Kerne Bridge, Ross-on-Wye, Quirky Former Station

The Old Station House

A captivating panorama awaits from the generous grounds of this five-bedroom country home. The view showcases a commanding 11th-century hilltop castle, the majestic River Wye, gently rolling farmland, and one of the most well-known peaks in the Wye Valley AONB. The stone-built property once served as a railway station and therefore offers an opportunity for the next custodian to own a remnant of local history.

Location:

The Old Station House straddles the cusp of three idyllic villages: Goodrich, Bishopswood, and Walford. The former boasts two excellent country pubs-the Hostelrie and the Cross Keys. Both consistently receive rave reviews for their welcoming atmosphere and delicious food. Goodrich also has a fantastic village hall that frequently hosts events and operates as a pop-up cinema. There is a centrally located church, a tennis club, a cricket club, and a tearoom. In the centre of the village, there is an extremely well-regarded primary school, graded 'Good' by Ofsted. Arguably, Goodrich is most well-known for its castle, which stands on its northern fringe beside the River Wye. Bishopswood offers another excellent village hall, a petrol station-cum-village shop, and a dog and family-friendly pub, The Inn on the Wye, which serves authentic Indian food as well as traditional and English cuisine. Walford carries another primary school, with an attached nursery, and an 'Outstanding' score. Also within Walford, there is The Mill Race, a family-run restaurant with an excellent reputation, and a village hall with a recreation ground. The nearby peak of Coppett Hill takes centre stage in the spectacular, famed picture-postcard view from Symonds Yat Rock, in which the River Wye winds its way through the rocky landscape. Permissive pathways give access to the Coppett Hill Common nature reserve - a mixture of woodland and open hillside - and offer marvellous outlooks stretching from the Brecon Beacons to the Malvern Hills.

The popular market towns of Monmouth and Ross-on-Wye are also within easy reach. Both towns feature good comprehensive schools, independent shops, cafes, and reputable restaurants. Monmouth also offers the prestigious Haberdashers' private schools.
A range of convenient 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:

The gently tumbling waters of the River Wye offer a phenomenally beautiful landscape to explore. Rocky vistas, lush green meadows, shingle beaches, and wooded valleys present an ideal expanse for activities such as walking, cycling, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. The charming five-bedroom country house stands over the glittering waterway and its various offerings for outdoor pursuits, but, as it is perched in an elevated position, there is no flood risk to the home. The main entrance, a pointed arch-shaped door, leads into an entrance hall which offers an attractive vestibule for removing shoes and coats after spending time enjoying the great outdoors. Beyond this space, there is a beautifully bright and airy open-plan living arrangement. This heart of the home carries a wealth of charming features, such as a timbered ceiling, leaded windows, an oak floor, and a log-burning stove.
The expanse flows through into the farmhouse-style kitchen. This bears bespoke wooden cabinetry, a wall-mounted dish rack, and a 1 + 1/2 sink with a mixer tap. In terms of appliances, there is a Stoves range-style cooker which is complete with four ovens, a seven-ring LPG hob and an overhead extractor fan. There is also provision for both a fridge/freezer and dishwasher.
A door at the far end of the kitchen leads through to the sizeable utility room. This affords ample storage space, an additional sink, and provision for both a washing machine and a tumble dryer.

Of the five double bedrooms, three are positioned on the ground floor of the property. Of these, two boast pleasing outlooks over Coppett Hill, the River Wye, and the neighbouring farmland. They also each contain fitted storage. The third bedroom, meanwhile, presently serves as a study, and this best catches the morning sun. In terms of washing facilities, there is a family bathroom - furnished with a four-piece suite - situated in this section of the home.
The two first-floor bedrooms are found on either end of the property, each having its own staircase linking it to the ground floor. The master suite is an elegant expanse with a vaulted, beamed ceiling - accentuating the zone's capacious size. There is low-level fitted storage, designed to wrap around a double bed. Plenty of light cascades into the dual aspect space through a picture window - exhibiting Goodrich Castle - and a triangular leaded window, which frames a view over Coppett Hill. The room also benefits from having a private en-suite bathroom, which has a three-piece suite.
The fifth T-shaped bedroom also has a vaulted ceiling and an elevated view over Goodrich Castle. This section of the home may be suitable for conversion into a self-contained annexe as the bedroom sits above a cloakroom and the integral garage/workshop, which is equipped with light and power.

The Great Outdoors:

Outside, a double gate with a sensor secures the property and leads to the generous driveway, which is large enough for several vehicles, including motorhomes, to park and manoeuvre.
The fully enclosed grounds extend to approximately half an acre, granting an enviable country retreat. As there are no immediate neighbours, the home boasts privacy; occupants can play music enthusiastically without fear of upsetting any neighbours or, if they prefer, they can enjoy the cacophony of the natural landscape.

The grounds are divided into several zones. The wondrous view is delightfully displayed from a superb raised terrace. This spot presents an excellent entertaining area, as it affords an abundance of space for families and friends to gather around firepits or to enjoy barbecues, while they watch the setting sun over Goodrich Castle. Next to the home, a level lawn is adorned with vibrant blooms, mature shrubs, and well-established trees. A pretty garden shed - painted sky blue - grants storage space and also offers a pleasing feature.
To the rear of the property, there is a courtyard area which once served as the railway station's platform. Within this section, there is a log store, a substantial storage area, and a gated enclosure with steps leading down to an extensive cellar.

Kerne Bridge Railway Station:

As the name suggests, The Old Station House was once a railway station on the Ross and Monmouth Railway. The route, which opened in August 1873, ran through picturesque terrain in the Upper Wye Valley. In 1959, the line was closed to passengers, but the track remained in use until 1965, when all commercial railway activity on the line ceased.
It then became an Outward Bound activity centre, before its conversion into a private house in 2003.

General Services:
LPG central heating. Mains water and electricity. Private drainage via Septic tank. Telephone line and fibre broadband available.
Local authority Herefordshire Council. Tax band F.
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 towards Kerne Bridge, but immediately before crossing the river, turn left into The Old Station House.

What3Words: baker.partied.surround

Distances:

Ross-on-Wye 3.5 miles * Monmouth 7.5 miles * Chepstow 19 miles * Gloucester 20 miles * Cheltenham 27 miles *

Agent's note: We estimate the plot to be in the region of half an acre, to be verified by your solicitor. With regards to the bordering farmland, we are advised that the owner permits reasonable access for the farmer by prior arrangement.