A Unique Property of Immense Character in a Thriving Herefordshire Village. Post Office & Village Stores - Lounge - Dining Room - Kitchen - Cloakroom - 3 Shop Store Rooms - Cellar - 4 Bedrooms - 1 En-Suite - Family Bathroom - Mature Garden - 2 Garages - Workshop - Shed - Grade II Listed - Wealth of Original Features - Exposed Beams Throughout - Ample Parking - Set at the Heart of a Popular Village - Overlooking Cradley Common - Good Access to Motorway Network.
The Post Office is situated at the heart of the flourishing and friendly village of Cradley with its new primary school, church dating back to Norman times, and even more ancient yew tree. It is within easy reach of the renowned spa town of Great Malvern and the picturesque market town of Ledbury, and not far from the historic cathedral cities of Hereford and Worcester. There is a great choice of excellent education in the area, plenty of opportunities for recreation and sports, and very good shopping. Railway stations at Malvern, Ledbury and Hereford give connections nationwide.
The Post Office is a wonderful black and white half-timbered Grade II listed building steeped in history. The name reflects its present use as the village post office and stores, which dates back to the 1800s. For centuries it has been at the centre of village life, in the 1700s having been a public house called The Bulls Head. The property can be traced back to 1570 when the original small timber-framed cottage was built. In about 1600 the main house, referred to as the manor house, was constructed adjacent to the cottage. After being a pub in the 18th century it became a shop in the mid-19th century when the extension at the front was added, with its lovely shop-front windows and entrance, and the post office became part of the business in 1890. Viewed from outside, the period architecture, the immaculate black and white character, tiled roofscape and fascinating multi-stack medieval chimney, together with the sylvan village setting, imbue this property with great charm.
The old front door on the south side, framed by a small porch, is seldom used, the entrance at the back of the house being most used, leading through a large old wooden door into the cosy kitchen, quarry-tiled and warmed by a solid fuel Rayburn which also heats the water and a radiator in the bathroom, the rest of the house having gas central heating. There is also an electric hob in the modern worktop running the full length on one side with smart fitted units beneath and cupboards above. Down the tiled hall past the front door you come to the half-timbered dining room which has a large brick inglenook fireplace under a massive mantel beam, providing a nice place to snuggle on a cold winter evening, although with the central heating and double glazing the whole house is well warmed whatever the weather. The lounge next door has exposed timbers, oak block floor, brick fireplace and is light and airy with windows to two aspects and a good view across the lane to a green shaded by trees. From the dining room stairs wind up to the first floor and under the staircase a small door leads to a flight of stone steps spiralling down to the spacious cellar (139x134) with flagstone floor and external double doors. Upstairs are two large bedrooms in the main house both with great character imparted by the wealth of exposed timbers and both have lovely Victorian cast iron fireplaces. The master bedroom has a spacious en-suite bathroom and there is a shower room and two smaller bedrooms in the wing of the house formed by the original cottage, these rooms also characterised by fine half-timbering. In the middle room there is a trap door which gives access to the old stairs rising from the ground floor, which is now used as storerooms for the shop. The integrity of this part has been preserved and could be returned to residential use, if desired, with imaginative design incorporating the more recent surrounding building.
A driveway runs up beside the house, past the front door, to a yard area in front of two garages. The main garage and workshop (36'0"x18'0") are housed in the old stone barn that used to be stabling for the horses, and another garage (9'0"x17'0") has been added at the end. This building offers the potential for creative conversion to a residence, perhaps as a holiday let, and the vendors have been informed that the Planning Dept. Would consider this favourably. There is another substantial stone outbuilding, known as the pighouse, which at present is used as a general store and garden shed. At the back of this the old pigyard has been transformed into a delightful small courtyard garden shaded by two magnificent tulip trees. An expanse of lawn slopes gently up to the tall field hedge which allows glimpses of the pasture beyond. A garden bench makes the most of this sheltered south-facing suntrap. It is a garden inviting relaxation and enjoyment of the tranquillity and privacy that belie the village location, with many surrounding mature trees lending a very countrified ambience.
Council Tax Band: C, Worcestershire County Council
Mains Water and Electricity
Mains Gas
Mains Drainage
From the offices of Hayes, proceed to the Top Cross in the town centre, turn left on to the High Street. Proceed through Ledbury, bearing right at the train station onto the B4214. Follow this road for approximately 7 miles bearing right onto the B4220 after approximately 3 miles (signposted Cradley). Once in the village of Cradley turn right after the British Legion Social Club, follow this road to its end and turn left at the T-Junction and follow this road until you reach the property on the right hand side.
Viewing
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Hayes Sales and Lettings endeavour to maintain accurate depictions of properties in floor plans and descriptions, however, these are
intended only as a guide and purchasers must satisfy themselves by personal inspection.