Franksbridge, Llandrindod Wells, LD1

Set amidst some of the most glorious unspoilt countryside Mid-Wales has to offer, and located less than a mile from the highly regarded village of Franksbridge, this enchanting Grade II Listed traditional Welsh longhouse presents a rare and genuinely exciting opportunity to acquire a characterful rural home whose sensitive restoration has already begun.

Tucked peacefully at the end of a private country track running alongside a gentle brook, the property enjoys an idyllic setting within approximately two acres (TBV) of gardens, grounds and paddock, affording exceptional privacy and far-reaching views across the surrounding landscape.

A reluctant sale by the current owner, who has already undertaken a number of significant sympathetic works during their tenure, including lifting, insulating, laying underfloor heating pipework in a limecrete screed and replacing the ground floor flagstones, installing a temporary staircase, and the installation of a woodburning stove set within the impressive Inglenook fireplace - creating a warm and inviting focal point entirely in keeping with the property's heritage.

Crucially, full Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent have been obtained for thoughtful reconfiguration of the main dwelling together with the conversion of the adjoining barns to provide additional living accommodation - an increasingly rare and valuable consent for a property of this nature. The approved proposals would see the ground floor arranged to provide a kitchen, dining room, downstairs shower room, reception room and two further versatile rooms suitable for use as studies, home offices or snug accommodation, whilst to the first floor plans allow for two bedrooms - one benefitting from an en-suite toilet, washbasin and dressing area - together with a generous and luxurious family bathroom. The adjoining outbuilding is therefore primed for conversion, allowing an incoming purchaser to continue and complete what promises to be a highly rewarding restoration project.

Steeped in local architectural heritage, the property forms part of a long tradition of Radnorshire longhouses, whose origins often lay in earlier medieval peasant hall-houses before evolving through successive phases of rebuilding into the stone-built dwellings seen today - many retaining evidence of their earlier timber-framed construction and historic house-and-byre arrangement. The property is of such significance it has an entry in Houses & History of the Marches of Wales Radnorshire. The result is a home which today still oozes the charm, character and gentle “cottage” appeal so sought after in traditional Welsh rural property.

Externally, the grounds are a wildlife haven and include lawned gardens, mature trees and a gently undulating paddock of circa one acre positioned to the south-west of the property. There are productive apple trees (cooking and eating), plum, damson and quince trees plus blackcurrant bushes, raspberry canes, orchids and snakes head fritillary in abundance. Subject to any necessary consents, this area may lend itself to a variety of lifestyle uses - from the siting of glamping pods for those seeking to generate supplementary income, through to kitchen gardening or smallholding pursuits for buyers aspiring toward a more self-sufficient way of life.

This is an exceptional opportunity for purchasers seeking either a quintessential Welsh cottage in a tranquil location, or a partially progressed heritage project with the necessary consents already secured - enabling the next custodian to complete and personalise the restoration in accordance with their own vision.

The property is included on the statutory list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest as recorded in the CADW listing report. The listing recognises the building’s heritage significance and confirms that any works affecting its character as a building of special interest may require Listed Building Consent. The description provided in these particulars is intended as a brief summary only and interested parties should refer to the full CADW report for comprehensive details of the designation and its implication -available upon request.

Please note: The neighbouring farm has two outbuildings which border this property; however, these benefit from their own separate access.

Situated in an idyllic and private setting below the A481, this property enjoys a tranquil rural position approximately one mile from the sought-after village of Franksbridge. Nestled into the hillside above the Wye Valley, Franksbridge is a charming and close-knit community long associated with its historic crossing point over the River Wye, from which the village takes its name. Today it is particularly well regarded for its strong community spirit and respected primary school, making it an enduringly popular choice for families seeking a peaceful countryside lifestyle. The nearby market town of Builth Wells offers an excellent range of amenities including primary and secondary schooling, independent shops, supermarkets, a cinema, leisure centre and a variety of sporting clubs covering cricket, rugby, football and golf. The town is internationally renowned as the home of the Royal Welsh Show - Europe’s largest agricultural show - drawing visitors from across the UK and beyond each year. Builth Wells benefits from strong transport connections, positioned on a bus route between Cardiff and North Wales and served by Builth Road Railway Station on the scenic Heart of Wales Line. The property lies within the celebrated Wye Valley, an area prized for its unspoilt natural beauty and exceptional walking opportunities. The spectacular reservoirs and landscapes of the Elan Valley near Rhayader are within easy reach, while the renowned red kite feeding station at Gigrin Farm offers a unique opportunity to witness these magnificent birds in their natural habitat. Also nearby is the elegant Victorian spa town of Llandrindod Wells, the county town of Powys, distinguished by its attractive Victorian and Edwardian architecture and extensive range of retail, recreational and educational facilities. Well connected by both rail and road, Llandrindod Wells further enhances the appeal of this superbly positioned rural residence.