Stunning Grade II listed former vicarage retaining a wealth of character

Description

Swiss Gables is a striking former vicarage that has stunning architectural features and an interesting history. It has been in the ownership of the present owners for over 52 years and been a memorable home for their family.

According to the listing description (from the British Listed Buildings website), Swiss Gables is the “Former vicarage to Dyffryn church built 1881-4 to designs by Henry Ward of Stafford for Howel Gwyn of Dyffryn. The vicarage is said to have cost the exceptional sum of £7,000, more than the church which cost £4500, and was built for the first vicar, the Rev J.L. Thomas who moved in in 1884”

The property retains many character features and is listed “for its special architectural interest as an elaborate half-timbered house of late Victorian date, with original interiors.”

The property is in need of sympathetic renovation and modernisation but offers new owners an exciting opportunity to purchase a piece of local history to preserve and enjoy.

Accommodation Main House
Ground Floor
A stunning entrance porch with ornate windows and tiled floor leads through to the reception hall. Above the main door to the house is a Latin phrase “Pax Intrantibus” and another above the porch door “Salus Exeuntibus” Together these are translated as “Peace to those who enter, good health to those who depart.”

The large reception hall again features an ornate tiled floor with doors leading off to the principal reception rooms. The first room on the left is the drawing room with a fine fireplace and double aspect with a large bay window looking across the gardens towards the church. On the right is the breakfast room that features built in base cupboards and a cooker with hob and extractor hood over. Further down the hall beyond the drawing room is the light dining room with fireplace and views across the garden. Stairs lead off the hall to a cellar. Past a side hall to outside and bathroom is a rear hall that leads to the kitchen and adjacent utility area at the rear of the house.

First Floor
An impressive staircase rises up from the reception hall to the first floor accommodation of the main house. The principal bedroom with a pretty fireplace and bedroom two, both with bay windows, overlook the gardens towards the church while bedroom three with bay window and fireplace and the smaller bedroom four/study overlook the front courtyard. The floor is completed by a shower room with WC.

Annexe Wing First Floor
The annexe wing has its own external ground floor access from a side entrance that leads to a staircase to the first floor accommodation. This first floor has a living room and separate kitchen area both with fireplaces and a bathroom.

Annexe Wing Second Floor
Stairs continue to the bedroom accommodation of the annexe wing that is located on the second floor and comprises two large attic bedrooms.

Externally
The property enjoys stunning landscaped grounds and gardens with a smart entrance drive leading to the generous forecourt with ample parking and turning area. Mature trees line the boundary with bushes, shrubs, flower borders, large lawned areas and seating areas. There is ample room to keep a small pony and/or enjoy all manner of ball games from tennis to football. Outbuildings comprise an old stable block and garage.

Location

Swiss Gables occupies an idyllic position next to the stunning St Matthews Church in Wales, in the popular village of Dyffryn.

The Neath suburb area of Bryncoch with its everyday shops is conveniently being only about a mile away to the east across the River Clydach.

The town centre of Neath itself with a good selection of larger shops and services including a railway station is about 3 miles to the south-east.

The famous Gnoll Country Park that extends to about 230 acres is also in Neath and offers a wide range of activities for people to enjoy the outdoors and take part various sporting and recreational activities.

Excellent local road connections and the M4 motorway provide quick access to neighbouring towns and the cities Swansea (about 10 miles to the south-west) and Cardiff (about 41 miles to the south-east) the Severn Bridge and access to England.

Square Footage: 5,386 sq ft


Acreage: 1.7 Acres

Additional Info

General Remarks and Stipulations

Restrictive covenants and rights
The property is subject to a number of historical restrictive covenants and rights. Please contact the selling agents for further details.

Fixtures & Fittings
Unless specifically described in these particulars, all fixtures & fittings are excluded from the sale though may be available by separate negotiation. Further information is available from the vendor’s agents.

Wayleaves, Easements and Rights of Way
The property is sold subject to and with the benefit of all rights, including rights of way, whether public or private, light, support, drainage, water, and electricity supplies and any other rights and obligations, easements and proposed wayleaves for masts, pylons, stays, cables, drains and water, gas and other pipes, whether referred to in the Conditions of Sale or not. Please check with the Highways Department at the local County Council for the exact location of public footpaths/ bridleways.

Plans, Areas and Schedules
Any available plans, areas, and schedules are for identification and reference purposes only. The purchaser(s) shall be deemed to have satisfied himself as to the description of the property. Any error or mis-statement shall not annul a sale or entitle any party to compensation in respect thereof.