THIS HOUSE ROCKS
THIS Georgian style detached country home for sale near Newport is rather surprising.
Is it the five bedrooms, or paddock and lake, or the 40 foot garage?
Well, they are all part of the uniqueness of this home in Caerwent, but the most surprising feature is the “mini Stonehenge” in the garden.
A focal point within the property’s approximate three acres of land, the circle of stone might not be as big as the original Stonehenge, but it certainly beats a normal rockery. Constructed from stone that the owners removed from a rockery when they were building the walled garden, this intriguing feature is always a talking point with visitors.
Fondly called “The Henge” by the owners, it was far from easy to construct, with the 20 ton excavator the owners hired to create this masterpiece struggling to lift the larger rocks. In the end, the machine had to roll them up the hill.
Mr Hicks, one of the owners of the property called Ashfield, says: “When we first viewed Ashfield in 2010 we thought it was in a perfect position, and that we could realise the potential for creating a walled garden, a dream we had coveted for many years. Some of the very large stones that had formed the old rockery garden weighed up to 16 tons!”
When not wandering within the rock circle, a new owner of this property can enjoy numerous distinct areas within the grounds. There is a south facing walled garden which includes natural stone patio areas, a large sun terrace and pathways that lead to a covered seating area, which has a wood beam vaulted ceiling. The immaculately kept lawns are surrounded by well-stocked borders that lead to a gate to the paddock, lake and stone circle beyond.
Approaching the property through double wrought iron gates, the sweeping driveway leads to a large parking area and detached garage. Based on a Georgian style, the property showcases large windows with multiple panes, a feature hardwood front door and high ceilings.
The reception hall hints at the size of the rooms beyond; the current owner can even fit a baby grand piano under the stairs!
Mr Hicks said: “We’ve been delighted with the size and spaciousness of the house, it really is a lovely family home and at that time our grandchildren spent a lot of time with us. Each had their own rooms, much to their delight!”
Stretching across the rear of the property is a spacious kitchen, dining room and family room. The contemporary, glossy kitchen at one end of this open-plan area includes built-in appliances that a new owner would expect from a home in this price bracket. In addition, there are twin ovens, a coffee-maker, a large central island, and underfloor heating. Although there is plenty of storage in this room, there is also a door to a large walk-in pantry.
The kitchen flows into the dining area, which can easily seat eight people, making this vast room a very sociable space for family suppers, Christmas lunches and dinner parties. Once the desserts and coffee have been consumed, this family room offers guests a spacious seating area at the far end of the space.
This area overlooks the formal rear garden which is accessed via bi-folding doors.
But this substantial home offers a number of enticing areas to relax, as there are two further reception rooms.
The sitting room is a light filled area, thanks to the large windows and high ceilings, which showcases decorative coving and ceiling designs.
Another noticeable feature in this elegant room is the fireplace, with cast-iron grate, slate hearth and marble surround.
The lounge also offers another comfortable area to chill out. In addition, the ground floor also has a good size utility room complete with Belfast sink, downstairs cloakroom and huge garage which can be accessed from inside the house.
Mr Hicks says: “We have transformed the house completely. Highlights include adding a four car garage, utility room, Tarmac driveway, and of course ‘The Henge.’”
One of the couple’s favourite areas of the home is the much wanted walled garden, which took 12 months to complete.
Mr Hicks said: “We have enjoyed many hours with family and friends in this lovely space, which has direct access to the kitchen diner. But we enjoy every part of the house, from our tranquil bedroom to the sitting room with open fire, which we enjoy all year round.”
Upstairs, the home has four double bedrooms, and a fifth bedroom which is currently being used as a study. The
master bedroom takes up one wing of the house, and includes a walk-in wardrobe and contemporary en-suite shower room, fitted with a vast walkin shower, complete with body jets and rainshower head.
The guest bedroom is also en-suite and is fitted to the same high standard, as is the family bathroom on this first floor.
Mr Hicks said: “We have enjoyed eight special years at Ashfield but all the grandchildren are now grown up hence the move to a smaller home, but Ashfield will be a hard act to follow.”