Clay HouseKenstone | Shropshire | TF9 3LJ

CLAY HOUSE“My wife used to regularly visit a previous owner of Clay House and she had fond memories of how beautiful it was, and so we jumped at the chance of renovating this characterful property with the aim to bring it back to it’s former glory,” says the owner.

Located right in the heart of the countryside, Clay House offers the opportunity for a complete lifestyle change.”

Sitting in the idyllic Hamlet of Kenstone in the North Shropshire countryside is Clay House, a truly exciting proposition. Surrounded by stunning views and farmland, this quintessential property dates to the 1300s with two later extensions added in the 1400s and then the 1800s. The current owners have taken this period gem and added a sympathetic modern twist to an impeccably high standard, whilst keeping lots of the original character. Clay House is light, bright and spacious with charm and quirkiness in abundance. From the exposed beams, deep oak sills, pretty cottage windows to the brand new double Aga, stunning refurbished kitchen, high end bathrooms, underfloor heating, double log burning stove and wrap-around garden. This property is exceptional, comprising of a large kitchen/breakfast area flowing into the dining room, large family/sitting room, snug/home office, understairs storage, utility and cloakroom, large family bathroom, three good size doubles one with ensuite and smaller single/double, a double garage, workshop and storage area. Clay House would make the most fabulous family home.

This delightful property is situated 15 miles from the county town of Shrewsbury and 10 miles from Whitchurch – both with their excellent range of facilities including a wonderful selection of independent shops, a plethora of fantastic eateries and bars to the much-sought after state and independent schools, train stations, excellent public houses, supermarkets and theatres. The pretty nearby village of Hodnet has all you could need from a small local village, including a shop/post office, church, popular public house, doctors, primary school, florist and a bespoke china and rocking horse shop. There are also some beautiful estate gardens and an organic farm/shop. The Stunning Hawkstone park is also just a stone’s throw away, with its popular golf course and spa. The local countryside is very scenic, with delightful country walks, equestrian, fishing, shooting and other country pursuits all being available nearby, not forgetting the wonderful sense of community.

The property is approached via a quiet country lane, through a wooden gate and onto a shingled driveway with parking for approximately five cars. A paved terrace area leads around to front entrance, the front door opens onto a pretty PORCH AREA, with two windows either side and deep oak sills. A great place for shoes and kicking off those muddy wellies after your long country walks. The Karndean flooring with underfoot heating flows straight through into the rather delightful HALLWAY which has a bright and airy feel and under stairs storage.

SITTING/FAMILY ROOM – A wonderfully light, spacious and uplifting area, this large room has a cottage style window overlooking the front gardens and views, with deep oak sills. A large picture style window opposite with French doors opening out onto the rear garden and lovely patio area. Exposed beams, large brick inglenook, with slate hearth and double log burning stove making a fantastic focal point. Exposed beams, central and wall light fittings. A great room for entertaining or a cosy night in.

KITCHEN/BREAKFAST AREA – This room once again is light, bright and spacious. The whole kitchen has been replaced to a high standard, lots of pretty cottage style windows, overlooking the side and rear garden, Karndean flooring with underfoot heating flows throughout. Cream base units and draws with chrome handles and light marble worksurface, breakfast bar, Belfast sink and stunning black double Aga fitted into to brick surround with exposed beams. Integrated fridge, freezer and dishwasher. This room has oodles of charm from the modern style kitchen to the original beams. There is also access via the back door, which takes you straight onto the rear garden and boiler room. This wonderful space flows straight through into the dining room.

Seller Insight With parts dating back to around 1350, we stripped it back to the core and have renovated to a very high standard throughout whilst still managing to retain the original features, including

the characterful timber beams and the original stone well in the garden. It has been completed to the standard of a new build with all the modern requirements, including internet points in every room and underfloor heating throughout the ground floor ensuring that it is always toasty warm underfoot. I like to think that we’ve put a new overcoat on a fabulous piece of history.”

“The location is fantastic. There are so many activities to enjoy in the local area such as clay pigeon shooting, cycling, golf, fishing, Hawkstone Follies and caves, as well as the Hawkstone Motocross events. Located right in the heart of the countryside, there are many fabulous walks through the fields and along the old railway line, as well as organised walks where we are treated to the sights of the local wildlife and birds. Hodnet is a very picturesque village with a shop and local pub that is full of interesting features, a warm welcome and nice food. Shrewsbury is easily accessible too and Hodnet is central to all of the key commuting areas.”

“The garden is a lovely sun trap with lots of patio areas to sit and enjoy the fabulous view over the woodland, as well as the stunning sunsets. It’s quiet, private and secluded and is ideal for entertaining and relaxing. The local birds have made the garden their home and we befriended a pheasant during the renovations who even took to eating from our hands.”

“It’s impossible to choose just one favourite room as they are all very characterful, but I think that the kitchen is easily the hub of the home. It really does have the wow factor with top end facilities and a lovely AGA.”

“Located right in the heart of the countryside, Clay House offers the opportunity for a complete lifestyle change. There is minimal traffic apart from the occasional tractor and the passing horse riders who are always very friendly.”

“The main lounge enjoys fabulous views over the woodland at the rear of the house. The open log burner is the ideal spot to curl up and relax in front of at the end of a busy day.”*

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

It’s impossible to choose just one favourite room as they are all very characterful, but I think that the kitchen is

easily the hub of the home. It really does have the wow factor with top end facilities and a lovely AGA.”

DINING AREA – the whole space is very open plan and therefore wonderful for entertaining. This area once again has light flooding in, deep oak sills, exposed beams, underfloor heating, wall lights and a very elegant feel.

SNUG/HOME OFFICE – Another delightful room, exposed beams, window overlooking front gardens with deep oak sills, internet, tv, phone points.

UTILITY – A good size room at the back of the property, plumbing for washing machine and dryer, stainless sink and drainer and cupboard storage beneath. Window overlooking rear garden, Karndean flooring with underfoot heating flowing through into cloakroom with white low flush wc.

The part oak part glass staircase leads to the split landing area, this is such a lovely space with plenty of light and exposed beams, there would also be room for a reading/seating area, to the left is the FAMILY BATHROOM with original oak flooring and brand new suite comprising of a double walk-in shower, large rainfall shower head and glass panel, fully tiled walls, period style pedestal hand basin, low flush wc, heated towel rail and Victorian style radiator. Window overlooking rear garden. Finished to a high standard. Next door is

BEDROOM THREE – A good size double, exposed beams, airy, with views overlooking the front garden.

Across the other side of the split landing are bedrooms 1,2 and 4 and the hot water tank cupboard.

MASTER BEDROOM – This a delightful room, with space for a dressing area, room for a king size bed, exposed beams and wonderfully elegant feel. Window with deep oak sill overlooking views and front garden. ENSUITE – with original oak flooring, newly fitted suite with that lovely period twist, a roll top freestanding bath, pedestal hand basin, low flush wc, heated towel rail and Victorian style radiator.

BEDROOM TWO – Another great size room once again with exposed beams, window overlooking front garden with those beautiful views. Built in storage cupboard.

BEDROOM FOUR – This bedroom is positioned at the rear of the property overlooking the back garden, with all the character and charm of the other rooms, truly delightful.

I’ll never forget the grand unveiling of Clay House and the landscaped garden. The last job was to remove the huge hedge at the front of the property and the passing

binmen stopped and couldn’t believe their eyes as they didn’t know that the house even existed!”

OUTSIDE – The gardens to front and back are of generous proportions, both private and are laid to lawn, with a pretty paved wrap-around area on both sides enabling you to follow the sun around all day. There are views from both perspectives and a pretty period brick wall, marking the boundary, which would be lovely with some climbing plants. The rear garden backs onto farmland with an option of renting land for horses. The long driveway holds parking for five cars, there is also a double garage and workshop with ample storage above.

The location is fantastic. There are so many activities to enjoy in the local area such as clay pigeon shooting, cycling, golf, fishing, Hawkstone Follies and caves, as well as the Hawkstone Motocross events. Located right in the heart of the countryside,

there are many fabulous walks through the fields and along the old railway line, as well as organised walks where we are treated to the sights of the local wildlife and birds. Hodnet is a very picturesque village with a shop and local pub that is full of interesting features, a warm welcome and nice food. Shrewsbury is easily accessible too and Hodnet is central to all of the key commuting areas.”

copyright © 2019 Fine & Country Ltd.

SUMMARY – In essence Clay House is a stunning country period property with a fantastic modern twist, you can move straight in and not have to do a thing, everything is finished to a very high standard and viewings are highly recommended.

DIRECTIONS – From Shrewsbury take the A53 following signs to Hodnet, just before Hodnet turn left following the sign for the West Midlands shooting ground follow this road for approximately 1.5 miles, once again you will see the sign for the shooting ground turn right and follow for another 1.5 miles and the property will be found second on the right.

SERVICES – Mains electric is connected, private drainage, borehole and large LPG tank buried beneath ground.

VIEWINGS – Strictly by appointment with Fine & Country Shrewsbury 01743 296 116

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed 23.01.2019

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