Rudry Road, Lisvane, Cardiff, CF14

A masterpiece residence in abundant grounds above the Welsh capital.

Description

Completed in 1999, Foxfield is an exemplary generational home that showcases elegant craftsmanship and emphatic design. Using respected local architects and artisans to deliver timeless features, the ambitious bespoke commission remains, in essence, a practical family home that is both respectfully grand, yet never needlessly grandiose. There is an opulence in detail and impressive finishes that does not stray to the ostentatious.
Externally, the pleasingly symmetrical frontage evokes modern regency with an elevated entrance, split stair terrace, six-over-six sash windows, and central arched bath stone façade. The contrasting east and west gable end wings are edged with complimentary bath stone quoins and decorative fascia.

Boasting impeccable style, the interior vision embraces a primarily neutral palette and comforting furnishings against the magnificent scale and refined materials.

House Description
Through an initial double-height foyer with its own Juliet balcony, the perfectly splendid entrance hall stretches three storeys to its pinnacle roof light. Anchored by a cantilevered curved stair and elliptical galleried landing, it is a welcoming symphony of woodwork featuring imported American white oak in linear flooring, panelled doors and sunburst transoms, deep set encased window frames, moulded architraves, and balustrades. Custom furniture and chair rail panelling in rich burr walnut is the characteristic work of Linley and enhances the honey hued warmth that is subtly supported by upholstered walls.

Linger at the generous seating area in front of the bath stone fireplace, or venture into the few formal rooms of the house. The drawing room, with regal décor, enjoys a second working bath stone fire and dual aspect with French doors to the terrace for views over the gardens. Internal double doors lead in to the decadent dining room, also dual aspect, which is easily capable of seating over 14 to feast.

With voracious proportions, the kitchen and morning room is a more contemporary open plan space that is not just a joy to cater in, it caters to modern sensibilities regarding the heart of a home, and offers purpose for multi-functional daily life. There is understated luxury in the Smallbone cabinetry and granite worktops with matching central island. An inset cooktop set in a limestone hearth faces French doors to a patio and outdoor seating. There is also a sizeable walk-in pantry to provide further storage.

Return to the front of the house and its southern corner to find the gracious family room. A plush area for languorous afternoons where copious comfort abounds, there is accommodation aplenty for card games or a musical interlude looking out over the descending gardens. A further working fireplace is accompanied by a full wall of bespoke encasements to hold a wondrous book collection or treasured family mementos.

Domesticity is not all pleasure, and the business of Foxfield has been no less carefully considered, with two studies or home offices to tend to affairs. At the rear of the entrance hall, an atrium of Marston and Langinger fenestration adds fantastic natural light and external service or resident access. Guest WCs and cloak rooms provide necessary facilities and a discreetly encased lift ensures access to all floors, alongside a secondary stair hall that includes a flight to the lower ground and garage level.

There is also a brilliant flagstone boot room and laundry with spacious utility and kitchenette for the gardeners and housekeeper.

To leave the main level for the respite of the first floor and its seven en suite bedrooms, each can be found sharing the exquisitely crafted and conscientious details of design envisioned for the interior. There are also built-in bespoke wardrobes, and vanities in the adjoining bathrooms. The Victorian style suites include freestanding claw foot tubs, handheld and elevated (needle) showers, chrome towel rails, and individually selected tiling featuring marble, colour glazed, and mosaics.

The majority of bedrooms are expansive and are double, or triple, aspect with far-reaching views and there are those with characterful quirks, such curved walls and a double height mezzanine level with spiral staircase.

As a divine sanctuary, the palatial principal bedroom suite is gloriously bright, with south-facing windows and a private balcony to take in the extraordinary grounds and outlook to the coast; these are softened with sumptuously draped fabrics. Twin walk-in closets are set out in light and dark tones, one distressed wood and one rich maple, with comprehensive storage solutions and dressing areas in each. The bathroom has a two-person marble topped vanity sink and custom cabinetry, a large walk-in shower, and a deep jacuzzi tub to while away the hours.

On the second floor, a vast realm of possibilities awaits. Under high pitched ceilings and dramatically exposed suspended beams is an ideal entertainment haven, kitchenette / bar and WC. With a sprawling layout, the flexibility is not to be underestimated for use as a home cinema, games room, artist’s studio, a retreat for meditation or yoga, or as extended or separate accommodation.

The partially subterranean lower ground level is primarily devoted to the garage which can hold over 10 cars. The voluminous vehicular area is secured with panelled electric double doors, includes drainage to the floor, and leads to a plant room, a convenient equipment cupboard or ideal golf store, and a fully fitted gymnasium with wc and changing area. For less active enjoyment, a cavernous wine cellar and tasting room can accommodate a vast collection of bottles.

Garden / Grounds
Enclosed with stalwart wrought iron gates, the approach to Foxfield is majestic. A meandering cobble-lined resin drive ascends to the house alongside a cascading ornamental garden of three enchanting ponds interconnected with bridges, pathways, and superbly cultivated planting.

A York stone patio borders the house at the main level creating an elevated terrace to the south and east, and extending to a protected walled seating and BBQ area to the rear.

There are a multitude of spots to relax and repose in the Foxfield landscape. Each are a delight to discover as you sidle through the beautifully rolling lawns and statuesque shrubbed hideaways. In particular, the charming “ring o’ roses” garden nestles into the scenery beside the house for a peaceful enclave.

There are exhilarating views to behold across the property, in close quarters to the residence, and stretching to the tree-crested hillside. The grounds offer plentiful space for leisure and entertaining, whether it be taking in a few games of tennis on your own court, or rising through the laburnum arch to the events lawn which can easily accommodate a marquee for garden parties or those truly special occasions.

Location

Entirely surrounded by captivating, undulating parkland, giving privacy and the intimation of seclusion despite its relatively suburban location less than 10 miles from Cardiff city centre, the property extends further to about 40 acres of fields and woodland.

Situated north of the M4 motorway, it is reachable in 2.5 miles and Cardiff Airport is approximately 21 miles away.

Just south is the community of Lisvane, characterised by charming local amenities, and the city of Cardiff. Celebrated for its culture and identity, and with a global reputation for hosting sports events, Cardiff offers world-class beauty and facilities, with established government, education, and business occupiers creating one of the fastest growing European capitals.

Square Footage: 24,190 sq ft


Acreage: 19.5 Acres