The Old Schoolhouse

This former Victorian school is encircled by far-reaching countryside and is set within the heart of the Wye Valley AONB. The property boasts an open-plan living arrangement and a striking mezzanine floor with a wood-burning stove. The residence can be configured as a one or two-bedroom property, but it is worth noting that there is a purchase option to also acquire an adjoining former chapel, offering an extraordinary development opportunity.

Location
The spectacular setting of Symonds Yat is famed for its phenomenal river scenery, woodland expanses and limestone cliffs. There are a multitude of reputable riverside pubs and restaurants which are exceedingly popular with residents and tourists alike.
There are many delightful walking and cycle routes throughout the area and, for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, various companies offer a wide range of activities such as canoe hire.
The closest village, Whitchurch, is particularly sought after, partially owing to its Church of England Primary School which has been graded as 'Outstanding' by Ofsted. The popular community-spirited village shop, Woods of Whitchurch, stocks locally made produce, fresh fruit and vegetables, and various essentials and also operates as a coffee shop and takeaway. In addition, Whitchurch also boasts a village hall, an MOT centre, a highly commended hospitality venue - The Old Court Hotel, plus a post box and bus stop.
Symonds Yat is just two miles from the Welsh border and centred between the two popular market towns of Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth, both of which offer highly regarded secondary schools, supermarkets, restaurants, pubs, leisure facilities and independently-owned shops.
The setting is also a short drive from a series of major road networks; the A40 is around a mile away and the eastbound road provides a direct route to Gloucester, Cheltenham and the Cotswolds. Meanwhile, motorists heading in the opposite direction can journey towards the M4 at Newport, giving access to Cardiff and London. In addition, the M50 motorway begins in Ross-on-Wye, around eight miles away, which gives good access to the M5.

The home at a glance
The door into this one-bedroom property leads straight into the open-plan dining kitchen, a space which gives a handsome first impression to the characterful home. There is a timbered, vaulted ceiling and a spiral staircase which leads up to a mezzanine lounge - an area which is secured behind reclaimed iron balustrades which were sourced from an old balcony within the adjoining chapel. The lounge also carries a woodburning stove - a staple of country life - and, in the far corner, there is a shower room.
The Old Schoolhouse also includes a double bedroom on the ground floor, plus a cloakroom with a WC and basin, and a utility room with space and plumbing for a washing machine.
Outside, sloping lawns surround the property and by the front door, there is a patio seating area which offers a tranquil spot to enjoy the panoramic views of rolling hills and patchwork fields. Within the grounds, there is an old graveyard, and, beyond this, there is a paddock which may serve as a favourable glamping site (subject to the necessary planning consents).
This has vehicular access onto a lane and gives an expansive driveway and turning circle – it can also be an opportune spot to erect a large garage (STP). There is permission to provide two parking spaces on the bottom corner where Ashes Lane meets Sawpitts Lane.

Agents note: We are advised that the graveyard is closed, but the landowner permits reasonable
access to friends and family by prior arrangement.

Purchase Option
Planning permission has been granted to convert the adjoining chapel into a residence boasting four bedrooms, all with en-suite facilities, plus an open-plan kitchen and living area, and a mezzanine area. This could either serve as a separate home or extend and enhance the existing dwelling.
For full details, search for planning reference: P210517/F on the Herefordshire Council website (granted in May 2022).
To acquire the Old Chapel in addition to The Old Schoolhouse, there would be a purchase option of an additional £150,000 over two years.

General
Services
Oil underfloor central heating. Mains water and electricity. Septic tank.
Local Authority
Herefordshire Council. Council tax band C
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, and then take the right-hand turning onto Ashes Lane – on a single-track road denoted as 'Unsuitable for HGVs'. Stay on this road for around 500m and continue onto Sawpitts Lane and Chapel Cottage will be found on the left-hand side of the road.
What3Words: occupiers.wallet.bristle

Distances
Monmouth 5 miles • Ross-on-Wye 7 miles • Hereford 17 miles • Gloucester 25 miles • Cheltenham 32 miles • Bristol 38 miles • 
(All distances are approximate)   Read less