Guide price £1,600,000 | Dymock

HISTORICAL NOTE

It is believed that the oldest part of the house, which dates from the Tudor period, was incorporated into the house when it was remodelled in the early 17th Century. The importance of Pound Farm has been recognised in Pevsners Buildings of England which is an acknowledged authority on all period property and its quality is also recognised by its Grade II* status which classes it as a "particularly important building of more than special interest".

During the 16th and 17th Centuries The Pounds, as it was previously known, operated as a copyhold farm to the nearby Old Grange; which together with Allums, Old and New Rock formed part of the Flaxley Abbey Estate. The Rev J E Gethin Jones in his book "Dymock down the Ages", cites evidence of the passage of monks between the Grange and The Pounds and the nearby names of Monks Meadow and Monks Bridge are a relic to the days when the lay brothers from The Grange travelled to and from The Pounds.

The Rev J E Gethin Jones goes on to mention in his book that in 1938 a stairway was discovered half way up the kitchen chimney, and nine years later the two secret rooms to which it led were opened up. These rooms have since been blocked up, but paint a fascinating insight into the possibility that the residents of the house during Elizabethan times may have been Recusants.

The Pounds was for many years the principal seat of the Cam family who gave their name to the local school.

The Cam's resided at Pound Farm from the early 16th Century until the early 19th Century. Since that time Pound Farm has changed hands a number of times, at one point being owned by Thomas Dewell, a captain in the Royal artillery, until it was bought by the current family in 1951.
The house is of timber framed construction set on a stone plinth with rendered panels and a rendered southerly elevation. The property is laid out in a U shape around a central courtyard which was partly in filled during the 19th Century which is also the date for most of the mullioned and transomed windows. The whole is set beneath a hipped roof of random Forest of Dean sandstone slates which was replaced in 1987.

SITUATION

Pound Farm is situated on the outskirts of the Gloucestershire village of Dymock, famed for being the home of the Dymock poets. The pretty market town of Ledbury (4 miles to the northwest) provides a wide selection of both leisure and shopping facilities. The cathedral cities of Hereford and Gloucester provide more extensive regional shopping and leisure facilities along with several highly regarded Independent Schools. Hereford also has the benefit of a mainline railway station providing regular services to London, Birmingham and the West Midlands.
The property is approached over an elevated private driveway which cuts through arable and pasture land and leads first to the farm buildings and then on to a parking and turning area to the north of the property. The setting provides for outstanding views across its own farmland and is positioned so as to take advantage of the delightful views across the lake.

LOT 1 (YELLOW ON PLAN)

About 39.42 acres
Guide price: £885,000 (UNDER OFFER)

HOUSE

The present entrance to the house is through an attractive two storey porch with turned balusters above and original boarded door.
The ground floor accommodation provides reception hall, drawing room with exposed ceiling beams and bow window to side elevation, dining room with heavily moulded beams and fireplace, butlers pantry with hatch to cellar, side lobby, kitchen with AGA, pantry, scullery, cellars and outhouse containing gardener's W.C.
The first floor has four bedrooms, bathroom, lower landing area, dressing room and concealed secret room.
From bedroom 4 there is a further door with stairs rising to the attic which comprises two rooms plus an extensive roof space.

THE GARDEN & GROUNDS

To the rear of the house is a cobbled courtyard enclosed on three sides by the house. To the front and side of the house are the gardens with gently sloping lawns partially enclosed by high traditional stone walling which lead down to the lake. From the gardens there are delightful views across the farmland. The land consists mostly of relatively level or gently sloping pastureland divided into appropriately sized enclosures. Immediately around the house and buildings are level paddocks and mature orchards.

THE OUTBUILDINGS

The main house is close to the redundant traditional farm buildings which have the potential for development into residential units or as a base for a small business (subject to the necessary planning consents). There are also a number of modern agricultural buildings.

LOT 2 (PINK ON PLAN)

About 67.86 acres
Guide price: £400,000 (UNDER OFFER)
A useful block of productive arable land lying to the north of the farm with good road frontage and some fine ancient oak trees.

LOT 3 (GREEN ON PLAN)

About 50.36 acres
Guide price: £275,000
An attractive block of arable and pasture land separated into convenient sized enclosures which are bounded to the west by the River Leadon and with good road frontage to the east. The land rises from the river to its highest point providing views over Dymock, the surrounding countryside and to the Malvern Hills in the distance.

LOT 4 (BLUE ON PLAN)

About 5.40 acres
Guide price: £40,000
A gently sloping block of arable land with extensive road frontage and bordered in the most part by mature hedging. The land could easily be converted back to pasture to provide an attractive pony paddock.

SERVICES

The property benefits from mains electricity and water and private drainage. There are power points located throughout the property and a telephone line is connected, subject to the usual transfer regulations. These points should, however, be verified with Solicitors.

TENURE

The farm will be offered for sale freehold with vacant possession on completion.

STANDING CROP/HOLDOVER

The vendor reserves the right to harvest or cut any standing crops prior to the sale or to exercise holdover of the same after the sale if so required.

SINGLE PAYMENT SCHEME

Single Payment Entitlements, where applicable, are included within the sale. The vendor will use their reasonable endeavours to transfer the Single Payment Entitlement to the purchaser.

PLANS, AREAS & SCHEDULES

These are based on the Ordnance Survey and are for reference only. They have been carefully checked and calculated by the vendor's agents, however the purchaser(s) shall be deemed to have satisfied themselves as to the description of the property. Any error or mis-statement shall not annul the sale nor entitle either party to compensation in respect thereof.

FIXTURES & FITTINGS

Any fixtures or fittings not mentioned in these particulars are excluded from the sale.

RIGHTS OF WAY ETC

The property is sold subject to and with the benefit of rights, including rights of way, whether public or private, light, support, drainage, water and electricity and other rights and obligations, easements, quasi easements and restrictive covenants and all existing and proposed wayleaves or masts, pylons, stays, cables, drains and water, gas or other pipes, whether referred to in the general remarks and stipulations or particulars of sale or not and to the provision of any planning scheme of County or Local Authority.

VIEWINGS

All viewings are to be strictly by appointment only arranged through the sole agents Carver Knowles Tel. 01684 853400.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Please be aware that the property and surrounding buildings are in need of renovation and repair. Please therefore take extra care when making your inspection.

Carver Knowles has not tested any apparatus, equipment, fitting or services and so cannot verify they are in working order. The buyer is advised to obtain verification from their solicitor or surveyor. These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate are set out as a general outline only for guidance and do not constitute any part of an offer or contract. Intending purchasers should not rely on them as statements of representation of fact, but must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to their accuracy. No person in this firms employment has the authority to make or give any representation or warranty in respect of the property.