Bromley Wood, Abbots Bromley, Rugeley, WS15 3AG

The Forge House sits at the far end of a country lane in Bromley Wood, where the road eventually gives way to open fields, grazing sheep and a noticeably quieter pace of life. There is very little passing traffic here. No sense of suburbia creeping in. Just farmland, mature trees and countryside that changes constantly with the seasons.

Despite the privacy, the house remains only a few minutes from Abbots Bromley, a village that continues to be one of Staffordshire’s most admired places to live. The balance is what makes the setting work so well. You can return home to complete peace and still be close enough to enjoy village life properly. The pubs, cafés and everyday amenities are all within easy reach, while ABSA remains a huge part of village life with its cricket ground, football, tennis and wider sports facilities. There are also the tennis courts and crown green bowling in the centre of the village, alongside independent shops, cafés and the community atmosphere that Abbots Bromley is so well known for. The Bagot Arms, The Goat’s Head, The Crown and The Coach & Horses each bring something different to village life, from relaxed dining and live music to quizzes and social evenings, while Antlers Coffee House and Cobwebs have become firm favourites locally.

The wider area only adds to the appeal. Hoar Cross Hall, St George's Park and The Deer Park are all only a short drive away, giving easy access to spa facilities, dining, events and leisure.

The house itself is a substantial six bedroom period home that has been carefully improved over the years while still retaining the character that gives it its identity. Practical upgrades including full double glazing and two boilers have been introduced sympathetically, allowing the house to function comfortably for modern family life without losing its original atmosphere.

The approach immediately sets the tone. Double farm gates open onto a sweeping driveway which gradually reveals the house and grounds as you arrive. Early along the drive, another set of gates leads towards raised flower beds and clipped topiary, giving an indication of the standard to which the gardens have been maintained. Beyond this, a further gate opens into the paddock area, laid to grass and ideal for ponies or other animals.

As the driveway continues to sweep around the property, further gates can be found to the rear boundary where the grounds back onto the bridleway, adding another layer of practicality for those who enjoy countryside pursuits and direct access into the surrounding landscape.

Positioned to the left of the driveway sits one of the property’s most distinctive features, known simply as “The Forge”. Separate from the main house, this wonderfully characterful building offers enormous flexibility and could equally serve as a gym, office, studio or additional entertaining space.

The Forge has a cottage-like feel from the moment you step inside. Exposed beams run across the ceilings, windows face out on every side and the exposed brickwork gives the building genuine warmth and personality. At its centre is a brick built fireplace with inset beam above and a working log burning stove, creating a room that feels inviting throughout the year.

The gardens at The Forge House deserve particular attention and have clearly been maintained to an exceptional standard over many years. Every part feels carefully cared for without becoming overly formal. Mature topiary trees give structure throughout the grounds, while deep flower borders, planted beds and large planters bring colour and texture across the seasons.

Set within the gardens is a beautiful grey Hartley Botanic greenhouse which sits perfectly within the setting and adds another layer to the lifestyle the property offers.

The outbuildings and external space have been arranged in a way that feels both functional and adaptable. The property benefits from two garages, a substantial carport and a workshop, creating flexibility for storage, hobbies, machinery or vehicle space depending on requirements. Alongside this is a hardstanding area currently used as a small basketball space.

The entrance to the house feels entirely fitting for the setting. A substantial oak porch with sandstone tiled flooring leads into an inner porch with windows to either side before opening into the main reception hallway where quarry tiled flooring immediately reinforces the age and character of the property.

An archway leads into the divided open plan kitchen, dining and living area, a space that feels sociable and practical without becoming overexposed or overly modern. The sitting area centres around a feature brick wall, while French doors open directly onto the rear garden. Tiled flooring continues throughout and a bespoke media unit with integrated power has been fitted discreetly within the room.

The kitchen is framed through a wide square archway and combines exposed brickwork, beams, granite work surfaces and wooden cabinetry in a way that feels established rather than newly installed. A brick built inset houses the Smeg range cooker, while the large central island with breakfast bar naturally becomes the focal point of the room. There are two dishwashers, a Belfast sink, freestanding Smeg fridge freezer and long wall radiator, all combining practicality with the traditional feel of the house.

A brick framed doorway leads into the boot room, fitted with storage, shelving and cupboards below, ideal for coats, boots and day to day family life. Beyond this sits a further storage room fitted with full height cupboards, additional base units and worktops.

Back through the reception hallway is the cloakroom with WC, wash hand basin and quarry tiled flooring, along with access into the laundry room, a practical working space fitted with full height wall units, storage cupboards, plumbing for washing machine and tumble dryer, double sink and one of the property’s boilers. The room feels properly designed for the realities of busy family life rather than simply added as an afterthought.

To the opposite side of the hallway is the music room, where exposed beams, a brick fireplace with open fire and front facing windows create a room full of warmth and personality. From here, a traditional cottage door with Suffolk latch leads into the snug.

This is one of the most atmospheric rooms within the house, centred around a brick inglenook fireplace with brick hearth and log burning stove. Hardwood flooring, exposed beams and the staircase rising to the first floor all reinforce the age and authenticity of the property. Retaining charming original features throughout, including cottage doors with traditional Suffolk latches, this part of the house captures much of what makes The Forge House feel so individual.

Back from the snug, a traditional wooden door opens into the formal dining room where hardwood flooring, exposed beams and built in shelving create a room particularly suited to larger family occasions and entertaining.

Beyond this is the games room, currently arranged with a snooker table and recreational space, though equally adaptable depending on the next owner’s needs. Hardwood flooring, exposed beams and a cast iron fireplace continue the character seen throughout the house.

Glazed double doors open into the formal lounge, undoubtedly one of the most impressive spaces within the property. The room has been arranged around a substantial central brick fireplace with inset log burner, allowing movement around all sides and creating a natural division within the room itself. Beamed ceilings continue overhead, while tiled flooring and two sets of patio doors opening onto the rear garden bring light into the space throughout the day.

Leading from the games room, a square archway opens into the living room where another brick built fireplace with inset beamed mantle, slate hearth and wood burning stove creates a room that feels comfortable and relaxed rather than formal.

The first floor can be reached by either of the two staircases within the house, reinforcing the age and evolution of the property over time.

One staircase rises to a landing with Velux window, exposed beam and hardwood flooring. A versatile room currently used as a bedroom, study or office leads off here, retaining exposed beams and a small feature fireplace set into the chimney breast.

Another bedroom continues the same character with hardwood flooring, exposed beams and a painted brick chimney breast, along with ample space for wardrobes.

A small step leads down to a secondary landing with stairs descending back towards the snug below. One of the bedrooms from this landing features a circular window, exposed beams and fitted cupboards with shelving, accessed through another traditional Suffolk latch door.

Also positioned from the landing is the airing cupboard with fitted shelving and loft access, while two smaller Velux windows bring additional light into the space.

The family bathroom includes a vanity wash hand basin with cupboards below, WC, large walk in shower, tiled flooring and fitted storage cupboards with worktop above.

Beyond this, a further landing rises to the mezzanine level overlooking both sides below, with two Velux windows continuing to draw natural light into the upper floor.

One of the bedrooms from this section enjoys particularly attractive views over the rear garden through two French doors. Sloping ceilings and exposed oak beams soften the room, while built in cupboards provide useful storage. The adjoining en-suite includes a walk in rain shower, vanity wash hand basin with cupboards beneath and WC, while a separate dressing room provides extensive shelving and hanging space.

The principal bedroom is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the house. Generous in size yet still warm and inviting, the room combines polished hardwood flooring with retained original details including a feature fireplace. Doors overlook the rear aspect, while loft access is also positioned within the room itself.

The en-suite bathroom has been arranged in a more individual style than many modern equivalents, centred around a beautiful freestanding bath positioned on a slightly raised plinth. There is also a WC and an entire wall of floor to ceiling fitted cupboards providing substantial storage.

Beyond this, a further section of the bathroom incorporates a separate shower enclosure, vanity sink and heated towel rails, creating a suite that feels spacious, practical and entirely in keeping with the scale of the house.

Dimensions

5 Bedrooms
5 Receptions
2 Bathrooms (inc En-suite)
Family Sun Room
The Forge House
Lounge 4.57m (15') x 3.68m (12'1") plus 0.64m (2'1") x 0.64m (2'1")

Window to front, window to side, fireplace, open plan, door to:
Games Room 4.48m (14'8") x 4.13m (13'7") plus 0.64m (2'1") x 0.64m (2'1")

Window to side, double door, door to:
Family Sun Room 8.74m (28'8") x 6.38m (20'11") plus 0.64m (2'1") x 0.64m (2'1")

Four windows to side, three double doors, door to:
Dining Room 4.24m (13'11") x 4.21m (13'10") plus 0.64m (2'1") x 0.64m (2'1")

Window to side, door to:
Sitting Room 4.90m (16'1") x 4.54m (14'11") plus 0.64m (2'1") x 0.64m (2'1")

Two windows to front, fireplace, door to:
Study 3.40m (11'2") x 2.70m (8'10") plus 0.64m (2'1") x 0.64m (2'1")

Window to front, open plan, door to:
 

Stairs, twoopen plan, door to:
 

Two windows to side, two windows to front, door to:
Utility 3.64m (11'11") x 3.37m (11'1") plus 0.64m (2'1") x 0.64m (2'1")

Window to rear, threeStorage cupboard, three double doors, door to:
 

Window to side, door to:
 

Door to:
 

Window to rear.
Breakfast Room 5.62m (18'5") x 3.39m (11'1") plus 0.64m (2'1") x 0.64m (2'1")

Two windows to rear, window to front, Storage cupboard, two double doors, open plan, door to:
Kitchen 5.60m (18'4") x 4.95m (16'3") plus 0.64m (2'1") x 0.64m (2'1")

Two windows to rear, window to front, open plan, door to:
 

Window to side, open plan, door to:
 

Window to side, window to front, Storage cupboard, double door, door to:
Garage 8.40m (27'7") x 5.86m (19'3") max

Two windows to side, two double doors, door to:
 

Open plan, door to:
 

Door to:
Gym

Two skylights, two windows to side, window to front, fireplace, door.
First Floor
Bedroom 4.77m (15'8") x 3.74m (12'3") plus 0.33m (1'1") x 0.33m (1'1")

Window to side, window to front, fireplace, twoStorage cupboard, two double doors, door to:
Shower Room 4.06m (13'4") x 1.87m (6'2") plus 0.33m (1'1") x 0.33m (1'1")

Window to side, door to:
 

Open plan, door to:
 

Six skylights, window to front, open plan, door to:
Bedroom 5.67m (18'7") x 4.55m (14'11") plus 0.33m (1'1") x 0.33m (1'1")

Two windows to rear, door to:
En-suite 2.67m (8'9") x 1.66m (5'5") plus 0.33m (1'1") x 0.33m (1'1")

Window to side.
Bedroom 3.84m (12'7") x 3.26m (10'8") plus 0.33m (1'1") x 0.33m (1'1")

Window to side, Storage cupboard, two double doors, door to:
 

Stairs, door to:
Bedroom 5.21m (17'1") x 3.64m (11'11") max plus 0.33m (1'1") x 0.33m (1'1")

Window to front, fireplace, open plan, door to:
Study 5.16m (16'11") x 3.43m (11'3") plus 0.33m (1'1") x 0.33m (1'1")

Window to front, window to side, fireplace, door to:
 

Skylight, door to:
Shower Room 3.24m (10'8") x 2.00m (6'7")

Window to rear.
Bathroom 4.83m (15'10") max x 3.56m (11'8")

Window to rear, twoStorage cupboard, four double doors, door to:
Bedroom 5.77m (18'11") x 5.76m (18'11")

Two windows to front, fireplace, double door, door to:
Walk-in Wardrobe