Historic estate survivor

May 4 2006

By Marsya Lennox, Property Correspondent

It is said that one could once walk from Dudley to Great Witley without stepping off land owned by the Dudley and Foley families. They grew rich on coal and iron and each, in turn, made their base in one of the great houses of the Midland region, Witley Court in Worcestershire. Shortly after Thomas Foley built his mansion in 1655, Martley Court took shape at nearby Martley, seven miles from Worcester, another worthy focal point to the expanding local estates. And though today's house displays the Georgian look of a later era of improvement, the core of the house retains direct links with its 17th century creators. In the Hall Room remains a wide inglenook with its enormous iron fireback, marked with the arms of the Foleys. And there is particularly fine oak panelling with original carving displaying the build date of 1661. Despite its obvious architectural and social status, Martley Court served in its successive roles away from the limelight of its grand county neighbour Witley Court. Great Witley played host to royalty, including Edward Vll, and the lavish entertainment and hospitality enjoyed there a century ago remains part of local legend. By 1918, parts of the wider local estates were being parcelled up for sale including Martley Court, some 1,041 acres and a lot of the village and its surroundings. This, the principal house, was sold at auction, on June 22, for £6,500 to include a cottage and 128 acres. With such facts at his fingertips is David Banks of the joint selling agents, G. Herbert Banks, who are currently marketing Martley Court with Humberts in Worcester. The members of the Banks family might be expected to know such things, particularly as Martley Court was their own home until 18 years ago when they sold it on to the current owners. David's son Richard, also a partner with the firm, remembers a happy childhood in the substantial period property. "It is a good house -and was a very good place to grow up," he said. Ironically Martley Court's destiny was to outlive Witley Court. Two years after the auction, Witley Court was sold by the Dudleys to a Kidderminster carpet magnate. And, marking the end of excess within its walls was the disastrous fire of 1938, leaving the magnificent ruin of today. Martley Court continues as a handsome family home, newly on the market with a guide price of £1.3 million to include more than 16 acres. Progress has left its mark alongside the surviving old fabric with modernised living space and additional plumbing including en suite bath and shower rooms. Richard Banks, now 29, remembers only six bedrooms in his time there, using just part of the second floor for his train set. Now, there are four bedrooms up here, features including cast iron fireplaces and some wonderful views. There are eight or nine bedrooms in all including the important panelled room on the first room and the principal suite with its lovely out-look to St Peter's Church. In this best position within the old part of the village, it is a nearest neighbour and there is a private gate to the lane providing a short cut to the churchyard. The Hall Room, essentially the reception hall, makes a sitting room in its own right with its big fireplace. There is also a drawing room, small sitting room and breakfast kitchen with Aga. The separate dining room to the front of the house was once used as the local court room. Though the Georgian character dominates the front elevation, there is a hint at the older house from the back with its farmhouse looks and glimpse of the stone construction of the chimneystack. There are private, well screened gardens with south facing rear terrace, brick summerhouse and level lawns plus former kitchen garden with box hedging and a tennis court. There is stabling in the orchard area with tack room and a large period barn with garaging and first floor artist's studio. Beyond are paddocks with post and rail fencing, some fine mature trees, manege and a best of mixed woodland with stream. Details are available from G. Herbert Banks, telephone 01299 896968 or Humberts, telephone 01905 611066.