De Walden House and Grounds, De Walden Road, Malvern, Worcestershire

Lot 1 comprises the magnificent De Walden House, an elegant Bath stone mansion retaining a wealth of original architectural detail, including tall windows, lofty ceilings and impressive reception spaces. Extending to more than 30,000 sq ft, the building currently accommodates Elim’s headquarters and conference centre, with extensive accommodation, offices, formal reception rooms, meeting rooms, a substantial function hall, professional kitchen, cafeteria and an outdoor swimming pool. An underground tunnel connects De Walden House to Regents House for easy access between the two buildings.

De Walden House was commissioned by Lady Howard de Walden during the 1880s and remains an impressive example of Victorian architecture. The estate later became St James’ School for Girls, where it remained for more than a century as a distinguished independent school. Over the years the school welcomed members of the Royal Family, while former governors included Robert Baden-Powell, whose signature and name remain preserved on foundation plaques throughout the estate.

The estate is surrounded by beautifully established grounds, originally laid out during the 1880s and once extending to approximately 286 acres. Today, the mature arboretum provides an impressive collection of specimen trees, while an avenue of cypress trees marks the original approach to the house. Historic Victorian pathways meander through the grounds, leading to the former Rose Temple and a disused summer house from which Lady Howard de Walden is said to have enjoyed afternoon tea overlooking the valley beyond.

The estate is offered in 10 individual lots, presenting a rare opportunity to acquire a remarkable range of historic buildings, residential accommodation, leisure facilities and land.

The property is situated in the highly desirable neighbourhood of West Malvern, set on the western slopes of the Malvern Hills with spectacular far-reaching views across the Herefordshire countryside. West Malvern has an active community centred around the village hall, with a primary school in the village itself. The celebrated Victorian spa town of Great Malvern provides a comprehensive range of everyday amenities, including a Waitrose supermarket, independent shops, restaurants, the renowned Malvern Theatres complex and the Splash leisure pool. Schooling is exceptionally well provided for, with Northleigh Church of England Primary School and Malvern Wyche Church of England Primary School both rated Good by Ofsted, alongside the prestigious independent Malvern College. The Malvern Hills offer outstanding walking and cycling directly from the doorstep. Great Malvern station provides services to London Paddington, Birmingham and Worcester, while Junction 7 of the M5 is within easy reach.