Listed for £900,000
May 10, 2024
This substantial former Victorian farmhouse is tucked away in a divine corner of Herefordshire countryside, with over an acre of grounds. The handsome residence boasts panoramic views of rolling farmland and has been extensively and sympathetically renovated to impeccable standards but continues to nurture a plethora of charming period details.
Location:
Upper Foxhall House is situated in Phocle Green, part of the scattered parish of Upton Bishop, a sought-after setting owing to its wealth of amenities. There is a church, a village hall, an award-winning gastropub, 'The Moody Cow', and the Red House Nursery School - a private nursery school for 3-5-year-olds which has been graded 'Good' by Ofsted. The property is approximately three miles east of Ross-on-Wye, a picturesque market town which is famed for being the birthplace of British tourism due to its spectacular scenery; the town is perched on red sandstone cliffs which overlook the river Wye and offers an assortment of shops, supermarkets, restaurants, pubs, and leisure facilities.
The property in brief:
This capacious country home is set within a small but welcoming community and the enclosed front garden sets a sublime introductory scene; a manicured level lawn is bordered by a vibrant variety of herbaceous perennials, a well-established magnolia tree stands in the centre and a lilac wisteria climbs up the front of the house, further adding to its beauty.
The main entrance leads into an enclosed porch, which gives ample space to remove boots and coats after time spent enjoying the rural surroundings. From here a second door opens into a spacious reception hall, which sets a grand scene; it carries a high ceiling and a flagstone floor which extends towards the staircase and into the dining kitchen.
Two attractive sitting rooms are on the left-hand side of the reception hall. Each one exhibits the farmhouse character of the property exceptionally well as they feature log burning stoves nestled within ornate fireplaces, plus ceiling roses, attractive cornices and striking woodwork adorning the windows. Sunlight cascades into each of the dual aspect sitting rooms and one of these also includes two sets of French doors that lead out to the rear garden.
The large farmhouse-style dining kitchen is found on the right-hand side of the reception hall. This delightful dual-aspect space is streamed with plenty of light and has enough room to accommodate a formal dining table with chairs, but an island in the centre of the expanse offers a more relaxed eating area. The cream-coloured units are beautifully complimented by the solid wooden worktops, an exposed timber beam and woodwork around the windows and, in terms of practicalities, the kitchen is well-appointed with a Belfast sink and such integrated appliances as an AEG double oven, a dishwasher, an under counter fridge and a coffee machine. It is also worth noting that there is an electric Aga, so during the coldest months, the heat from this reputable cooker radiates constant warmth. There is also a walk-in pantry which affords an excellent amount of food storage, and there is ample room for an American-style fridge/freezer. Beyond the kitchen, there is a small lobby which gives access to the substantial utility room and holds a staircase to one of the first-floor bedrooms.
The ground floor of the property also provides an impressive fully tiled shower room, which includes underfloor heating and towel rail, a walk-in dual-headed shower, a WC with a period style cistern and vanity unit.
The principal staircase in the reception hall leads to the first floor, which houses the five double bedrooms, plus the family bathroom. Of these, the expansive master bedroom comfortably accommodates a super king-sized bed, a cast iron fireplace offers a charming focal point, and the room includes fitted wardrobes and cupboards - one of which conceals the TV area and point. Underneath a window highlighting the bucolic landscape, there is a fitted dressing table and drawers. An alternative master bedroom is currently in use as a generous games room, complete with pool table. This dual-aspect space features a vaulted ceiling, exposed beams, and an adjoining snug. This area of the home gives one an opportunity for multi-generational living as the smaller staircase beyond the kitchen on the ground floor leads into this area of the home, offering a more private alternative route.
The elegant family bathroom includes a herringbone patterned tile floor, a large walk-in shower, a freestanding slipper bath, dual sinks, a WC with a period style cistern along with underfloor heating and a heated towel rail. As previously mentioned, there are three other spacious double bedrooms along with generous fitted storage areas and a walk-in linen cupboard.
The top floor of the property features an office room plus an attic which has previously served as a gaming hub for youngsters to enjoy. There are several power sockets, lighting points and a TV point set up in this area.
The rear garden is set beneath a striking backdrop of far-reaching green fields. There are two levels to an extensive suntrap patio; the top level includes a stone-built firepit in the centre, whilst the lower level offers a private spot, perfectly set up for a hot tub.
Further potential to enhance the home:
A door at the far end of the reception hall, next to the staircase, leads down into an impressive cellar, which is as large as the main footprint of the home. Currently this offers a large amount of storage space, but this could be converted into a home cinema, games room, etc (subject to the necessary planning consents).In April 2023, planning permission was extended to create a double oak garage with an adjoining carport, plus a sweeping driveway. There is also permission to convert a workshop
positioned within the home's northeast wing into a self-contained one-bedroom annexe, which would contain a sitting room, a kitchen area, and a first-floor double bedroom with an en-suite shower room. The existing entrance porch into the utility room would be rebuilt and lengthened to extend across the full length of the home. For more information, speak to the sales team or search for planning number P230492 on the Herefordshire Council website.
In addition, there are stone-built outbuildings, currently used for storing logs, with electricity and lighting provided. There is also a sizeable shed, fully equipped with power sockets, lighting, a work bench and boarded roof space, which provides invaluable space for a ride on mower, garden tools, bikes, or other equipment.
General:
Services
Array of 16 solar panels on roof. Honeywell Evo Home smart heating control system via mobile app (allows individual programming by room). Oil central heating. Mains water and electricity. Private drainage (soakaway). Sky TV. Telephone line. Fibre broadband to premises.
Local Authority
Herefordshire Council. Council tax band F. Tenure Freehold
Directions:
From Ross-on-Wye, journey to the Travellers Rest roundabout and take the second exit towards
Upton Bishop. Continue straight at the first crossroads, then half a mile later, turn right at the next
set of crossroads. Stay on this lane but just before the bridge, turn left. Upper Foxhall House will be
found at the end of this lane.
What3Words: surpasses.boarded.tested
Ross-on-Wye 3 miles - Ledbury 12 miles - Monmouth 14 miles - Hereford 14 miles - Gloucester
17 miles - Cheltenham 24 miles - (All distances are approximate)
The M50 motorway is easily accessible, and this provides excellent commuter links to the M5
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