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.