Detached house for sale in Wigmore, Leominster HR6

A unique and rare opportunity to acquire the historic Grade I Listed Wigmore Castle and grounds with a planning consent to convert an existing workshop into a two bedroomed dwelling. The property extends in total to about 29.84 acres (12.07 hectares). The castle was founded in 1067 by William Fitz Osbern, Earl of Hereford and a close associate of William the Conqueror. The Castle boasts a rich history and was a major centre of power for over 500 years hosting several kings and queens.

The proposed dwelling is located in a private yet elevated position with stunning views over the surrounding countryside and is in an easily accessible location on the edge of the rural village of Wigmore. Wigmore is a picturesque village with a delightful blend of historical heritage, natural beauty, and a thriving local community. There are two pub/restaurants, a community store, a mobile post office service, an active village hall, primary school and a highly regarded secondary school. Further facilities are located at nearby historic Ludlow. Ludlow is well positioned for access to the surrounding areas with the A49 linking Shrewsbury to the North and Hereford to the South. Ludlow Train Station is on the Manchester to Cardiff line.

Barn With Planning

The existing workshop has planning consent for conversion into a two bedroomed dwelling. The workshop is located on the outskirts of Wigmore and is accessed via a private driveway leading from the A4110. The site is bordered by agricultural land to the North and West and agricultural properties and residential properties to the East. It is adjacent to the remains of Wigmore Castle but is not visible from them. The site is not overlooked or visible to other properties with well-established deciduous trees and hedging. The workshop is a steel framed, timber clad barn measuring 12m x 6.0m internally.

Planning

Planning permission for conversion of the existing workshop into a detached two storey two-bedroom dwelling was granted on 23rd May 2023. The planning decision notice and full plans are available via Herefordshire Council website under planning application code 220740.

Proposed Accommodation

The planning consent granted offers the opportunity to create a stunning conversion set in an elevated secluded position and providing accommodation which includes an open plan living area on the ground floor. On the first floor, the consent has approved two bedrooms and a bathroom.

Wigmore Castle History

Wigmore was one of many castles built close to the England–Wales border after the Norman Conquest. The motte and bailey castle was founded in 1067 by William Fitz Osbern. It was a major centre of power for over 500 years, and played host to several kings and queens. It was held by the Mortimer family from about 1075 to 1425, when it passed to the Crown. The castle fell into ruin after the Civil War and remained an untouched ruin until the 1990s, when English Heritage conserved it in a way that ensured the castle’s natural environment was preserved.

It also has links to the War of the Roses because it was inherited by Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, who returned to Wigmore in 1455 to gather a large army for the battle of St Albans against Henry vi's forces.

Richard Plantagenet’s son, who took up his Roses cause, was crowned Edward IV after defeating Owen Tudor at the battle of Mortimer’s Cross, meaning Wigmore Castle became a royal estate. It remained in possession of the Crown until Elizabeth I sold it to Sir Thomas Harley in 1601.

However, Sir Thomas's son was an avid supporter of Oliver Cromwell and during the Civil War his wife ordered Parliamentarian troops to dismantle the castle walls to stop it being used by Royalist forces.

Originally the castle was sited on a long, narrow ridge, ideal for defence. Its position dominates the surrounding area, overlooking the low-lying Wigmore Moor and the Roman Watling Street that crosses it. It was further strengthened with deep ditches and a series of strong walls.

It was divided into three main parts. The outer bailey, of which only earthworks remain, housed stables, granaries, and other storage buildings.

The inner bailey was defended by an h-shaped gatehouse, a deep, double ditch, and a curtain wall, which includes four surviving towers, three of them spacious. The inner bailey was the main residential area of the castle. One corner of the great hall still survives.

Above this loomed the heavily defended shell keep, with massive, 2-metre thick walls, and a tall round tower set on a motte.

To the north and west the castle was surrounded by deer parks, and nearby were fishponds, a dovecot, and a rabbit warren to provide sources of fresh fish and meat. The flatter land in the valley was farmed and about a mile to the north lay Wigmore Abbey, where the Mortimers were buried.

Further historical information is available upon request.

"A Glorious Ruin"

Wigmore now has an overgrown appearance that once characterised many ruined sites. English Heritage describes the remains of the castle as “among the most remarkable ruins in England”. The plot also includes a moat, woodland and former jousting field.

When conserving the site in the 1990s, English Heritage deliberately retained its wildness, as the castle had become home to rare and unusual species including lesser horseshoe bats and wildflowers such as ploughman’s spikenard. Accumulated debris was allowed to remain, and the grasses, ferns and flowers growing on the walls were carefully lifted up and replaced as ‘soft-capping’ to protect the walls from rain and more destructive plants like trees.

Land

The site extends in total to 29.84 acres (12.07 hectares) of which about 14.19 acres is permanent grassland, about 13.65 acres is mixed woodland and the remainder buildings, tracks, and grounds. The land is classified as predominantly Grade 3.

The land is very diverse and has predominantly been kept as “managed wilderness” providing a haven for a range of wildlife. English Heritage maintain paths throughout part of the land mainly surrounding the castle to provide easy access for visitors.

The topography and nature of the land may offer additional biodiversity and natural capital opportunities.

Designations

The Castle Ruins are Grade I Listed (List Entry Number: 1178673) and part of the site is listed as a scheduled monument (List Entry Number: 1001793); the details can be found via the Historic England website.

Part of the site is also situated with the Wigmore Conservation Area and in a Local Wildlife Site; the details can be found via the following link:

There is a Tree Preservation Order on a group of trees on the site consisting of 10 Elm Trees and 1 Oak Tree; the details can be found via the following link:

Guardianship

Wigmore Castle ruins (coloured pink below) became a guardianship site in 1995 under the Secretary of State for National Heritage. Any property under the guardianship of the Secretary of State must by law be made open to the public.

The Secretary of State is responsible for the maintenance of the Ancient Monument, and they have the necessary Rights of Access along the track coloured orange and yellow to carry out the maintenance and repairs as required.

Tenure

Freehold with vacant possession upon completion. The Wigmore Castle is subject to a guardianship deed further information available in the legal pack.

Services

We understated the workshop benefits from a mains electricity supply. We understand there is a mains water supply connected.

The Tender document should be signed by the proposed Purchaser(s) stating the proposed purchase price and should include a deposit cheque of 10% of the purchase price and completed Land Registry Identity Form (ID1). These are to be received at the office of Sunderlands, Offa House, St Peters Square, Hereford, HR1 2PQ by Friday 6th October 2023 at 12 Noon. Envelopes must be marked “Tender for Wigmore Castle”.

The deposit cheque should be made payable to Gabbs Solicitors llp.

The Vendors will then confirm which (if any) proposed offer to purchase is acceptable to them and the Solicitors will then immediately effect an exchange of Contracts with a completion date of 3rd November 2023 (or earlier by mutual agreement).

All unsuccessful bidders will have their deposit cheque(s) returned and unsuccessful Contracts and documentation will be destroyed.

Contract

A copy of the Contract and any Special Conditions of Sale will be available for inspection some 10 days prior to the date of the Tender Deadline.

The Vendors Solicitors will distribute a Contract pack upon request via email. Please make any further enquiries directly to the Vendors’ Solicitors.

Purchasers will deem to have bid on the basis of the Contract and such conditions, whether or not they have inspected them.

Inconsistency

In the event that there are any variances between these particulars and the contract of sale, then the latter shall apply.

Viewings

Viewing of the workshop is strictly by appointment.

Viewing appointments must be booked in advance, please contact Katie Bufton on to arrange.

Viewing of the land may take place on foot at any reasonable time during daylight hours with a copy of these sales details to hand.

Please be aware that the Keep is currently closed while English Heritage repair the steps, please do not enter this area. The remainder of the castle is accessible but please be aware of steep slopes, steep steps, and uneven surfaces.

Health And Safety

All viewers are reminded that they should take all necessary care when making an inspection of the property. Viewings are taken solely at the risk of those who view and neither the agents nor owners of the property take any responsibility for any injury however caused.

Timber And Mineral Rights

We understand that all rights, as far as they are owned, are included within the freehold sale.

Access

English Heritage have a right of way for access and maintenance along the track coloured yellow on the plan. An adjoining owner has a retained access across the yellow and brown track as shown below.

The Forestry Commission and the freeholders of both Greenhill Farm and Whitehouse Farm hold a right of access over the track between points a-b.

Wayleaves, Easements And Rights Of Way

The property is sold subject to and with the benefit of all easements, quasi easements, wayleaves and rights of way both declared and undeclared.

There are several Permissive Footpaths crossing the site as well as a Public Footpath to the south.

Important Notice

These particulars are set out as a guide only. They are intended to give a fair description of the property but may not be relied upon as a statement or a representation of facts. These particulars are produced in good faith and are inevitably subjective and do not form part of any contract. No persons in the employment of Sunderlands 1862 llp has any authority to make or give any representation or warranty whatsoever in relation to this property.

Head office: Offa House, St Peters Square, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR1 2PQ