Blaisdon, Equestrian Property Sought After Village

The Old Tannery
Blaisdon, Gloucestershire

This exceptional barn conversion offers outstanding equestrian facilities in an idyllic setting. The picture perfect, four bedroom Grade II Listed home sits at the heart of a highly sought after village, enjoying both peaceful seclusion and convenient access to excellent road links. Set within approximately ten acres, the grounds have been thoughtfully designed for equestrian use. They include a 20x45 manege, numerous paddocks, two double field shelters, and a substantial Dutch barn housing five internal stables.

Three first-floor bedrooms, two with en-suite facilities - One ground floor guest suite comprising a double bedroom, a dressing room and a Jack-and -Jill shower room - Two formal reception rooms - Handmade live-in kitchen * Utility-cum-boot room -
Approximately 10 acres of land, including numerous paddocks - four of which have a mains water supply - Dutch barn with five American-style stables - 20x45m manege - Agricultural barn with mezzanine floor, serving as a workshop & garage - Two double field shelters - Private garden - Secure, gated driveway -

Location:

The small village of Blaisdon, nestled in a quiet corner of the Royal Forest of Dean, lies around ten miles west of the cathedral city of Gloucester. There is a pleasant 16th-Century country pub, The Red Hart Inn, in the centre of the community, offering delicious meals, a welcoming atmosphere and a beautiful garden with a children's play area.
There are also many different walks around the village, taking in fields, woodlands and country lanes. Blaisdon also houses a village hall. A variety of activities, such as Pilates and ballroom dancing classes, are regularly staged here, and the venue also hosts the annual Blaisdon Summer Fete.

In terms of schooling, there are several excellent opportunities nearby. For primary schools, the neighbouring villages all offer highly regarded options - each around two miles away: Huntley Church of England School, Westbury on Severn Church of England Primary School and Hope Brook C of E Primary School in Longhope.
For secondary education, Dene Magna School in Mitcheldean is the closest (4.5 miles away), and this has earned an 'Outstanding' Ofsted score. Meanwhile, the cathedral city of Gloucester (10 miles away) offers four grammar schools - Denmark Road High School, Ribston Hall High School, Sir Thomas Rich's School and The Crypt School. Then, in Cheltenham - a spa town on the edge of the Cotswolds - there is another reputable option, Pate's Grammar School. This consistently receives' Outstanding' Ofsted scores and, in 2020, it was awarded The Sunday Times' State Secondary School of the Year.
It is also worth noting that Gloucester and Cheltenham both offer an assortment of shops, supermarkets, independently owned boutiques, a range of restaurants, welcoming pubs and various leisure facilities.

The Home at a Glance

The Old Tannery is an exceptional country home, rich in period charm and timeless appeal. From every vantage point, it is spectacular. In recent years, the current custodians have thoughtfully extended and refined the property, enhancing its proportions while carefully preserving its classic character. Set back from the heart of the village behind a pair of double gates, the grounds extend away from the Grade II Listed property, towards a patchwork of gently rolling hills.

The main entrance into the home leads to a reception hall, where a beautiful flagstone floor flows seamlessly through to the utility room - a practical yet stylish space, ideal for shedding muddy boots and outdoor attire after countryside walks. This area is fitted with handcrafted Shaker-style cabinetry, topped with sleek quartz work surfaces. Alongside generous storage, there is provision for both a washing machine and tumble dryer, complemented by a Shaws ceramic sink - combining country charm with modern convenience.
From here, the space transitions into the kitchen - the true heart of the home. Designed and installed by renowned luxury kitchen specialists Tom Howley, the kitchen mirrors the bespoke Shaker cabinetry and quartz countertops. A substantial breakfast bar provides an inviting setting for informal dining and entertaining, while a comprehensive range of integrated appliances includes a dishwasher, wine cooler, combination oven, and induction hob. An oil-fired Rayburn cooker serves as both a practical feature and a characterful focal point, gently radiating warmth and reinforcing the home's heritage. A one-and-a-half ceramic sink with a Quooker boiling water tap further enhances functionality, and there is housing for an American-style fridge/freezer. Overhead, a heavily timbered ceiling adds depth and authenticity, while the flagstone flooring continues through to the first formal reception room, maintaining a cohesive flow.

The dual-aspect sitting room is a wonderfully inviting space, bathed in natural light that pours through a set of French doors and a series of full-height, arch-shaped windows. Character features abound, with exposed ceiling beams continuing overhead and a magnificent double-fronted log-burning stove - shared with the adjoining formal reception room to create warmth between the two spaces.
A more recent addition to the home, this second reception area is bright and airy, enhanced by a vaulted ceiling that emphasises the generous proportions, while an exposed brick wall provides another handsome feature. On one side, French doors open directly onto the formal garden, while a stable door to the opposite side provides access to a gravelled courtyard tucked below the driveway.
Discreetly positioned in the far corner, a separate wing of the home functions perfectly as a single-storey guest suite or presents an opportunity for multi-generational living. This well-appointed area comprises a spacious double bedroom with a full-height window, a dedicated dressing room, and a Jack-and-Jill shower room fitted with a contemporary three-piece suite, a heated towel rail and an illuminated mirror.

The staircase to the first floor rises from the country kitchen, curving upwards to a delightful galleried landing, which showcases exposed brickwork, a vaulted ceiling, timbered walls, original beams and a hardwood floor that flows seamlessly throughout this level of the home.
To one side of the landing lies a beautifully proportioned double bedroom, enjoying triple-aspect windows that flood the room with light. A vaulted ceiling and exposed beams enhance the sense of space, while a striking wattle and daub feature wall provides a distinctive detail. A charming cottage-style door leads through to a recently upgraded en-suite shower room, complete with a stylish three-piece suite, plus a Victorian-style radiator and an illuminated mirror. On the opposite side of the landing are two further double bedrooms. The principal of the two benefits from a vaulted ceiling and picturesque views across the immaculate garden, while the second bedroom features a pitched ceiling and exposed beams. These rooms are served by a well-appointed family bathroom fitted with a three-piece suite and dual access - from both the hallway and the larger bedroom.

Outside: Ideal for Equestrian Use

The wooded hills of the Forest of Dean provide an enchanting backdrop to the lovely pastures around The Old Tannery. Set within the grounds are numerous paddocks, four of which benefit from mains water and automated feeding troughs, ensuring both convenience and year-round practicality. The enclosed outdoor riding arena, approximately 20m x 45m, features a high-quality sand and fibre surface and has planning permission in place for extension to a full 20m x 60m - ideal for more advanced schooling or competition preparation.
Equestrian facilities are a particular highlight. One of the two barns has been thoughtfully converted to provide five American-style indoor stables. Designed with comfort in mind, this well-ventilated space remains sheltered and warm through the winter months while staying cool in summer. It is fully equipped with light, power and water. Of special note is the inclusion of a professional equine solarium - a therapeutic infrared system that promotes muscle relaxation, circulation and overall wellbeing.
The second agricultural barn offers excellent versatility, currently arranged as garaging and a workshop, with a mezzanine floor providing additional storage. Positioned between the barns, a secure container delivers a waterproof and rodent-proof tack and feed room, ensuring equipment and supplies are kept safe and dry.

Adjacent to the house lies a beautifully manicured, private garden. An expansive patio seating area overlooks a level lawn bordered by established shrubs, while raised kitchen beds and a greenhouse provide wonderful opportunities for cultivating fresh fruit and vegetables. At the heart of this serene setting sits a generously sized fish pond, elegantly covered by a pergola, creating a charming focal point and a peaceful place to unwind.

General

Services: Oil central heating. Mains water and electricity. Septic tank. Telephone line and broadband - Gigaclear available.
Local authority: Forest of Dean District Council. . Council Tax Band D
Tenure: Freehold

Directions

From Ross-on-Wye, follow the A40 towards Gloucester for 9 miles. Turn right at the village of Huntley onto the A4136, continue for a mile and turn left onto Blaisdon Lane. Follow this road for around one mile until you reach a crossroads.
Turn left and continue along this road, passing The Red Hart Inn on the right-hand side and Blaisdon Nurseries on your left, and The Old Tannery will be found a short distance afterwards (approximately 100 metres) on the left-hand side of the road.

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