A historic former Archdeacon’s house in Hereford dating back to the 13th century has been placed on the open market for the very first time.

The Grade II listed six-bedroom property in St John’s Street is being sold by Hereford Cathedral.

The Chapter of the Cathedral have instructed property agents Fisher German to handle the sale of the site, which also includes a two storey outbuilding and a garden incorporating a medieval wall.

The house, based off Cathedral Close, was occupied by Canons to the Cathedral from the 1400s until the start of the current century and has since been privately rented as a residential property.

A notable former resident was Lord Saye and Sele, known as Canon Twisleton, an ancestor of explorer Ranulph Fiennes and actors Ralph and Joseph Fiennes, who lived at the property during the Victorian period.

The main house includes a reception hall featuring an 18th century staircase which leads up to a vaulted hall. It also features extensive cellars which have Tudor features.

Research suggests that the ground floor utility room would probably have been used as a butler’s pantry with cupboards to house the silver and crockery, and the dining room is thought to have been the Archdeacon’s study.

The outbuilding includes two offices, two former coach houses and three stables, and the site, which spans more than 7,000 sq ft, also includes an extensive cobbled yard which provides off street parking.

The property is being sold as it has been identified that the main house lends itself to being a substantial residential family home, however the Cathedral does not have the need for such a property.

The Very Revd Michael Tavinor, Dean of Hereford Cathedral, said: “Although No 3 St John Street is a historic house associated with the Cathedral it is now surplus to our needs, with it having been rented out for more than a dozen years.

“We know that it has been a wonderful family home in the past and we look forward to someone buying it who will both enjoy and value it as a home and also enjoy its tremendous location. We look forward to welcoming them into the Cathedral community.”

Tom Dennes, of Fisher German, added: “This is a unique opportunity to acquire a Grade II listed property located just a stone’s throw from Hereford Cathedral which has housed clergy from across the centuries.

“Historic features can be seen throughout the property, including in the impressive vaulted first floor hall and the large medieval cellars.

"The extensive site is located in the heart of the city, making it ideal for access to the shopping and leisure facilities available in Hereford. The city-centre property also has the unique benefit of including valuable off-street parking and a 0.27-acre walled garden, a rarity to find so close to the city centre.

“Hereford has an excellent range of schooling to suit all requirements, and commuters can benefit from regular rail services and a readily-accessible motorway network.”

For further details, visit fishergerman.co.uk contact Fisher German on 01905 453275 or email hereford@fishergerman.co.uk.