Coventry, West Midlands

THE RETREAT

The Retreat is a characterful detached family home located on a quiet country lane, on the outskirts of Balsall Common. The property dates back to the 18th Century, still showcasing many of its original features such as the exposed wooden beams & timber oak Porch, all with that rustic & quirky feel of it’s own.

Benefiting from a fully insulated “Arts & Crafts” oak timber Workshop with vaulted ceilings which has been future proofed with full foundations that could take a two-story extension, with the added twist of two En Suites & the sanctuary of a secluded mature front garden.

ACCOMMODATION SUMMARY

Upon reaching The Retreat you’re greeted by a five-bar gate onto a private driveway, leading onto an ample drive with parking for numerous of vehicles. To the front of the home you’re flanked to both sides with cottage-style garden beds, and the Porch which was made from the original oak beams dating back to 1837.

The original oak beam & brick-built Porch with oak stable-style front door, vaulted ceiling, windows to both sides & front, and a further oak stable door leading into the entrance of the home.

To the left as you enter The Retreat, you’re into the Lounge with double glazed window to front overlooking the tranquil garden, exposed wooden beams, original bread oven, dado rail with wood panelling, traditional radiator, recessed lights, wooden flooring, original feature wood burner, storage available with an ample cupboard to store your coats & boots, and versatile as it has a Wine Cellar in there too.

Entering what is currently being utilised as a Study, but throughout its lifetime has also been a Nursery, a Teenager’s Entertainment Room and a Breakfast Room, with double glazed window to front overlooking the manicured garden, double set of stable doors opening onto your side access & Entertainment Patio, radiator, recessed lights and wooden flooring.

The Laundry Room with double glazed window to rear, wooden flooring, space for appliances & radiator, which leads onto a Downstairs Cloakroom with double glazed obscure window to side, and a suite comprising of low-level WC & wash hand basin.

To the right where you enter The Retreat, you’re greeted into the Kitchen/Breakfast Room with double glazed window overlooking the manicured garden, exposed wooden beams, recessed lights, wooden flooring, kitchen comprising of eye level wall units with cupboards & draws under incorporated wooden work surfaces, two inset Belfast sinks with mixer taps which overlook your peaceful idyllic views, a leisure cooker with five ring gas hob, two ovens & plate warmer, BOSCH canopy extractor, plumbing for dishwasher & space for further appliances, door leading to an Inner Hallway which leads to the First Floor Landing, two traditional radiators, dado rail with wood panelling and part tiling.

The Inner Hallway, which leads to a Utility Area with plumbing for washing machine & houses the boiler; into the converted oak framed Workshop, currently being used as an Arts & Crafts Room and has footings for a two-storey extension subject to planning permission, continues with the character features of the exposed wooden beams, exposed brickwork, vaulted ceiling, double glazed window to front overlooking the secluded garden, separate door to front leading onto the front garden, traditional radiator, inset sink & drainer with mixer taps, extractor fan and space for further appliances; and into the separate Downstairs Cloakroom with low level WC & wash hand basin, character Marvel-themed walls, and wooden flooring.

Seller Insight

Situated on the outskirts of the charming rural village of Balsall Common is The Retreat, a picture-perfect country cottage that has been beautifully renovated and refurbished by the current owners. “When we came across the house back in 2008, it’s fair to say that it had seen better days,” says the owner. “It had all become too much for the previous owner and it was close to being derelict. When it went up for sale we submitted an offer and so did a developer, but his intention was to knock it down and in its place build two brand-new homes. However, our intention was to renovate the house and transform it back into the beautiful family home it was always meant to be, and thankfully we were the successful buyers.”

“The house has been extensively remodelled, but all of the work has been done extremely sympathetically in order to maintain the building’s original character and charm. We added extensions on either side, reusing a lot of the old bricks; we went up into the roof to create a large master suite – which has a sitting area that could easily be turned into bedroom five – and we also reused some of the old oak beams to create an attractive porch on the front of the house. The interior has also been beautifully updated, but we’ve restored and enhanced all of the lovely period features, and elements behind the scenes such as the electrics have been brought up to modern standards. It’s now really comfortable and characterful period property and one that has all the benefits of a modern home.”

“The garden is another really nice feature. It’s mainly laid to lawn and surrounded by high hedging so it’s very private, and there are fruit trees dotted here and there including an apple tree that’s probably as old as the house. The garden is east facing so during the summer months it tends to get full sun throughout the day, and that old apple tree provides a lovely amount of shade. As well as the garden we also have a large driveway on which we can probably park up to nine cars, which is very handy when we have friends and family to visit.”

“The lounge is definitely one of my favourite rooms. It features a large inglenook and the old bread oven so it has lots of character, and we’ve installed a wood burner, which creates a really cosy atmosphere when it’s cold and miserable outside.”

“For us the location has been absolutely superb. We’re on the outskirts of the village, surrounded by rolling farmland so we’ve been able to enjoy all the benefits of countryside living. However, we also benefit from being just five miles from Kenilworth, eight miles from both Coventry and Solihull, and fifteen miles from Birmingham city centre.”

“During the renovation process we added a large garage/workshop, which we future proofed by putting in full footings. Therefore – subject to planning – it could be converted into an annex or a home office. The possibilities are endless.”

“Sadly, there aren’t too many period properties left in the area so for us The Retreat was a real find and it’s been wonderful to be able to restore it back into a really beautiful and highly individual family home,” says the owner. “We’ll be sad to leave the house, it’s been a wonderful home, and we’ll also miss this beautiful setting.”

* 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.

SLEEPING QUARTERS

Through the Kitchen’s oak door up to the First Floor Landing, is spacious, light & airy, with two double glazed skylights allowing that natural light to flood through, vaulted high ceilings and recessed lighting.

The Principal Bedroom with double glazed window to rear overlooking the sanctuary of the secluded garden, two double built-in wardrobes, traditional radiator; with its own luxury En Suite with a vaulted skylight window allowing natural light to flood through, suite comprising of a walk-in shower cubicle with waterfall shower, wash hand basin & low-level WC, part tiling, shaver point, recessed lights and heated towel rail.

Bedroom Three with double glazed window to front overlooking the manicured garden, storage in the eaves, traditional radiator and the original chimney breast feature from the downstairs inglenook fireplace.

Bedroom Four with double glazed window to front overlooking the mature apple trees, and radiator.

Family Bathroom with double glazed obscure window to side, suite comprising of cast iron style sunken bath with mixer taps & shower attachment, wash hand basin with vanity unit and low-level WC, recessed lights, extractor fan, shaver point, and traditional radiator with towel rail.

From the First Floor Landing and following up a further set of stairs onto the Second Floor Landing, with vaulted ceilings and further storage space, doorway leading to Bedroom Two which would make the ideal room for your young adults or teenagers; with double glazed skylight window to side giving you idyllic views overlooking your garden, traditional radiator, high ceilings; its own En Suite with double glazed skylight window to rear, suite comprising of walk-in shower cubicle with shower attachment, low level WC & wash hand basin, traditional radiator with towel rail; and with its own further cosy sitting room for your movie or gaming nights with double glazed skylight window to front overlooking the outstanding views of the rolling British countryside & your manicured garden, and traditional radiator.

Outside

At The Retreat, you’re greeted by a five bar gated driveway leading onto ample parking for numerous vehicles. The east-facing manicured garden, which is to the front of this home and dates back to the early 18th century, is private and secluded throughout the whole entity from your foliage & fencing with a variety of mature fruit trees including cherry, damson, olive & pear. An original “Water Well” is positioned under the apple tree which has been rumoured to be the same age as the house, and currently capped & filled. The front of the home is flanked to both sides with cottage-style flowerbeds, shrubs, trees, hedgerows & plants. To one side of the garden is your own peaceful sanctuary spot to sit in the shade on those early summer mornings, with a further secluded sanctuary area to the rear of the garden taking in those idyllic views & the glorious home, and electric points are also available. To the side of the home, you have an Entertainment Area, currently being utilised on those summer weekend evenings for alfresco dining with family & friends, and two ample storage sheds with power, light & insulation.

LOCATION

The Retreat can be found on a quiet country lane just outside Balsall Common and benefits from all the village’s facilities yet located in a peaceful setting. Balsall Common serves as a commuter village, as is situated between Kenilworth, Coventry, Solihull & Birmingham. The village is conveniently located with ease of access for the NEC, Birmingham Airport, and railway stations with access to London within an hour. Today, the centre of the village is the shopping centre where Station Road crosses Kenilworth Road. Excellent country pubs, restaurants, and numerous countryside walks in close proximity for many outdoor activities with the family.

Several Junior schools are within easy reach (2 miles) as well as an excellent senior school.

Buses for the excellent local private schools have a collection / drop off point at the end of the road less than 500 yards away.

Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg No 09929046 VAT Reg No: 232999961

Head Office Address: 5 Regent Street Rugby CV21 2PE

Copyright © 2023 Fine & Country Midlands Ltd.

Services

Electric - Mains

Heating –Gas

Water - Mains

Sewerage – Mains

Local Authority

Freehold

EPC Rating C

Council Tax Band D (North Warwickshire Council)

Viewing Arrangements

Strictly via the vendors sole agents; Fine & Country Coventry on 02476-50015 & Graham Howell on 07972-616405

Website

For more information visit www.fineandcountry.com/uk/coventry

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday 9.00-17.30

Saturday 9.00-16.30

Sunday By Appointment Only

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. Printed 07.07.2023

GRAHAM HOWELL PARTNER AGENT

Fine & Country Coventry

Tel: 07972 616405 | 024 7650 0015

Email: graham.howell@fineandcountry.com

Graham is a well-established figure within the property profession before joining Fine & Country team and is a great role model for the brand. He is a passionate expert with a wealth of success stories for helping people with marketing strategies and secure the best price for their home.

His experience affords him to share his knowledge with clients with the added benefit of also being a property expert and has a wealth of experience in learning & development in the industry. This training has been follow by both new and old agents to raise the bar on standards in the industry. Graham lives on the outskirts of Coventry with his son Stan.

Prior coming to Fine & Country, Graham has won numerous awards throughout his 17 years’ experience within the industry.

FINE & COUNTRY

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.

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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.