Brecon Road, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford, Powys, HR3

An outstanding country home set in glorious gardens with far-reaching countryside views.

Description

Set at the head of an elegant sweeping driveway, Oakfield is a magnificent Grade II listed country residence, enjoying a slightly elevated position amidst open farmland and commanding glorious views across the unspoilt Wye Valley. Believed to date from circa 1820, the house is a fine example of Regency architecture, retaining a wealth of period features including graceful bay sash windows, an impressive curved cantilevered staircase and exquisitely detailed marble fireplaces.

The principal house provides exceptionally generous and versatile accommodation, including a self-contained one-bedroom apartment on the second floor. Further ancillary accommodation is found within the detached coach house, where a first-floor one-bedroom apartment offers excellent guest or income potential.

The house is entered through imposing double doors with an elegant fanlight above, opening into a welcoming reception hall with attractive flagstone flooring that continues through to the inner staircase hall. The beautifully proportioned family room enjoys a dual aspect and features part timber-panelled walls, decorative cornicing and picture rails, centred around a Clearview log-burning stove. Beyond lies the breath-taking dining room, an outstanding entertaining space highlighted by floor-to-ceiling curved sash windows with working shutters, exposed floorboards and an open fireplace. The drawing room is equally impressive, offering garden access, far-reaching views and a further Clearview stove, while a fully wood-panelled library provides a more intimate retreat. A cloakroom completes this level.

The inner hall links the reception rooms to the kitchen, which is fitted with bespoke cabinetry topped with a combination of granite and oak work surfaces. A substantial central island incorporates a breakfast bar for informal dining, alongside a double Belfast sink, range cooker, integrated dishwasher, fridge/freezer and microwave. The kitchen is further complemented by a pantry, additional store room and utility. Beyond this area is a versatile room ideal for use as a study, the boiler room, and connecting staircases leading to the upper floors, the swimming pool and down to the cellar rooms.

The indoor swimming pool complex, added by the current owner, is a particular highlight, featuring a pool, shower area and space for seating, all bathed in natural light from large picture windows overlooking the grounds. Doors open onto a balcony, providing an ideal setting for summer entertaining.

The principal staircase ascends to the first floor, where all six bedrooms benefit from their own en suite bath or shower rooms. The principal bedroom is especially noteworthy, showcasing elegant bay sash windows and breathtaking, far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside.

A secondary staircase leads to the second floor, which forms a self-contained apartment comprising a kitchen, dining room, sitting room and a bedroom with adjoining bathroom—ideal for independent living, staff accommodation or rental income.

The Coach House
Situated adjacent to the property’s turning circle, the detached coach house provides garaging for two vehicles, along with three well-proportioned storage rooms. Both internal and external staircases lead to the first-floor apartment, which centres around a remarkable 48-foot open-plan kitchen, sitting and dining room, complete with exposed floorboards, characterful ceiling timbers and a large sky lantern. The apartment further includes a bedroom, shower room and separate WC, making it an exceptional and highly flexible addition to the estate.

Location

Oakfield occupies a central position within its own beautifully established grounds, enjoying far-reaching views across gently rolling farmland towards Hay-on-Wye and the surrounding countryside beyond. The gardens are a particular feature of the property, laid predominantly to lawn and interspersed with magnificent mature trees, well-stocked flower borders and a variety of thoughtfully positioned seating areas from which to appreciate the tranquil rural setting.

Set within the heart of the idyllic Powys countryside, Oakfield offers a rare combination of privacy, peace and accessibility. Despite its secluded feel, the property is well placed for reaching the renowned market town of Hay-on-Wye, as well as Hereford, Abergavenny and the wider national motorway network via the M50. Mainline rail services are readily available from both Hereford and Abergavenny, providing convenient links for commuting or leisure travel.

Hay-on-Wye is celebrated for its charming setting and outstanding walking opportunities, with the nearby Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons and the meandering River Wye offering exceptional scenery and outdoor pursuits. World-famous as “the town of books,” Hay-on-Wye is home to more than twenty independent bookshops and hosts the internationally acclaimed Hay Festival of Literature and Arts. The town also offers an excellent range of independent shops, cafés, galleries, delicatessens, pubs and restaurants.

The neighbouring towns of Abergavenny, Brecon and Crickhowell provide a broader selection of everyday amenities, schooling and leisure facilities. Oakfield lies within the Brecon Beacons National Park, one of only three national parks in Wales, celebrated for its dramatic landscapes and outstanding natural beauty.

The area is well served educationally, with a choice of local primary schools nearby and two well-regarded state secondary schools within easy reach, making the property equally well suited to family living.

Square Footage: 8,398 sq ft


Acreage: 4.27 Acres

Additional Info

Services connected: Oil fired central heating, private drainage, private water, mains electricity.

Local Authority: Powys County Council.