This former English school has been transformed into a $5.6 million country mansion – Robb Report

Savills

There’s always something charming about transforming a home, and this former schoolhouse in the English countryside is no exception.

The Ryes, which stretches across 16 undulating acres in the rural village of Little Hennie, about 60 miles north-east of central London, was originally designed in 1809 by Robert Lugar for the aristocrat Nathaniel Barnardiston. In the same year, Lugar, a contemporary of Buckingham Palace architect John Nash, exhibited drawings of the monarchy at the Royal Academy of Arts in London.

In 1884, the Barnadistons commissioned a different architect, E. F. Bishop, to make further additions to the house. The property was sold sometime during the late 1900s and the house was used as a school until 2011. Since then, it has been converted back into a private residence by its current owners and can now be yours for £4.5 million, or approximately $5.6 million .

“It is no surprise that The Ryes is proudly displayed at the Royal Academy of Arts, where it was initially designed, showcasing the best house design of the time,” says Tim Phillips, of Savills Country Management, in a press release. “Now, thanks to a comprehensive refurbishment, all the architectural elements that make Georgian homes so popular with our buyers are on display at The Ryes.”

The comfortably appointed 12,156 square foot villa has been redesigned for contemporary living, combining period details such as beautiful windows and stately marble fireplaces with bright, fresh interiors.

Upon entering, the foyer and large hallway with herringbone wood floors and original cornices lead to several reception rooms, dining room, kitchen with pantry, breakfast room and gym. Elsewhere there is a study, an office and a huge shoe room for storing raincoats and muddy boots. All seven bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, are located on the second floor. The master suite is decorated with a separate sitting room, a huge bathroom and two dressing rooms.

In addition to the main house, The Ryes has a one-bedroom, one-bathroom bell tower apartment that includes a kitchen, office and private, lawned gardens. There is also a poolside house with bathroom and kitchenette, and a two-bedroom garden cottage currently under renovation and will need to be completed by the next owners.

Click here to see all the photos from The Ryes.