FOR £775,000 you could own a Gwent house which was once the home of a famous American writer and former wife of Ernest Hemingway.

Martha Gellhorn's former property in Kilgwrrwg, near Devauden, Chepstow, has been considerably improved since she lived there.

The country home, which is set in two acres of ground and has spectacular views, now has five bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, and an indoor swimming pool.

Ms Gellhorn was one of the world's first female war correspondents but present owner Andrew Mand had not heard of her when he bought the house - from the daughter of former English cricketer Peter May - two years ago.

But he soon became aware of the renowned previous resident.

"We have had lots of visitors from America here and people taking pictures," said Mr Mand, who lives with his wife Julie and nine-year-old son Otto.

Mr Mand said when they moved in they changed the name back to the orignal Yew Tree House but he now wishes they had kept Martha's choice, Catscradle.

"I have tried to read up on where she got the name but haven't been able to find out."

Since they have owned the house, the Mands have carried out extensive refurbishment work and even the shape of the property has changed since Ms Gellhorn lived there.

They do not really want to leave the beautiful home they have created but Mr Mand's brother, who co-owns their commercial carpentry business, now wants to retire so they have to sell for financial reasons.

Warren Jones Estate Agents in Chepstow are selling the house and can be contacted on 01291 628222.