5 bedroom detached house for sale

An outstanding period home with a glorious extended kitchen, nestled in the Malvern hilltops. Description Vernon Lodge is an impressive and substantial Victorian residence dating from around 1885, originally built as the summer home of Sir William Vernon Harcourt, Gladstone’s Chancellor of the Exchequer. Rich in history and character, the property later formed part of Malvern St James School and today provides over 5,181 sq. ft of elegant and adaptable accommodation. The current owners have carried out an extensive and high quality programme of refurbishment, including the addition of a striking architect-designed open plan extension, successfully blending period features with modern living. The house is approached via a re-laid gravel driveway with electrically operated gates, opening to ample private parking framed by mature hedging. A carved timber porch leads into a welcoming vestibule with leaded windows, opening into a magnificent reception hall with feature fireplace, restored wooden floors and an impressive staircase. Beautifully refurbished stone mullioned windows feature throughout the property. The principal reception rooms include an elegant drawing room with south facing bay window, garden access and far reaching views, centred around a woodburning stove, and a formal dining room with fitted alcove cupboards and period detailing. A particular highlight is the superb open plan kitchen, dining and living space, completed approximately 18 months ago. Fitted with Masterclass units, quartz worktops and a large island, the kitchen incorporates a full range of integrated Neff appliances. This space opens through bifold doors to a light filled sitting area enjoying exceptional westerly views across open countryside to the Black Mountains beyond. Underfloor heating serves this area, with the remainder of the house benefiting from period style radiators and recently replaced boilers. Further ground floor accommodation includes a utility room with boot room, a versatile additional reception room currently used as a home office, a recently refitted cloakroom, and internal access to a double garage with adjoining single garage, currently used as a gym. The first floor offers a generous principal bedroom suite with south facing bay window, fitted wardrobes and a refurbished ensuite, alongside a further double bedroom and a stylish family bathroom. The second floor provides three additional well proportioned bedrooms, a modern shower room and a large storage room with potential for further use. The south facing gardens have been thoughtfully landscaped to maximise privacy and views. A porcelain tiled terrace extends from the kitchen, leading to a generous lawn with ornamental pond and mature planting. A raised decked viewing area with glass balustrade, hot tub and entertaining space enjoys spectacular countryside views, while meandering paths lead through a wooded section with specimen trees and a charming treehouse. Additional seating areas, lighting and power points complete the grounds. Location Vernon Lodge occupies an enviable position in the highly sought after village of West Malvern, approximately two and a half miles from the well served village of Colwall and around two miles from the historic and cultural spa town of Great Malvern. Great Malvern offers a comprehensive range of amenities including independent shops and banks, a Waitrose supermarket, the renowned theatre and cinema complex, and the Splash leisure pool and gym. Transport communications are excellent, with mainline railway stations at both Great Malvern and Colwall providing services to Hereford, Worcester, Birmingham New Street, Oxford and London Paddington within approximately two and a half hours. Road links are equally convenient, with Junction 7 of the M5 at Worcester about nine miles away and Junction 2 of the M50 near Ledbury just over ten miles. The area is also particularly well regarded for education, offering an excellent choice of state and private schools, including Malvern College, Malvern St James Girls’ School, The Chase, Dyson Perrins, and the preparatory schools The Downs and Elms in Colwall. Square Footage: 5,181 sq ft Additional Info Services connected: Mains gas fired central heated, mains electricity, mains water, mains drainage. Local Authority: Malvern Hills District Council.