This pretty 18th century stone barn, was once an Artist Studio, converted to a painting studio in the 1970's by Sir Sidney Nolan the renowned Australian Painter famous for his Ned Kelly images. The studio is set in the grounds of the owners house with 20 acres of lush pasture land in Herefordshire Border countryside. The pasture land is grazed by the owners' Thoroughbred horses, including foals and yearlings. There are lovely walks through four acres of native woodlands, meadows with an abundance of natural wild life and down to a private lake with its many species water fowl. There are also many types of resident birds including three different types of woodpeckers, red kite, buzzards, fly-catchers, warblers, finches, shrikes and many more - there is a caravan in the woods that can be used as a "hide" for keen bird watchers. This is a perfect location for Herefordshire, The Black Mountains and Welsh Marches.
Accommodation
The living area has attractive rugs, comfortable sofas and a dining table and chairs. There is an electric style woodburning stove, TV with Sky box and a DVD and a great selection of books and games. The galley kitchen with its nice oak work surface, a built in oven, electric cooker, microwave, fridge and a freezer.
Bedroom 1: There is a downstairs very stylish Four Poster Oak Bed - this is set in an alcove and curtained off for privacy.
The shower room is downstairs with a double sized shower, handbasin and a toilet.
Up a flight of steep wooden "paddle stairs" to
Bedroom 2: with twin beds.
In the front of the cottage is a pretty and sunny stone patio with tubs of flowers and garden furniture. Behind the cottage is a further secluded grassy area for visitors to use.
Useful information
Location
The Old Sidney Nolan Studio is situated in The Golden Valley approximately three miles from Ewyas Harold on the Wales/Hereford Borders, 12 miles from both Abergavenny and Hereford; this is a perfect location for exploring the Welsh Marches, Wye Valley, Brecon Beacons and Herefordshire. Many outdoor pursuits can be organised locally including Llama trekking nearby, paragliding, canoeing and walking. There are numerous excellent pubs and restaurants in the area including The Bull's Head at Craswell, Food for Thought in Peterchurch, The Crown in Longtown amongst a few. The nearby Rowlestone Ice-Cream Makers has an ice-cream parlour and coffee shop, and wildlife gardens and woodland walks, and The Abbey Dore Farm Shop and Tea Rooms are worth a visit after visiting the fabulous Norman Abbey Dore, with it's wonderful Romanesque carvings. The Monnow Valley Arts Gallery and Gallanthus Gallery both have many interesting exhibitions of local and well-known artists.
12 miles away is the ancient city of Hereford, which dates back to the 7th Century and is home to a magnificent cathedral, the famous 'chained library', Mappa Mundi the famous medieval map of the world and a medieval bridge over the winding River Wye. [see the Visit Herefordshire website]
The wonderful market town of Hay-on-Wye, famous for its 30-plus book shops, excellent pubs, restaurants and antique shops, making it one of the most visited tourist attractions in Wales, is only 15 miles from Abbey Dore.
This peaceful studio is where Sidney Nolan used to work when he first came to live in Herefordshire and before moving to the Rodd at Presteigne which now holds the Trust and centre set up in his name, is situated down a long private lane and is in the grounds of the owner's home and Stud Farm. The Studio is lime-washed the traditional white, and is warm and welcoming with magnificent views looking down the valley; the original flag stone floors have been retained and the great oak beams with cruck beams exposed.
Abergavenny 12 miles, Hereford 12 miles.
Learn more about Abergavenny and Brecon.
Make your booking for Old Sidney Nolan Stuidio by clicking here or, alternatively you can book by calling our office on 01874 676446.
If you would like to speak to someone who has visited this property please ask for:
Elizabeth and Caroline
