Upton Bishop, Elevated Position & Views

Set within the heart of its tranquil third-acre garden, Rock Cottage radiates quintessential country charm. The interior is rich in period character, featuring an impressive inglenook fireplace in the main sitting room and exposed beams throughout. Bespoke wooden windows frame glorious, far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside, while the generous garden offers ample opportunity to cultivate fresh produce and fully embrace an idyllic rural lifestyle.

Location:

Nestled amidst gently rolling hills and patchwork fields, the sleepy village of Upton Bishop features The Moody Cow, a reputable pub and restaurant, plus the Upton Bishop Millennium Hall - a substantial community centre used by many different groups for all types of activities.

The welcoming market town of Ross-on-Wye is a short drive away (approx. 5-10 minutes by car). This picturesque market town is renowned for being the birthplace of British tourism, thanks to its spectacular scenery. The town is perched on red sandstone cliffs that overlook the River Wye. The town centre features a diverse range of shops, independently owned boutiques, a variety of restaurants, bustling pubs, and various leisure facilities, as well as a network of countryside and riverside walks.

Despite the seclusion of the setting, a network of main roads is nearby. The M50 motorway is approximately one mile away and provides excellent commuter links to the M5, giving good access to Birmingham and Bristol. The A40, also two miles away, leads to the M4 at Newport, giving good access to Cardiff and London.

The Home at a Glance:

Each season brings its own delight to Rock Cottage. In spring and summer, the garden bursts into life with vibrant blooms, while a potager of raised beds, a greenhouse and a bank surrounded by established fruit trees and soft fruit offer an ever-changing harvest of seasonal delights. As autumn deepens into winter, the atmosphere shifts indoors, where the log-burning stove creates a warm and inviting retreat. From here, the quiet beauty of the frost-kissed landscape can be enjoyed through attractive Iroko-framed windows, all handcrafted by the local specialist firm, Advanced Joinery, lending both character and craftsmanship to this welcoming space.

The front garden is framed by a lovingly maintained living willow hedge, expertly shaped each year to provide both privacy and a soft, natural boundary that complements the cottage's rustic charm.

To the rear, the garden rises gently up the hillside, creating a wonderfully layered and private outdoor space. Immediately adjoining the house is a sunken patio, providing a sheltered and inviting setting for relaxed entertaining. Mature specimen trees offer dappled shade, while the kitchen garden is thoughtfully arranged with two raised beds, well-stocked borders, and a greenhouse for year-round growing. Beyond, there is a tantalising variety of pear, plum, apple, damson, and walnut trees.

The main entrance opens into a welcoming reception hall. Here, a timbered ceiling and elegant slate tile flooring run throughout, establishing a natural flow across the ground floor.

The principal reception space is the generously proportioned sitting room, where a striking stone inglenook fireplace forms an impressive focal point. To one side, two bay windows offer a panoramic view of rolling hills and patchwork countryside, filling the room with natural light. On the opposite side, two sets of glazed doors open into a peaceful sunroom, where light pours in through overhead Velux windows and French doors, creating an effortless transition between indoor and outdoor living.

Another reception room, currently arranged as a formal dining room, is a captivating space within the oldest part of the house, dating back to the 1800s. It connects seamlessly to the kitchen-a 20th-century addition. A vaulted ceiling with two Velux windows enhances the feeling of space and light, while a glazed door frames the outstanding view and opens onto a flagstone patio at the front of the property. The kitchen itself was updated two years ago, featuring base and wall units complemented by sleek granite worktops and splashbacks. Integrated appliances include a Lamona hob, an AEG angled extractor, an electric oven, a dishwasher, a fridge/freezer, and a one-and-a-half bowl sink with a mixer tap.

The ground floor further benefits from a generously proportioned boot room-cum-utility space, complete with a stable door leading out to the rear garden. This practical room is fitted with a pantry, a traditional Belfast sink, and has provision for both a washing machine and tumble dryer. A door at the far end leads through to a cloakroom fitted with a WC and basin.

A staircase rises from the reception hall to the first floor, where the accommodation comprises four well-proportioned double bedrooms, along with an additional fifth room ideal for use as a study, nursery or child's bedroom.

The triple aspect principal bedroom suite is particularly impressive-bright, spacious, and thoughtfully positioned. Set at the end of a light-filled corridor and accessed via a short flight of steps, it enjoys a sense of privacy. A vaulted, beam-adorned ceiling adds character and volume, while a built-in cupboard and a dedicated recess for a substantial freestanding wardrobe provide excellent storage. The adjoining en-suite shower room is appointed with a three-piece suite.

The remaining bedrooms are equally appealing. Two overlook the rear garden and benefit from fitted wardrobes offering ample hanging and shelving space. The fourth bedroom, situated above the dining room, is classically beautiful, featuring a dual aspect view over the rural surroundings and a pitched, beamed ceiling.

The family bathroom carries a bath with overhead shower, a WC, a countertop vanity unit, a heated towel rail, and a useful airing cupboard, combining practicality with comfort.

Parking at the property is well catered for; there is a block-paved driveway and a deep garage which is equipped with light, power and ample space for a workshop alongside electrical appliances.

General Services:

Mains water and electricity. Private drainage. Oil-fired central heating. Telephone line and fibre broadband is available.
Local Authority: Herefordshire Council. Tax Band E Tenure: Freehold

Directions:

From Ross-on-Wye, travel to the Traveller's Rest roundabout and take the first exit to the A449 towards Ledbury. Stay on this road for approximately three miles until you reach a crossroads with traffic lights. Take the right-hand turn towards South Herefordshire Golf Club and keep to this road for just shy of one mile. The turning into Rock Cottage will be on the left-hand side.

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Distances

Ross-on-Wye 3.5 miles - Hereford 13 miles - Monmouth 14 miles - Gloucester 16 miles - Cheltenham 23 miles - Worcester 30.5 miles - (All distances are approximate)