West Grove Farquhar Road | Edgbaston | Birmingham
WEST GROVE West Grove is a stunning Victorian, seven bedroom, detached family residence occupying an impressive plot of over half an acre on one of Birmingham’s most desirable roads. The grandeur of the property is borne out by the wealth of original features, huge proportioned rooms, tall sash windows, substantial frontage and stunning rear gardens with an outdoor swimming pool.
This family home has been lovingly restored and maintained to a high standard over the years and care has been taken to retain and enhance the multitude of original features. At approximately 6000ft2, the accommodation briefly comprises of: a large private frontage with ample off road parking, impressive reception hall with stunning original Minton flooring, three reception rooms, a lovely breakfast kitchen, orangery, utility, good sized cellar, seven double bedrooms and three bathrooms laid over two upper floors, double tandem garaging with an excellent coach house apartment above consisting of an open plan kitchen and living room, double bedroom and bathroom. There is a charming courtyard area, patios and extensive matured lawned garden with a good sized swimming pool. The imposing front entrance to West Grove is via double solid wooden front doors which sit under a fabulous glazed Gothic arch. The enclosed entrance porch then leads into the most impressive entrance hall with the magnificently refurbished Minton flooring that extends throughout the large reception hall.
GROUND FLOOR ACCOMMODATION Leading from the spacious hallway are three excellent reception rooms. To the front of the property is the elegant Dining Room with its centre piece original open fireplace with a marble surround, the striking central ceiling rose, beautiful cornices, oak flooring and triple tall sash windows allowing plenty of natural light to flood the room – the perfect space for formal dining or family celebrations. Double doors lead from the dining room into the delightful Orangery, bathed in light and fully glazed there is a well-established grape vine growing across the entire ceiling creating a wonderful botanical feel to relax and enjoy with glazed doors leading to an expansive patio area and the gardens beyond. The Drawing Room is both impressive and grand, with decorative cornices and roses to the ceiling, exquisite parquet wood floor and a most attractive marble fireplace with a painted carved wood surround. The large bay window allows outstanding views of the rear gardens and allows access to the rear terrace from central glazed doors. Again overlooking the rear grounds and having a multitude of uses, the third reception room, with its oak parquet flooring, tall sash windows and fitted book shelves makes an ideal study but is equally ideal as a cosy snug or perhaps a children’s play room.
At the rear of the property is the lovely Breakfast Kitchen housing an excellent range of high quality cream painted wooden units with black granite work surfaces and a central island unit. Integrated appliances include two integrated double fridges and an integrated dishwasher. There is also an electric oven, large gas fired Aga and a four-ring induction hob. To the floor are large natural stone tiles, whilst a total of four windows to the side and rear elevations provide superb natural light and views across the rear gardens. The utility room off the kitchen has a door leading door leading to the courtyard and has a good range of matching units and work surfaces. Two cloakrooms with wc’s complete the ground floor accommodation; one being a large room off the reception hall, the other conveniently situated adjacent to the kitchen. The good sized cellars provide ample storage space and have screeded floors and painted walls as well as power and lighting. A Potterton Osprey 2-floor standing gas central heating boiler is located here.
Seller Insight This handsome Victorian family home enjoys a prime location on one of Edgbaston’s most sought after residential roads. “My husband and I purchased this house in 1994, and it was its character and brightness as well as the sheer beauty of the garden that initially attracted us to it,” says Suzie. “We had two young children at the time and my parents were also living with us; the house offered all the space that we needed to live very comfortably without feeling on top of one another.” “We didn’t actually find the property through an agent, we were heading out for dinner one evening and happened to drive past. A friend told us that it was about to be put on the market, so the next morning we arranged a viewing, and I can honestly say it was love at first sight; I often say that the house found us. It was definitely in need of renovation, so over the years we’ve gradually worked our way through and it’s now beautiful throughout and in excellent decorative order.” “The garden, though beautiful, was very overgrown when we first moved here,” continues Suzie, “and so I employed a professional landscape gardener to bring it back to its former glory. We have a very large raised terrace, edged with deep beds of fragrant flowers, and steps lead down to a large expanse of lawn. Right in the middle we have the swimming pool, which is a gorgeous feature, and as we are all keen swimmers, it’s something that has provided us with an awful lot of enjoyment.” “I’d say that the drawing room is probably my favourite part of the house,” says Suzie. “It’s very large and has wonderfully high ceilings. It’s bright and elegant, and a fabulous space to entertain in.” “The location is absolutely ideal, I can stroll into Harborne, which has everything; it’s convenient for Birmingham city centre, and the schools are excellent, so it’s a lovely place to bring up a family.” “Separate to the main house is the Coach House,” says Suzie. “It’s a onebedroom apartment that’s situated above the garage, and since we had it completely renovated it’s been a great space for visiting family and guests.” 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.
It’s the comfort and peace that I’ll miss most when the time comes to leave. Even when the house was full of family it always had a very tranquil atmosphere. West Grove has been a wonderful home.
FIRST FLOOR ACCOMMODATION The spacious landing is light and airy with three tall sash windows around the stairs. There are four generous sized bedrooms which are served by two bathrooms, one of which is an en-suite. With a front aspect, the master bedroom has a wide bay window overlooking Farquhar Road. This substantial room has a lovely marble fireplace with a working gas fire, exquisite parquet flooring, and charming original cornices and roses. There is also direct access to one of the bathrooms which can also be accessed from the landing. The second bedroom has a lovely rear aspect with three sash windows set in a bay to the rear. There is extensive fitted furniture to one wall and a smart en-suite shower room with large walk-in shower, wc and wash basin set into a vanity unit. Both bedrooms three and four benefit from views across the rear gardens and are lovely light double bedrooms. SECOND FLOOR ACCOMMODATION To the second floor leading from the landing there are three further double bedrooms. The largest of these bedrooms has been used as an office and is fitted with desks as well as bookshelves and drawers. Another of the bedrooms has extensive fitted wardrobes to one wall and an en-suite bathroom comprising wc, wash basin and bath with shower over. The remaining bedroom has fitted furniture to one wall including wardrobe, drawers and an inset wash basin.
An excellent feature of this property is the fine two-storey converted Coach House which is accessed across the courtyard from the main residence. This beautifully converted self-contained apartment is both spacious and contemporary in dĂŠcor. As displayed below, open plan living accommodation is combined with a fully fitted kitchen with granite worktops and integrated appliances. The inner hall leads to a double bedroom with extensive fitted furniture and an excellent bathroom with a bath, wc, wash basin and a corner multi-jet shower enclosure. As with many of the premium properties on Farquhar Road, the entrance is wide and very private, set behind mature high hedgerows offering excellent screening from passers-by. The large driveway offers ample parking for several cars and a low level brick wall creates a neat and tidy border to mature shrubs. A high, original red brick wall with mature greenery coverage leads to the first Coach House door behind which lies the courtyard and further enclosed parking area. The second Coach House door offers direct access to a tandem garage for two cars. The grounds are diverse, well-established and well-maintained both at the front and rear. With the total plot size at just over half an acre, the stunning rear garden is both generous and impressive. A charming raised terrace runs the full width of the house. Steps lead down through attractive rose beds to the substantial lawn which is flanked by deep borders, well-stocked with mature shrubs and trees to provide privacy. Part way down the garden is an outdoor heated swimming pool with paved surround.
EDGBASTON Traditionally one of the most upmarket and affluent areas of Birmingham, Edgbaston is referred to as “where the trees begin”. This picturesque leafy suburb is home to both the University of Birmingham and the Edgbaston Cricket Ground. A wide range of schools for children of all ages are available both in the state and private sectors. Examples are West House and Hallfield Preparatory Schools, The Blue Coat School, Edgbaston High School for Girls, St George’s, The Priory and King Edward Foundation Schools and a choice of excellent grammar schools for both boys and girls. There are also good state schools in Harborne Village such as St Mary’s Roman Catholic School, St Peters Church of England School, Harborne Infants and Junior School and Chad Vale. There are superb medical facilities in the area both in the NHS and private sectors, they include the new University Hospital NHS Trust, Selly Oak NHS Trust, The Women’s Hospital, The Edgbaston Nuffield and Priory Hospitals and The Princess Diana Hospital for Children. Edgbaston Priory Tennis & Squash Club, Edgbaston, Harborne and Moseley Golf Clubs, Harborne Hockey & Cricket Club, The Archery Tennis Club, and the prestigious Warwickshire Cricket Club are all within easy reach. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens are nearby, as is Cannon Hill Park with its Midlands Arts Centre and the exciting Barber Institute of Art at Birmingham University. In the past few years the area around Broad Street, linking Five Ways to the city centre has been developed and improved to provide excellent business and recreational facilities. Within a mile stretch can be found the International Convention Centre with its superb conference facilities and the world-renowned Symphony Hall, home to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. The National Indoor Arena, venue for many international sporting and cultural events, is close to the same complex as is The Birmingham Repertory Theatre, The Hyatt and Marriott Hotels, numerous restaurants bars and bistros. Birmingham is also the base for The Birmingham Royal Ballet. The world famous Royal Shakespearean Theatre at Stratford-upon-Avon is about an hour away by car.
BIRMINGHAM Lying at the seat of England’s industrial and commercial heartland, the “Second City” is the very model of a beaming cosmopolitan global city that sets the standard for others to mirror. Increasingly recognised as an important cultural hub with the Birmingham Royal Ballet based in the city, along with a magnificent and striking new library. Birmingham also boasts some of the best shopping in Europe with the superb Bullring Shopping Centre containing over 140 shops including a flagship Selfridges department store. The exclusive Mailbox development is host to a range of designer stores including Armani and Harvey Nichols. Alongside outstanding museums and galleries you’ll find an increasing number of gastronomic restaurants, cool and/or secret cocktail bars and picturesque canals with waterside bars, restaurants, attractions and cruises. Thriving legacies of Birmingham’s industrial heritage include its Jewellery Quarter, Cadbury manufacturing plant and a former custard factory that’s been transformed into a cutting-edge creative hub. With construction on the High Speed Rail (HS2) line – connecting London with Birmingham in just 45 minutes by 2026 – set to boost employment and the economy, ‘Brum’, as it’s dubbed by locals, is buzzing.
Location The property’s position is excellent, being within easy reach of Harborne High Street, The Priory Tennis Club, Edgbaston Golf Course, Birmingham University campus, the new flagship hospital, the private Priory and Nuffield hospitals, plus a range of excellent schools including King Edward’s and Edgbaston High. It’s also perfectly located for canal walks, which take you right into Birmingham city centre. Motorways Perfectly located for the M6 with speedy links to the M6 Toll, M42, M40, M5 and M1 – commuters can reach London within 1 ½ hours. Birmingham International Airport and the NEC are within a 25 minute drive where the main line railway into London Euston can be found. Railway Stations The property is within walking distance of University train station providing a direct link to Birmingham New Street and the City Centre. Airports Birmingham International Airport is located 16.9 miles away which, via the M6, is approximately 25 minutes drive. East Midlands Airport is 42.7 miles away which, via the M42 and A42, is approximately 45 minutes drive.
EDGBASTON BIRMINGHAM • 117 miles from London • Easy access to M6, M6 Toll, M42, M40, M5 • Local train links: University, Selly Oak, Five Ways, Birmingham New Street
Fine & Country West Midlands Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg No. 04018410 l VAT Reg No: 754062833 Registered Office: Newman Property Services, 1 Regent Street, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 2PE
M40
Agents Notes
80 Farquhar Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2QJ
Gas Fired Central Heating
Approximate Gross Internal Area = 428.8 sq m / 4616 sq ft Cellar = 46.2 sq m / 497 sq ft Coach House = 109.3 sq m / 1176 sq ft Total = 584.3 sq m / 6289 sq ft
Mains Electric & Water Telephone/Broadband Local Authority Birmingham City Council Council Tax Band H
Bedroom 1 6.73 x 3.90 22'1 x 12'10
Bedroom 6 4.00 x 3.63 13'1 x 11'11
Viewing Arrangements Strictly via the vendors sole agents Fine & Country on
B
0121 746 6400
Up Dn
3.16 x 1.86 10'4 x 6'1
Opening Hours
Cellar 4.91 x 3.92 16'1 x 12'10
B
Second Floor
Cellar
Monday to Friday 8:30am – 6:30pm
Bedroom 3 5.58 x 2.39 18'4 x 7'10
Saturday 9:00am – 4:00pm Sunday viewings/appointments available Bedroom 4.06 x 3.81 13'4 x 12'6
= Reduced headroom below 1.5m / 5'0
Sitting Room 6.67 x 4.92 21'11 x 16'2
Sitting Room 5.07 x 3.64 16'8 x 11'11
Kitchen 6.15 x 3.62 20'2 x 11'11
Bedroom 7 4.00 x 3.31 13'1 x 10'10 T
2.50 x 2.44 8'2 x 8'0 Up Dn Dn
Up
Dining Room 5.83 x 4.93 19'2 x 16'2
Ground Floor
Conservatory 6.37 x 5.33 20'11 x 17'6
Bedroom 5 5.03 x 4.74 16'6 x 15'7
Garage 12.46 x 3.89 40'11 x 12'9
Coach House: 109.3 sq m / 1176 sq ft Total: 584.3 sq m / 6289 sq ft Kitchen 5.02 x 2.27 16'6 x 7'5
Dn Dn
First Floor
Up
Sitting Room 3.80 x 3.60 12'6 x 11'10
B
Coach House Ground Floor IN
Coach House First Floor
(Not Shown In Actual Location / Orientation)
FLOORPLANZ © 2016 0845 6344080 Ref: 170905 This plan is for layout guidance only. Drawn in accordance with RICS guidelines. Not drawn to scale unless stated. Windows & door openings are approximate. Whilst every care is taken in the preparation of this plan, please check all dimensions, shapes & compass bearings before making any decisions reliant upon them.
Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and quoted in metric with imperial equivalents 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 02/08/2016
Main House: 428.8 sq m / 4616 sq ft Cellar: 46.2 sq m / 497 sq ft
Bedroom 4 4.95 x 4.90 16'3 x 16'1
Bedroom 2 5.80 x 4.95 19'0 x 16'3
Approximate Gross Internal Area
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Illustration for identification purposes only. Measurements are approximate only.
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, Ireland, The Channel Islands, France, Spain, Hungary, Portugal, Russia, Dubai, Egypt, South Africa, West Africa and Namibia 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.
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Fine & Country West Midlands Tel: +44 (0) 121 746 6400 solihull@fineandcountry.com 10 970 Stratford Road, Solihull, B90 4ED
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