Chapel Lane, Mathern, NP16

Yewdene Cottage presents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a meticulously curated four-bedroom residence, where Georgian architectural heritage seamlessly converges with contemporary sensibilities. Built in 1829, this extended village dwelling has been thoughtfully transformed over a decade-long stewardship, revealing a harmonious sanctuary that celebrates both historical authenticity and modern refinement.

The property's positioning at the start of Mathern village creates an enviable synthesis of community engagement and pastoral tranquillity. The cottage's architectural narrative unfolds through carefully preserved period elements, enhanced by sympathetic contemporary interventions that honour the structure's inherent character.

The approach to Yewdene Cottage establishes immediate rural authenticity through a traditional farmer's gate. The gravel driveway creates a satisfying auditory prelude as chippings announce one's arrival, leading toward this enchanting country cottage. Upon arrival, expansive parking provision accommodates multiple vehicles with generous ease, whilst the substantial frontage offers ample recreational space for family amenities.

Interior spaces reveal a sophisticated material palette beginning with the substantial entrance hall that provides generous proportions and ceremonial arrival. The ground floor unfolds into a beautifully conceived kitchen-diner, where the comprehensively renewed fitment installed upon the current owners' arrival a decade ago showcases elegant Shaker-style units complemented by warm Mandarin stone tiled flooring. The handsome wood worktop, maintained through careful oiling, speaks to both aesthetic refinement and practical durability. A commanding range oven anchors the culinary workspace, its substantial presence reflecting the serious cook's commitment to gastronomic excellence. Thoughtfully integrated larders provide abundant storage, whilst a dedicated pantry maintains the traditional approach to food preservation through natural cooling. A characterful fireplace within this culinary space creates an intimate focal point, transforming everyday dining into occasions of warmth and conviviality.

Adjoining this culinary heart, the office enjoys views over a wonderful terrace area that naturally suggests outdoor dining opportunities, creating a pleasant workspace with garden outlook. The principal sitting room emerges as the property's ceremonial heart, where meticulously preserved solid wood flooring grounds the space in natural authenticity whilst creating a foundation of enduring elegance. The beautifully restored fireplace commands architectural authority, serving as both historical anchor and intimate gathering point for seasonal celebrations, its proportions speaking to the cottage's Georgian heritage. French doors create a seamless transition to the garden realm, their glazed apertures framing pastoral views whilst inviting natural light to animate the interior throughout the day. This sophisticated composition of original elements and garden connectivity transforms the sitting room into a living gallery where domestic ritual meets landscape contemplation.

Completing the ground floor arrangement, the rear elevation houses a versatile family room offering dual functionality as a secondary office space, its positioning creating natural separation between formal and informal living zones. Practical considerations find elegant expression through the dedicated utility room and well-appointed cloakroom, ensuring domestic efficiency whilst maintaining the property's refined character throughout.
The upper level showcases expertly sanded wooden floorboards, their patinated surfaces telling stories of nearly two centuries of domestic life. Throughout the residence, walls dressed in carefully selected Little Greene and Farrow & Ball pigments create atmospheric depth, punctuated by subtle Laura Ashley influences that speak to the cottage's enduring English character.

The principal bedroom suite establishes a private sanctuary with dedicated dressing area and substantial ensuite facilities, creating a sophisticated retreat that honours contemporary expectations of luxury accommodation. Bedrooms two and three offer generous proportions that accommodate both intimate family life and guest hospitality with equal grace. The fourth bedroom currently serves as an elegant dressing room, though its flexible configuration readily accommodates reversion to sleeping quarters should household requirements evolve. This adaptable space also suggests potential as office accommodation, demonstrating the property's intelligent response to modern domestic versatility.

The period bathroom exemplifies the cottage's authentic character through its distinguished clawfoot bath, a signature element entirely appropriate to this calibre of Georgian residence. Traditional fittings complement this historic centrepiece, whilst the thoughtfully integrated shower facility over the bath demonstrates how period charm harmoniously accommodates contemporary convenience. This atmospheric space maintains the property's commitment to historical integrity whilst providing modern bathing luxury within a framework of architectural authenticity.

The exterior landscape composition represents perhaps the property's most compelling feature. Superb gardens unfold towards the rear, where expansive countryside views create a naturalistic backdrop that changes with seasonal rhythms. This outdoor sanctuary provides the perfect setting for al fresco entertaining, from intimate gatherings to elaborate garden parties facilitated by the property's generous frontage parking provision plus garage.

Mathern's village infrastructure supports a rich community tapestry, encompassing the traditional public house, an active village hall hosting seasonal celebrations, and the distinguished annual black-tie snowball event. This authentic village ecosystem offers residents the rare opportunity to participate in genuine community life whilst maintaining proximity to broader regional amenities. The village demonstrates particular commitment to nurturing its younger residents through the Charles Pratt Educational Fund, which provides meaningful financial support for educational development including driving lessons, educational excursions, sporting pursuits, musical equipment, and modern learning technologies such as iPads. This progressive approach to community investment creates an environment where families can flourish across generations.

The cottage's entertainment capabilities extend seamlessly from interior to exterior spaces, accommodating everything from cosy wine tastings beside the crackling hearth to festive Christmas gatherings and summer garden parties. The thoughtful integration of parking provision ensures that hosting remains effortless, whilst the spectacular rear gardens provide an idyllic stage for outdoor celebrations.