A grade I Jane Austen legacy

Aug 18 2006

By Marsya Lennox, Property Correspondent

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a person in possession of a good, few hundred thousand, must be in want of a house. This month, an ideal match might be made between a literary pilgrim and a piece of history at Stoneleigh Abbey in Warwickshire. And if Savills pull it off, it would be worthy of a place in the plot of a romantic classic. The property is question is the South Wing at Stoneleigh Abbey, a handsome, three storey share of the Grade l listed building. The timing of its 2006 arrival in this niche marketplace is highly relevant, coinciding perfectly with the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen's visit to her family seat. She came here as a young woman with her sister and mother, Cassandra, nee Leigh, in August 2006 to see a cousin, Rev Thomas Leigh take up his inheritance of the estate. And this weekend, Sunday, August 20, Stoneleigh Abbey hosts a special commemorative event, depicting the very moment in the estate's history. There have been Jane Austen tours every Sunday this season and a number of one-off events, marking this 19th century era. A specially-commissioned play is planned for September 29 and 30, "Jane Austen makes a match", drawing on major events in her life including the shaping of her heroine Elizabeth Bennett of Pride and Prejudice. South Wing at Stoneleigh Abbey would make the ideal home for a Jane Austen aficionado who longs to immerse themselves in this place of inspiration for the author. It is accepted that Austen was properly inspired by the great house, its parkland and family history, weaving elements of it all into her literary descriptions including Mansfield Park and Persuasion. This generous share of the famous mansion provides more than 2,600 sq ft of living space, spread over four levels, major selling points including the exquisite views over the Repton landscape to the River Avon. It is a privileged community that has settled here in the last eight years or so since Kit Martin of Historic Houses Rescue came up with a plan to save the Abbey by transforming its suitable areas as smart homes. There are a series of verticallydivided houses, a selection of fine apartments and even some individual cottages in the grounds. South Wing bags a best spot for having a privately-owned garden to the front as well as use of a knot garden and walled orchard. In addition, this upmarket collection of homes bring wider rights for their owners to wander in the wider grounds and even use the grand public space, the Long Gallery, for entertaining, if they need. The house has none of the restrictions one might associate with a stately home conversion. There is proper family living space with a full complement of reception rooms. And there are surviving original internal features, notably the fine staircase, original flooring in the hall and even the bellows to the Abbey's organ, still in place in the adjoining chapel. These are intriguingly still in situ within the downstairs cloakroom - a unique conversation piece. The ground floor provides the hall, cloakroom, kitchen, dining room and storage. Upstairs is the lovely first floor sitting room with its high ceiling and superb outlook. On the same level is a bedroom and bathroom. The stairs continue up through a second floor landing and up again to the top level with the main bedroom suite, further bedroom and study area. Special details up here include the fireplace in the bedroom and more unspoilt parkland views. The owners of the South Wing also have two private garages. Savills in Solihull quote a guide price of £700,000. Details from 0121 713 4000. * Details on the Stoneleigh Abbey events marking the Jane Austen 2006 Bi-centennial are available from the organisers, telephone 01926 858535/858585.