They say things happen in threes’ and for Balfours land agent, Jack Cooper, that has certainly been the case.

Having joined the firm three years ago, Jack passed his The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) earlier this summer, not long after he was promoted to an Associate in the business, and most recently he has added marriage to a momentous year.

“It has been a full-on but fantastic year, I’ve been fortunate at Balfours to have had the benefit of working on a wide range of rural estates, assisting several experienced land agents, namely Tim Perkins, Richard Jones-Perrott, and Charlie Fitzherbert-Brockholes. The APC scrutinises competence across a wide range of disciplines, is a crucial step towards taking on further responsibilities for our Clients, and gaining further experience to improve the professional services I am able to offer.”

Originally from the south of the country, Jack has tucked much experience under his belt, including serving as a Senior Midshipman at the Wales University Royal Naval Unit, and thereafter as a teacher, enabling a return to study in 2016 at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, completing a MSc in Rural Estate Management.

Swiftly moving to Shropshire to take up his position at Balfours, with his then girlfriend Alice, the couple now live near Montgomery, well placed for many of Balfours’ Clients, and enabling them to make the most of the opportunities the area has to offer.

Two Shropshire based agents have been appointed Associate Partners at Balfours.

Charlie Giffard, who grew up on the Shropshire, Staffordshire border, then spent ten years cutting his teeth in the London property market, before joining the Balfours sales team, and has now been made an associate partner.

Today he manages the firms Country House sales, throughout Shropshire and its borders with Staffordshire and mid-Wales. Reflecting on his appointment he says: “Having cut my teeth in London’s residential market, you really can take on anywhere. To return to Shropshire is very rewarding on two counts: I know and understand the geography and dynamics of the counties – and of course appreciate the fantastic and diverse lifestyle properties the area can offer.

Amy Henderson MRICS FAAV, has also been appointed an Associate Partner. Amy joined Balfours seven years ago after graduating from Harper Adams. In 2014 achieved her Assessment of Professional Competence to become a member of the Rural Institute of Chartered Surveyors and in the same year passing examinations to be awarded with a fellowship of Central Association of Agricultural Valuers.

Managing partner, Rory Galliers comments: “Charlie and Amy have worked hard work showing total commitment to Balfours and ultimately to our clients. Their commitment and achievements have been deservedly recognised with their new status in the business. We are also committed to bringing the next generation into the business.”

A classic Grade II listed Georgian town house in one of the UKs revered towns is on the market with Balfours. Mulberry House is found in Shropshire’s most southerly market town of Ludlow, which boasts a magnificent array of architecture and many cultural events and festivals.

Pleasing Symmetry

Situated in the quiet and sought after Corve Street, first impressions of Mulberry House present pleasing symmetry - true to its style with large sash windows. Step inside and the central hallway provides access to the three reception rooms and a kitchen breakfast room. A cloakroom and butler’s pantry complete the ground floor accommodation, while a cellar provides storage space.

There are four double bedrooms on the first floor, all of which have en-suite facilities, three with shower rooms and the fourth with a bathroom. Two well-proportioned rooms on the second floor are currently used as a study and library.

Balfours Ludlow sales manager, Scott Kemsley, comments: “This is truly a treasure. It has been sympathetically restored and enhanced by the current owners. It also benefits from a charming private garden to the rear featuring a Mulberry Tree. It wants for nothing, with shops and services on the doorstep, while golf and race course are both just down the road.”

He adds: “The fact that Ludlow has been voted one of the best places to live by several leading Newspapers – endorses the quality of life that can be enjoyed at Mulberry House which is marketed with a guide price of £795,000, with no upward chain.” Call Balfours on 01584 707100.

For further details please visit our Property Sales Page.

Asset Review Avoiding Latest Potholes

"I’ve been so busy dealing with the day to day detail within the business that I haven’t done the overview planning I know I should have – and when speaking to friends Brexit has been the main topic. What else should I be considering when planning to protect and grow the future of my land based business?"

Balfours managing partner, Rory Galliers, says: We have all been guilty of being pre-occupied by Brexit for far too long. It may have quietly passed you by for instance, that the interestingly named “Office for Tax Simplification” has suggested important changes to Inheritance Tax and the rebasing of Capital Gains Tax on death.

Government is currently considering a radical shake up of Agricultural Tenancies with the aim of making it easier for farmers to come into or leave the industry. The proposals as currently set out will create significant anxieties for landlords who, to protect their interests, are likely to take land in hand when opportunity allows, thereby reducing the availability of let land.

It is a similar story regarding amendments to residential letting legislation which continues apace. There must be a risk that those private landlords who do not use an agent, will not want to face the bureaucracy and sell up, reducing supply and increasing rents.

The Labour Party discussion paper “Land for the Many” pulls few punches in setting out what the political left would like to see. The title of the paper says it all.

Farm subsidies and grants are likely to move away from supporting food production to supporting biodiversity and the environment. The pioneering “rewilding” project on the Knepp Castle Estate in Sussex is thought provoking. The owners of this previously traditionally managed 3,500 acre estate decided to cut their farming losses and allow a return to nature. This triggered a remarkable reversal of their fortunes and that of biodiversity.

With this in mind we have created a new ‘Strategic Planning’ department within Balfours. Our dedicated team has both the time and experience to stand back with farmers and landowners and consider the issues that should really matter to them and their estate, farm or rural business enterprise and its unique situation.

Whilst many businesses will deal on a regular basis with one or more agent this is an opportunity to bring in a fresh pair of eyes and ears. We have consultants with years of experience and we have younger highly qualified professionals with new ideas and ways of thinking.

If your wish list includes four bedrooms, four stables, two workshops, three barns, land, landscaped gardens, summer house, green house, double garage – and a hot-tub - read on.

The Clerks Croft ticks all the boxes and is found in an idyllic location close to the hamlet of Thornbury, ten miles west of Leominster, with stunning views towards the Malvern Hills and Bromyard Downs. The property is sheltered by mature trees towards the end of a no through road, continuing as a bridleway, offering access to excellent hacking and walking.

Rare Find For Sale In Thornbury

Scott Kemsley, sales manager at Balfours estate agents Ludlow, comments: “This is one of those rare finds in an idyllic yet highly accessible location and is very well presented throughout with stunning gardens, 10.7 acres of essentially flat well fenced paddocks. Adjacent to the house a studio, games room offers potential for conversion, subject to planning.”

The house is light and airy with an entrance hall leading to four reception rooms. The dining room is open plan to the kitchen, with French doors from the dining room to the terraces and gardens. A good sized utility has a wc and outside access. Of the four bedrooms, one is en-suite and all four benefit from fitted wardrobes. The family bathroom has bath and shower.

Tenbury Wells and Bromyard are each some six miles distance, Birmingham an hour commute and there is an excellent choice of state and independent schools within easy striking distance. The Clerks Croft is marketed by Balfours with a guide price of £795,000, call 01584 707100.

For further details please visit our Property Sales Page.

This unique and original Art Deco property – restored true to its period is on the market with Balfours.

Home With Impressive Attention To Art Deco Detail For Sale In Shrewsbury

Set in Shrewsbury’s desirable residential area of Copthorne, Number 33, Shelton Road, is distinctive by its angular lines, symmetry and bespoke Crittall style metal windows. Internally the vendors’ impressive attention to architectural detail has successfully achieved an Art Deco home married to 21^st century living.

Distinctive corner windows frame the spacious reception hall; there are four reception rooms, three directly off the hall. The living room and dining room each have French doors to the garden, with the dining room directly linking to the kitchen. The high gloss black fitted kitchen with built in appliances and American style fridge freezer, plus audio sound system and TV elevates this kitchen to chic deco status. 

Even the home office pays homage to deco flare, fitted out to provide maximum storage and desk space, plus good natural lighting. There are three bedrooms, one en-suite, plus family bathroom on the first floor; the central bedroom enjoys access to the roof terrace. On the second floor the guest or master bedroom benefits from en-suite facilities together with roof terrace access.

Head of sales, Alistair Hilton comments: “This is a very unique property; attention to detail throughout is impressive, including stained glass and original 1930’s lighting.” The south west facing rear garden comes with an outbuilding, with mains electricity offering flexible use. There is a large garage and ample off road parking. Number 33 is marketed with a guide price of £575,000, call Balfours on 01743 353511.

For further details please visit our Property Sales Page.