Shieldbrook
A serene sculpture garden wraps around this magnificent country home. The impressive four-bedroom residence boasts a fascinating history, carries a plethora of period features, and is set in a truly tranquil corner of the countryside, encircled by meadows that slope downhill towards the wondrous River Wye.
Location
The small village of Kings Caple is positioned within the largest loop of the River Wye between Hereford and Ross-on-Wye. There is a primary school which carries a coveted 'Outstanding' grade from Ofsted, as well as a parish church. Opposite St John the Baptist church, there is an earthwork known as 'Caple Tump', reputed to be the remains of a castle motte, which is believed to be the site of village fairs in recent centuries.
From Shieldbook, there is a myriad of beautiful walks that lead through the delightful countryside and around the River Wye. It is worth noting that the Wye Valley Walk - a 136-mile route that explores this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - is a stone's throw from the property.
A footbridge, around 200 metres from Shieldbrook, leads across the River Wye to the neighbouring village of Sellack, towards its distinctive church, St Tysilio's. Sellack also boasts an excellent fine-dining restaurant, The Loughpool Kitchen and a village hall.
The village of Hoarwithy is a short drive (around five minutes) from Kings Caple. This includes another rustic country pub, The New Harp Inn, which also houses a village shop. A short distance away in the idyllic hamlet of Carey, there is also The Cottage of Content, a hidden gem that garners consistent rave reviews online.
The market town of Ross-on-Wye offers a wealth of other amenities, including various supermarkets, an assortment of restaurants, pubs, independently-owned boutiques, nationally renowned retailers and leisure facilities. The cathedral city of Hereford gives an even wider range of shops, supermarkets, leisure facilities, bars and restaurants.
While the property is encircled by unspoiled countryside, it also benefits from being within good reach of excellent transport links; the A49 is only six miles away, while the A40 and M50 are both accessible from Ross-on-Wye.
The home at a glance
The handsome country home is set within a little-known corner of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a stone's throw from the gently tumbling waters of the River Wye but, as Shieldbrook is in an elevated position above the majestic waterway, there is no flood risk.
The four-bedroom house was originally built in 1696, around the time that the River Wye was becoming a popular trade route. The original owner, John Harris, saw an opportunity and, shortly after the home was constructed, he opened it as a pub, The Old Boar Inn. This became a popular place for farmers and boatmen to rest and refresh. For a time, the magistrate's court was also held at the property - in what is presently the dining room.
A quintessential country escape
The garden, over an acre in size, is a truly magical expanse. It has been lovingly developed by the present owner for over a quarter of a century and has been opened to the public during National Garden Scheme (NGS) events. The sculpture garden was also showcased to visitors during the first two decades of Herefordshire Art Week (h.Art).
In addition to the works of art on display throughout the garden, there is an orchard which contains a copse of plum and apple trees. There is ample opportunity to grow more fresh produce as there is an extensive kitchen garden - complete with a large greenhouse and fruit and vegetable patches.
The front entrance to Shieldbrook leads into an elegant reception hall which gives a charming spacious first impression of the spacious home. There is a wooden floor and staircase - leading to the first floor - and an attractive load-bearing beam stands vertically to the right.
On the left-hand side of the entrance, there is a dual-aspect sitting room; a sash window with working shutters overlooks the extraordinary front garden and a side window frames a vista of fields sloping towards the river. There is also a wooden beam and an open fireplace.
The dining room is positioned on the opposite side of the reception hall and there is a hole in the door, which is a remnant of the home's fascinating history; when this served as the magistrate's court this hole was used by visitors to wave handkerchiefs to signal that another round of ale or cider was needed in the courtroom. Much like the sitting room, there are several striking features including a stone fireplace with an elm mantle and an original elm beam. Another sash window, framed by shutters, exhibits the front garden.
The dual-aspect country kitchen showcases both the rear garden and the sublime surrounding landscape. There is a built-in dresser and wooden cabinets. This leads through into a utility room, which presents one with space and plumbing for both a washing machine and a tumble dryer.
Beyond here, there is a capacious artist's studio, established within a former block of stables. Plenty of natural light pours into this area through a series of skylights and windows that overlook the outstanding rear garden. It is also worth noting that there is a Belfast sink housed within this space.
Also on this level of the property, there is a bathroom - containing a three-piece white suite - plus a porch-cum-potting shed. There is a door from here leading out into the rear garden and a gated parking area.
The first floor of the property houses four double bedrooms, two of which boast attractive pitched ceilings and exposed beams. The other two bedrooms both carry sash windows with views over the front garden. Of these, one of the bedrooms is only accessible from a door in the family shower room which has a three-piece white suite.
General
Services
Oil central heating. Mains electricity and water. Septic tank. Telephone line, broadband and satellite TV.
Local Authority
Herefordshire Council. Council tax band F.
Tenure
Freehold
Directions
From Wilton roundabout at Ross-on-Wye, take the A49 towards Hereford then, after approximately 600 yards, take the right-hand turning towards Sellack, Hoarwithy, Kings Caple and Little Dewchurch.
Continue along this road for approximately four miles and enter Hoarwithy. Pass The New Harp Inn on the right-hand side of the road, then after around 400ft, turn right and continue over the bridge. Enter Kings Caple and at the junction, take the right-hand turn. Pass the turning for the school on the left-hand side and continue down the hill. Shieldbrook will be found towards the bottom of the hill on the left-hand side.
What3Words: cured.albatross.kitchen
Distances
Ross-on-Wye 7 miles
• Hereford 10 miles Ledbury 13 miles • Monmouth 16 miles Gloucester 24 miles • Cheltenham 31 miles (All distances are approximate)
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