A former monastery up for sale, with eight acres and breathtaking views
The aptly named Monastery once welcomed residents such as Eric Gill, Edgar Holloway and David Jones. Now it's a characterful family home with 8 acres of sublime countryside.


Today in unusual homes for sale in the British Countryside, allow us to present The Monastery near Capel y Ffin in Wales. As you might already be suspecting, The Monastery was indeed a monastery at one time; it is now, however, a home with 14 bedrooms.
For sale with Fine and Country for the sum of £1.5 million, The Monastery is a ‘unique and historic property’ that was originally built by Father Ignatius (real name: Joseph Leycester Lyne) in about 1870. Now listed Grade II, the property was designed by the architect Charles Buckeridge and, as well as many bedrooms, offers some ridiculous views. Just have a look at this.
Conversions of religious buildings always pique a certain interest here at the Country Life Property Desk (CLPD). The often unusual layouts of places of worship present interesting challenges when they are turned into houses, and The Monastery is no different.
Have you, for example, ever wished to live in a building that is almost a perfect square set around a central courtyard? Where, on the ground floor, there are no corridors, so in order to get from one side to the other you must walk through every single room between where you are and where you want to go? Well we have good news.
The other nice thing about these buildings is the excess of period features that they often include. More than just the typical exposed beams and vaulted ceilings are on display here. Observe the kitchen, if you will, with its beautiful stone chimney above the Aga. The inscription reads Laborare Est Orare, which, in English, means ‘To work is to pray’, a sentiment that will no doubt come in handy if you ever have to cook with upwards of 10 guests staying over.
Other highlights include the mullioned windows, the beautiful gothic entrances, wooden panelling throughout and the high ceilings. There is plenty of space here, which is always good and, indeed, inspirational. Artists who have once lived here include Eric Gill, Edgar Holloway and David Jones.
The gardens and grounds, as mentioned, are some of the finest spots in this part of Wales, with searing views of the surrounding valleys and countryside. Extending to some 8 acres, they also include the ruins of the original church, which is maintained by the Father Ignatius Memorial Trust. If that wasn’t enough, within the grounds is an area of woodland with its own stream. The nearby village of Llanthony provides a pub and a restaurant, while Hay-on-Wye is 8 miles to the north.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
14 breathtaking houses, from £600,000 to £17 million, as seen in Country Life
From charming cottages to 1,000-acre estates, here's a look at some of the best homes to come up for sale
The 10 cheapest cities for first-time buyers, where getting on the housing ladder can still be done for £100k
Aberdeen tops the 10-strong ranking of the most affordable places for aspiring homeowners. And guess what? They’re all north of
Credit: Knight Frank
An irresistible 'gardener's paradise' in Somerset that's on the market for the first time in 52 years
Barr House at Bishop's Hull has been a much cherished home and is something of a gardener's paradise.
Credit: Savills
An achingly modern five-bedroom home in Kent that's perfect for horse lovers
At Parkside near Sevenoaks, modernity meets the countryside to create a fine family home for the 21st century.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
James Fisher is the Deputy Digital Editor of Country Life. He writes about property, travel, motoring and things that upset him. He lives in London.
-
If heaven is on earth, it might be in this home with a converted chapel that is now a swimming pool
5 Wood Barton Town House is part of an exclusive 80-acre development in Devon that also comes with fishing rights on the River Avon and four bedrooms.
By James Fisher Published
-
An Italian-inspired recipe for lemon-butter pasta shells with spring greens, ricotta and pangrattato
Spring greens are just about to come into their own, so our Kitchen Garden columnist reveals exactly what to do with them.
By Melanie Johnson Published
-
If heaven is on earth, it might be in this home with a converted chapel that is now a swimming pool
5 Wood Barton Town House is part of an exclusive 80-acre development in Devon that also comes with fishing rights on the River Avon and four bedrooms.
By James Fisher Published
-
The sounds of spring and stained glass in an Arts-and-Crafts masterpiece in Dorset
With 35 acres, more than 10 bedrooms, a swimming pool and tennis court, Winterfield has it all.
By James Fisher Published
-
An eight-bedroom wonder in East Sussex where the outdoors are an adventure
The interiors of Old Middleton are pretty good too.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
A lakeside farmhouse on the market in the beautiful heart of Pembrokeshire
A lake, streams, 15 acres and five bedrooms. Rogershook might have it all.
By James Fisher Published
-
An idyllic countryside home that's light, spacious and comes with a Grade II-listed folly
Hagg House is a gorgeous family home that just happens to have a miniature castle in the gardens. Annabel Dixon explains more.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A historic villa for sale on the Via Nomentana worthy of Rome's rich history
Three floors, lots of balconies, and a private garden in one of Rome's loveliest neighbourhoods.
By James Fisher Published
-
Eight bedrooms of unlisted Edwardian elegance with sweeping views of Somerset
Ashton House sits near the market town of Chard and comes with a wealth of amenities both inside and out.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
A waterside cottage in Devon with a private quay, idyllic views and the prettiest summerhouse we've seen in years
Right beside the picturesque Yealm Estuary, No 1 Noss Mayo is an idyllic home that feels like an escape from the world. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
By Annabel Dixon Last updated