The Chicken Shed, Trellech, Monmouthshire

This singular home lies within the rolling hills and valleys of Monmouthshire, Wales. Once a poultry shed, this four-bedroom house has been the subject of an imaginative transformation by Hall & Bednarczyk Architects. Its award-winning design incorporates cedar cladding, polished concrete flooring and swathes of glazing, and there is an air source heat pump and underfloor heating. Opportunities for exploring in nature are almost endless, and some of Monmouthshire and the Wye Valley’s best walks are easily accessible. Bristol is around 25 miles away, while nearby Chepstow rail station provides connections to London.

The Chicken Shed has been used as a successful holiday let for over a decade; more information can be provided on request.

The house has a holiday home planning restriction, and is not suitable for use as a primary home. Please contact our team for further details.

The Building

The Chicken Shed retains the structure and footprint of the old wooden shed that previously stood on the site. Wood cladding, corrugated roofing and concrete floors are references to the building’s agricultural roots, while contemporary interiors are designed for modern living.

The house has been the recipient of a RIBA award for Regional Small Project of the Year, and an award from the Royal Society of Architects in Wales.

The Tour

A private driveway sweeps up to the house’s cedar front door. Inside, an entrance hall with room for coats and shoes leads to a vast open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, its vaulted double-height ceiling bisected by alternating glulam and green-painted roof trusses. Banks of glazing extend across one wall, opening onto an outdoor terrace with far-reaching views toward the Sugar Loaf and the Black Mountains.

The space is divided into distinct zones; the main sitting area is warmed by a Jotul log burner with exposed pipework, while a separate snug is bathed in light from glazing on three sides. A smart Bulthaup B1 kitchen has a Swisscave wine fridge, among other appliances, while a dining area has bespoke bench seating and tongue and groove wall panelling. Underfloor heating runs throughout, and there is a handy utility room with a washer/dryer.

There are four well-appointed bedrooms, each with views of the lush surroundings. The principal has an en suite shower room and a sliding door onto the terrace. The second bedroom also has an en suite and access to the terrace, while two further rooms share a ceramic-tiled bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower.

Outdoor Space

The house is surrounded by rolling hills and countryside. A stone-paved terrace at the front of the house is perfect for taking in panoramic views, and the garden encompasses both flat lawned areas and steeper areas of grass and woodland. A paddock of around 1.5 acres extends at the rear.

There is a log store at the front of the house, parking for several cars and an EV charging point.

The Area

The house lies just a few minutes’ drive from Trellech, a peaceful village situated on a plateau above the Wye Valley, within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It has a primary school and a 16th-century pub, The Lion Inn. In the opposite direction, The Fountain Inn in Trellech Grange is another local favourite, as is The Royal George in Tintern. The pretty town of Monmouth is also close by, and has an excellent selection of independent shops.

The area is known for its excellent selection of Michelin-starred restaurants, including The Whitebrook and The Walnut Tree. The Black Bear also comes Michelin-recommended.

Some of Monmouthshire’s best walks are within easy driving distance of the house, including Beacon Hill, the Wye Valley Walk, Offa’s Dyke Path, and the Abergavenny Three Peaks. The ancient Forest of Dean is also easily accessible, while the footpaths of Parkhouse Wood (a Site of Special Scientific Interest) are even closer to home. The historic Tintern Abbey is 13 minutes away by car.

Chepstow rail station is a 21-minute drive away, and runs regular services to Newport. From here, connections can be made to London Paddington. Bristol is just under 25 miles away, while Bath is only slightly further afield.

Council Tax Band: G