Marehay FarmPontesbury | Shropshire | SY5 0SJ

MAREHAY FARM“The words ‘Forever Home’ sprang immediately to mind when we first viewed Marehay Farm,” says Lynda. “We fell in love with the character of the main house and lovely Byre conversion, but it was the gardens that sealed it the moment we walked the gorgeously landscaped lawns, flower beds and large stream-fed ponds.”

“Sitting in an area with outstanding natural beauty.”

Hidden in one of the most scenic parts of Shropshire, this magical property sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, surrounded by stunning views and countryside. With pretty babbling brooks, two acres of breathtaking gardens and a further three acres of private woodland, it is truly a stunning Shropshire idyll.

Marehay Farm dates back to the 1800s. This extremely impressive three storey home oozes character and charm. Sitting in an idyllic courtyard configuration, with additional buildings comprising The Byre, a modernised two-bedroom annexe conversion, a second barn ripe for an assortment of uses, garage and workshop, together with the pretty courtyard garden. A great south-facing sun trap complete with terrace and large patio, it’s the perfect place to sit with a coffee and the morning papers.

This much loved and stunning family home has been renovated to a high standard, with a newly fitted kitchen just two years ago, three Clearview log burners with a fourth in The Byre, and 360 degrees of stunning views. The rooms are all very well proportioned, creating a lovely sense of light and space.

Nearby there are several popular public houses, wonderful walks and bridleways, a shooting range and other country pursuits. The pretty village of Pontesbury is just five miles away, providing an excellent range of facilities including a family-run deli and general stores providing high quality, mostly locally sourced produce. Pontesbury also has excellent public houses and restaurants with other local facilities including a doctors’ surgery, florist and DIY store. Excellent state and independent schools are within easy reach. Church Stretton is seven miles and the historic county town of Shrewsbury is just 13 miles.

Marehay Farm is approached via a long driveway sweeping around to the private courtyard. The entrance to this delightful stone built house is via a pretty cottage style ENTRANCE PORCH with quarry tiled floor and glazed paneled door leading to the HALLWAY.

SPACIOUS SITTING ROOM; this room has a lovely warm, welcoming feel, with exposed beams and brickwork, three windows overlooking different aspects of the gardens, inglenook with brick surround and a brick hearth incorporating a Clearview log burning stove. This is an extremely spacious and atmospheric room, a fabulous space for entertaining or just a cozy night in in front of the fire.

A glazed door leads to the light and airy CONSERVATORY; this wonderful space has French doors to the front leading out onto a terraced area and to the rear leading out to a wooden bridge that draws you to the idyllic rear gardens. It has a tiled floor and a Clearview log burning stove, making it a versatile space that can be used in all seasons.

The hallway with under-stairs storage leads to a downstairs CLOAKROOM with white pedestal hand basin, low flush wc and wooden panelling.

Leading from the hall is the large, fully fitted KITCHEN/DINING AREA. This space has an elegant, bohemian feel, with newly fitted painted wooden kitchen units, oak surfaces, a stunning sky-blue Aga and a double Belfast sink. There’s plenty of cupboard and storage space and a window overlooking the rear garden. An open-plan dining area has an inglenook with brick surround and a brick hearth incorporating a Clearview log burning stove. A fascinating feature here is an original bread oven. Double French doors open out onto the pretty courtyard and terrace. With exposed beams and oak floor, this room has a truly quirky, uplifting feel.

Door leading through to UTILITY with fitted cupboards, boiler, hot water tank, plenty of storage, windows overlooking side garden and skylights. Plumbing for washing machine/dryer. Back door leading to courtyard.

Staircase leads from main entrance hall to second floor landing and to the MASTER BEDROOM – a large, bright and elegant room. Window overlooking front garden with stunning views. A large ENSUITE is a tranquil space with bath, pedestal hand basin, wc and window overlooking rear garden. Attractive country-style wooden wall panelling reflects the other bathrooms in the property.

BEDROOM 2 is once again decorated to a high standard, spacious, with a window providing views over the front garden and the countryside beyond. ENSUITE with wc and walk-in shower.

BEDROOM 3 is a double room, with fitted wardrobes and window looking over the rear garden and one of the brooks.

MAIN BATHROOM a very pretty room with white suite, roll top bath, large walk-in shower, hand basin, wc and wooden panelling, exposed beam, window overlooking rear garden.

HALLWAY staircase wrapping round to third floor leading to LARGE OPEN PLAN STUDIO – a light, bright and extremely versatile space, with exposed beams, window with balcony and five skylights. The current owner uses this space as a studio and workroom.

THE COURTYARD comprises a large, beautifully restored two-storey STONE BARN. This extremely versatile space lends itself to many options and is a very exciting opportunity.

WORKSHOP/GARAGE - a large timber frame and stone-built space with room for three cars. A side door leads into an extensive workshop with gardeners wc.

“Marehay is a creative paradise.”

Marehay is magical,” adds Lynda. “It’s secluded yet close enough to several village pubs and a local shop. It’s been

our lovely corner of England that we share with three babbling brooks and so much wildlife, from wild ducks and moorhen on the ponds to owls, red kites and a plethora of birdlife all around. We’re right next to the mystical Stiperstones nature reserve and the incredible Longmynd with its wonderful walks and wild ponies.”

“An archetypal English farmhouse”

We both love reading, whether the Sunday papers in the conservatory or browsing the library in The Byre where we have our office, complete with kitchen and spare bedrooms for guests. The courtyard effect of the main house flanked by The Byre and the restored barn and workshop feels like a haven with uninterrupted views across open countryside. The only interruption is the chatter of birds feeding their young.”

The Byre

MAREHAY BYRE

This pretty conversion lies adjacent to the house and has its own entrance, driveway and garden area overlooking the idyllic views. This fabulous space adds an exciting twist to the to the main property and once again offers versatility. The Byre has character and charm in abundance.

Front door leads to MAIN HALL with quarry tiled floor, opposite DOWNSTAIRS CLOAKROOM comprising of white suite with white pedestal hand basin, low flush wc.

Wooden door leading through to OPEN PLAN KITCHEN/LIVING SPACE: this charming room comprises a fully fitted kitchen; seating area with inglenook with brick surround and a brick hearth incorporating a Clearview log burning stove; dining and study area. French doors lead out to the pretty garden. Side door from kitchen leads off to UTILITY with lots of storage cupboards, boiler, hot water tank and plumbing for washing machine/dryer. Back door leading to outside space and storage shed/wood store.

Double doors from living area lead to CONSERVATORY, a fabulous space with wonderful views and double doors which lead out to a private garden.

A pretty oak staircase leads to a charming landing area and TWO light and airy BEDROOMS both overlooking gardens, finished to a high standard, each with ENSUITES with walk in showers.

Seller Insight “The words ‘Forever Home’ sprang immediately to mind when we first viewed Marehay Farm,” says Lynda. “We fell in love with the character of the main house and lovely Byre conversion, but it was the gardens

that sealed it the moment we walked the gorgeously landscaped lawns, flower beds and large stream-fed ponds.”

“Then we walked through the charming woods and my husband Alistair became a child again, imagining building dens with the grandchildren, walking the dogs along the network of paths beneath oak, willow and beech, and stockpiling logs for the winter.”

They did not give voice to the words ‘Forever Home’ as they always knew that their grown up children would one day be the magnet to draw them away from their beloved Shropshire. But they did set to work putting their mark on the farmhouse with an imaginative conversion to create a chic farmhouse kitchen-diner, new bathrooms throughout, an attic workspace and large outdoor patio in the south-facing front garden.

“Marehay is magical,” adds Lynda. “It’s secluded yet close enough to several village pubs and a local shop. It’s been our lovely corner of England that we share with three babbling brooks and so much wildlife, from wild ducks and moorhen on the ponds to owls, red kites and a plethora of birdlife all around. We’re right next to the mystical Stiperstones nature reserve and the incredible Longmynd with its wonderful walks and wild ponies.”

“The stone walls keep the house cool in the summer and toasty warm in winter, with the Clearview stoves fed by Alistair’s supply of logs. But above all, Marehay is a creative paradise, perfect for my photography and my husband’s writing and editing. I half expect to come across fairies frolicking by the brooks and Alistair jokes that if I do, he’ll sign them up for his cricket team!

“There are so many idyllic places to enjoy a glass of wine on a balmy summer evening. My favourite is in front of the summerhouse beside the top pond where Alistair usually keeps his small boat ready for a gentle row, a winner with barbecue guests.

“We both love reading, whether the Sunday papers in the conservatory or browsing the library in The Byre where we have our office, complete with kitchen and spare bedrooms for guests. The courtyard effect of the main house flanked by The Byre and the restored barn and workshop feels like a haven with uninterrupted views across open countryside. The only interruption is the chatter of birds feeding their young.”

“We shall be sorry to leave Marehay. We feel it has given us so much – an education from nature, a wonderful sense of peace in each season, and that solid grounding in centuries of history that you’d expect in an archetypal English farmhouse. We will miss it terribly.”

OUTSIDE AND GARDENS

To the FRONT - Gravelled drive with ample parking for four cars, front courtyard garden, with wrap-around stone wall and rose beds. Lovely terrace adjoining the property, with planted shrubs, a great place to sit, read a book and soak up the wonderful views. To the side is a fenced area suitable for a vegetable garden. The REAR GARDENS include two acres of babbling brooks, idyllic wooden bridges, two brook-fed ponds, well-manicured lawns, beautiful well-stocked flower beds, an array of amazing colours, wildlife and views, truly giving any National Trust garden a run for its money. It really is the ultimate English country garden. Overlooking the top pond is a delightful summer house, a fantastic place for BBQs, garden parties and soaking up the breathtaking views with the Long Mynd in the distance. Beyond the gardens are the delightful woodlands extending to three acres in all, a truly magical place with huge versatility and an endless supply of logs for the home’s wood burners. The woods are planted with an array of mature trees with several wooden bridges crossing the brooks, all surrounded by open countryside that forms part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

There are so many idyllic places to enjoy a glass of wine on a balmy summer evening. My favourite is in front of the summerhouse beside the top pond where Alistair

usually keeps his small boat ready for a gentle row, a winner with barbecue guests.”

copyright © 2017 Fine & Country Ltd.

DIRECTIONS

A) From Shrewsbury take the Longden Road towards the village of Longden. Proceed through the village and in turn through Longden Common and Pulverbatch. Follow the pretty country road until you reach the sign for The Bridges public house, immediately turn right sign posted to Gatten and Minsterley Ranges. Continue to the brow of the hill and turn right to Gatten. Follow this road for approx. one mile and the gravelled drive to Marehay Farm is on the left.

B) From Pontesbury take the road to Habberley where there is a right turn towards Bridges. Continue over a low bridge with red brick sides, branching right at an un-signposted junction. Continue across cattle grids at Gatten Lodge, past The Hollies on your right, and Marehay Farm is the next on your right.

Services - Mains electricity, oil fired central heating, private water supply with full filtration system, advanced septic tank drainage shared for both properties.

Local Authority - Shropshire Council, Frankwell, Shrewsbury 0345 678 9000

Tenure - Freehold

Viewing - Strictly by appointment through Fine & Country 01743 296116/07702 867950 shrewsbury@fineandcountry.com

Additional informationPlease be aware that Shooting Rights exist on the land surrounding the property and benefit the Gatten Estate. Further details are available from the agent.

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. * 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. Printed

We shall be sorry to leave Marehay. We feel it has given us so much – an education from nature, a wonderful sense of peace in each season, and that solid grounding in centuries of

history that you’d expect in an archetypal English farmhouse. We will miss it terribly.”

6

FINE & COUNTRYFine & Country is a global network of estate agencies specialising in the marketing, sale and rental of luxury residential property. With offices in the UK, Australia, Egypt, France, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Namibia, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, The Channel Islands, UAE, USA and West Africa we combine the widespread exposure of the international marketplace with the local expertise and knowledge of carefully selected independent property professionals.

Fine & Country appreciates the most exclusive properties require a more compelling, sophisticated and intelligent presentation - leading to a common, yet uniquely exercised and successful strategy emphasising the lifestyle qualities of the property.

This unique approach to luxury homes marketing delivers high quality, intelligent and creative concepts for property promotion combined with the latest technology and marketing techniques.

We understand moving home is one of the most important decisions you make; your home is both a financial and emotional investment. With Fine & Country you benefit from the local knowledge, experience, expertise and contacts of a well trained, educated and courteous team of professionals, working to make the sale or purchase of your property as stress free as possible.

The production of these particulars has generated a £10 donation to the Fine & Country Foundation, charity no. 1160989, striving to relieve homelessness.

Visit fineandcountry.com/uk/foundation

THE FINE & COUNTRYFOUNDATION

Fine & CountryTel: +44 (0)1743 296 116shrewsbury@fineandcountry.com4 Barker Street, Shrewsbury SY1 1QJ