It doesn’t come as much of a surprise to hear that the current owner of this remarkable home in Hereford deals with things of ancient beauty on a regular basis.
The vendor of Magdalene House, located in the hamlet of Willersley in the Wye Valley, is an antique dealer. Though one could easily believe they were a professional lute player, as they have clearly gathered quite a collection.
The unusual decor, which includes walls adorned with religious icons, feels very much in keeping with the 900-year-old Romanesque church.
The Grade II-listed property has been altered over the centuries, and walking through the property is like travelling through history.
To begin there is the porch. Believed to be 17th century, it shields the heavy oak door with mullioned surround and lintel over that is an early example of the craftsmanship of the Herefordshire school of stone carving.
An entrance hall has timbered ceiling, medieval-style lancet window, an oak staircase modelled on an Elizabethan example, and the original wall holes for the door’s draw bar.
The main reception room is to the right and used to be the chancel.
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It is open to the rafters which are thought to be of 13th century origin, with tie beams, purlings and arched braced roof supports.
A small lancet window, probably 12th century, faces north. A large lancet window, thought to be 14th century in origin, faces east. Traceried lancet windows all face south. Brickwork around the windows has been left exposed.
A baronial fireplace in the west wall has a large stone lintel over and Villager wood burning stove beneath.
At the other end of the hall is a kitchen with fitted cupboards that have natural wood fronts. It has a Hygena Electric oven, four-ring hob with extractor hood and space for a fridge. Two lancet windows to the front are bordered with stained glass.
A door leads from here into a dining room with exposed ceiling timbers, and mullioned window with leaded lights and deep oak sill. There is a similar window in the room next to this, which could be used as a study or a third bedroom.
It is served by a shower room with toilet, pedestal basin, Mira shower and airing cupboard. This could also act as the laundry with space and plumbing for a washing machine.
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On the galleried first floor landing there is oak flooring, oak panelled doors and exposed oak timbers.
In the main bedroom, the light filters in through a traceried lancet window and large Velux window with a deep oak sill. It has oak flooring, exposed ceiling timbers and trusses, and some exposed stonework.
A second bedroom features another Velux window with deep oak sill, and more oak flooring, exposed ceiling timbers and roof trusses. The bathroom has its own period style – the 1970s/80s – thanks to its coloured suite. Exposed timbers are also featured in this room.
In the garden there is a stone driveway that sweeps around a centuries old Yew Tree. The gardens to the side consist of shrubs, willow, cherry and apple trees. The back lawn has a view over farmland. There are also two garden sheds.
VIEWING INFORMATION
AGENT: Fine and Country
TEL: 01568 610222
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GUIDE PRICE: £395,000