Medieval gargoyles that were excavated from the site of Evehsam Abbey make quite an arresting feature in a porch entrance to this unusual residence.
The archaeological dig that unearthed these stone grotesques took place .
The building that now houses them, Abbey Manor in Evesham, Worcestershire, was built in 1816.
It has a number of other fascinating features in the grounds including a stone obelisk erected by the Rudge family to mark the losses in the 13th century Battle of Evesham and the Leicester Tower which was built in memory of Simon de Montfort, the Earl of Leicester who was killed in the battle in 1265.
During the First World War the Rudges wanted to use the house as a Red Cross hospital.
The authorities said there weren’t enough funds to do so. Mrs Rudge set up a fete on the lawn of Abbey Manor to raise the money.
The hospital continued for six years and treated more than 3,600 soldiers – none of whom died.
The Grade II country mansion has been divided into unique homes. Up for sale is The West Wing.
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It retains many original features which include gothic style battlements, stonework and arches, generous reception hall, entertaining rooms and spacious bedrooms.
Abbey Manor is in 30 acres of attractive mature parkland and woodland which can be enjoyed by all of its residents.
Refurbishment work has been carried out sympathetically, retaining original period features including parquet flooring, stained glass windows, stone archways, oak doors, window shutters, deep architraves and skirtings, high ceilings and elaborate cornicing.
In the entrance hall to the first floor with galleried landing and cupola above.
Doors lead off to the various reception rooms and there is another door to the cellar
The drawing room has gothic style windows with superb views across the surrounding gardens and countryside beyond. Its fireplace has an impressive surround with an open fire.
An ornate set of doors with stained glass inlays open to the entrance porch beyond, which has two arched stained glass windows overlooking the gardens, vaulted timber ceiling and tiled flooring. This room contains the stone gargoyles.
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There is a study with a range of oak fitted furniture and a window overlooking the garden.
The utility room has fitted units and space for appliances.
A guest cloakroom has a toilet and basin set into a Carara marble top with fitted cupboards below.
The kitchen/breakfast room has a bespoke range of units with leathered and polished granite worktops.
A central island offers more worktop and storage space below and a fitted desk with beech wood top.
It has an integrated Neff microwave, Miele fridge and freezer, and oil fired Aga with electric companion.
A breakfast area to one side features a bay window offering parkland views and a secret door leading out onto the terrace
There is an elegant dining room with Gothic style picture window that has views over the gardens and Bredon Hill in the distance. The fireplace has an oak surround and gas fire.
An elegant oak staircase with carved newel posts leads up to the first floor galleried landing
There is a master bedroom suite with two windows to the front and double doors opening into the adjoining en suite/dressing room which has a roll top bath, separate shower, toilet, bidet and basin. There is a large bay window overlooking the gardens and a large fitted wardrobe
Bedroom two has views over the River Avon and Bredon Hill beyond, a fitted wardrobe and en suite bathroom.
Bedroom three is being used as a billiard room.
There is another toilet on this floor with an airing cupboard.
On the second floor there are two further double bedrooms.
One of them has a large walk-in loft space which could be converted to an en sute (subject to planning permission).
A family bathroom has a bath, separate shower, toilet and wash basin.
On the basement level there is a three chamber cellar which includes a superb wine store.
The gardens and grounds include a sweeping driveway which leads to two private parking areas; one to the front and one to the side of the property, two garages and a garage/workshop.
There is a gravelled terrace and lawn leading down to a ha-ha. Beyond the garden there are 30 acres of communal parkland and woodland.
The side garden is well stocked with floral and herbaceous beds with seating areas laid out to enjoy the views.
In the grounds there is the stone obelisk the landmark tower.
The property is situated a mile outside the town of Evesham in an elevated position with far the river Avon to Bredon Hill and the Malvern Hills.
Evesham provides excellent shopping, sporting and recreational facilities and further amenities are available in nearby Cheltenham, Stratford-upon-Avon and Worcester.
Evesham Railway Station has services to Oxford, London Paddington, Worcester and Hereford.
The area has quick access to the M5, M40 and M42 motorway network providing access to London to the south, Birmingham to the north, Bristol, Cheltenham and Gloucester.
The Vale of Evesham has attractive countryside, with the North Cotswolds and Broadway only six miles away.
VIEWING INFORMATION
AGENT: Knight Frank / Savills
TEL: 01789 297735/01242 548000
WEB: www.knightfrank.co.uk/www.savills.co.uk
GUIDE PRICE: £1,295,000