Aston Crews, Ross-on-Wye, HR9

Situation

Occupying an enviable elevated position on the southern edge of the picturesque hamlet of Aston Crews, The Grange enjoys commanding views across the gently rolling landscape of Herefordshire. Peaceful and deeply rural, yet remarkably accessible, the property lies approximately five miles east of the thriving market town of Ross-on-Wye, some 13 miles from the Cathedral City of Gloucester and within comfortable reach of the Regency spa town of Cheltenham.

Aston Crews is a particularly attractive rural settlement, characterised by an eclectic collection of period and contemporary houses set amongst mature woodland and open countryside. The landscape remains largely unspoilt, with a network of quiet lanes, footpaths and bridleways weaving through surrounding farmland and ancient woodland.

Within walking distance lies the village of Lea, providing an excellent range of day-to-day amenities including an award-winning village shop, traditional public house, primary school, active village hall and the historic Church of St John the Baptist. The A40 and M50 are both only a short drive away, placing the wider motorway network within easy reach, while rail services from Gloucester, Cheltenham Spa and Hereford provide direct connections to London, Bristol, Birmingham and South Wales.

The area has long been recognised for the quality of its independent schools, including Cheltenham College, Cheltenham Ladies' College, Dean Close School, Malvern College, Haberdashers' Monmouth School, The King's School, Gloucester, and Hereford Cathedral School. For younger children, the exceptional ‘The Elms School’, one of the country’s most highly regarded preparatory schools, is also within easy reach, providing an outstanding foundation for many of the UK’s leading senior schools.

The House

The Grange is an elegant Grade II Listed country house whose architectural evolution has resulted in a residence of considerable presence and charm. The original sandstone dwelling was later enhanced by the addition of a handsome three-storey Georgian façade, creating the beautifully balanced composition seen today.

Constructed in Flemish bond beneath a hipped slate roof, the principal elevation is distinguished by refined sash windows, an elegant Doric entrance porch and a finely detailed dentilled cornice. Standing proudly above its gardens, the house enjoys exceptional privacy together with uninterrupted views across the surrounding countryside.

Inside, the house possesses the quiet confidence of a home that has matured gracefully over generations. Classical proportions, original fireplaces, decorative plasterwork and fine joinery combine to create interiors that are both elegant and welcoming. Throughout, large sash windows frame the changing seasons, filling the principal rooms with natural light.

A beautifully restored stone portico, painstakingly repaired by a Hereford Cathedral stonemason, leads into an elegant reception hall from which the principal accommodation unfolds.

The drawing room is undoubtedly one of the house's finest rooms, extending to almost thirty feet and opening directly onto the south-facing terrace through French windows. Richly detailed cornicing, a decorative ceiling rose and an open fireplace provide an appropriately refined setting for both formal entertaining and relaxed family life.

The dining room enjoys a similarly elegant atmosphere and links naturally to the comfortable sitting room beyond, where a broad bay window overlooks the front gardens. Adjoining this is a recently refurbished Amdega conservatory, a peaceful room from which to enjoy the gardens throughout the year.

To the rear, the kitchen forms the heart of the house. Spacious and filled with natural light, it is fitted with traditional Shaker cabinetry centred around a four-oven Aga, while a generous walk-in larder recalls the practical charm of a traditional country house. Beyond are a well-appointed laundry room, butler's pantry and ancillary accommodation, together with an impressive wine cellar extending beneath much of the house.

The bedroom accommodation is arranged over two upper floors, centred around an excellent master bedroom with dressing room or study and en suite shower room. Five further double bedrooms and three bathrooms provide generous accommodation for family and guests, many enjoying far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside.

Barn Conversion

One of the estate's most remarkable features is the striking contemporary barn conversion.

Originally an agricultural Dutch barn, it has been imaginatively transformed by the current owners into an exceptional leisure and entertaining space whose contemporary architecture sits comfortably alongside the historic house.

The ground floor is devoted to wellness and recreation, centred around a magnificent heated 15-metre indoor swimming pool. A full-height wall of sliding glazing opens onto a broad entertaining terrace, dissolving the boundary between inside and out and framing uninterrupted views across the Herefordshire landscape. Two shower rooms and a separate laundry complete this level.

Above, a dramatic open-plan entertaining room extends to approximately 37 feet and opens onto a balcony from which the surrounding views are simply spectacular. A spacious sitting room or office, fitted kitchen, double bedroom, family bathroom and separate WC create entirely self-contained accommodation, equally suited to guests, multi-generational living, home working or holiday use.

The building is an outstanding example of contemporary rural design, providing exceptional flexibility without compromising the character of the wider estate.

Gardens & Grounds

The gardens have been thoughtfully created and lovingly nurtured over many years, resulting in a landscape that feels both established and entirely at ease within its surroundings.

Immediately adjoining the house, a series of formal terraces descend gently through the gardens. Closest to the house, a broad stone terrace, clothed in fragrant wisteria during the summer months, provides a wonderful setting for outdoor dining and entertaining while enjoying the expansive rural views.

Steps lead to broad lawns bordered by lavender, agapanthus and climbing roses before continuing down to an enchanting walled rose garden where brick walls, softened by mature climbers, create sheltered seating areas and seasonal displays of colour and fragrance.

The lower terrace is devoted to productive gardening, incorporating a traditional kitchen garden and greenhouse.

Beyond the formal gardens, mature specimen trees—including silver birch, beech, sycamore and oak—provide structure, privacy and year-round beauty. A small area of developing woodland has been carefully established near the rear entrance, while a paddock extends naturally beyond, enhancing the property's distinctly rural character.

Beautifully screened by mature silver birches, the fully enclosed 'En Tout Cas' tennis court occupies its own secluded setting and is accompanied by a charming summer house with electricity, running water and a timber deck from which to enjoy long summer afternoons.

Outbuildings

The Grange benefits from an excellent collection of ancillary buildings, reflecting its agricultural heritage while providing considerable practical versatility.

The detached double garage, built in matching stone and brick and fitted with electrically operated doors, is complemented by an adjoining workshop and first-floor store. A generous gravel courtyard provides ample parking and turning space.

Beyond, a range of traditional stone outbuildings includes six former stables or pigsties together with an original bull pen, all retaining considerable period character. Adjacent stands a substantial steel-framed agricultural barn, currently used for machinery and fodder storage but equally well suited to equestrian use, subject to individual requirements.

Access from both Warren Lane and the rear driveway allows the outbuildings to function independently from the principal house where required.

History

The Grange was Grade II Listed on 17 March 1986 in recognition of its special architectural and historic interest.

The original sandstone house evolved before the eighteenth century. During the Georgian period, however, the elegant brick façade was added, creating the refined symmetry that defines the house today. Constructed in Flemish bond beneath a hipped slate roof, the principal elevation incorporates beautifully proportioned sash windows with segmental heads, sill bands, a dentilled eaves cornice and a distinguished Doric entrance porch.

Over successive generations the house has evolved sympathetically, preserving its Georgian elegance while adapting naturally to modern family life. More recently, the imaginative conversion of the former Dutch barn has added an entirely new dimension to the estate, combining contemporary architecture with outstanding leisure and guest facilities.

Lifestyle

The Grange offers a rare combination of architectural distinction, complete privacy and exceptional versatility.

Whether hosting large family gatherings on the south-facing terrace, swimming with uninterrupted countryside views, playing tennis on a summer evening, tending the kitchen garden, walking directly into the surrounding countryside or simply watching the changing light from the drawing room, every aspect of the estate encourages an unhurried pace of life.

Yet despite its deeply rural atmosphere, the property remains exceptionally well connected, allowing the cultural attractions of Cheltenham, the Wye Valley, the Forest of Dean and the cathedral cities of Hereford and Gloucester to be enjoyed with ease.

Beautifully proportioned, impeccably maintained and quietly set within one of Herefordshire's most attractive rural landscapes, The Grange represents an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire a country house of genuine character, complemented by exceptional leisure facilities, mature gardens and an outstanding collection of ancillary buildings.

Services

We have been advised that mains water, gas and electricity are connected. Private drainage. There are also 15 PV panels located on the Dutch Barn roof. This information has not been checked with the respective service providers and interested parties may wish to make their own enquiries with the relevant authorities. No statement relating to services or appliances should be taken to infer that such items are in satisfactory working order and intending purchasers are advised to satisfy themselves where necessary.

Council Tax

COUNCIL TAX BAND "G" This information may have been obtained from the local council website only and applicants are advised to consider obtaining written confirmation.

Tenure

Freehold

We are advised (subject to legal verification) that the property is freehold.

Viewing

By appointment to be made through the Agent's Ross-On-Wye Office, Tel:

Directions

From the traffic lights in the centre of the village of Lea, turn left and take the ascending road towards Aston Crews. Bear left on entering the hamlet and you will see the gates and front façade of The Grange immediately in front of you.

General 

Intending purchasers will be required to produce identification documentation and proof of funding in order to comply with The Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017. More information can be made available upon request.

John Goodwin FRICS has made every effort to ensure that measurements and particulars are accurate however prospective purchasers/tenants must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to the accuracy of the information provided. No information with regard to planning use, structural integrity, tenure, availability/operation, business rates, services or appliances has been formerly verified and therefore prospective purchasers/tenants are requested to seek validation of all such matters prior to submitting a formal or informal intention to purchase/lease the property or enter into any contract.