I have a cottage that has just come available, holiday lets are not compatible with the farm business, I do not know whether to let it or sell it?

The residential sales market has been operating at above average levels now for almost 12 months. Most properties launched are witnessing good levels of interest with most bids coming in at asking price and of course many at above. We are also launching some properties to market as already ‘under offer.’ So, if a sale is right for your capital assets, without doubt now is the time to take advantage of a strangely strong market.

Recent research on properties in the SY3 postcode shows three and four bedroom homes had risen by a staggering average of 14% over the last 12-month cycle. Although by itself this could cause one worry as it is not sustainable on a year-on-year basis, the fact that we are still well priced compared to the Chesters, Gloucesters and Cheltenhams of this world, gives me some comfort.

As a result, my team are thoroughly plugged in unearthing all potential leads that are core to our portfolio of clients, on brand and ready for the not insignificant stack of buyers, both on our database and in the market, many of whom are seeking to move in from outside the county, further endorsing Shropshire’s value for money.

We would be delighted to hear from you, but of course should you decide letting is the answer, head of lettings, Jackie Monro, has a strong portfolio of potential rural tenants. This together with comprehensive checks will assure you, as landlord, that all is legally correct. Beyond that initial letting there is the option of management bespoke to individual landlord needs.

A stunning period residence, set within a sought-after village, four miles north west of Hereford and with direct access to nine acres of stunning amenity land is on the market with Balfours.

St Mary’s House, Burghill, is an impressive and immaculately presented home providing four reception rooms, plus conservatory, five double bedrooms, including two en-suite and two additional bathrooms.

From the entrance porch an exceptionally generous hall gives access to the reception rooms; each has a minimum of two sash windows, with the drawing room benefitting from four on two aspects. High ceilings enhance the generous and well-balanced rooms, with traditional fireplaces and plus log burners featuring too.

The large and well-equipped kitchen, breakfast room is no exception, natural light floods in from two aspects and overlooks the garden, which is accessed via the adjacent conservatory. External credentials incorporate a sweeping driveway, surrounding gardens extending to a third of an acre, double garage and workshop.

Scott Kemsley, Balfours Ludlow sales manager comments: “This property delivers at every level, its period architecture is to be found throughout and is especially so in the breath-taking reception hall featuring arched architrave and ceiling mouldings. The Master suite is of magnificent proportions and befitting of the property there is a large cellar which could be converted into a games room, or additional living space.

“St Mary’s House provides the exceptional benefit of access to St Mary’s Park: The stunning amenity land incorporates a deer park, lake and Arboretum offering fantastic on the doorstep countryside for recreational well-being,” Scott adds.

The city of Hereford boasts a full range of services, while an exceptional choice of state and independent schools includes Burghill Primary, Lucton School and Hereford Cathedral School. Road links to Birmingham and the Midlands are approximately one hour, while Bristol is an hour and a half. Back home, several golf clubs, National Hunt racing and river leisure are all close-by. St Mary’s House is marketed with a guide price of £1,100,000, call Balfours on 01584 707100 for more information.

A rural three-bedroom dormer bungalow with stunning views over the South Shropshire hills has been launched to the market with Balfours.

Oakdene, Pulverbatch, is near equidistance between Shrewsbury and Church Stretton, each being some 15 minutes’ drive. The property offers landscaped gardens with summerhouse, sun terrace, a studio, storage shed, garage and off-road parking.

Internally the well-designed accommodation, via porch through to the hallway which gives access to the open plan living and dining room on one side with two bedrooms on the opposite side, a bathroom and stairs; leading to the third bedroom and bathroom on the first floor.

The open plan living space incorporates a multi fuel stove with bay window and French doors. The dining room offers access to the kitchen which has a fresh feel, with ample natural light, storage, and worktop.

Scott Kemsley, Ludlow sales manager comments: “I have no doubt Oakdene will tick the boxes for many, this is an excellent location, within the vibrant parish of Pulverbatch, where there is a popular public house, church and village hall and it even enjoys mains gas central heating. We are marketing with a guide price of £420,000.” Call 01584 707100.

A rare opportunity for a green fingered entrepreneur to grow fruit, flowers and vegetables, just five miles north of Shrewsbury. The classic late Victorian walled garden (pictured) is the perfect place extending to just over two acres, to provide the foundations for a horticultural business.

 Offered to let by Balfours, Lucy Cooke comments: “This is an exciting prospect to utilise the superb purpose designed micro-climate conditions the walled garden offers, to grow all manner of vegetables, fruit and cut flowers. It is much more than a business opportunity; the walled garden encompasses a very special atmosphere where you can be at one with nature in beautiful rural and historic surroundings, and yet so incredibly convenient to Shrewsbury.”

 Balfours welcome further enquiries from keen gardeners who are either established, or seeking a start-up venture.  For more information, call or email Lucy, 01743 241181, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Falkland Manor is a well presented and generously proportioned family home with exceptional views across south Shropshire.

Located on the edge of Dorrington village this bespoke architect designed property extends to six bedrooms, with three en-suites, with the potential for home offices or annex living within. Local amenities are to be found in Dorrington, while Shrewsbury is just 15 minutes’ drive, Church Stretton is close by too, as is access to the trunk road network, to the Midlands and North West.

Set within its own large gardens incorporating drive, ample parking and two double garages, Falkland Manor offers an impressive welcome. The hallway is of grand proportions with central staircase to gallery landing achieving an alluring design.

Oak double doors to either side exude grand entrances to the two sizeable reception rooms, each providing wonderful views from bay windows together with fireplace creature comfort. The ground floor incorporates three additional reception rooms, currently used as study, dining room and conservatory. The kitchen is well equipped with ample room for table and has pantry and utility off.

One of the two double garages is integral to the house and includes a workshop all of which, subject to planning, could provide independent living space. Balfours Ludlow sales manager, Scott Kemsley comments: “This property has so much going for it, not least its immense proportions for a traditionally built modern house. In addition to the main living space there are delightful gardens providing lawns, herbaceous borders, a vegetable garden and walled rear garden with raised fishpond; plus an external home office.” Falklands is marketed with a guide price of £875,000, call Balfours on 01584 707100.

A four-bedroom listed property plus annex, all of which is exceptionally well connected to Telford, Shrewsbury and Stafford, has been launched to the market by Balfours.

Cherrington Grange is complemented with nearly six acres and a one-bedroom annex. Charlie Giffard, Balfours Associate Partner, Country House Sales says the former farmstead that formed part of the Duke of Sutherland’s Lilleshall estate, is of exceptional quality. “The rooms are all of generous size and with character reflecting its grade II listing, incorporating beams, inglenook fireplaces and traditional floors.

“Its location­ on the edge of the hamlet of Cherrington, some six miles from Newport, provide the best of all worlds. Beyond the gravelled gate approach and gardens are fabulous views of open countryside, yet the Midlands and two major county towns are within easy reach.”

The farmhouse kitchen diner with marble quartz worktop and feature brick and stone inglenook with Range cooker has dual aspect windows. Ground floor accommodation includes large lounge with bay window and Clearview wood-burner in inglenook; dining room, a generous south facing family room plus reception hall with several inner lobbies, utility and cloakroom.

The master bedroom benefits from en-suite and balcony while two additional bedrooms on the first floor, plus one on the second floor, share the family bathroom.

The one-bedroom annex is perfectly designed with entrance hall opening to kitchen area, the generous lounge diner and to the bedroom, with en-suite off. Charlie adds: “Cherrington Grange has tremendous appeal ticking many sought-after requisites – including the opportunity for multi-generational living or homeworking, plus of course opportunity for a rural life with two fields.”  The package is marketed with a guide price of £910,000, call Balfours on 01743 353511.