Bryngwyn Manor commands one of the most expansive vistas in Herefordshire, with gardens and grounds of around four and a half acres. The Grade II listed Victorian house boasts marble columns, stone archways, stained glass windows and gargoyles. Rumour has it that the original owner, Sir James Rankin, 1st Baronet, regularly used to ride his white stallion up the main solid oak stairs.
TO THE MANOR BORN Phil Meadows and Raymond Chew purchased the gothic manor house via Hunters, the largest independent network of sales and lettings agents in the UK, and the fabulous transformation began…
Is this your first renovation project? Our background is locating buildings or small residential care homes and extending them into much improved residences. Then we appoint a manager to run each home, and we can take a step back. How did you find this property - and what made you choose this as your next project? We were searching for our next project and found Bryngwyn Manor, which at this point was in a state of disrepair, via the internet. We arranged a viewing via Matthew Addison, and fell in love with the Manor at first sight. Basically the whole Manor was gutted and it took a year to replace all the windows to the original style and to start constructing the twelve 2-3 bedroom apartments. Currently six apartments have been completed in the main block and three quarters of the two wings are finished. We’re both very much hands on; we decide jointly on the way forward and we employ a small team of specialist builders who we’ve have been employing for the past 10 years. For instance we sourced the solid mahogany doors (to match the original doors) from Indonesia and had it shipped over.
“ Hunters, very much a go ahead company.”
Are you emotionally attached to the property? Would you live here? Yes there’s a huge emotional pull towards the manor. So much so that we’re currently converting opposite ends of the Manor, I (Phil) will be moving into the original Town House over the summer and Raymond will move into the original ballroom once it’s completed in spring 2016. What advice would you give to any of our readers who may be thinking of buying a property to renovate? Location is key, and having the vision to see the end goal. Times will get difficult and you may feel disheartened, however with drive, and belief, you will get there in the end. What made you choose Hunters Estate Agents to market the apartments? We originally purchased the property from Matthew of Hunters, and indeed Hunters were very involved at the design consultation layouts and have always been there to offer much valued help and support. Very much a go ahead company, Hunters are the exact quality of agent to showcase these apartments. 80