Georgian gem needs a family : Shropshire Star:

The Cedars in Much Wenlock Although Much Wenlock is full of medieval properties, few people realise it also has some Georgian gems. The Cedars in Victoria Road is a simply gorgeous “handsome gentleman’s residence” and the home of Peter and Christine Iles, former owners of The Old Vicarage Hotel in Worfield.

As well as being a vast and tastefully decorated Georgian house, the property includes an acre-and-a-half of gardens and grounds, including a paddock, and a coach house with planning permission for garaging.

The home lies in a private position, on the fringe of Much Wenlock within walking distance of the town centre.

The historic market town of Much Wenlock originally grew around The Priory. This was established before the Norman Conquest and the town is surrounded by some of our county’s most outstanding countryside.

The village is a sought after location and is also the birthplace of William Penny Brookes, founding father of the modern Olympic Games. These were first held in Much Wenlock in 1850.

The Cedars dates back to the 17th century, with later additions in the early 1800s.

Since buying the house around five years ago, the Iles have restored and improved it, including adding a beautiful garden room which is in keeping with the period of the home.

The garden room As they have now bought another property in the centre of town, they have put The Cedars up for sale through Lane Fox of Bridgnorth for £850,000 (Details correct at time of publication - October 2006).The house covers 4,600 square feet. This includes an entrance hall, study, morning room, dining room, sitting room, kitchen, breakfast room, garden room, seven bedrooms, three bathrooms and dry cellars.

Outside it has landscaped walled gardens, informal gardens and an orchard, plenty of parking space and the coach house. The horshoe shaped drive is at the front of the property with two entrance/exits onto the road.

The paddock, which would be suitable for a pony, has a small stable and also separate access for a horsebox.

The Cedars is a handsome and distinguished property. Many of its original period features have survived, including its sash windows and working shutters, open fireplaces, dado and picture rails.

The central hallway, with its Victorian polished floor, leads to the principal reception rooms. The dining room is central to the house and features an impressive inglenook fireplace. Behind this room is the sitting room with period timbers and original bread oven.

The kitchen lies opposite the sitting room. It has contemporary cream cupboards, a Rayburn, and appliances including a dishwasher, oven and hob. The breakfast room is adjacent to the kitchen.

At the rear of the house is the garden room which has been decorated in Farrow & Ball period colours. It has vaulted ceilings and French-style doors leading out to the side and rear gardens.

The morning room and study flank the front entrance. An oak turned staircase leads from a spacious inner hall up to the first floor with the master bedroom suite having built-in wardrobes and cupboards plus an en suite bathroom.

The six further bedrooms are arranged over the first and second floors and share two bathrooms.

All the rooms are decorated to a high standard. The kitchen is top of the range and all the bathrooms have luxury suites. The home is light and airy and has a friendly, homely atmosphere.

Peter Iles described his home as a “lovely family house”. He and his wife are big fans of Much Wenlock. They had decided that they wanted to move to Much Wenlock from Berrington when they first saw The Cedars.

“We wanted to be nearer Much Wenlock and just loved the house. It is a fantastic setting and just ten minutes walk into town.

“Much Wenlock has every facility you want, a supermarket, doctors, opticians, hairdressers and the Raven Hotel.”

He said that when they first bought their home it was already well maintained. “We have renovated the garden and we have built the garden room.”

The couple also had The Cedars totally re-roofed. Although Peter said they would miss the property, it was now time to move on. “It needs to be a family owned property,” he said.