The Dower House itself is a Grade II* listed building of national importance, converted into two houses. 1 Dower House is the original William and Mary manor house and was extended in 1862-63, now forming 2 Dower House. The addition was built exactly as the original house. The house retains many of its original features, these include a fine fully panelled drawing room. Most other rooms retain their dado panelling, original fireplaces, working shutters and remarkably all the panelled oak doors.
1 Dower House was built by Mr Weld a wealthy relation of the Wolryche family of Dudmaston Hall. Building started in 1685 but following the death of Mr Weld was completed by his son in about 1700. It was then recorded as "The Newe House" and the attached cottage, now a separate house housed the servants' accommodation and kitchen. The house was adopted as the Dower House for the Dudmaston Estate in the early 20th century, hence the name.
The other buildings on the site, coach houses, stables, cottages were all converted by the Trust at the same time into smaller units and the Dower House complex forms a very attractive area surrounded by woodland and retaining the school tennis courts and land. The walled garden at the rear of the house together with the front garden have been laid down in Baroque style by the previous tenants.
(Details credited to Mr C Douglas formally of 1 Dower House)
Property Description
The property comprises:
Lower Ground Floor:
Door from rear garden giving access to a large cellar space and a utility room
Downstairs toilet with white suite and tiled flooring
Stairs leading to ground floor
Ground Floor:
Front door entrance from front garden in to reception room 1 with original fireplace, cream carpet, stairs leading to first floor and doors leading to drawing room, kitchen and second reception room
Kitchen - contemporary kitchen with a range of wall and base units and Amtico flooring. Please note that cooker and white good are not supplied
Drawing room with original oak panelled walls and original oak flooring. Original fireplace.
Reception Room 2 with cream carpet, partial oak panelling to walls and original fireplace
Inner hallway with stairs leading to cellar and utility space.
Main oak staircase leading to first floor
First Floor:
Bedroom one with seagrass flooring, partial oak panelling to walls and original fireplace and views in to rear garden
Bedroom two with seagrass flooring, partial oak panelling to walls and original fireplace
Bedroom three with seagrass flooring, partial oak panelling to walls and original fireplace and views to the front and over the church.
Bathroom with claw footed bath, white suite and Amtico flooring
Large airing cupboard
Oak staircase to second floor
Second Floor:
Large bedroom with oak beams to ceiling, cream carpets and views over the front and side of the property.
Dressing room with oak beams to ceiling
Bathroom with shower cubicle, claw footed bath and white suite, oak beams to ceiling and Amtico flooring
Outside:
The property benefits from a superbly kept front garden which overlooks the church opposite. The rears gardens have been designed in the baroque style and two gates give access to the communal parking and gardens. The communal gardens are surrounded by woodland and the old tennis courts. There is parking for two cars and visitor parking to the rear.