Situation
Oldcastle occupies an outstanding and tranquil rural location, hidden in the countryside within the parish of Aylton. The property commands truly exceptional and uninterrupted views across the lovely east Herefordshire country side with the Malvern Hills as a dramatic backdrop. Oldcastle combines an impressive and very elegant country house with adjoining annexe, detached Coach House (now providing offices and ancillary accommodation), all surrounded by a beautiful garden, woodland and pasture. The parish of Aylton and neighbouring villages form part of the "Woolhope Dome" which preserves and enhances the high-value landscape of this area. Renowned for its beautiful, unspoilt and timeless appeal, the surrounding countryside is characterised by orchards, traditional farms and wooded hills. This area offers a sought-after rural idyll combined with excellent communication links to the rest of the country.

Education
There is a broad range of both private and state schools in the locality with primary schools at the neighbouring villages of Much Marcle and Ashperton, Ledbury offering both primary and secondary state schools. Well respected independent schools in the area include; Hereford Cathedral, Malvern St James, Malvern College and The Elms and The Downs Prep schools at Colwall. The Monmouth, Worcester and Cheltenham schools are all within easy driving distance. More information is available for independent schools on www.isc.co.uk and, for state schools www.herefordshire.gov.uk

Local, Sporting, Recreational
The charming market town of Ledbury provides a comprehensive range of shopping, educational and leisure facilities as well as a Cottage Hospital and railway station. Culturally Ledbury is host to a poetry festival and there is a renowned theatre nearby in Malvern. More extensive retail and cultural opportunities are available at Hereford, Worcester and Cheltenham. Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff are also within reasonable driving distance. The area offers a wealth of sporting activities, with many fine walks and rides along the Marcle Ridge, The Malvern Hills and the Wye Valley are renowned for their great natural beauty and accessibility.

Description
Oldcastle is an extremely handsome and imposing country house, set in an enviable position. The house dates from 1670 and was substantially extended and remodelled during the Edwardian period, when the impressive front façade was added. The current owners have meticulously restored and improved the house to create a light-filled property, which perfectly balances elegant well-proportioned accommodation, with excellent entertaining space, whilst retaining its atmosphere of a family home. The gracious accommodation, which displays many fine period features and high ceilings, spans over 7,550ft2 arranged on three floors.

Ground Floor - Reception Rooms
As one enters the entrance porch at Oldcastle, the scene is set by a period door with fine floral leather panels, vaulted ceiling and full-height arched double doors, which lead to the impressive open plan reception hall. The reception hall with sweeping oak carved staircase, library area and parquet wood floor leads into the elegant drawing room are. The drawing room, lit by four largely-leaded windows has been designed to take full advantage of the fantastic views over the formal gardens and beyond. This room also benefits from decorative cornicing with ceiling rose and a period open fireplace. Accessed from the hall, the dining room is of substantial proportions and ideal for entertaining on a grand scale, beyond which is the conservatory with tiled floor. Off the hall is a comfortable sitting room which is ideally situated next to the kitchen.

The Kitchen
The spacious and luxury kitchen is fully equipped with extensive, bespoke quality units and includes a 5-door Aga, electric hob and fan oven. A fine feature of this room is the large bay window with built-in seating, creating a perfect informal breakfast area. Adjoining is the butlers pantry, ancillary utility rooms and an extensive and impressive wine cellar.

The First Floor
The bedroom accommodation is set out over the first and second floors and is well balanced with a good ratio of bedrooms to bathrooms. The elegant carved staircase leads from the main reception hall to the first floor where there is a spacious landing, ideal as an informal sitting room. This area has fitted cupboards flanked, by lit-arched recesses and leads to the 3 double bedrooms including the master bedroom, with a superb outlook. All 3 bedrooms have their own adjoining bathrooms. A passage off the main landing connects to the annexe and provides access to the rear staircase.

The Second Floor
From the first floor landing, the gracious staircase rises to the second floor where there is further large landing sitting room, off which lead 3 additional double bedrooms and a family bathroom. This floor provides flexible ancillary accommodation and connects to the two extra attic rooms.

The Annexe
The property benefits from an integral annexe, which was sympathetically added to the house in 1993. The annexe includes a double bedroom, bathroom, fitted kitchen, sitting room, study, utility room and cloakroom. A glazed door from the first floor sitting room opens onto a roof terrace, providing a lovely al fresco area. The annexe has been thoughtfully designed with separate access such that it can either be self-contained or integrated with the main house, to provide additional guest accommodation if required.

The Coach House
The Coach House is of period brick construction and situated to the side of the main house. This building has been converted for use as ancillary accommodation, extending to some 1,648 ft² floor area and currently used as a home office. On the ground floor there is a large reception area used as a billiard room, on the first floor are 2 good sized rooms and a store room. Adjoining the Coach House is ample garaging.

The Gardens & Grounds
The well-maintained gardens and grounds are an essential element of Oldcastle, creating a lovely framework to the property and enhance its very special setting. The gardens have been carefully planned to ensure extended colours throughout the seasons. The gardens lie predominately to the front of the house with the main focal point being the central formal garden, comprising a large circular lawn surrounded by a gravelled path and flanked by well stocked borders and mature clipped hedges. Steps from the main lawn lead down to the lower lawns and the meadow. Flanking the central formal garden is a young arboretum and woodland planted by the current owners and which also include an abundance of shrubs including rhododendrons and azaleas. To the north of the property is a small kitchen garden with greenhouses. Adjoining the front elevation of the house is a pretty terrace sheltered by a mature clipped laurel hedge and creating an ideal area for summer entertaining.

The Entrance
The property is approached via a gravelled driveway leading to the main entrance, which has a large parking area, and continuing to the Coach House, where there is further parking. There is also a rear drive to the house off the country lane, again with parking, in front of a period brick outbuilding.

Agents Notes
Property Misdescriptions Act 1991 Fox Grant, their Joint Agents and their clients give notice that: 1. They have no authority to make or give any representations or warranties in relation to the property. 2. These particulars, prepared in good faith to give a fair overall view of the property, do not form any part of an offer or contract and must not be relied upon as statements or representations of fact. 3. Any areas, measurements or distances are approximate. The text, photographs and plans are for guidance only and are not necessarily comprehensive. It should not be assumed that the property has all necessary planning, building regulation or other consents. The Joint Agents have not tested any services, equipment or facilities. Purchasers must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise.

Plans, Areas & Schedules
Based on the Ordnance Survey and are for reference only. Any error or mis-statement shall not annul the sale or entitle either party to compensation in respect thereof.

Local Authority
Hereford County Council: 01432 260000

Council Tax
Oldcastle "G" - £2,454.72 (2010)

Services
Mains electricity (with back up generator), private water supply with connection to mains if required, private drainage, oil fired central heating. Broadband is available throughout the property.

Fixtures & Fittings
Unless mentioned specifically all fixtures amp; fittings are excluded from the sale.

Property Misdescriptions Act 1991 Fox Grant and their clients give notice: 1. They have no authority to make or give any representations or warranties in relation to the property. 2. These particulars have been prepared in good faith to give a fair overall view of the property, do not form any part of an offer or contract and must not be relied upon as statements or representations of fact. 3. Any areas, measurements or distances are approximate. The text, photographs and plans are for guidance only and are not necessarily comprehensive. It should not be assumed that the property has all necessary planning, building regulation or other consents. Fox Grant has not tested any services, equipment or facilities. Purchasers must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise.