Croome D'Abitot, Worcestershire, WR8

The property
Priest House is an elegant, beautifully proportioned, Grade II listed detached home with origins dating back to around the mid-18th Century that was formerly the groom's house to Croome Court and later the Priest House. It has been thoughtfully converted and refurbished to an exceptional standard and specification, retaining its original features and offering double-aspect uninterrupted views across its mature gardens.

The fine double entrance doors with an attractive stone moulded doorcase open to the entrance hall that has the original restored flagstone floor, a cantilevered stone staircase with sweeping polished mahogany handrail, rear glazed garden door, bespoke built-in under-stairs bookshelves concealing a storage cupboard with electric lighting behind and a door to the cloakroom.

The impressive drawing room features a fine stone fireplace housing a woodburning stove and superb bespoke full-height cupboards with integrated lighting on either side. Four double-aspect windows offer stunning views of the front and rear gardens and parkland. There is a fitting for a central ceiling chandelier.

Glazed double doors lead from the drawing room to the dining room with its beautifully half-panelled walls, wall lights and sash window with views to the rear garden, creating a wonderful entertaining area. An added attractive feature is the hand-painted frieze above the half panelling, depicting rambling blackberries with various wildlife. The dining room can also be accessed from the hall.

The bespoke Handmade, hand-painted Benton's kitchen has oak flooring, granite and solid mahogany worktops, waste disposal, Perrin & Rowe nickel mixer taps, a superb full-height larder and display cupboard incorporating a breakfast bench and unit lighting. A central island in walnut has cupboards on both sides and a granite worktop. Appliances include an electric AGA with a walnut panelled surround, a Rangemaster Double Oven with an induction hob, integrated dishwasher and washing machine and space for a freestanding fridge freezer. Double-aspect high-level sash windows afford wonderful views of the front and rear gardens.

The principal bedroom has built-in wardrobes, double-aspect windows and an en suite with a bath and shower. A sumptuous family bathroom serves two further bedrooms. The current owners have installed new built-in wardrobes in bedroom three.

The study is accessed from the rear garden, with a glass roof and functional built-in shelves and cupboards. A spacious games/cinema room is accessed independently from the house and offers scope for various uses. It has a door to the double garage, with vehicle access from the large residents and guests parking area.

Gardens & Grounds
The property is approached from a landscaped lawned garden and gravelled courtyard to a central flagstone path leading to the front door, which is set between formal level lawns to each side with four magnolia trees, clipped box hedging and four Aurora infinite colour variable spotlights.
At the rear of the house, there is a substantial south-facing private garden with a range of mature trees, including a majestic holm oak tree and an expansive paved terrace, offering the perfect spot for al fresco dining whilst taking in the views. The residents' management company beautifully maintains the communal gardens and grounds in the residents-only areas.

Services
Mains water and electricity. Communal private shared drainage system. LPG-fired central and water heating via a communal LPG tank with a private meter.

Management Company
A maintenance charge in 2022/23 was £1,340 for the 12-month period, including a sinking fund payment. The due date is October each year, although it can be paid in two equal or eight equal payments. It covers maintenance of all communal areas, sewage treatment plant and gardening.

Local Authority
Malvern Hills District Council:
Council Tax Band: G

Pershore 4 miles, Upton-upon-Severn 5 miles, Great Malvern 12 miles, Worcester 9 miles, Cheltenham 19 miles, Birmingham 35 miles, M5 J7 7 miles (Distances approximate)

Priest House is situated at the heart of the Croome Estate and lies within the ancient settlement of Croome D'Abitot in South Worcestershire. The property is accessed through the electric main gates of the imposing Grade I listed London Arch, designed by Robert Adam, and via a private winding road through the magnificent 670-acre National Trust Parkland. It offers breathtaking walks and views of the Malvern Hills and Bredon Hill, and residents enjoy complimentary permits for themselves and their visitors to the NT Croome Estate. The private gated entrance of London Arch affords a much-appreciated sense of privacy and security to all residents.

The nearby Georgian market town of Pershore offers a wide range of everyday amenities, including independent shops, a health centre, a cottage hospital, a public library, a community arts centre and cinema, public houses and restaurants. Recreational facilities include tennis, cricket, football and rugby clubs, a leisure centre with a swimming pool, the historic Abbey and surrounding park, and the River Avon. It is also well known for its annual plum festival. There is an educational provision from nursery/pre-school to high school and a Sixth Form College available at Pershore High School. Of particular importance is the number of highly regarded private schools in Worcester, Malvern and Cheltenham.

Broader shopping and services can be found in Worcester, and Cheltenham is well known for its specialist shopping and is within easy reach.

Worcester has county cricket in the setting of Worcester Cathedral and horse racing on the banks of the River Severn. There is international cricket at Edgbaston and hunt racing at Cheltenham and Stratford. Upton-upon-Severn is famous for its music festivals, marina and gastro pubs.

There are excellent links to the north and south via the M5 Junction 7. Rail links from Pershore and Worcestershire Parkway run directly to London and Birmingham


Directions
WR8 9DW
To locate the property via What3Words ( reference: ///rolled.prayers.early