This wonderfully characterful four-bedroom house designed by Norwegian Architect Arne Jan Karvick occupies an exceptional riverside position in the Wye Valley, with excellent views across the River Wye. Converted in the late 1980s from a row of four cottages, the living space of around 2,400 sq ft extends over two storeys with front and rear gardens and private off-street parking. Chepstow is a 15-minute drive away, and Bristol can be reached in around 30 minutes.

The Architect

Norwegian architect Arne Jan Karvick, born in 1933, designed three notable houses in Tintern, each with a distinctive Scandinavian influence and shared architectural characteristics. This particular house was designed for his own occupation, where he lived and worked for at least ten years. Fryers Terrace was later occupied by South African architect Maurice Meyersohn, a great advocate of Scandinavian architecture. Meyersohn made further modifications such as enlarging the garden, fortifying the river bank with gabions, and introducing a central heating system.

 The Tour

Tucked away in a quiet and peaceful terrace, the house is set back from the road via a private driveway, which leads down to the garage and a turning circle, with ample space to park two cars.

Local stone and painted timber cladding form the striking front façade, which chimes effortlessly with the local vernacular. Several entry points are set behind a picket fence, surrounded by mature shrubs and space for plant pots, accessed via a small bridge crossing a trickling stream.

The primary entrance leads into a wide, timber-framed hallway, which offers a bright introduction. A painted timber-clad ceiling extends overhead, and clay tiles run underfoot. From here, a series of free-flowing living spaces are arranged in a predominantly open-plan making for a wonderful space to entertain, unfolding across the ground floor in both directions.

Arguably the most impressive space is the rear studio, a beautifully bright part of the house, with a wall of timber-framed glass doors inviting an excellent quality of natural light and opening onto the veranda and gardens. The space offers great flexibility of use, with poured concrete flooring, white-washed walls and expanses of internal glazing adding to a modern aesthetic.

The adjacent living room is a more intimate space, with a traditional stone, open fireplace; internal glass walls retain a visual connection to the studio and outside space.

A central circulation area adjoins the dining room. It is characterised by simple, linear forms, and it has a modern log-burning stove positioned centrally. A long granite and chrome unit provides an excellent provision of storage space.

The kitchen has a playful touch, with soft yellow walls set against painted beams and brushed stainless steel worktops. A utility space is set to one side. Timber-framed windows span the length of one wall allowing a soft light filter in throughout the course of the day, and a stable door opens onto the front courtyards.

A red and black open-tread staircase ascends to the first floor, where there are four bedrooms, one of which is en suite, and a family bathroom. Pitched ceilings on this level add volume and height, with Velux windows encouraging plenty of light. Storage and wardrobe space has been artfully built into the eaves.

The main bedroom is positioned at one end of the first-floor level, with direct access to the large balcony. The views across the river and surrounding valley from this vantage point are far-reaching and quite breath-taking.

Outdoor Space

A timber-framed veranda extends at the rear of the house, providing a sheltered position to enjoy summer lunches or an evening sun-downer. The rear gardens extend to the river’s edge, with elevated views in all directions of the valley and its wooded backdrop.

The Area

Tintern lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the heart of the Wye Valley. The area is a popular holiday destination offering wonderful opportunities for walking, horse riding, and fishing. Tintern Abbey, the ruins of this Cistercian monastery, and other historic monuments are within easy reach. The house has previously been successfully rented out as a self-catering holiday house, providing a potential income for any owner.

The old towns of Chepstow and Monmouth offer access to a wider variety of shops, restaurants, and regular farmers markets, and both towns have excellent schools for all ages. The private girls school and boys school in Monmouth are also renowned. Bristol and Cardiff are easily commutable in around 40 minutes by car.

Council Tax Band: G

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.