Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0)121 746 6400 solihull@fineandcountry.com Joseph House, 970 Stratford Road, Solihull, West Midlands B90 4ED
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Upwood 8 Shepley Road | Barnt Green | Birmingham | B45 8JW 08/06/2017 17:10
FINE & COUNTRY UPWOOD Built in 1886 Upwood is a stunning example of Victorian architecture with exquisite renaissance and medieval influences. This exceptional nine bedroomed residence occupies an outstanding position in the much sought after Barnt Green village in the heart of leafy Worcestershire. Presented to the very highest of standards, it offers the perfect blend of contemporary period and boasts impressive design throughout.
Fine & Country is a global network of estate agencies specialising in the marketing, sale and rental of luxury residential property. With offices in the UK, Australia, Egypt, France, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Namibia, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, The Channel Islands, UAE, USA and West Africa we combine the widespread exposure of the international marketplace with the local expertise and knowledge of carefully selected independent property professionals. Fine & Country appreciates the most exclusive properties require a more compelling, sophisticated and intelligent presentation - leading to a common, yet uniquely exercised and successful strategy emphasising the lifestyle qualities of the property.
THE FINE & COUNTRY FOUNDATION
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This unique approach to luxury homes marketing delivers high quality, intelligent and creative concepts for property promotion combined with the latest technology and marketing techniques. We understand moving home is one of the most important decisions you make; your home is both a financial and emotional investment. With Fine & Country you benefit from the local knowledge, experience, expertise and contacts of a well trained, educated and courteous team of professionals, working to make the sale or purchase of your property as stress free as possible.
The production of these particulars has generated a ÂŁ10 donation to the Fine & Country Foundation, charity no. 1160989, striving to relieve homelessness. Visit fineandcountry.com/uk/foundation
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As you would expect from a property of this stature, the grand entrance hall does not disappoint - entered through the double front doors, into the large vestibule with its beautiful Minton flooring, the inner door leads into the light and spacious main hallway, with a charming study area beneath the large sweeping staircase.
The quality and attention to detail are clear throughout with a host of magnificent period features such as Minton flooring, numerous impressive fireplaces, superb cornices, ceiling roses and arches, deep skirtings and fabulous high ceilings all blended exquisitely with luxurious fabrics and superb dÊcor and high specification fixtures such as Smallbone of Devizes and Porcelenosa. The fusion between Farrow & Ball colours and William Morris hand crafted wall coverings deliver richness and depth, creating vibrancy in every room and further enhancing the magnificence of this large family home. Leading across the spacious gravelled driveway up the large stone steps and through the impressive main entrance there is over 9,020 sq. ft. of space, laid out across four floors. The ground floor comprises: entrance vestibule, spacious reception hall, four superb reception rooms, an orangery, kitchen, butler’s pantry, study area and cloak room. To the first floor there are: five double bedrooms, two ensuites, a family bathroom and a washroom. On the second there are four double bedrooms, two ensuites, separate wc, shower room and a kitchenette. The basement has a total of six rooms and in addition to the extensive grounds there is an internal open courtyard and double tandem garage. The grounds extend to some 1.75 Acres with substantial private gardens, an orchard and tennis court.
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The formal sitting room is probably my favourite part of the house,” says Barbara. “It’s wonderfully light and bright and it has a really pleasant view of the garden.”
The formal sitting room, located opposite the main entrance is a truly fantastic reception room, boasting stunning architecture, a handsome fireplace and large windows and French doors to two sides of the room, enjoying both the garden and side aspect of the grounds. French doors open up on to the superb terraces, enjoying the views across the main lawn and beyond.
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Seller Insight This imposing Victorian residence, which sits within 1.75 acres of delightful grounds, occupies a superb location on the edge of the much sought after village of Barnt Green. “We loved the house the minute we set eyes on it,” says Barbara, “but it was the location that sold it to us. Barnt Green is a very friendly village with a good selection of shops and a couple of really nice cafes and restaurants, and its proximity to Birmingham meant that my husband had easy access into work. In fact we’re so central that it makes it easy to get just about anywhere.” “The house had been beautifully looked after by the previous owners, so when we came here in 2002 it was just a case of putting our stamp on the décor and making it more conducive to modern living, though in a way that didn’t strip it of all of its wonderful Victorian charm. Apart from adding a stunning Smallbone kitchen, I suppose the biggest change we made was to the top floor, which had seemingly been closed off for a number of years. We proceeded to open it up and add three bathrooms so that our teenage children could have their own space. All in all it’s been a fabulous family home.” “I am a very keen gardener and so during our time here the outside space has been improved quite considerably,” continues Barbara. “I enlisted the help of a professional garden designer to give me a few pointers and the whole space is now looking absolutely beautiful. We have open lawns, so it’s very family friendly, and borders of wonderfully mature shrubs and trees. It’s peaceful and private and it’s been designed in such a way that no matter what the time of year, there’s always something lovely to look at.” “As well as the three main floors, we also have quite a generously proportioned cellar,” says Barbara. “We have a bar area down there and so it’s been great for parties. In fact both the house and the garden are great for entertaining.”* “If we can find the right property, we fully intend to stay in Barnt Green because for us it’s the ideal location,” says Barbara. “It has the feel of a very traditional village and it’s a good base from which we’re able to get just about anywhere with relative ease.”
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The magnificent dining room enjoys the most delightful views across the gardens through an exceptionally large bay window. With its impressive open fireplace, luxurious warm dĂŠcor and attractive wooden flooring this is a grand room for large family celebrations and formal dining but has also doubled as a study to the far end to enjoy the light and views. Accessed through a glass doorway leading from the dining room bay window is a charming peaceful orangery adorned with Camellia, Wisteria and a Winter Jasmine; a quiet place to read, relax and enjoy the garden. There is also a door to the far end leading back to the elevated wooden decked balcony.
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The beautiful sitting room to the rear of the property is a favourite with the family. The magnificent fireplace, delightful use of Farrow & Ball colours, and fine furnishings create a perfect space to relax and unwind.
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The flawless layout of the kitchen is synonymous with the luxury and design of the hand built Smallbone fitted furniture. The fabulous red four oven AGA is the focal point of this striking looking kitchen, which also has an accompanying Neff oven and two ring inset induction hob. Leading from the kitchen and having the most wonderful views across the gardens is the delightful and spacious wooden decked balcony area perfect for entertaining and al fresco dining.
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The delightful breakfast room adjoins the kitchen and creates the perfect family space for everyday dining. Beautiful yellow tones blend with the natural ceramic flooring and the addition of a lovely wood burner sitting between tall original china cabinets, creates comfort and warmth to this space. Together with many original period features, is the delightful row of Victorian servants’ bells adding a touch of nostalgia to this charming room. Leading from the rear staircase, past the butler’s pantry are the stairs down to the extensive basement, predominantly used over the years by the younger generation as a perfect games, entertainment and party space. In total there are six separate rooms, including three large rooms, one fitted with a bar area and housing a full sized table tennis table, and three smaller rooms for use as a wine cellar, storage and meter room. Although not decoratively finished as living space, the cellar does benefit from windows offering natural light and an original fireplace giving signs that this was designed as servants’ quarters in the Victorian era – with high ceilings fabulous possibilities if one should want or need further living space.
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The impressive master bedroom suite has luxurious dĂŠcor combining sumptuous drapes and quality wall coverings to create an opulent touch. Fabulous rear aspect views take in the stunning gardens and unspoilt countryside beyond.
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The master ensuite combines an elegant Porcelanosa suite with a stunning freestanding feature bath with exquisite tiling and design.
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The spacious landing area has four further bedrooms leading from it, in addition to the master bedroom. Bedroom two is a very impressive double and has its own ensuite. Bedrooms three and four are very well presented superb sized doubles and bedroom five is currently used as a study. In addition to the ensuites there is also a large family bathroom with separate wc. The second floor of Upwood is extremely spacious with large double bedrooms, high ceilings and immaculate dĂŠcor throughout. It has a large landing/seating area, three great sized double bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms and a fully fitted kitchenette. The fourth spacious bedroom is currently set up as a living room for the top floor.
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Grounds As a perfect setting for this stunning family home are the equally superb gardens beyond, bathed in light yet privately screened with an abundance of mature trees and beautiful shrubs including Copper Beech, Acers, Rhododendrons, Lilacs and Laburnum. Accessed from the side or via the French doors to the rear is the outstanding split-level flagstone terrace, with a wooden arbour to the side that carries a fine Wisteria. Steps lead down from the terrace directly to the extensive sweeping lawns. Upwood has an enviable position to both the fore and rear gardens with its exceptionally large plot, very private frontage, ample private parking, concealed rear gardens, orchard and tennis court.
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To the back of the garden through the orchard lies a 10 foot high original Victorian brick wall, adorned across the entire length of the wall with two magnificent mature Wisteria trees and a ‘secret garden’ doorway to the centre with steps beyond leading down to the pristine all weather tennis court.
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Upwood has been the most wonderful family home,” says Barbara. “It’s spacious, elegant, comfortable and the garden is simply stunning. I’ll miss everything about it.”
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This enables fast onward travel to London and the South East and Birmingham International Airport, now an internationally recognised hub for travel to most major European cities as well as Asia and North America. The re-developed Longbridge area, only a short drive away, provides for a high profile Marks & Spencer, further high street shopping and recreation facilities. All of which compliments existing destinations that include Bromsgrove, central Birmingham, Solihull (Touchwood Shopping Centre), Worcester and Cheltenham.
BARNT GREEN
If education is a priority the village has a sought after primary school, At Andrews Church of England, from where children can progress to secondary schooling within Barnt Green encapsulates an intoxicating mix of accessibility and lifestyle in a village that the Bromsgrove District.The ease of access to the railway network also makesretains Barnt a timeless charm. In fact a recent article in the Sunday Times (November 2016) was quoted as saying ‘when considering the best villages in the Uk to live ‘Barnt Green, just Green village a popular family location for those seeking access to the independent schooling sector with children travelling daily to Worcester (King’s School, south Royal of Birmingham, can rightly consider itself a cut above: it is hundreds of feet above sea level Grammar School), Bromsgrove (Bromsgrove School) and Birmingham (The Kingin the Lickey Hills, known as “little Switzerland”. The village has fashion boutiques, a good butcher and great schools, and you can zip to the city centre or the airport on the Edward Schools).
motorway in 30 minutes’.
Barnt Green encapsulates an intoxicating mix of accessibility and lifestyle in a This villagethriving settlement, established as a result of the coming of the railways during the that retains a timeless charm. reign of Queen Victoria, has evolved as a result of its wonderful setting in the hills of
North Worcestershire and its proximity for easy commuting to Birmingham and a range of important commercial centres within central England. The village is now blessed with a full range of local amenities, including a bustling shopping area, destination pubs and sports and recreational facilities. Barnt Green gives its name to both a long established cricket club and sailing club, and the excellent Blackwell Golf Club is also close by. On the edge of Barnt Green lies the Lickey Hills, a haven for wildlife and stunning woodland this 524 acre park offers the most wonderful recreation area for all the family. With a golf course, children’s park and fabulous walks across Lickey Ridge, Beacon Hill and the hilltops, this is an area of outstanding natural beauty for all to enjoy. In addition to the “Cross-City” railway line (Redditch to Lichfield, via Birmingham Grand Central) and the Birmingham to Worcester line, the village is strategically positioned for ready access to the motorway network – this enables fast onward travel to London and the South East and Birmingham International Airport, now an internationally recognised hub for travel to most major European cities as well as Asia and North America.
The property is only a short drive away from high street shopping and recreational facilities. Retail destinations within easy reach include central Birmingham, Solihull (Touchwood Shopping Centre), Worcester and Cheltenham. If education is a priority the village has a sought after primary school, St Andrews Church of England, from where children can progress to secondary schooling within the Bromsgrove District. The ease of access to the railway network also makes Barnt Green village a popular family location for those seeking access to the independent schools sector with children travelling daily to Worcester (King’s School Worcester and Royal Grammar School), Bromsgrove (Bromsgrove School) and Birmingham (The Schools of King Edward IV).
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20/06/2016 13:27
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Tenure: The property is Freehold with vacant possession upon completion of the purchase. Services: Gas Fired Central Heating, Mains Electric, Septic Tank, Local Authority: Bromsgrove District Council
Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg. No. 04018410. Registered office address: 1 Regent Street, Rugby CV21 2PE copyright Š 2017 Fine & Country Ltd.
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Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. * These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent. Printed 09.06.2017
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FINE & COUNTRY UPWOOD Built in 1886 Upwood is a stunning example of Victorian architecture with exquisite renaissance and medieval influences. This exceptional nine bedroomed residence occupies an outstanding position in the much sought after Barnt Green village in the heart of leafy Worcestershire. Presented to the very highest of standards, it offers the perfect blend of contemporary period and boasts impressive design throughout.
Fine & Country is a global network of estate agencies specialising in the marketing, sale and rental of luxury residential property. With offices in the UK, Australia, Egypt, France, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Namibia, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, The Channel Islands, UAE, USA and West Africa we combine the widespread exposure of the international marketplace with the local expertise and knowledge of carefully selected independent property professionals. Fine & Country appreciates the most exclusive properties require a more compelling, sophisticated and intelligent presentation - leading to a common, yet uniquely exercised and successful strategy emphasising the lifestyle qualities of the property.
THE FINE & COUNTRY FOUNDATION
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This unique approach to luxury homes marketing delivers high quality, intelligent and creative concepts for property promotion combined with the latest technology and marketing techniques. We understand moving home is one of the most important decisions you make; your home is both a financial and emotional investment. With Fine & Country you benefit from the local knowledge, experience, expertise and contacts of a well trained, educated and courteous team of professionals, working to make the sale or purchase of your property as stress free as possible.
The production of these particulars has generated a ÂŁ10 donation to the Fine & Country Foundation, charity no. 1160989, striving to relieve homelessness. Visit fineandcountry.com/uk/foundation
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Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0)121 746 6400 solihull@fineandcountry.com Joseph House, 970 Stratford Road, Solihull, West Midlands B90 4ED
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Upwood 8 Shepley Road | Barnt Green | Birmingham | B45 8JW 08/06/2017 17:10