House for sale in Leominster, Herefordshire

Mileage

Leominster 6 miles · Ludlow 14 miles · Worcester 23 miles · Hereford 15 miles

Description

Pudleston Court was built in 1846 in Tudor gothic style and is constructed of pink sandstone typical of this area. The castellated turrets, stone entrance portico and leaded mullioned windows are striking features of this grand but magical house. The pair of gate lodges at the head of the drive frame the original iron gates leading to Pudleston Court. The half mile long sweeping driveway leads through mown parkland past the magnificent lakes with fountain to a gravelled parking area to the front of the house.

A large oak door under a stone portico leads to the welcoming Reception Hall with large fireplace, oak panelling, shelves and cupboards leads through to the full height, galleried oak panelled Grand Hall with its open fire forms the warm heart of the house, and is an impressive room for entertaining (with drop down screen and projector). The Reception Hall opens into The Staircase Hall with a grand oak staircase sweeping to the first floor, in addition a door leads to the rear hall with Guest Cloakroom and glazed door leading to the inner courtyard.

Off the Reception Hall is the Drawing Room with a large bay window providing stunning views over the immaculate gardens, grounds and parkland beyond. The Library is oak panelled with fitted glass fronted bookcases, large open fireplace and picture windows allowing ample natural light.

The North Hall leads to the formal garden, the Morning Room with large windows framing the views and Dining Room with a superb hand painted fresco to the ceiling and full length glazed display cabinets which are also viewed from the Hall. A door leads through to the luxurious and spacious Kitchen/Domestic Quarters comprising; Lift to the first floor, Butler's Pantry, large modern and well equipped Office with ceiling lantern providing abundant natural light and a door to the rear courtyard.

The Kitchen is extensively appointed and ideal for large scale entertaining with a large central cooking island with extractor hood, Gaggenau griddle, fryer, gas and electric hobs. In addition there are a number of inset sinks with waste disposal and taps located around the kitchen. There are fitted Gaggenau fridges and water coolers in addition to an integrated double Gaggenau double oven. The worktops throughout the kitchen are Corian. There is an additional drinks area with fitted cupboards, sink and glass washer. Within the Kitchen is a cosy Breakfast Room with gas wood burning stove, fitted cupboards and door to the terrace and formal gardens. A door leads to the Utility Room with space for four large catering freezers, dishwasher, sink, fitted cupboards and door to sheltered Courtyard bordered with wisteria and rhodedendrons, with fitted gas BBQ and outbuildings used as a summer kitchen, in addition to domestic stores.

Beyond the Utility Room there are further Domestic Offices with stores and door into the integrated double garage and further door to the west courtyard accessed via iron gates from the main entrance drive.

The main oak staircase leads up to an additional dining/meeting area which in turn opens out to the large galleried landing, with principal bedrooms leading off. Master Bedroom Suite with wonderful far reaching views comprising bedroom, two dressing rooms with fitted cupboards and extensive rails with lowering mechanism. The en suite bathroom has a large walk-in shower, double wash hand basins on a marble top and WC. In addition there is a further bedroom and en suite bathroom (Bedroom Suite 2) which could be incorporated into the master suite, if desired.

Bedroom Suite 3 comprises a large bedroom with sitting area and en suite bathroom comprising bath with shower over, double wash hand basins and WC. Bedroom Suite 5 is located next to the master bedroom and comprises a large bedroom and en-suite bathroom having an oversized bath with shower over, twin inset wash hand basin, WC and bidet. Adjacent stairs lead to the tower Bedroom Suite 4 with en suite shower room. Stairs continue up to the tower and roof access affording beautiful panoramic views over the estate and the farmland beyond. Off the landing, the Hall leads to House Keepers Cupboard and service area, lift, Shower Room, Laundry Room, Bedroom Suite 6 comprising sitting room with study area within the turret, bedroom and bathroom with marble fitments including roll top bath with shower over, double wash hand basin on marble top and WC.

The West Wing comprises rear staircase leading to ground and second floors, Bedroom Suite 7 with cosy bedroom and en-suite bathroom having a bath with shower over, double wash hand basins and WC. Beyond is Bedroom Suite 8 with bedroom having fitted desk and wardrobes in addition to en suite bathroom comprising bath with shower over, double wash hand basins, WC and bidet. These two suites adjoin and have been used as a nursery.

Bedroom 9 with views to the west taking in the stunning sunsets, has a Bathroom opposite with shower, WC and wash hand basin. The rear staircase leads up to the second floor Staff Flat comprising bedroom with dressing area, en suite bathroom, kitchen/dining room and sitting room. From the staircase, stairs continue up to two useful storage rooms in the eaves. There are extensive Cellars including a temperature controlled Wine Cellar.

The impressive formal gardens to the front of the house are terraced with box hedging and topiary divided by gravelled walkways with formal rose garden and summerhouse. The terrace adjacent to the house enjoys wonderful views towards the wooded valley and rolling farmland beyond. The architecture of the principal house is replicated with castellated turrets within the garden walls, with arched yews over stone urns running along the perimeter.

Exceptional Redwoods and copper beeches dominate the flowing lines of the gardens and grounds and form part of the mature backdrop to the estate. The immediate house and grounds are protected by an iron security and deer fence with the informal gardens located beyond.

To the south west of the house are the richly productive orchards and kitchen garden. In the walled garden the high box and yew hedge topiary divide the garden into rooms demarcated by gravelled walkways. In addition to the ornate knot garden, a fragrant rose arbour walkway leads through the garden which is abundant with a wide variety of mature plants and cutting flowers. Amongst others these include a wisteria covered arbour, flower fountain, mulberry tree and acers to name a few.

The traditional Victorian Hot House houses tropical plants such as bougainvillea, orchids, magnolia, orange and lemon trees in additional to damask plants. There is an urn fountain and a terrace with wonderful views across the gardens and farmland beyond.

Adjacent to the Hot House is the self contained Pool House comprising heated pool¸ changing and showering area, WC, kitchen and dining room with sitting area overlooking the pool, separated by three pairs of automated glass sliding doors which help keep the pool area a constant temperature. The Jacuzzi is adjacent to the pool which enjoys panoramic views over the surrounding landscape. Beyond the Pool House, a gate leads to the orchard and fruit gardens, raised vegetables beds and herb garden, all producing a wide ranging and abundant crop including both exotic and domestic fruit and vegetables. There is also a potting shed with a Pertarre vine trained against the rear wall.

The grounds surrounding the immediate gardens to the house provide absolute privacy and protection. The land is predominantly parkland and pasture, with a mixture of native deciduous and evergreen woods through the valley and around the perimeter also providing important shelter in the winter.

From the gravelled parking area to the front of the house the drive continues around to the cottages and outbuildings which are also accessed from the gated service drive to the north west. The Courtyard is gravelled with a central dovecote and range of stores, equipment sheds and Garaging for 5 cars.

The Gaggles is a spacious two storey brick built cottage comprising large kitchen/dining room, sitting room, ground floor master bedroom with dressing area and en-suite bathroom, downstairs shower room, with two bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor. The cottage also has a large self contained garden.

The Conference Room (Praet Huys) is located adjacent to the pool, with full length glazed windows and comprises meeting room (currently used as a bedroom), conference room, kitchen and shower room.

From the Courtyard the drive leads to the west past The Aviary, leading to the cottages and Store Room split into two rooms, Stables and Tackroom with all weather turnout and paddocks. In addition there is an Estate Office, Hen Houses, Feedstore and Egg Grading/Incubation Rooms with extensive chicken aviaries plus a large secondary Garage with generator and electrical fuseboard.

The cottages are located together opposite the attractive duck pond bordered by trees with parkland beyond. The Butler's Cottage is beautifully laid out over two storeys and comprises entrance hall, sitting room, conservatory, kitchen and office and cloakroom and two bedrooms and bathroom on the first floor with self contained garden to the rear.

The Gardener's Cottage is situated adjacent to the rear gates and is a single storey cottage comprising kitchen, sitting/dining room, two bedroom and bathroom with dressing area.

Adam and Eve Lodges are located at the head of the drive and are constructed in mellow stone with contemporary glass extensions housing the staircases to the rear. They are identical in layout and comprise entrance hall, utility cupboard, downstairs shower room with WC, sitting room and kitchen with dining room off, bedroom and en suite shower room on the first floor.

Situation

Pudleston Court sits nestled in beautiful unspoilt wooded countryside offering complete privacy and seclusion. Over the last few years Pudleston Court has been restored to an international standard by the vendors. Every attention to detail has been given to its complete refurbishment with the highest quality of craftsmanship used.

Pudleston Court has all the attributes and gravitas to appeal to an international buyer looking for the ultimate country house offering complete privacy, yet set in some of England's most beautiful and unspoilt countryside.

Local shops and amenities can be found in Leominster, with Ludlow with its fine restaurants only 14 miles away. Worcester is 23 miles. The city of Hereford is 15 miles away.

Pudleston Court is situated within 21 miles of the spa town of Malvern where there are numerous highly regarded private schools. These include The Elms, Malvern College Prep School, Malvern College St James, and the Abbey College. Abberley Prep School is situated within 18.5 miles and is highly regarded. Further private schools are available in Hereford and Shrewsbury, with Cheltenham being only 50 miles away.

Directions

From the M5 exit at junction 7 and join the A4440 onto Cookbarrow Way, joining the A44 towards Leominster. Continue along the A44 to Bredenbury then after 2.5 miles just after the Kings Head pub on the right hand side take the first turning on the right hand side (signed unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles) and continue for 0.6 miles to the T-junction. Turn right signposted to Pudleston, Bockleton and Hatfield.(do NOT take the Hatfield turning) After 500 yards the entrance lodges and wrought iron gates to Pudleston Court are found on the left hand side.