An exceptionally pretty cottage dating back to the late-18th century, Wildfell boasts unparalleled views of the River Wye and surrounding countryside. Perched on the edge of the Wye Gorge, and peacefully located off the beaten tourist track, the property is a charming blend of period character and modern comfort; the idyllic woodland setting offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, while still being within easy reach of local amenities and all that the Wye Valley has to offer.
There is still time to find your perfect country home before Christmas, but you need to act soon.
The most wonderful time of the year is rapidly approaching. You may be dreaming of hanging decorations and putting up a Christmas tree in a new home, hosting parties in a spacious new dining room, curling up in front of a crackling fire, or simply gazing out at the enchanting winterscape scenery in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
There's good news; here at Hamilton Stiller, we have a selection of charming and characterful homes that can be available before December 25 – and all of these homes are either chain free or have owners who have confirmed they can complete before Christmas.
But the time to act is now. There is an average of 12-14 weeks for the conveyancing process to complete. So, if you are aiming to spend the Christmas and New Year festivities in a glittering new residence, please call the team at Hamilton Stiller.
Wildfell Cottage
An exceptionally pretty cottage dating back to the late-18th century, Wildfell boasts unparallelled views of the River Wye and surrounding countryside. Perched on the edge of the Wye Gorge, and peacefully located off the beaten tourist track, the property is a charming blend of period character and modern comfort; the idyllic woodland setting offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, while still being within easy reach of local amenities and all that the Wye Valley has to offer.
Location
Symonds Yat is a much sought-after village in the heart of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Famous for its phenomenal scenery, the area is a paradise for nature lovers and a haven for adventure seekers; steep limestone cliffs provide excellent rock climbing and caving opportunities, while the River Wye offers canoeing, paddleboarding, and angling. Renowned for its extensive network of walking and cycling trails, Symonds Yat is also home to several pubs and restaurants: Ye Old Ferrie Inn, recently named one of the test best riverside pubs in Britain, is a ten minute stroll from the property. The nearby village of Whitchurch boasts a delightful shop and cafe, a village hall, and an Ofsted outstanding rated primary school.
The home at a glance
Sensitively restored, Wildfell is an unspoilt gem surrounded by around a third of an acre of landscaped gardens, bisected by a quiet lane that reverts to a track at the top, ensuring minimal passing traffic. The terraced lower garden is dedicated to sustainable living, with a greenhouse, vegetable cage, fruit trees, herb beds and large garden shed. Planted for year-round interest, with its impressive terrace, stunning fire pit and lighting, the upper garden is perfect for all season outdoor entertaining. This portion of the garden also includes a newt filled wildlife pond, summerhouse, and a small, detached garage with adjoining woodstore. Off-street parking is available for three cars, with additional on-street parking for up to two more vehicles.
The main entrance - a stable door - leads into an entrance lobby. Beyond, the charming shaker kitchen features an exposed stone wall, ceiling beams, and a Belfast sink with a breathtaking view across the valley.
To the left, there is a cosy sitting room with exposed stone walls, the original 18th century ceiling beams and bread oven, a newly installed wood burning stove, and a large storage cupboard. Beyond, the dining room offers uninterrupted views across the Wye Valley, with French doors leading to the garden.
From the kitchen, steps lead up to the snug (currently used as a second living area), and a home office / 4th bedroom with a very distracting view. This level of the property also includes a double bedroom, and the large, dual aspect family bathroom, comprising WC, vintage vanity unit, corner bath, separate shower and another glorious view across the valley.
Upstairs, there are two further double bedrooms; the first features a picture window affording panoramic river and countryside views, while a second window looks out to the majestic limestone cliffs of the Wye Gorge. The primary bedroom features the original floorboards and chimney stack, and leads to a sun-soaked private roof terrace; an ideal spot to enjoy a morning coffee soundtracked by birdsong.
The cottage holds a special place in history as the former home of renowned artist Campbell Mellon, who relocated here in 1940. The serene beauty of the Wye Valley inspired many of his works, with numerous paintings capturing enchanting views of Wildfell and its surroundings.
Re-roofed, re-rendered, and double glazed in 2022, the property is offered chain-free, with the option to include all furniture, fixtures and fittings in the sale.
General
Services
Mains water, and electricity. Private drainage. Oil-fired central heating.
Local Authority
Herefordshire Council. Council tax band D.
Tenure
Freehold
Directions
From Ross-on-Wye follow the A40 towards Monmouth and take the exit signed to Symonds Yat West at Whitchurch. Take the first exit at the roundabout; passing the primary school and stay on this lane passing the Wye Knot Inn on the right-hand side. Continue along this road passing the sign for The Paddocks Hotel on the left. Take the right-hand fork up the lane; passing the junction for Meeks Well lane, continue straight on to the to where the lane splits into three. Take the right-hand fork steeply uphill. The property will be found after approximately 200m on the left-hand side.
What3Words: concluded.create.curated
Monmouth 5.5 miles • Ross-on-Wye 7.5 miles • Hereford 17 miles • Gloucester 26 miles • Cheltenham 33 miles • Bristol 50.5 miles •
(All distances are approximate)
Agent's note: Japanese Knotweed is maintained under a management plan. We are advised that the plot is around one-third of an acre, but this would need to be verified by solicitors.
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