Historic Properties

Property
Facilities
History
Local Attractions

The opening of the Garden Studio heralds the completion of the first phase of restoration works at Wellbrook Manor, the Vivat Trust's new Herefordshire home. The property was gifted to the Trust in July 2009 by the executors of the estate of the late Mrs Joan Griffith, an eminent picture restorer.

The Garden Barn has now been sensitively converted into the Trust's offices. At one end of the barn is the Garden Studio which accommodates two people, with its own private outdoor space. The Studio has a traditional stone floor with open-plan kitchen/diner and lounge area on the ground floor. There is also a double bedroom and shower room downstairs. The original wooden stairs lead to the first floor studio space, ideal for visiting artists. In addition there is a quiet space for reading or writing with views over the Wellbrook gardens. A stay at the Garden Studio is sure to inspire artists and garden lovers alike.

Herefordshire is well known for its wonderful local produce, from beef to cheeses and cider. Even Vivat are producing apple juice and cider from the productive Manor's orchards. Local produce is included in the welcome hamper and there is a lovely bistro in the village, just a short walk from the studio.

Please note: The exterior restoration of Wellbrook Manor has been completed apart from some snagging works taking place in Spring 2015. No further works are scheduled until funds are raised for internal restoration. Therefore guests in the studio have unrestricted access to the manor gardens.

Accessibility
Almost level access to studio entrance. A staircase leads to the first floor studio/reading area.

Dog Allowed - Yes

Heating
Electric under-floor central heating

Facilities
All Vivat Trust properties have a TV, DVD player and CD player plus fully equipped kitchens with oven & hob, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave and washing machine. In addition the Garden Studio provides the following facilities.

Washer/dryer
Shower room
Garden access with outdoor furniture
On road parking opposite property
Studio easel for use by artists

Wellbrook Manor is a Grade I listed building and at its core are the substantial remains of a fine medieval hall house, dating from the late fourteenth century. Restoration works are underway to restore the manor into holiday accommodation for ten people.

Joan Griffith trained and studied at the Courtauld Institute of Art and the Tate Gallery during the 1950's. Her greatest achievement was the conservation and restoration of the Mantegna's 'Triumphs of Caesar'; nine canvasses so badly compromised that she devoted twelve years to the project. She was also an accomplished painter; her studio was located in the Garden Barn and has been retained as a working space for artists in the Trust's restoration. Joan's artistic skills also extended to the beautiful gardens with skilfully crafted, bountiful beds and magnificent topiary.

Location: 9 miles from both Hereford and Hay-on-Wye on the Welsh border

Interesting Towns: Ross-on-Wye, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford, Ludlow, Ledbury, Leominster and the black and white villages of Herefordshire

Historic & Local Attractions: Eastnor Castle, Croft Castle (NT), Berrington Hall (NT), Kentchurch Court, Hereford Cathedral, Dore Abbey and Llanthony Priory, Monnow Valley Arts Centre

Activities: walking, cycling, fishing, horse riding, boat trips along the River Wye and scenery of the Forest of Dean, Malvern Hills, Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons. The Golden Valley is also home to the unusual but very popular activity of Llama trekking - pre-booking is recommended.

Local Events:
May: Hay-on-Wye Literary Festival
July: Ledbury Poetry Festival & Three Choirs Festival, Hereford
August: Herefordshire Food Festival
September: Abergavenny & Ludlow Food Festivals

Wellbrook Manor - Garden Studio