A banker who grew up on a Welsh council estate is selling the converted Welsh folly that appeared on TV’s Grand Designs in 2009 for £1.85million.
Set in 24 acres of land, the derelict property was bought by couple Dean Berry and his wife – a PR consultant – Sarah.
They fully restored the folly and extended it with a contemporary curved structure that includes an open-plan living area.
This converted Welsh folly that appeared on TV’s Grand Designs is for sale for £1.85m via Fine & Country estate agents
Grand Designs followed the couple on their self-build journey as they returned home to Wales after working in London.
The couple bought the plot in Newport for £1million, but declined to comment on how much they spent on the project despite presenter Kevin McCloud asking the question.
The couple simply said that they have been careful to contain the amount that had been spent on the detailed renovation.
The original folly has been beautifully restored, with Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud describing it as ‘first class’
The converted folly is in the Welsh hamlet of Kemeys Inferior, Newport, and has an extensive contemporary wraparound extension
The folly boast a large open-plan living room that includes an abundance of lighting, seating and various storage options
To help keep costs contained, the owners bought the kitchen from a high street name rather and was not a bespoke design
Dean explained: ‘You could spend an unlimited amount of money here due to the size of the property.
‘We don’t take this for granted. This is something I do feel genuinely privileged to live in. It is something we have worked so hard for, it is something we deserve to be custodians of.’
Kevin said during the programme: ‘They have brought back to life a local landmark, and the result is first class.’
The unusual property is approached via a sweeping drive and electronically operated security gates on a pretty country lane
The property has a large glass extension that curves out of the side of the restored folly and provides plenty of space for a family
While the folly dates back to the 1700s, the contemporary glass extension is in sharp contrast and offers some modern lines
The property has good access to transport links, making it appealing to commuters – as it is less than three miles from the M4
The living space has dedicated areas for relaxing and entertaining – with a dining table that comfortably seats a dozen guests
The converted folly has a total of six bedrooms, with five of these bedrooms enjoying the benefit of ensuite bathrooms
This large double bedroom has a four poster bed, as well as several decorative windows and an original restored ceiling
The property was originally a stone built hunting lodge for the Sheriff of Monmouth and sits on a hilltop with views across the Vale of Usk.
As well as six bedrooms – of which five have en-suites – the finished property boasts a cinema room and a glass extension.
Outside, there are formal gardens, several outbuildings and a detached leisure building that includes an indoor swimming pool.
The property has good access to transport links, being less than three miles from the M4.
Trains to London are available from Newport and Bristol Parkway, which is just over 20 miles away.
The property is approached via a sweeping drive and electronically operated security gates on a country lane in the hamlet of Kemeys Inferior, Newport.
The average price of a property sold in Newport during the past 12 months is £229,443.
It compares to an average of £356,271 for the country as a whole, according to Zoopla.
Outside, there are formal gardens with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and some outbuildings and stables
The grounds include landscaped and patio areas, where there is space to entertain family and friends throughout the summer
Across the lawn from the main house is a large detached leisure building with an indoor swimming pool and changing facilities
The property was originally a stone built hunting lodge for the Sheriff of Monmouth and sits on a hilltop with views across the Vale of Usk
The sale of the property is being handled by Fine and Country estate agents.
In its marketing literature for the property, it explained: ‘The front gardens are partly walled and comprise wide areas of lawn with wide stone steps to the impressive front entrance.
‘Across the lawn is a large detached leisure building with indoor swimming pool and changing facilities.
‘Off the drive, and backing onto a large paddock, is an excellent modern stable with tack room.
‘There is excellent hacking on the doorstep with miles of rides and walks in the surrounding lanes, and nearby Wentwood Forest. The remaining grounds comprise a lovely area of ancient woodland.’
