About this property

A substantial period house with separate conferencing facilities, bungalow and land.

History:
Originally known as Alveston Manor, Old Church Farm can trace its noble history back to medieval times when it was owned by King Harold of Wessex prior to the Norman Conquest in 1066. It was made a crown estate by William the Conqueror and subsequent Kings of England used it as a hunting lodge. In 1149 it was given to one of the Marchers who had helped defend the English-Welsh border – Fulk I Fitzwarin. It was seized back by King John and the resulting feud between Fulk III and the King were the basis of the tales of Robin Hood. Within the grounds lies the ruins of the Church of St Helen, a national monument with its 12th Century walls and 14th Century tower. The house was added to in the 16th Century (with dating over the door of 1634) including main Tudor plasterwork and fireplaces.
From 1960 it was owned and run by Rolls Royce PLC as a private hotel to entertain foreign dignitaries. The current owners purchased it from Rolls Royce in 2017.

Description:
The house occupies a charming position, set amongst the rolling South Gloucestershire hills over which it enjoys fine views. The property has three distinct areas for the three distinct properties. Whilst all accessible from the main drive there is parking and separation to all three, allowing for independent use and privacy for each one.
The main house exudes historical importance with a plethora of period features and charm throughout. The main reception rooms are impressive with large spaces for entertaining as well as more intimate areas for family life. Currently run as a successful and award winning 5 star B&B, the house is presented in excellent order with the majority of both the reception and bedrooms run and maintained for first class business use. The rooms have excellent proportions with high ceilings, large windows and wonderful views over the private gardens and farmland beyond. *text removed* The kitchen, utilities and office space are the more modern areas of the house and could be combined (subject to permissions) to create a larger more in-keeping family kitchen/living room. The cellars house the modern boilers and heating systems.
Conferencing centre:
This former barn was commissioned and converted by Rolls Royce into a ‘no expense spared’ award-winning conference centre in 2005. It has over 3,400 sq ft of space and is split into 4 independent spaces. There is a skittle alley and goods lift, as well as a prep kitchen and office. The whole building is heated with air source heating and has programmable Lutron lighting, electric Velux windows and internet connection throughout. There is a large area to the front for parking.
Bungalow:
This detached residence occupies a discrete position within its own walled garden. It has private gated parking and gardens which surround the property and would provide an excellent extra income stream if let or could be used as fully independent living space for a relative or family member.

Outside
The grounds have a wonderful array of areas including a large walled garden with a variety of fruit trees, flower beds, fruit cages and vegetable beds. Previously laid out with much care, these gardens are ready for their next reinvigoration. The formal gardens for the house are laid out to the front (south) with a large lawned area surrounded by mature planting including a knot garden, rose garden and walkway joining the areas together.
The croquet lawn is partly walled and viewed from the main drawing room and benefits from outstanding views of open countryside. The paddock, which is adjacent to the walled garden, has stock proof fencing and vehicular field access. This area is currently let to a local farmer and there is a footpath that runs through it.
St Helen’s Church is no longer a functioning church and is wholly owned by Old Church Farm. All of the graves were moved and the building was deconsecrated when a new church was built nearby. The building is a listed ancient monument and a wonderful feature of the property.

Situation
Old Church Farm is situated on the edge of Rudgeway, a South Gloucestershire village in a very accessible location. Nearby, Alveston has a good range of everyday shops with a wider choice at Thornbury, Yate and Chipping Sodbury. The Mall at Cribbs Causeway is 5 miles’ drive. The main regional centre is Bristol, about 12 miles to the south, while the beautiful city of Bath, with its superb architecture, history and shops, is 23 miles via the M4. Cheltenham, Gloucester and Swindon are also within daily commuting distance. There is a good choice of both private and state schools in the area. The former include Tockington Manor, Westonbirt, Wycliffe and the various schools in Bristol such as Redmaids High, Clifton College and Badminton School. Sporting opportunities include a variety of golf courses, The Wave surfing lake and many equestrian events including Badminton Horse Trials. Communications are excellent. Junction 16 of the M5 is 3 miles drive. Bristol Parkway station is 6 miles, from which direct rail services to London Paddington take from 73 minutes. Bristol International Airport is 20 miles away.

Additional Information
Services:
Mains electric, water and gas. The main house and bungalow have gas central heating. The conference centre has air source heating. Private drainage with a Klargester Waste Treatment Plant.
Local Authority: South Gloucestershire Council
Council Tax: Cottage: Band B
Guest House: Small Business Relief (Zero)

Grade ll Listed detached main house of some 7000 sq ft

Detached conferencing centre with excellent income stream of some 3444 sq ft

Detached bungalow ideal for staff or relatives of some 1082 sq ft

Walled garden

croquet lawn and paddock

Ownership of the adjacent Church of St Helen (not used)

Excellent views and privacy

In all 7.7 acres.

Additional information

• Grade ll Listed detached main house of some 7000 sq ft
• Detached conferencing centre with excellent income stream of some 3444 sq ft
• Detached bungalow ideal for staff or relatives of some 1082 sq ft
• Walled garden
• croquet lawn and paddock
• Ownership of the adjacent Church of St Helen (not used)
• Excellent views and privacy
• In all 7.7 acres.

Key information

Council Tax Band: TBC

Tenure: Freehold

Energy Performance Certificate