evening sun. There is also external storage for gardening equipment and sundries.



Residents have shared access to the expansive two-acre pasture at the rear of the development, with picturesque views. Current projects include vegetable patches, orchard and beehives. The property also includes a Field House within the pasture, measuring approximately 2.4m x 3.6m, topped with 1.5kw solar array to supply the house with a renewable source of electricity.



The Area



Just outside Hereford, the house is wonderfully poised between historic market towns and some of the country’s most popular Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.



The centre of Hereford is a 10-minute drive away. The River Wye wraps around the striking Cathedral town, characterised by its eclectic mix of half-timbered houses, Georgian architecture and thriving restaurant scene. The Independent Quarter, centred on Church Street and East Street, is a hive of thriving independent shops and galleries, including Printer + Tailor, The Butter Market, and refill shop Fodder Basics.



The town's culinary options include the likes of Sensory & Rye, No.9 The Balcony, The Bookshop, and Cotto. The Courtyard is a local theatre and cinema with a constantly changing programme of events and screenings.



Well known for its striking architecture and lively gastronomic scene, the biannual Ludlow Food Festival is not to be missed. Leominster, a delightful market town with two supermarkets, a primary school, and an array of independent restaurants and cafés, is a 15-minute drive south. For those keen to explore the local fare, Monkland Cheese Dairy is just outside of Leominster and stocks a range of artisanal British cheese; the dairy’s own Little Hereford remains a firm favourite.



Hay-on-Wye is around a 40-minute drive away. Host to a renowned literature festival, Hay has over 30 bookstores, many specialising in out-of-print or hard-to-locate titles. Chapters is a celebrated local restaurant with serious foodie credentials. The beloved sheep’s milk ice cream maker, Shepherds' Parlour, can also be found in Hay.



The surrounding landscape is peppered with excellent walking and cycling routes. For particularly striking scenery, the nearby Malvern Hills and Wye Valley AONB offer a density of beautiful routes and outdoor activities.



Hereford's train station is easily reached; it runs direct services to Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester and Holyhead, a ferry port on the beautiful island of Anglesey.



Service Charge: Estimated Approx. £595 per annum / Council Tax Band: awaiting assessment