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Art of the Build - Hundred House

Posted 18 March 2020 by Katie Sakka

Connells Worcester is currently marketing Hundred House, an 18th Century, Grade II listed building converted by HCT Homes into an impressive new community.

Worcester is well known for its rich heritage of historical buildings and Great Witley situated 10 miles to the north west of the City of Worcester is no different. Though the first building that comes to mind might be Witley Court & Gardens, the deliciously dramatic ruins of one of Englands' most glorious country houses with still impressive architecture and air of decadence still visible through the charred timbers that remain, there is another building in Great Witley, less than two miles up the road in fact, which is just as interesting and impressive.

The current Hundred House originally dates back to the 18th century when it was built by Lord Foley, the owner of Witley Court, to replace an estate inn on the same site. The previous inn is mentioned in the parish register as early as 22nd September 1653.

Witley Court & Gardens

The building then became a hotel with the name originating from centuries ago when the Hundred House was a collecting house for the tithes gathered from districts in the Doddingtree Hundred, which covered approximately forty villages in the north-west of the country (In the Domesday Book the Doddingtree Hundred consisted of thirty-eight manors). The present building was presumably built by Lord Foley to provide more convenient and up to date premises for the gentry who were attracted to the district with the expansion of Witley Court. In 1904 an advertisement stated that the Hundred House offered ‘private apartments for visitors, stable accommodation, fishing, shooting, house-brewed ales, wines and spirits and cigars of the best quality’.

Hundred House

The hotel was also used for many other purposes across the years. It served as an additional catering facility to Witley Court, there was a court room and detainment cells from 1790, and the petty sessional court was held there until 1872. All parish meetings were held there until 1880, and in 1890 the Great Witley & District Farmers Club was formed and fortnightly meetings were held at the Hundred House during the winter months. There was also an Annual Fair held at the Hundred House and its adjacent meadows on Shrove Tuesday.

The hunt outside Hundred House

The Hundred House was one of the most popular hotels in the country and remains a noted and much-loved land-mark, having hosted so many events for the local community. When the property went on the market in 2013 the hotel had 27 bedrooms, a manager’s flat and banqueting facilities. The lounge bar seated around 50 people with a further 25 covers in the adjoining dining room. The Abberley Suite had its own private bar servery, where up to 130 could dine.

A unique and historical conversion, the Grade II listed former inn and hotel, property and grounds have been restored and converted by HCT Homes into a modernised gated community with many original and period features restored or maintained. The site now comprises 16 individually designed plots: 11 one and two bedroom apartments, four bedroom mews houses, and a two bedroom barn conversion with a private garden. The characterful site is accessible by secure gates and centred around a beautifully landscaped courtyard. Each property benefits from two allocated parking spaces/double garages, as well as a private residents’ gym and an exclusive bar and social hub, Henry’s Inn, an onsite bar which is to be restored shortly too.

A lounge at the Hundred House development

The development is due to be completed next month with prices starting from only £190,000 with Help to Buy and Assisted Move available. There is an unmissable opportunity to get a sense of what this community will be like, with an exciting launch event taking place on Thursday 19th March between 4-7pm, providing the chance to find out more about the development while enjoying a delicious cocktail or mocktail made by professional mixologists or a glass of champagne and some canapes and even nibbles for your little ones while they are entertained by a professional magician, allowing you to enjoy some special entertainment provided by saxophonist, Andy Sax. There's even the chance to win a Fortnum and Mason hamper!

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