Hewelsfield, Lydney, GL15

This handsome, modernised and extended period farmhouse enjoys a glorious, elevated situation, commanding stunning 180 degree views of the picturesque scenery of the Wye Valley 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'.

The substantial six-bedroom residence is set above a quiet country road in the friendly but spread-out community of Hewelsfield, in the Forest of Dean. Once at the heart of a cider farm, the handsome 200-year-old property sits in lovely, established gardens at the end of a long drive, with its group of majestic Scots Pines providing a local landmark. True to its heritage, its 4.8 Acres of grounds include a productive orchard which keeps the vendor well-supplied with apples for cider, apple juice and apple cake!

The Wye Valley's spectacular scenery and wonderful natural environment have inspired generations of artists and creatives, including the vendor, drawn to this particular property some 20 years ago by its pastoral surroundings and abundance of light. My husband and I were both painters. I was captured by the Scots Pines and the view. "My husband was looking for light from the north and whilst this house is south-facing, he was able to set up a studio in the large, back, north-facing bedroom."

The vendor says the gardens and grounds have also been a joy. She has enjoyed creating and tending her vegetable plot and planning and maintaining the wonderful formal gardens. The property has provided an idyllic country lifestyle, surrounded by an abundance of wildlife and wonderful walks, including the long distance Wye Valley Walk and Offas Dyke National Trail. "You are in the heart of nature. There is an incredible sense of quiet and no light pollution."

The house is approached along a long gravel driveway, lined with heather and mature shrubs and leading to ample parking. The driveway leads past a lovely area of level lawn, with established borders and an original sundial as a focal point.

The attractive formal gardens near the house have been planned for seasonal colour and include large beds retained by natural stone walling. Established trees, shrubs and climbers include hydrangeas, magnolias and wisteria. Behind the house is the orchard - a gently sloping are with mixed fruit trees, leading to bluebell woodland at the top. There is a kitchen garden with a soft fruit area and a small lily pond.

A feature of the gardens is a group of towering Scots Pines, which the vendor believes would have been planted as a deliberate landmark.

There is a patio used by the annexe, whilst accessed from the kitchen of the main property there is a raised, paved patio. Both take advantage of the breathtaking views and the wonderful natural surroundings. "The gardens are south facing and because it is so high up, in the mornings you can sometimes see a layer of cloud over the village and watch it rise up it is captivating. The sun rises and sunsets are also amazing."

The grounds extend to about 4.8 acres and included the field across the lane to the front aspect.

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