Hillersland, Near Symonds Yat Rock

Alcombe House

Set centrally within an approximate quarter-acre plot, this three-bedroom home enjoys a privileged position where the Wye Valley AONB meets the enigmatic Forest of Dean. While the property offers scope for personalisation, it is the enchanting garden that truly captivates-an idyllic countryside retreat brimming with vibrant blooms and mature specimen trees and shrubs. A detached garage and adjacent brick-built outbuilding present excellent potential for annexe conversion, ideally suited to capitalise on the area's popularity as a sought-after tourist destination.

Location:

Hillersland is a village set on the fringes of the Royal Forest of Dean - an area which offers 24,000 acres of magnificent countryside, award-winning picnic sites, family cycle routes and gorgeous walks, as well as a huge selection of outdoor pursuits.

Woodland walks encircle the property. Opposite the home, there is a footpath which leads to the quirky Biblins swing bridge, which crosses the majestic River Wye - giving access to thousands of acres of hikes through the wilderness in three counties of Gloucestershire, Monmouthshire and Herefordshire. Additionally, the nearby Bracelands forest gives an ideal landscape to explore nature's best surroundings, and there are various routes throughout the woods, some of which lead downhill, alongside tranquil brooks.

The home is also a short distance away - approximately one mile - from Symonds Yat Rock, a beauty spot that offers a picture-postcard image of the River Wye winding its way through the rocky landscape. It also offers an excellent spot to watch the birds of prey, and, in particular, the Peregrine Falcons dominate here. A few hundred yards away, there sits a welcoming log cabin cafe.

On both sides of the river, there are a multitude of reputable riverside pubs and restaurants which are exceedingly popular with residents and tourists alike. A hand ferry near The Saracens Head Inn gives a delightful means to cross the picturesque waterway, and there are also plenty of enchanting walking and cycling routes throughout the area. For those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, various companies offer a wide range of activities such as canoe hire and abseiling sessions.

The neighbouring village of Berry Hill offers a variety of local amenities. It was crowned UK Neighbourhood of the Year for 2021 during a national campaign called The Good Neighbourhood Awards. There are two convenience stores, a pharmacy, a pub, a rugby club, and a primary school, graded 'Good' by Ofsted. In terms of secondary education, Five Acres High School - also rated 'Good' by Ofsted - is within walking distance.

Hillersland is within easy reach of three well-appointed market towns, Monmouth, Ross-on-Wye and Coleford. All offer schools, restaurants, pubs, leisure facilities, shops and supermarkets - although it is worth noting that the former offers an M&S and a Waitrose as well as private schooling options.

The Home at a Glance:

Alcombe House commands an elevated position, gazing out across a sweep of ancient woodland, where the changing seasons provide an ever-evolving outlook. The hidden sanctuary is discreetly approached via a private driveway from a quiet single-track lane.

Set within the heart of its grounds, the house is encircled by beautifully curated gardens that create an immediate and lasting impression. A tapestry of carefully selected planting brings colour and texture, while a magnificent, mature magnolia tree and decades-old rhododendron both deliver breathtaking seasonal displays. Enveloping the property, an expansive sun terrace affords the sun or shade to be followed throughout the course of the day.

For those drawn to a more sustainable lifestyle, the grounds also offer a greenhouse and a productive vegetable garden with raised beds. This dedicated space provides the opportunity to cultivate fresh, homegrown produce - a highlight of country living.

Dating back to the late 1930s, Alcombe House is rich in period charm, boasting a wealth of timeless architectural details. The front door opens into a beautifully bright reception hall, setting the tone for the home and providing a seamless flow throughout the ground floor.

Two formal reception rooms sit to the right-hand side, each benefitting from abundant natural light pouring through bay windows, while retaining classic features such as high ceilings and original picture rails. The principal reception room, currently arranged as a sitting room, is centred around a feature fireplace set within a capped chimney breast, offering the enticing possibility of reinstating a log-burning stove. Meanwhile, the second reception room-presently a formal dining space-mirrors the elegance of the first and is enhanced by bespoke shelving set within one of the chimney recesses.

The dual-aspect kitchen has been updated in recent years, combining contemporary style with everyday functionality. Sleek gloss cabinetry is complemented by tasteful splashback tiling and a suite of modern integrated appliances, including an AEG electric oven, Karinear hob, extractor fan, and fridge-freezer. Additionally, there is provision for either a dishwasher or washing machine, a one-and-a-half bowl sink with mixer tap, and discreetly housed water heating.

Completing the ground floor is a well-appointed shower room, fitted with a contemporary three-piece suite.

The staircase to the first floor rises elegantly from the reception hall, incorporating useful under-stair storage. Three bedrooms are arranged across this upper level, two of which are generously proportioned doubles.

The principal bedroom is a particularly fine dual-aspect room, enjoying elevated views and retaining period features including picture rails and a striking chimney breast. A second dual-aspect double bedroom also enjoys picturesque outlooks towards Huntsham Hill and Marcle Ridge, and is further enhanced by exposed wooden floorboards and fitted storage. The third bedroom, ideal as a guest room, nursery, or study, offers a charming outlook across a neighbouring pony paddock and ménage.

In terms of outbuildings, the property is complemented by a detached single garage with workshop space, complete with light and power. This is positioned next to a brick-built outbuilding, also serviced with light, power, and drainage, which has previously been utilised for a washing machine. Together, these versatile structures present an opportunity-subject to the necessary planning permissions-to be combined and transformed into a self-contained annexe, ideal for guests, extended family, or potential income generation.

General Services:
Electric heating via infrared panels (each with individual thermostat remote controls). Mains water and electricity. Private drainage. Telephone line and fibre broadband is available.

Local Authority: Forest of Dean District Council. Tax band E.

Tenure: Freehold

Agents' note: This property is unregistered, and therefore the plot size is an estimate and would need to be verified by solicitors.

What3Words: interviewer.supposes.silent

Coleford 1 mile - Monmouth 6 miles - Ross-on-Wye 9 miles - Gloucester 20 miles - Hereford 21 miles - Cheltenham 27 miles - (All distances are approximate)