Chocolate-Box Estate Once Owned By Cadbury Ancestor Hits The Market

On the hunt for a sweet new property? Wispa it, but this chocolate-box estate in South Warwickshire might just be the golden ticket. Formerly owned by George Cadbury’s last surviving grandaughter, this isn’t one to flake on. 

Monks Bridge: The Historic Estate With A Chocolate-y Past

The History

Dating back to 1837, this former vicarage was originally constructed to serve the neighbouring church, which still features in the backdrop of the grounds today. Following its expansion in the 1890s when two new wings were added, the unlisted estate has more recently undergone a full renovation, including further extensions and landscaping. Stripping the house to its bare bones, it was carefully rebuilt and restored in order to preserve and enhance the original features. Uncovering its hidden historical elements, the current owners discovered original Victorian tiles as well as an antique bell system which features in five of the six bedrooms that has since been rewired and reinstated. Additional updates included replumbing, new windows and a refurbishment of the roof.

In 1952, the last surviving granddaughter of George Cadbury (as in Cadbury chocolate Cadbury) Eleanor Wharton (née Wilson) purchased Monks Bridge for £9,000 and lived there for over 60 years. Later acquiring the historic property in 2014 for £2.5m, the current owners carried out most of the renovations across the course of three years. 

Despite the extensive renovation work, the couple have already had to slash the original price twice, first down from £6.2m to £5.2m and now down to £4.5m. Associate director at Hamptons, Paul Houghton Brown told The Telegraph that a buyer would be landing themselves a ‘golden ticket’ at the asking price, explaining that the property had a ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory feel’ – ‘If you look at that opening scene, where Willy Wonka opens the big doors and walks into the hall, it has a similar feel.’

Owner Mr Piercey (who apparently enjoys a fruit and nut Cadbury bar from time to time), added that ‘It’s everything that Downton Abbey has but on a smaller scale and without the servants.’

Step Inside

Spanning 6,300 sqft, Monks Bridge features a reception hall with a Victorian quarry-tiled floor, stained glass roof lantern and cantilevered staircase. Other more recent updates include a bespoke kitchen, eight en suite bedrooms (including a principal bedroom with a private balcony and dressing room, plus a former coach house turned annex), as well as underfloor heating and log burners: perfect for roasting s’mores in honour of the home’s former resident. 

Outside

The 14 acre grounds include formal gardens which have been featured in the National Garden Scheme and are a popular local attraction. With detailed planting and box hedges, the gardens are laid out in a parterre style, while paved walkways, manicured lawns and flower gardens provide areas for contemplation.

Secluded in a private setting (with the house accessed via a Curly Wurly driveway) the outdoor space is divided into formal gardens, rolling parkland, mature woodland, a kitchen garden with greenhouses, an orchard, terraces for entertaining, bridges over the stream, and a stone circle as well as a number of different leisure spaces, including an outdoor gym and tennis court. Moreover, there is a number of outbuildings including a double garage, triple car port, workshop, machinery stores plus an estate office with an additional two-room gym. Beyond the grounds, Monks Bridge offers immediate access to footpaths which extend for miles through the surrounding countryside. 

Where Is It?

Located in Butlers Marston in South Warwickshire, the village is one mile from Kineton which offers a range of shops, restaurants and services, and is also ten miles from Shakespeare’s birthplace of Strafford-Upon-Avon. There are rail links to London and Birmingham from Leamington Spa and easy access to M40, M42 and M5. The Cotswolds can also be reached in less than 15 minutes.

Monks Bridge is on the market for £4.5m. Find out more at hamptons.co.uk