14-bedroom convent that’s believed to have a secret tunnel is for sale in a Welsh market town – Wales Online

On one of the most attractive streets in the market town of Brecon stands this handsome Grade II listed house.

Predominantly a Georgian property boasting large, symmetrical windows and tall, diamond chimneys, the house has made a valuable contribution to the town, having been used as a school or convent for most of its life since the 1940s.

According to the Cadw website, the former stable blocks and accommodation that joins the main Georgian house and is now used as the chapel is thought to date back to at least the year 1619.

A fireplace lintel from this area of the property can be found in the Brecknock Museum saying 'Harvard Arms' as well as the date. So maybe this convent used to be a coaching inn.

More recently, this property in Powys has been a 14-bedroom convent called Harvard House. Inside, as you might expect, the decor is simple and practical and thankfully an abundance of original features remain.

Many rooms still boast wood wall panelling, ceiling beams, original flooring, windows and coving that have been well maintained.

These surviving features would be the cornerstone of a period restoration of the property by a new owner either into a large family home or apartments, subject to achieving planning permission and bearing in mind that the house is listed.

The Cadw listing for the property dates back to 1952 and includes the main house, featuring the forecourt wall, railings and gate, plus the former stable blocks to the east and west of the house.

Regarding the internal decor, the listing describes the house as having 'exceptional 18th century interiors and these include panelled dado, shutters, fireplace with lugged architrave and pediment and an iron grate with Gothic detailing".

The hallway sets the 'old world' atmosphere for the whole building, with a grand oak and mahogany staircase at the centre, flanked by Doric pillars, and original tile flooring and coving adding to the period charm.

The classic arched fan window above the front door and the large and solid internal doors are a joy to see still in place, looking as exactly as they did more than 100 years ago.

The original floorboards and large sash windows are the backdrop for the every day life of the convent, with rooms dedicated to studying, reading and meeting.

There's a school room, classroom, library, dining room and, of course, a chapel.

The chapel is actually located adjacent to the main Georgian house within the two-storey former stable buildings and features a stained glass window dated around the 1960s constructed by the monks of Prinknash Abbey near Gloucester.

Being a typical Georgian property, there is a basement area where the original kitchen and servants' working quarters would have been but in this present time this lower floor offers even more space for whoever buys this unique home.

And a house with history and links to an Inn, education and religion in its past has surely got to come with a quirky secret that gets the local rumours going, and Harvard House is no exception.

According to the website coflein, the house is rumored to have a secret and hidden passageway running below the rear garden.

But as the garden is completely covered in concrete, you're going to need a very big digger to discover it.

Take a look at this secret tunnel in Swansea

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The kitchen is basic and functional but very spacious.

A new owner, should they decide to restore the house to a single family home, could definitely make this room the heart of the home with some creative interior design skills and a sledgehammer to the units.

There's room for a statement island unit and a dining table for family meals.

The TV room, in particular, is a Georgian gem just waiting to be polished.

Wall panels, coving and a fireplace hiding behind a sideboard are just a few of the noticeable features in this space.

Under the carpet there may well be more beautiful, original Georgian wood flooring.

One room that probably needs little updating or restoring to return it to its former glory is the sitting room.

Clearly the 'posh' parlour where in the past visitors would be entertained, the room is dominated by the period fireplace and large window.

The floors, coving and dado rail are all looking lovely and the choice of wallpaper creates a light and calming period atmosphere.

Also on the ground floor are a number of practical rooms that a convent or school requires including a large laundry room, office, numerous storage cupboards, a pantry and an appropriate number of cloakroom facilities.

Up to the first floor of the main area of the house and there are 12 bedrooms to discover and four full bath or shower rooms, as well as additional toilets.

A new owner could easily combine a number of these bedrooms to create some exceptionally spacious bedrooms, with much of the plumbing in place for some ensuites too.

On this level there is also a large classroom that spans over nine metres in length.

Up to the second floor and there are three further bedrooms and a study.

There are also two extra attic rooms that offer a new owner extra space to convert, again subject to planning consent.

The home is for sale for 450,000 with James Dean Estate Agents, call their Brecon branch on 01874 624757 to find out more.

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14-bedroom convent that's believed to have a secret tunnel is for sale in a Welsh market town - Wales Online