Worcester, Worcestershire

LEA HOUSE

Lea House is a beautifully appointed Grade II Listed Georgian property built in 1837. The property has accommodation over four floors with a large south-west facing garden and is in the popular location of Lansdowne Crecent which is within a few minutes’ walk to the city centre of Worcester. Formerly the home of Mr Lea of Lea and Perrins Worcestershire Sauce fame, this stunning home has recently undergone a substantial refurbishment project including reroofing and insulation, re-wiring, boiler/ heating system and new AGA, as well as being tastefully decorated throughout. The views of the city and the Malvern Hills from the house and gardens are outstanding.

Ground Floor:

The property is approached from the courtyard through a large Georgian door into the vestibule which has oak flooring and a cloaks area. This leads into the entrance hall which has an original oak door leading to the rear garden - this would have been the original front door of Lea House. The whole of this floor has been restored throughout with attractive Farrow and Ball colours and provides living accommodation including a large sitting room which has shuttered windows overlooking the garden, a marble fire and hearth with a gas fire; there is also a walk-in store with original built in cupboards and shelves. There is a snug with built-in storage cupboards and a dining room with a bay window and shutters (which is currently used as a playroom). There is a guest cloakroom on this floor with WC, a hand basin and also a deep storage cupboard. There is a Fired Earth mosaic marble tiled floor.

The staircase leads from the hallway up to the first and second floors and also down to the garden level. The ground and upper floors have been re-carpeted throughout.

Garden Level:

The kitchen is a solid wood Harvey Jones kitchen which is painted using Farrow and Ball paint and has a range of wall mounted and floor units. It has a dining area and an island and includes a new multi fuel Aga. There is a built-in induction hob, dishwasher and fridge and the units are complemented with granite work tops. A separate large walk-in pantry with original deep shelving offers further storage. Also on this level is a study which has a range of built-in cupboards and bookshelves, a boot room, and a utility room which has space for a washing machine and tumble dryer and has a range of shelving and built-in cupboards, as well as a stainless-steel sink - from the utility room there is access to a vaulted cellar which is used for general storage. The garden level also has a wet room with WC and basin - perfect if you have been gardening and there is also a deep storage cupboard off.

Seller Insight

This beautifully restored Grade II listed Georgian property, one of a pair of semi-detached villas built around 1837, sits within the Lansdowne Crescent Conservation Area, adjacent to a designated Green Corridor and adjacent to the Canalside Conservation Area in the heart of Worcester.

Although in the city centre, the area has a distinctly semi-rural feel and is teeming with wildlife. Many of the gardens of The Crescent properties were planted with specimen trees when the houses were built which enhance the landscaped feel. Steeped in local history, No.3 and No.4 were built on behalf of John Lea and William Perrins, who created the famous Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce, at a time when their business was in its infancy.

“We considered ourselves fortunate to buy the house in 1994 and from then on it became known as Lea House. It had been somewhat neglected and had unsympathetic additions which spoiled its character, so we set about restoring the property back to its original understated elegance. This work has continued throughout our ownership and has most recently benefited from a complete refurbishment,” say the current owners. They add, “we moved into Worcester to be closer to our children’s schools and the facilities of the city, most of which can be reached easily on foot. We needed a reasonably sized house to accommodate our growing family and after considering numerous city centre properties, we chose Lansdowne Crescent for its character, sizeable garden and impressive elevated location affording far reaching views to the Malvern Hills and beyond.”

“The house is set back 50 metres from Lansdowne Crescent, the original approach for visitors to Lea House. The cast iron gate and curved entrance way and stone steps to the garden remain in use. The rear of the house has a planted courtyard with parking for three cars and an informal everyday entrance to the ground floor. The side pathway gives access to the enclosed garden and kitchen terrace.”

“The neighbourhood is comprised of quiet professional families. There are occasional social gatherings, usually organized by the Lansdowne Crescent Residents Association. The area is well served by every amenity needed, from reputable independent and state schools to two railway stations, both within walking distance. Worcester Parkway is just 15 minutes by car, giving fast access to London and the rest of the country.”

“It’s hard to describe the completeness that we have felt living here in this simple and accommodating house; from the private garden and the walled and gated courtyard to the wonderful mix of grand and smaller, more intimate rooms, we’ve happily lived here for 29 years.”*

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

First Floor:

There are three bedrooms on the first floor including the beautiful main bedroom which has double aspect windows and stunning views across the gardens, city centre and the Malvern Hills. There are a range of bespoke built-in wardrobes as well as original cupboards.

Bedrooms two and three both have window shutters. The family bathroom has Travertine marble tiles and a Fired Earth mosaic marble tiled floor. There is a bath with shower over and a vanity unit with drawers and a WC.

Second Floor:

There is a large bedroom on this level which has ample storage cupboards and an ensuite shower room, with a large glazed shower and fitted WC and hand basin within a bespoke vanity unit. The entire floor has new limed oak flooring and shuttered windows.

Outside:

The property is approached via two entrances. There is a wrought iron gate which leads from the Crescent into the tiered gardens and lawned area. There are also hardwood gates to the rear of the house which lead into the off-road private courtyard area which has space for 3 vehicles.

The south-west facing gardens are mostly laid to lawn and have mature trees and shrubs and very attractive flower borders. A large patio area is found off the kitchen and beyond, a very useful outdoor office which has been installed with power, CAT 5 cabling, heating and is perfect for those working from home or would like a craft room, garden room or fitness suite.

LOCATION

Lying only a stone’s throw from the city’s heart, this exceptional property has on its doorstep access to the prized restaurant and café culture of Worcester, as well as boutique shopping and the neighbouring racecourse and walking routes. The High Street itself, as well as the magnificent Guildhall, is only a short walk away. This is a location for business and pleasure with many professional and commercial organisations based within the city, yet remaining only walking distance from the Swan theatre, River Severn, cathedral, Gheluvelt Park and Fort Royal Park.

The county town and cathedral city of Worcester, lying on the banks of the River Severn, is characterised by one of England’s great cathedrals, its racecourse, county cricket ground, rugby club and university.

The M5 motorway accessed via junction 6 or junction 7, Worcester provides for ready access to Birmingham (30 miles) and the surrounding industrial and commercial areas as well as the M42, Birmingham International Airport (38 miles) and the M40 for onward travel to London (133 miles). The M5 south also provides for commuting to Cheltenham (25 miles), Gloucester (28 miles) and Bristol (62 miles). Worcestershire Parkway Railway station, situated to the east of Worcester and only 5 miles from the centre of the city, is intended to increase the capacity to London as well as reduced journey times. This will have a significant impact on Worcestershire’s accessibility to the capital and other regional centres. The two railway stations in Worcester itself are within easy walking distance of Lansdowne Crescent.

If education is a priority, then Worcestershire is blessed with an enviable mix of schooling at all levels, including a variety of independent establishments, allowing parents to select the right environment for their children’s needs. Worcester itself benefits from both The Kings School family of Schools, where The Royal Grammar School is within a few hundred yards of Lea House.

For days out and recreation, Stratford-upon-Avon lies to the east (25 miles), Broadway to the south-east (23 miles), Upton-upon-Severn to the South (11 miles) and Great Malvern and the Malvern Hills to the west (9 miles). The west coast of Wales at Aberdovey is 104 miles away.

Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg No: 08775854.

VAT Reg No: 178445472 Head Office Address:

copyright © 2023 Fine & Country Ltd.

Services

Mains electricity, water and drainage

Gas fired central heating

Fibre Optic Super-Fast Broadband

New boiler

Alarm and video wi-fi doorbell

Additional Information

The Grade 2 Listed Lea House is situated within in a large Conservation Area and part of a designated Green Corridor.

Tenure

Freehold

Local Authority

Worcester City Council Council Tax Band F

Viewing Arrangements

Strictly via the vendors sole agents Fine & Country on 01905 678111

Website

For more information visit www.fineandcountry.com

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday 9.00 am - 5.30 pm Saturday 9.00 am - 1.00 pm

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed 12.06.2023

VANESSA BRADFORD

FINE & COUNTRY

Fine & Country Droitwich Spa

T: 01905 678111 | M: 07967 046051

email: vanessa.bradford@fineandcountry.com

Vanessa is a Real Estate specialist who has worked within the upper quartile of the property market for many years and demonstrates exceptional knowledge, experience and skill. She shows owners how to achieve the best possible prices for their homes and uses her considerable negotiating skills to ensure that all offers reach their full potential. She has grown up in Worcestershire and lives with her husband, daughter and 4 dogs in the small hamlet of Oddingley. She supports the Fine and Country Foundation, helping the homeless and less fortunate by organising charity events locally. In her spare time, she loves walking her dogs, cooking and travelling.

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Absolutely fantastic. The best service from any estate agent - and I’ve met a few. Vanessa is a superb professional, and exceeded all our expectations both in her approach and what she achieved in selling our house, sold the weekend it went on the market. Thanks to her and the whole team. Highly recommended.”

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