The Old Rectory in Upper Sapey is a property bursting with character – right out of a book by the former owner and renowned international author and illustrator the late Heather Buchanan.

The classic listed Old Rectory is situated in a no through country lane adjoining beautiful unspoilt undulating countryside. The village is set in a wonderful area on the Herefordshire / Worcestershire borders.

Heather Buchanan and her family settled in the magnificent property for many years and it inspired a number of her writings. Most famously, the first of Heather’s books: the Tales of George and Matilda Mouse, as well as Buttercup Meadow books.

Heather studied at Central St. Martin’s College of Art in London. Much of her early work was seen in the 1970s and 1980s on greeting cards published by Gordon Fraser, and her paintings of small animals and flowers became very well known.

Heather was bestowed the accolade of Winner of the Owl prize for World Children’s Book Illustrators 1990.

Tales of George and Matilda Mouse have become popular with children in many countries, with their detailed and colourful pictures. More about Heather, George and Matilda can be found here.

The property itself is a handsome Grade II listed detached property with 8 bedrooms, 3 large reception rooms and excellent size accommodation throughout. It’s set in around 1.56 acres, with a majestic, sweeping driveway and mature, private gardens.

Upper Sapey is a small Herefordshire village with the beautiful St. Michael and All Angels Church, Village Hall, the highly regarded Baiting House Country Inn with Michelin Guide recommended food and Sapey Golf Club.

The Old Rectory is set in about 5330 sq.ft of land and bursting with character. More about the property can be found here.

As seen in the print editions of the Worcester News and the Berrows Worcester Journal: