Seller Insight

Occupying a sought-after location in the quiet village of Earlswood is this very attractive four-bedroom detached property that has been beautifully updated by the current owner. “There wasn’t just one thing that attracted me to the property when I came across it six years ago, it was a real combination of both the gorgeous setting and the house itself,” says Richard. “Earlswood village is an unbelievable place, with, among other things, a shop, newsagent and Post Office, three very nice pubs, a petrol station, an active village hall and a popular school, all of which are just a short walk away. Just across the road there’s nothing but rolling fields, and to the back of my property there are paddocks and then the vast expanse of Earlswood Lakes and woods so it’s a really picturesque setting and totally private. It’s a place where I’ve been able to enjoy all the benefits of country living with the convenience of having a number of well-served towns and excellent transport links all within striking distance.”

“It’s fair to say that the house had seen better days when I purchased it, it was a real ‘doer-upper’. However, that gave me the opportunity to put my stamp on it and transform it into a really lovely home. Over time, every room has been redecorated, fixtures and fittings have been updated and a wall was taken down between the old kitchen and dining room to create a really spacious kitchen/diner – the space everyone wants these days. My friends and family initially thought I was crazy to buy the property, but now they come in and say ‘wow’.”

“The garden was yet another project. The previous owners had created a huge pond that took up a significant percentage of the outside space, but it was stagnant and overgrown so I had it filled in with 132 tons of hardcore. Base and topsoil were then laid and I now have a lovely big lawn that’s edged with an array of beautiful plants, which create colour and interest all year round. I’d now describe it as a gardener’s delight, and it’s an absolute haven for wildlife. There must be around fifteen to twenty varieties of birds that visit the birdfeeders, and early in the morning I’ll sometimes see muntjac or foxes wandering around on the lawn. It’s a really idyllic place to live, and when I’m sitting out on the patio soaking up the sun, enjoying the utter peace and tranquillity, I feel as if I’m miles from anywhere.”

“The kitchen/diner is definitely my favourite. It’s a wonderfully light, bright room that’s ideal for cooking, eating, relaxing and entertaining, and it’s a room from which I can enjoy a fantastic view of the garden.”

“Earlswood is a lovely place to live and it has a really active community. There’s a good array of shops and amenities in the village itself, you can go sailing on the lakes or buy a permit and spend the day fishing, I have mile upon mile of beautiful rolling countryside right on my doorstep so it’s a great place for walking, and I can hop in the car and be Solihull in fifteen minutes or Birmingham in just half an hour. It’s a location that offers the best of both worlds.” There is also a lovely, small village railway station, 15 minutes walk away, with direct links into Birmingham and Stratford.

“When developing the garden I had a large patio laid, which gets the sun all afternoon and evening. It’s a lovely spot with room enough for a table and chairs and the BBQ, and it has an awning so it’s a space I’ve been able to use all year round.”

“The house is now a really lovely home and I’ve particularly enjoyed the usability of the ‘new’ kitchen/diner,” says Richard. “I’ve also loved developing the garden, which is a feature that I’m really going to miss. Being able to step outside and sit in such beautiful surroundings while at the same time enjoying utter peace and privacy has been wonderful.”

The inner hallway is where we find the open slat staircase rising to the first floor. As with many areas of this lovely home, a large picture window to the landing produces a superb light and airy feel to the upstairs space. Enjoying some outstanding views across the gardens and lakes beyond, the principal bedroom is perfectly located at the rear of the property – with its huge, oversized window, just imagine waking up every morning to enjoy the stunning views on offer. The generous and smartly presented room, with fully fitted wardrobes, leads into an equally well presented master ensuite having a double walk-in pumped power shower, and a smart contemporary vanity unit housing a hand basin, wc and storage. There is also a tall chrome towel rail.

The second bedroom which is equally spacious, overlooks the unspoilt front views across fields and is presently used as both a guest bedroom and an office by the present owner. There are two further double bedrooms both enjoying rear views, and both having fitted wardrobes built in.

The modern family bathroom has a pumped power shower bath with a curved glass screen, oak effect flooring and lovely natural tiling and décor. There is also a low level wc and vanity hand basin with storage below. Finally, to the end of the landing is a deep and generous airing cupboard.

Outside

The owner states that the garden was an incredibly important space when choosing this property, and it’s easy to see why having transformed it into an absolute haven for wildlife and a most tranquil and charming space for all to enjoy. Regardless of your gardening ability, this outdoor space offers something for all. In recent years the beautiful new Indian sandstone terraces and impressive glass roofed awning have transformed the patio area into the perfect space for entertaining and alfresco dining. The sandstone terrace follows around the pretty natural pond which has a lovely mature rockery featuring Acers, Rhododendrons, Euonymus and Ferns, together with a magnificent Magnolia and flowering Cherry tree creating the perfect backdrop to the pond. The main garden is mainly laid to lawn, large enough for a marquee, and perfect for a game of croquet and for children to enjoy. Deep borders each side house some impressive shrubbery and fruit trees, including Lilacs and Rhododendrons, together with Apple, Pear and a superb, cultivated blackberry that produces a huge amount of fruit each year. To the end of the main garden is a magnificent Beech where the lawn gives way to a series of raised beds housing further highly productive fruit bushes. A newly installed wooden arbour leads through to the lower terrace and has been planted with climbers such as Honeysuckle, Clematis and climbing Roses. The lower terrace has a further paved area, creating a lovey spot to enjoy the views beyond over the lakes. There is also a useful storage shed which is in need of replacement and some further lovely planting including a beautiful climbing Rose and mature Hibiscus. Beyond your fenced border is a further piece of land belonging to the neighbour and housing the most magnificent Horse Chestnut Tree, behind which are open views across the lakes, and if you love your wildlife, you’ll spot everything from rabbits to foxes, muntjac to Fallow deer, together with an amazing variety of birdlife, a truly peaceful haven to compliment this beautiful family home.