3 bedroom detached house for sale

Completed in 2011, the property has been built and finished with a high specification, and offers a luxury and modern feel whilst making the most of the stunning views of the River Wye and the Forest of Dean. Designed to maximise the views, the large open plan living space is on the first floor, with the bedrooms, utility room and bathrooms on the ground floor - as seen on bbc's escape to the country 2013.

The story
Standing on the balcony, looking down on to the river far below, and the rolling hills, Sylvia Harris and Adam Dance absorb the picture before them.
From their fabulous new home, they look out over a glorious Monmouthshire panorama, taking in fields, woodland and incredible open skies.
We have a complete adventure playground before us, she said. We are in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Site of Special Scientific Interest, with lots of interesting flora and fauna.
After buying the plot, we got together with our architect to decide what we wanted to build here.
We wanted to be sure we ended up building something that was completely unique.

Outside in

The aim, she stressed, was to maximise both the light and the views.
We wanted it to feel as if the outside was inside, she explained. So we brought in some very large, triple-glazed panels, and created balconies.
She continued: It is also an upside-down house, with all the living areas upstairs and the bedrooms downstairs.
This has ensured it is a very light and airy home to live in, and that we have made the best of the views.

Contemporary style

Inside, the house is as dramatic as it is outside. Rooms have a bright, minimalist appeal, where blocks of colour stand out against the largely neutral and glassy background.
In the bathrooms we have used elements from various designers including Villeroy & Boch and Philippe Starck, she said. In the drawing room, upstairs, we have Natuzzi sofas and an Italian glass table. The whole house has been built to a very high standard, she stressed. Features such as the Lutron lighting control system, with Bernd Beisse stainless steel light fittings, a multi-room audio system, under-floor heating and Miele kitchen fittings add to the phenomenal finish.
We wanted everything to be of a good quality - including those features that would stay with the house permanently, such as the German Hase wood-burning stove and the Italian oak and glass staircase. There is granite in the entrance hall and the bathrooms have Montpellier limestone.

Comfort and joy

Living in such a superb location, with this level of luxury, has been magnificent, said Sylvia.
It is wonderful - you have all the high tech and modern comforts you could possibly require but, at the same time, you almost feel like you are part of the landscape, and part of the countryside.
The house is full of fantastic corners, she continued, places to sit and simply soak up the ambience.
My favourite time is having a cup of coffee on the balcony in the morning, looking at the view. That is the perfect way to start the day off, she said.
In the winter, it is lovely to be inside, cosying up beside the fire - even though the house is so warm that you don't actually need it on!

Special place

Many special occasions have taken place at the property, from small gatherings to large parties.
When my daughter was 30 we had a big family get-together, when we managed to seat 32 people, she said. There is such good space and such a great flow to this house.
Sylvia and Adam are moving from Lysander House as they are relocating for work.
It is a huge shame, she said. We thought this would be our 'forever' home.
Everything about this house is fabulous. It really is quite special.

Accommodation
Ground Floor

As you approach you are immediately struck by the unique design of the property and inside certainly does not disappoint. The entrance hall is light and airy thanks to its stunning double height glazed walls, and a bespoke Italian staircase with tempered glass and stainless steel balustrade rises to the first floor. The floor in the entrance hall has been laid with granite tiling and benefits from underfloor heating which continues throughout the property. From the entrance hall, a glazed oak door leads to the inner hallway which is lit with automatic low level mood lighting and laid to solid Montpelier limestone tiles. Attractive solid oak doors from Sweden lead to the three double bedrooms, the family bathroom and utility room. All three bedrooms are well proportioned and benefit from the integral music system, telephone, pc and TV points, 3-way lighting, built in wardrobes and windows with extensive views over the River Wye. The master bedroom has double doors which lead onto a private, covered garden area which provides the perfect space for a hot tub, whilst the double wardrobe incorporates a vanity cabinet complete with integral lights. The master bedroom has access to a stunning en-suite bathroom, which has been beautifully tiled again in Montpelier limestone, and is fitted with a contemporary 'Villeroy & Boch' bath with a coloured light panel. The attractive 'Mode' glass bowl sink cabinet and the walk-in shower with large 'rain head' shower and recessed shelf complete this stunning en-suite. The family bathroom is exquisitely finished in the same French limestone tiling and features multi coloured mood lighting, a walk in massage power shower and contemporary styled WC, bath and basin. The ground floor is completed with a well proportioned utility room which provides plenty of storage cupboards, a built in fridge and washing machine and plenty of work surfaces with solid timber splash backs.

First Floor

The staircase leads onto the first floor landing which appears open plan to the living space, courtesy of a 'cut away' wall which allows the light from the double height glazed wall to flood into the generous first floor space. Windows on all sides and large roof lights allow even more natural light to flood the area, making this an attractive space on even the darkest of days. In the evenings, contemporary designed German wall lighting from 'Bernd-Beisse' and integral up lights can be used to create different user programmable ambiences within the space. The controls for the integral music system can also be found here. In the lounge area a hidden TV can be raised from the bay of the window, which in tune is connected to a surround sound speaker system turning the space into your own private cinema. A more intimate feel can be created with the contemporary styled wood burning stove made by 'Hase', which is set on a slate hearth and provides a focal point for this large space. The attractive oak floor adds warmth and continues through to the kitchen/dining area, where there is plenty of room for a large dining table making this an ideal space in which to entertain. From the dining area, large sliding doors open onto an expansive balcony, which also has space for a dining table, and provides the perfect spot to enjoy the expansive views. The kitchen is fully fitted with a range of high gloss cupboards which are double height in order to provide further storage space. The attractive kitchen boasts composite granite work surfaces and contrasting splash backs, and has been fitted with a contemporary extractor hood and 'Miele' appliances to include a dishwasher, oven, glass hob, coffee maker and warming drawer. A walk-in pantry with shelving and space for a fridge/freezer completes the accommodation.

Setting the scene
The property is approached via a narrow lane and single track, which subsequently leads to the part laid drive which can provide off-road parking for the property. In front of Lysander House is about one third of an acre of private garden. At the back, the owners enjoy approximately the same amount of their own woodland - but all the grounds blend beautifully with their surroundings: We have been terracing the garden but we also like it fairly natural. My grandson loves to play and explore out there, said Sylvia. There are some lovely, mature trees. She added: We do spend as much time as we can outside when the weather is warm. Having the balconies is great.

What'S nearby ()
The property is conveniently positioned for anyone enjoying outdoor activities, with numerous walks close by including the Cleddon Shoots Nature Reserve within 50 yards of the front door, the stunning Wye Valley and Offa's Dyke to name but a few. Browns Stores provides day to day necessities and the village has its own primary school and public house. The historic 10th century Tintern Abbey can be reached in 6 minutes (3.4 miles), as can the amenities in the nearest village, St Briavels. The property may feel as if it is in the heart of countryside, far from anywhere else, but in fact, it is very conveniently located, she suggested: We have a good village school and hall here, she said. There are also popular primary, secondary and independent schools in the nearby town of Monmouth (9.3 miles).

Directions
From Chepstow M48 - junction 2 take the third exit onto Wye Valley link road signposted Chepstow. At the roundabout take the second exit onto A466. At Tintern turn left immediately before the Wye Valley Hotel sign posted Catbrook. Continue to the T junction and turn right opposite a picnic area. Proceed downhill and round a sharp left hand bend. Take the first left hand fork and proceed uphill. There is a car park on your right, which we recommend first time visitors use.

From Monmouth A40 - take the turn onto the A446 sign posted Chepstow. Continue on the A466 through Redbrook. Continue over Bigsweir Bridge which is single lane with Traffic lights. The next village is Llandogo. Turn right immediately after Browns store sign posted Trellech. Continue on this road uphill passing a post box on your left and a tall wall on your right. Pass Cypress rise B/B on your right and the National speed limit signs. Take the first turn on your right which doubles back on itself and proceed uphill. There is a car park on your right, which we recommend first time visitors use.

On reaching the car park, a brief scenic walk along the lane, continuing straight and level, until you reach a fork and track. Take the left level track and you will find the property on the left. It is the last house on the left before woodland and Cleddon Shoots.

For those with satellite navigation the postcode is NP25 4TF

Chewton Rose is the seller's agent for this property. Your conveyancer is legally responsible for ensuring any purchase agreement fully protects your position. We make detailed enquiries of the seller to ensure the information provided is as accurate as possible. Please inform us if you become aware of any information being inaccurate