The Story
The Weavers were not even intending to move to the area, but when they saw this idyllic 19th century country home, they could not resist it's stunning views and pool you could almost imagine you were in Provence.
Peter and Suku Weaver relax next to their swimming pool, looking out across the breathtaking, tranquil Wye Valley - and reflect on how they could so easily have been living somewhere else. But an unscheduled stop, followed by a stroke of luck, saw the couple's story take an unexpected twist - and now, as they prepare for the next chapter in their tale, they agree life at Stoneway House has been very happy indeed.
"We were moving from Oxford to find some good, clean air and had found a home near Malvern, but it fell through," explained Peter. "We were passing through this area on the way back and decided to stop for a cup of coffee - and just happened to see this house in an estate agent's window with a sold subject to contract sign on it. "We knew we would love it and so went in to say that if it fell through we were interested. Three days later we had a call to say that had happened. Two and a half weeks later, we were in."
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The Edge of the World
Stoneway House is thought to date back to around 1850. It would originally have been a farm worker's cottage but over the years has been extended substantially.
"It was part of a cider apple growing estate and this house would have been lived in by those picking the fruit and looking after the trees," said Peter. "It is right on the edge of Bishopswood and the Forest of Dean, which is what first caught our eye. "This is an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We are tucked away down a private lane, surrounded by the beautiful tree lined valley, and it feels as if we are on the edge of the world."
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Sunshine and Views
The four bedroom house did need some work but the couple were attracted by the size of the rooms, the storage space the house offered and the potential for working from home, as well as the stunning location. "There was a huge office that I could work in during the day and then lock up and leave behind me when I had finished. I knew it would be ideal - and it has been wonderful," said Peter.
Work carried out on the property included renovation of the kitchen. Arranged on two levels, this now features wooden units and a range-style cooker. "The kitchen is very much in keeping with the style and age of the house," said Suku. "There's plenty of space for us to work happily in there together, preparing a meal. The room is also south facing so it is wonderfully sunny, and there is a beautiful view down towards the river. To be honest, it's a joy to be in there cooking."
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Champagne Lifestyle
Most of the rooms at Stoneway House are south facing. Favourite spots for relaxing and soaking up the sunshine all year round include the sitting room and the conservatory. "In the winter we light the fire in the sitting room and curl up in front of it or settle down to watch television," said Suku. And Peter added: "The conservatory is also lovely in the winter. Sometimes in the winter we take a bottle of bubbly in there and sit and watch the snow falling. In the summer it's wonderful to watch the birds in the sky and the river flowing past."
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Garden Parties Galore
Friends and family love visiting the house, and spending time both inside and out. In the summer, they wander into the garden with food and drinks, enjoying the beautiful views, swimming and chatting by the pool. "It's so relaxing here. People always comment on how calm it is. It feels very secluded and private too," said Peter. As well as the office, garage and workshop, the house has a pool room. This, stressed Peter, could possibly be transformed into a sauna. "There's lots of potential to take things further here," he added.
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Mountains and Mist
Peter and Suku are moving abroad but are in no doubt they will miss Stoneway House and its fabulous Herefordshire situation. "This must be one of the most attractive places you could possibly live in," said Peter. "There is nothing quite like looking out of the window in the early morning, watching the mist rolling up the valley and the mountains rising up out of it. "Everything is calm and the valley glistens in the early morning light. It really is awe-inspiring and uplifting, and I feel it has been a real privilege to have lived here."
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APPEALING
"This must be on e of the most attractive places you could possibly live in"
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CALM
"Its so relaxing here. People always comment on how calm it is. It feels very secluded and private too."
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WONDERFUL
"In the summer it's wonderful to watch the birds in the sky and the river flowing past".
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POOL
"Friends and family love the beautiful views, swimming and chatting by the pool".
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