2002 Sales Brochure

A magnificent house of great importance available as either a private house with ancillary offices or for alternative uses. Planning consent existing for subdivision into 19 apartments.

Apley Hall

DIRECTIONS:

From the M54 Motorway, turn off at Junction 4. Take the A442 to Bridgnorth and/or Kidderminster. On entering the village of Norton, just before Hundred House Hotel, turn right off the A442 down Cheswardine Lane. Proceed down this lane, over a cattle grid and follow signs for Apley Hall. The Hall is just under a mile and easily visible

SITUATION:

The Hall sits in an extremely secluded and private position surrounded by Apley Park, an Area of Special Landscape Character and which is one of the finest in the County due to the careful stewardship of Apley Estates, who are anxious to preserve the privacy and integrity of the landscape surrounding the Hall. The outlooks from the Hall are entirely unspoilt over the grounds and River Severn to the South and over the rolling parkland to the North and East.

Apley Hall is conveniently situated, just to the north of Bridgnorth 11 km (7 miles) and within 13 km (8 miles) of Telford and 32 km (20 miles) of Shrewsbury. Birmingham is about 48 km (30 miles) and the M54 motorway, Junction 4 is 13 km (8 miles).

HISTORICAL NOTE:

Apley Hall is believed to be the inspiration behind P.G.Wodeshouse's famous Blanding's Castle. Wodehouse stayed briefly at the Hall and its many gothic pinnacles, lancet windows and castellation inspired his novels featuring Lord Emsworth, Jeeves and Wooster.

The house as we now see it was commissioned by Thomas Whitmore in 1811, just after the Napoleonic wars and was designed to emulate a romantic castle overlooking the river Severn. The Whitmore family were iron founders and at that time Shropshire was the birthplace of industry and Abraham Darby's famous bridge the worlds first iron bridge is only 5 miles upstream of the river. The house was easily approachable by river and later on by the Severn Valley railway, which ran alongside. A halt or small station was built close by at Linley, no doubt P.G.Wodhouse's inspiration for the railway station at Blandings from there an ornate suspension bridge conveyed guests across the river and onward to the Hall. From the main tower there are panoramic views of the river and the bridge to the westerly wing

The layout of the Park was carried out about 1820 to the design of the landscape architect William Webb.

APLEY HALL:

Grade II Apley Hall is one of Shropshire's most important buildings.

The Hall dates from 1811 with later extensions and alterations. An earlier Georgian mansion has been incorporated within the gothic design. Predominantly built in Grinshill stone with battlemented parapets and mullioned windows. the property is regular in plan and arranged over three storeys with extensive cellerage

The grand staterooms have ornate plaster and fan vaulted ceilings, cornices and panelling. Of particular note is the central monumental staircase and orangery. The latter was converted in the 1930's to accommodate a swimming pool believed to be the first private indoor pool in the Country

State Room

COURTYARD MEWS:

The Grade II listed Stable block is built around a courtyard and predominantly two storey with a clock lower and central archway entrance dominating the approach.

There is a detached Former Blacksmith's Cottage adjacent to the stable block.

GARDEN & GROUNDS:

The property and grounds extend to 6.5 Hectares (16 Acres) or thereabouts. There are extensive pleasure gardens with an arboretum containing specimen trees; woodland walks, former tennis courts and ornate fountain. The main approach to the Hall is through the Parkland up to an imposing gravel sweep to the arched carriage entrance port.

GENERAL REMARKS &STIPULATIONS:

Planning consent: Subject to planning consent Apley Hall would make a prestigious private country home with associated business uses in the stable block. Planning consent for this has been submitted. The property currently has planning consent for nineteen individual residences and work has already started for the service connections.

Floor areas: The gross floor area of the whale is 81,582 ft2; comprising 58,127 ft. for the Hall and 23,455 ft for the stable block including the Blacksmiths Cottage.

Preferred Use: The house would suit a number of uses. either private house with associate offices, corporate headquarters, management training center, nursing home or residential subdivision. Further details available in the information pack.

Tenure: Freehold with vacant possession upon completion. A leasehold sale would be considered.

Services: Mains electricity and telephone, private water supply and private sewage treatment plant.

Public Rights of Way: There are no public rights of way within the property.

(Local Authority: Bridgnorth District Council, Westgate, Bridgnorth, Shropshire VVV16 SAA. Contact Mr Kilby; Telephone: 01746 7131 08.

Fixtures and Fittings All historic fixtures and fittings are included in the sale.

Letting: The property is available as a whole or in 4 lots.

Viewing: The property is situated within a privately owned ancient estate, which is not open to the public. Security is in operation and for that reason all visits to the site are by appointment only or during the designated viewing days

Information Pack: This brochure is for guidance only, further information including floor plans, planning and other technical information can be made available on request A preliminary Information Pack including site and basic floor plans is available upon request free of charge. A full professional information pack is available at a cost of £75 plus VAT.

Web site: Supplementary images and interesting background information cam be seen on the vendors site www.apleyhall.com

IMPORTANT NOTES:

FPDSavills, their clients and any joint agents give notice that:

• They have no authority to make or give any representations or warranties in relation to the property. These particulars do not form part of any offer or contract and must not be relied upon as statements or representations of fact.
• Any areas, measurements or distances are approximate. The text, photographs and plans are far guidance only and are not necessarily comprehensive. It should not be assumed that the property has all necessary planning, building regulation or other consents and FPD Savills have not tested any services equipment or facilities. Purchasers muss satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise.