There are properties that have character – plenty of nooks and crannies, original beams, sash windows and the like – then there are others that are on another level altogether.
The Abbot’s House in Telford, Shropshire, definitely fits into the latter category, having the ruins of the Cistercian Buildwas Abbey in its grounds. A Scheduled Ancient Monument, the abbey is particularly noted for its chapter house with intact tiled floor and decorative stonework, as well as the remains of a 12th century church.
The Abbot’s House is owned by Eon and has been used since 1963 as the Ironbridge Power Station social club. However, the estate agents marketing it say it could be transformed into a magnificent seven-bedroom home or be used as a boutique hotel, restaurant or wedding venue, all subject to the relevant planning permission.
Standing in just under 23 acres of grounds, the Grade I listed sandstone ashlar property has also been known as Abbey House, Abbey Lodge and more recently the Abbey Sports and Social Club.
What cannot be disputed, however, is the unique opportunity buying the riverside estate that was painted by JMW Turner in the 1790s brings and its historical importance.
The house itself is believed to date to the 12th century and, if you are looking for four walls with an abundance of features, then this has it.
Within the 9,156 sq ft of living space, there are stone mullion windows and vaulted ceilings, wood-panelled walls, as well as a Norman archway and plasterwork designs that date from the 16th century. You’ll also find Caernarvon arched door heads and fireplaces, Victorian wooden frames with fireplaces and quatrefoil and trefoil upper lights and motifs, such as the portcullis and the Prince of Wales’ feathers.
At the moment, the ground and first floors are mainly set out as offices, function rooms, bars, dining areas and a billiards room. The first floor could easily be reconfigured for family bedroom accommodation if the buyer decides to turn the property into a substantial family home.
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The grounds are also impressive, with a medieval apple orchard, gardens with trees that are also hundreds of years old, shrubs and flowers, plus an Elizabethan dovecote. A series of walkways lead to the banks of the River Severn.
And not many homes could boast a stone cottage, medieval piggery and ruins of the former monastery of Our Mary and St Chad. It comes with private fishing rights, too.
One thing new buyers of this estate do not have to worry about is looking after the ruins of Buildwas Abbey, which lies in its grounds, because it is maintained by English Heritage. The charity, which looks after the National Heritage Collection, is said to be very keen to work with the new buyer to help revitalise the Abbot’s House.
However, buyers must be aware that the purchase of Abbot’s House is subject to an additional payment of VAT, which is particularly important to think about if buying it to turn it into a private home, rather than a business.
* Agent: Savills
* Tel: 01952 239500
* Guide price: £850,000