Pant Hall, Presteigne, Powys

This wonderfully characterful three/four-bedroom stone farmhouse and two-storey annexe occupy a quiet, rural location three miles from the Welsh town of Presteigne. Set within six acres of impressively landscaped gardens designed by the artist-owner, the grounds have been lovingly developed and nurtured over the course of 13 years, with a series of outbuildings offering quiet contemplation or creative retreat. The elevated position is incredibly peaceful, with far-reaching views across the undulating north Herefordshire hills, while Presteigne’s historic centre can be easily reached in under 10 minutes.

The Tour

Set back from a country lane by a wide driveway and turning circle, the main home lies to the left within a large courtyard, with the timber-clad annexe set adjacent.

There are two access points. The original front entrance is through a large glazed porch/garden room and leads into a wide lower hallway adorned with an artist-painted flower mural on one wall and a pargeted relief below the staircase. The secondary entrance is to a lime-coloured cloakroom and utility space, with a butler sink, laundry facility and adjoining shower room and WC.

Moving through to the primary living areas, a large, walk-in pantry lies to the left, and through to the open plan dining room and kitchen: an immediately welcoming room at the heart of the house.

Fenestration in the adjacent living room invites southerly light through the course of the day, framing far-reaching views across the gardens and out towards the rolling hills beyond. A log-burner set within the central hearth brings a warm and cosy atmosphere to this space in cooler months, and timber flooring runs underfoot.

A playful application of colour features throughout the interior. Walls washed in a rich orange define the ground floor study, and south-facing windows visually connect the interiors to the surrounding landscape and its myriad of woodland and pasture.

Ascending the wide, central staircase, three double bedrooms unfold upstairs. These rooms are full of warmth and personality, with bright pops of colour, original detailing. The main bedroom is expansive, with spectacular far-reaching views; an aspect also shared by the second bedroom, which features William Morris wallpaper and painted panelling. The third, slightly smaller bedroom, would suit a nursery or children's bedroom. Every inch of space has been well-utilised: storage and hanging spaces are concealed behind partition walls.

Two generous landings have been well-considered as comfortable spots for reading, music, or just taking in the views. The front landing area looks out across the hills, and to the rear of the plan, a glazed partition forms a study; a quiet space that offers great flexibility of use. The bathroom is also on this level and has a shower over the bathtub.

Extending to over 900 sqft of additional living and working space, the studio/annexe is SIPS-built and timber-clad. Currently used as an artist’s studio and workshop, but well-befitting overflow accommodation, the space is equipped with power and a water connection, a bathroom, and a kitchen area. Ascending the staircase, a minstrel's gallery links two large rooms on the upper level. Double-height pitched ceilings create a palpable sense of volume and space, and expansive glazing welcomes in plentiful natural light while framing far-reaching views. The lower level also houses a garage, workshop and woodstore.

Outdoor Space

Designed by the artist-owner and developed with great care and attention over the course of 13 years, the gardens form an integral part of the overall experience of the home. Extending over six acres, the journey through the gardens encompasses three acres of broadleaf woodland, orchard terraces, a ravine garden, bogland planting, a bandstand, herbaceous borders, a large pond and a cloister potager.

An impressive series of creative outbuildings and site-specific sculptures can be found peppered throughout the landscaping, including an artist’s chapel/shepherd’s hut, golden tower and yoga platform. Directly outside the house, raised beds offer an opportunity for home growers and self-sustainability, alongside a great provision of glasshouses, potting and garden sheds. There is also a large insulated shipping container currently used for storage.

The Area

Presteigne - or Llanandras in Welsh - is a historic town in Powys that lies at the heart of the Welsh Marches. Close to the border between Wales and England, it sits at the corner of the counties of Shropshire, Herefordshire and on the banks of the River Lugg. It is home to the impressive Victorian Judges' Lodgings and Courthouse, now a museum and visitor centre.

Defined by its characterful high street and strong independent spirit, the town has a number of notable historic buildings, including St Andrew's Church, a large medieval church with parts dating back to the 9th-century Anglo-Saxon period.

Considered a cultural centre for the area and home to Mid-Border Arts, Presteigne has long attracted artists, writers, and creatives, playing host to a series of annual events such as the Presteigne Festival, an internationally-renowned, five-day-long music and arts event held every August. There is also an independent cinema.

An excellent provision of independent shops lines the high street, including the Salty Dog: a good quality fishmonger and greengrocer, a butcher and a delicatessen. The high street offers an artisan baker on Saturdays. For exceptional stone-baked sourdough pizzas and natural wine, Daphne’s is a firm favourite. The Workhouse, founded in the 1970s, is a family-run gallery, workshop and café, with freshly made meals and an excellent oriental rug shop. There is also a good selection of bookshops, a library, a leisure centre, a post office, a GP surgery, and several restaurants and pubs.

Further afield, the Sidney Nolan Trust, the former home, studio and 250-acre estate of the leading Australian 20th Century artist Sir Sidney Nolan is a short cycle from the town centre. Situated on a remote Dark Sky site in the Welsh Marches, the fascinating Spaceguard Centre is around two and a half miles away, while the curiously named waterfalls, Water-Break-Its-Neck, can be found set between mini peaks in nearby Warren Wood.

The River Lugg runs just below the medieval church of St Andrew in Presteigne, marking the border with England. Kington is also nearby; a lovely town and home to the annual Kington Walking Festival. Hay-on-Wye can also be easily reached.

Knighton is the closest train station and is on the Heart of Wales line. Leominster and Hereford are also a short drive away, with Hereford providing services to London in approximately two and a half hours.

Council Tax Band: D