Alms houses were traditionally properties provided for the poor, elderly or distressed through the beneficence of a charity or Christian organisation.

This provision was first established in Britain back in the 10th century. The oldest still in existence is in Winchester and dates back to the 12th century.

There are still a few thousand left and they tend to be period buildings comprising terraced homes or apartments. They are generally not large or luxurious. Yet this is a description that could certainly be applied to The Almshouse at Harvington, near Kidderminster, Worcestershire, with its five bedrooms, indoor swimming pool and ornamental lake in the garden.

Perhaps the origin of its name lies in the fact that this spacious residence was once three buildings that can be traced back to the 1650s.

Over the years extensions have been added and the present owners have made their own alterations.

There are actually two homes on the five acre plot – the principal house and The Alms Cottage.

In spite of the changes there is still plenty of evidence of the property’s great age with attractive fireplaces, exposed timbers and oak flooring.

At the front there is an entrance porch with cloakroom off .

This leads to an elegant drawing room which has an inglenook fireplace with brickwork laid in a herringbone pattern, windows and doors to the rear terrace.

Double doors open to a light and airy sitting room which also has access to the terrace outside. This room has a stone fireplace fitted with a gas fired stove.

At the heart of the house is a spacious breakfast kitchen that has been tastefully refitted by Harvey Jones with cream units and Silestone work surfaces. Integrated appliances include a Mercury Range cooker and a Rangemaster fridge freezer.

There is also access to a second porch and a second cloakroom.

The dining room is in the oldest part of the house. It features extensive exposed timbers, built-in cabinets and an impressive Inglenook fireplace.

Stairs lead from the drawing room to the first floor landing and the bedroom accommodation.

The principal bedroom suite has some fine exposed timbers, a dressing room and a well-appointed bathroom including spa bath, separate shower, toilet, basin and bidet.

The second bedroom is particularly light and bright and enjoys views over the gardens.

There are three further bedrooms, one with an en suite shower room. The family bathroom has a freestanding roll-top bath, sink, basin and bidet.

A great bonus to The Almshouse is the integral leisure suite which is accessed from the kitchen. This has a heated swimming pool, sauna and shower room. Three sets of double doors open into the grounds while at the side a glazed veranda offers a delightful space to sit and enjoy the White Garden.

The Alms Cottage is next to the main house and offers comfortable accommodation.

It has a sitting room, a good sized kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom. Adjoining it is a useful laundry room.

There is also a garage with parking space for several vehicles, a gardener’s toilet and ample attic storage over.

Outside the gardens and grounds cover approximately five acres and are another outstanding feature.

Divided into distinct areas, they have been beautifully landscaped and immaculately maintained.

Electrically operated gates open onto the gravel drive which sweeps round to the garaging and house and extends up to the rear boundary.

Throughout there are lawns and trees, including an area with a variety of Acers.

The gardens are separated into:

The African Garden – This includes a very impressive large lake with central fountain and is overlooked by an African style hut which provides a great place for outside entertaining.

Wild Meadow Garden – Left to grow naturally, this has been planted with a wide variety of wild flowers

The Vegetable Garden – Brick built raised beds and an attractive traditional style greenhouse make this a productive space.

Fenced Grass Tennis Court – Surrounded by poplar trees, this should appeal to fans of racquet sports.

Fenced Play Area – A special surface ensures that children can play safely.

The Formal Gardens – These are abundantly stocked with a wide variety of shrubs, herbaceous plants and trees. They incorporate curved paths, various seating areas and a circular lawn with central fountain. Adjoining the formal gardens is a pretty summerhouse with attractive black and white tiled flooring, toilet and mature wisteria. A wide terrace stretches across the back of the house with steps up to the lawns, again with beautifully planted beds and borders.

The White Garden – Located to the side of the property it is exquisitely planted in a uniform colour. An attractive pergola adjoins the leisure complex. Off an area planted with many specimen hostas is a gate that leads through to:

The Courtyard Garden – This has another fountain to its centre, clipped box hedging and a set of double timber gates to the front.

At the far end of the garden there is a well screened machinery store.

The small village of Harvington is located in a popular area of North Worcestershire, near to the village of Chaddesley Corbett. Many people settle here because if its proximity to a number of renowned schools including Winterfold School, Bromsgrove School, Swinford Hospital School, Stourbridge, and the Royal Grammar School and King’s in Worcester.

The Almshouse is well located for access to regional centres including Bromsgrove, Kidderminster, Worcester, together with Birmingham and the greater West Midlands.

There are good motorway links nearby including the M42 which connects to the M40. Rail services operate locally from Bromsgrove and Blakedown to Birmingham.

VIEWING INFORMATION

AGENT: Fisher German

TEL: 01527 575525

WEB: www.fishergerman.co.uk

GUIDE PRICE: £1,695,000