Agent’s wording:Enjoying a charming countryside setting, this converted 19th Century Grade II Listed church boasts three/four bedrooms, three reception rooms and an abundance of original features. The home is surrounded by three quarters of an acre of secluded private gardens with stunning views and a double garage.
The Story
Claire and Robert Stanley had lived in several modern houses - then they drove up towards Grade II listed Ty Eglwys and knew they had found a special home.
We were going up the private drive, on a warm summer's day, and it was lined with ancient oaks and enormous Scots pines, and we were hooked, said Claire.
The graceful ambience of the former chapel creates a portrait of a delightful conversion - vaulted ceilings, original flagstone floors, stained glass leaded windows and timber are intrinsic.
It was an open church space before, and the conversion has been done really well, said Claire, And there's so much wood. I still touch the wood as I go round the house. People find it very peaceful, even the vicar feels it!
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Huge church windows flood the home with sunshine. In the upstairs rooms, large panel windows in the roof sustain the uninterrupted flow of light.
People forget they are in a church. It is so pleasant and peaceful here. There is a calming feel to the house and I'd happily spend days here on my own, said Claire.
Besides being a superb conversion, Ty Eglwys is very much a child-friendly, family home and the multi-purpose dining room is one of Claire's favourite spaces.
We've put in a wood-burning fire and have had some lovely social gatherings here. We always have a huge Christmas tree, because we have such high ceilings, she said.
She went on: We also had my parents golden wedding celebration at the house. We sat round the table in the garden drinking champagne and the children played with the dogs. It was truly a memorable time I shall always cherish.
THE GREAT INDOORS
Every room inside the house has a magnificent aspect. With the high ceilings, huge spaces and light, there are wonderful views from anywhere, over a golf course or across fields, she said.
The rooms themselves have been individually decorated to immaculate standards. The previous owners who did the conversion got special wall and ceiling light fittings made of iron, and the Victorian radiators are still there, she said.
We've put in a new, country-style kitchen, we've not made it too modern - the house wouldn't like it, because this house has a soul.
DEEP SILENCE
Sleeping in the spacious master bedroom with its magisterially-proportioned roof timbers is a special experience.
I love sleeping in here. You feel protected as if the house is looking after you; it envelops you, she said.
She also relishes the deep silence. There's absolutely no noise at night apart from the odd owl, she added.
This master bedroom leads into a spacious en-suite bathroom, with a cast iron bath.
SECRET IDYLL
Ty Eglwys itself is superbly situated in the centre of an acre of established grounds. Beyond the garden, stretch green fields.
There are formal parts and wilder bits. We've reclaimed a lot of garden, said Claire. It's quite magical for the children and their friends. They've grown up here. They'd pack their little bags with crisps and chocolate, and disappear off into the woods - fighting dragons, no doubt!
The couple are now looking for more land, but are leaving with many a backward glance.
I don't think we'll ever get a house like this again, with so many features, said Claire. I'll miss sweeping down my staircase like the heroine in an old movie.
ACCOMMODATION
GROUND FLOOR
The quality of the conversion for this 19th century church is obvious from the moment you step inside. Walking through the large solid oak door into the entrance porch, you will locate a wealth of original features including stone tiled floor, a leaded lancet window with picture light and a wonderful vaulted ceiling. Proceed through the stone arch and enter the simply stunning grand dining hall, where an abundance of natural light floods through the original leaded lancet windows and oversized roof lights. There are exposed corbels throughout the room, one that is particularly ornate and a wood burner that creates a cosy atmosphere ideal for entertaining. You will find space for the grandest of tables due to the size of this expanse, which is extremely versatile. There is a minstrel's gallery overlooking the room, accessed from the staircase, which is a feature in itself, boasting a magnificent newel post and ornate spindles.
A heavy oak door leads to the cloakroom which benefits from flooring that has been finished with the original tiles from the church alter. This flooring leads to further heavy oak doors, guiding to the drawing room and separate study or reading room, both of which have corbels and flagstone floors with large leaded lancet windows, seven of which are in the drawing room alone. The drawing room is delightful with its exposed beamed ceiling and a striking stone fireplace complete with wood burner, the perfect place for relaxed family gatherings. During the day there is an overwhelming feeling of light in this lovely room due to the numbers of windows and in particular, the large leaded window dominating the gable wall.
At the opposite end of the house is the kitchen/breakfast room, which has an array of quality modern kitchen cabinets providing plenty of storage with solid wood worktops generating copious amounts of room to prepare meals. Fitted with a range cooker and integral appliances, this area offers space for an island or table and chairs depending on the requirements of the new owner. Providing modernity in this otherwise period home, the kitchen also enjoys its own character features including exposed corbels and leaded lancet windows. Finally the ground floor is completed by a generous utility room, complete with a Belfast sink, quarry tiled floor and an arched door with ironmongery.
FIRST FLOOR
The impressive minstrel's gallery on the first landing is a real talking point and offers a superb place to sit and read, or to simply look over the core of the house. A plethora of exposed beams continues the theme from the ground floor and there is enough room here to easily add another bedroom if required. Heavy oak doors lead to the three inviting bedrooms and the family bathroom, with the master suite being accessed through the impressive original cut stone arch. The master suite has a floor to ceiling leaded window filling the gable wall and two oversized roof lights complimented by a dressing room and an en-suite with sunken bath. Exposed beams are again a real feature of all the bedrooms. The second bedroom boasts similar windows to the master and is light and airy, with the third bedroom also benefitting from an oversized roof light and an exposed beamed ceiling. Finally, the family bathroom is spectacular with its sauna and a claw foot bath located directly under another large roof light, a haven in which to relax and watch the stars.
SETTING THE SCENE
As you approach Ty Eglwys via a private drive, its seclusion and privacy becomes apparent. With access to three quarters of an acre, the gardens surround the home providing a view from every window. There is a large parking area at the front of the property with ample parking for 6 cars, along with a double timber garage, (there is planning permission available to replace this with a double garage with room over if required). There is large shed adjacent to the garage, providing secure storage facilities. Two wood stores and a summerhouse are also located in various parts of the garden.
The house and gardens are approached via a path through a tall laurel hedge. The main garden is landscaped and has a private seating area with a wall, an original font, a further timber shed and a garden room complete with hot tub and BBQ area, perfect for entertaining on a summers day. The remainder of the gardens are left as natural areas with snowdrops, wild daffodils, primroses and foxgloves. Seven ancient Scots pines are found in the gardens, along with numerous oak and beech trees and the majority of the boundaries are lined with hawthorn hedges.
It's very quiet here. We share a lane with two other neighbours whom we can't see or hear but it's nice to know they're there, said Claire.
We are surrounded by countryside, we feel as if we're in our own world. It really is the ultimate rural dream, she added.
There are also views towards Bristol and the couple often head out for a walk at the nearby Cardiff sea wall.
WITHIN EASY REACH
Nestled between Cardiff and Newport, the amenities of both these major cities can be reached in 20 minutes or less. The M4 is conveniently located for anyone wanting to commute as it can be reached in 5 minutes. Ty Parc golf club is literally on your doorstep with the Celtic Manor Resort home of the 2010 Ryder cup, also close at hand. Regular buses run along the A48 to Cardiff and Newport, and the nearest bus stop is just a half mile away. The closest railway station with mainline connections to London can be found at Newport, 5.8 miles away.
Since the M4 can be accessed in less than 10 minutes, the Severn Bridge can be reached in 20 minutes with Bristol city centre within easy reach, just 45 minutes, 35 miles away. Further afield, the centre of London can be accessed in 2 ´+¢ hours. Finally Cardiff airport is 26 miles away and Bristol airport can be reached within the hour.
DIRECTIONS:
Heading west on the M4, take the slip road at Junction 28 and at the roundabout take the second exit onto the A48. At the second roundabout take the first exit and at the next roundabout take the third exit onto Church Lane. Follow the road to the left, pass Ty Parc Golf Club on your right and then take the first left onto a private lane. Proceed along the lane and Ty Eglwys can be found at the top on the right hand side, marked by our for sale board.
For those with satellite navigation the postcode is for the property is NP10 8TU.
Fine is the seller's agent for this property. Your conveyancer is legally responsible for ensuring any purchase agreement fully protects your position. We make detailed enquiries of the seller to ensure the information provided is as accurate as possible. Please inform us if you become aware of any information being inaccurate