* Freehold
**ref: Chhar**
To Start
A Jacobean jewel, beautifully set in the rolling countryside of Radnorshire,
Norton Manor is one of the Marches’ finest country houses. Built in 1858, and
Grade II listed in 1985, the manor has a tremendously handsome façade and an
abundance of original features inside, from a majestic imperial staircase to
the ornate pediments that crown each doorway. Unfolding over 16, 000 square
feet, the house boasts 14 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, far reaching views, and a
vast annexe with serious income potential.
Discreetly positioned at the end of a near mile long driveway through lush
parkland, Norton Manor is situated some two miles from Presteigne: Gateway to
Mid Wales, and recently named by the Times as one of the best places in the UK
to live.
The Main Course
Upon entering the manor, you’re greeted by a colossal, full height, top lit
reception hall of staggering proportion: Sumptuous plasterwork, panelling and
oak flooring set the tone for an imperial staircase of exceptionally grand
scale, framed by Serpentine marble clad pilasters and an elegant arch.
This jaw - dropping space provides access to the formal reception rooms; the
first being a beautifully proportioned drawing room: Double aspect, with full
height sash windows to the front and side, a solid Blue Minky granite bar and
multi - fuel stove lend this room a wonderfully cosy feel, belying it's enormous
size. A door leads into the formal dining room; overlooking rolling lawns,
with a working fireplace, this elegant space is perfect for large family
gatherings and Christmas dinners of dreams.
From the dining room, it’s into the heart of the home: A truly spectacular
space, this former
ballroom is not your average open plan kitchen living room! Defined by an
imposing fireplace, decorative coving, ornate plasterwork and a stunning gold
accented ceiling, the expansive living area also features a double multi - fuel
stove, double doors to the garden, and ample dining space. The kitchen is
fitted with an array of units, granite worktops, two integrated dishwashers, a
double rangeoven, and a huge central island on wheels.
A door leads from the kitchen back into the grand entrance hall; blink, and
you’ll miss the
cloakroom, separate boot room, and pantry/utility space discreetly tucked away
beneath the
imperial staircase. Thought to be of Italian design with lantern topped newel
posts and a wrought iron, gold leafed balustrade, the staircase leads to a
galleried landing; above, three enormous stained glass rooflights flood the
space with natural light. There are seven bedrooms in this part of the house,
all with en - suite facilities and lovely views over the surrounding
countryside.
The Icing on the Cake
Norton Manor includes excellent ancillary accommodation, affording wonderful
lifestyle
opportunities and valuable income potential. A substantial section of the
house has been converted into a fully furnished, turnkey holiday let, which
also lends itself to multi generational living.
Accessed via multiple points from the main house (the staircase, the main
entrance hall, and
outside), the accommodation can be let as an entirely separate entity, or
alongside the main house. Comparable properties in the area are both highly
sought after and thin on the ground, and typically command a nightly rate
exceeding £1000.
Outside, guests will find a fabulous outdoor kitchen, equipped with two pizza
ovens, two smokers and a barbecue, plus a covered 12 - seater dining area, and
an open courtyard.
Inside, this part of the manor exudes a quiet elegance and easy charm. A
flagstone floored hallway leads to a gorgeous eat - in kitchen: Fossil sandstone
flooring and a multi - fuel stove give this room a wonderfully cosy, homely
feel, which is further enhanced by a range of high - quality appliances: An
integrated dishwasher, electric range cooker, granite worktops, a separate
larder, and a double sink.
The ground floor includes a panelled bedroom with an en - suite shower, and a
snug area, as well as two cloakrooms. Upstairs, a landing leads to four
further en - suite double bedrooms and a laundry room. The second floor
comprises a bathroom, two/three double bedrooms, and a separate games room –
perfect for smaller guests.
Deliciously Moreish
Norton Manor also includes a recently restored wing, meticulously updated by
the current owners. A work in progress, it currently comprises two floors and
a loft. All renovations have been carried out with listed building consent and
signed off by building control. The planning permission allows for five
bedrooms and two bathrooms; the additional energy required to heat a space of
this size is supplied by the efficient biomass system.
The Green Green Grass
Norton Manor’s epic driveway opens onto a sweeping gravelled expanse in front
of the main façade, providing ample parking. Refreshingly for a house of this
size, the gardens are low maintenance and manageable, comprising approximately
half an acre. To the southeast, there is a beautiful expanse of sunken lawn,
accessed by stone steps on either side, with panoramic views of the
countryside beyond. The garden to the southwest has been configured to take
maximum advantage of the late afternoon sun; this area is mainly laid to lawn,
with a wonderful outdoor dining area accessed from the kitchen.
Tucked away at the front of the house is hard standing for four lodges; two
are in situ, providing ideal staff accommodation.
Further Afield
The property is situated in the picturesque village of Norton, two miles from
the thriving border town of Presteigne, where you can find an excellent deli,
butcher’s, greengrocer, and fishmonger, along with gorgeous independent shops,
cafes, and restaurants. Sited at the confluence of Powys, Shropshire, and
Herefordshire, Presteigne is surrounded by beautiful, unspoilt countryside
which attracts walkers and cyclists from all over the globe.
The pretty market towns of Kington and Knighton are both within 7 miles.
Leominster, famous for antiques, can be reached in twenty - five minutes,
Ludlow’s culinary delights in thirty, and Hay - on - Wye’s literary treats in
thirty five. Forty minutes away, the cathedral city of Hereford provides a
full range of shops, services, and excellent rail links.
Presteigne offers both primary and secondary education, and the wider area is
home to many highly regarded schools, including the Ofsted outstanding rated
Fairfield High, Hereford Cathedral School, Lucton, Moor Park, and Christ
College, Brecon

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