It was indeed welcome news when the Bank of England recently declared that they would hold interest rates at 5.25%, writes Alistair Hilton, Head of sales at Balfours.

Yes, it is still a 15 year high, but after 14 consecutive rises it gives all homeowners, especially prospective buyers and vendors a chance to re-calibrate. The hold strategy was as a direct result of inflation data which showed price increases slowed to 6.7% in the year to August, down from July’s 6.8%.

For those taking on a new mortgage it seems holding the interest level is a reassurance and while it is not a guarantee that it won’t rise again, it would seem the unprecedented hike of 14 consecutive rises is now navigating calmer currency.

Balfours has a significant number of buyers on our database who are ready to buy. They are seeking the right house to make their home. So, if you are considering a sale in the foreseeable future and would like a no fee, confidential appraisal and valuation to assist you in making your next move, do call; we may well have a buyer who is a direct match ready and waiting.

A Shrewsbury garden has risen out of nature’s adversities to win “Best Shropshire Garden,” in Balfours annual competition.

Kim and Mike Webster have lived in New Street, Shrewsbury for five years, but three years ago disaster struck when a large Cedar of Lebanon Tree came crashing down taking two garden beds out and almost destroying the 100 year old summerhouse.

Kim, who admits five years ago she knew nothing about gardening, had already enlisted the help of gardener Rachel Bean, when the disaster struck. “Rachel created a fabulous new design and we did a total replant, which was not easy during covid,” Kim recalls. Ultimately, she admits that the new scheme is even better than before.

The other challenge facing the site is flooding, as it sits adjacent to the River Severn. “We have to be careful about what we plant, because on occasions the whole garden is submerged, though thankfully usually during winter when plants are dormant,” says Kim, adding that their newly-installed flood defences stop water from entering the house.

Plans for the garden in future? “The redesign has been three years in the making, so we now want to sit back and enjoy it!” Kim has no hesitation adding that they have some wonderful David Austin Roses, including her favourite, called Lady Emma Hamilton, the one bush the Cedar tree fortunately missed.

Alistair Hilton, head of sales at Balfours who judged this year’s competition adds: “The Websters have the most fabulous garden, beautifully designed and tended, they are deserved winners. Without doubt a garden to be proud of is a significant uplift in the value of a home,” he adds.

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Pictured:  When disaster struck and three years on.

A Balfours team has recently completed a half marathon and raised funds for a charity with significant meaning to them, “Cardiac Risk in the Young – CRY.”

The crew of six took part in the Lake Vyrnwy half marathon, raising more than £2,000. Team member, Sarah Williams said it was an excellent day with all six finishing: “Frances Steer was the first across the finishing line, with Matthew Doyle and Chloe Evans also well under two hours. The rest of us, Lamara Hoyle-Rogers, Joe Powell and I were all sub two hours 15 minutes, so we were all pleased with that.”

Sarah continues: “The focus for this run was to remember our Balfours colleague Charlie Fitzherbert-Brockholes, who was taken far too young. We have raised £2100 and money hasn’t quite finished coming in yet.” If you would like to donate head to the Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/page/balfourshalfmarathon2023

Pictured: Frances Steer of the Balfours crossing the lake bridge

  The Balfours team ready to go

Woodgate Farm, Hope Bowdler, situated within an Area of Outstanding Beauty which offers hugely versatile accommodation is on the market.

The main farmhouse comprises of four bedrooms with a two-bedroom adjacent barn conversion, set within 24 acres and including a range of substantial outbuildings. Marketed by Balfours, partner Scott Kemsley comments: “Woodgate Farm offers a hugely flexible package, both within the residential accommodation and outdoor facilities which includes a two-acre caravan park.

“Its location is entirely at one with tourism, from holiday let to B and B, plus the caravan park. Conversely the residential accommodation could provide annexed living for a dependent, or guests. Meanwhile the outbuildings include a Dutch barn, agricultural barn and machine store, plus a workshop and double garage. The buildings open opportunities to hobby farming, equestrian activities, or a business requiring undercover space and storage, subject to planning,” Scott adds.

The farmhouse itself comprises four-character reception rooms, utility, pantry and boot room. There are four bedrooms, three with built in storage and a family bathroom. The attached annex comprises open plan living and dining space with log burner, plus a kitchen. There are two bedrooms, both en-suite on the first floor.

Gardens are adjacent to the main house, while the land comprises seven paddocks, with the majority used for grazing, plus a delightful pool. Church Stretton is three miles, while Shrewsbury is 16 miles, with Ludlow a similar distance. Balfours are marketing Woodgate Farm with a guide price of £850,000, for more information call 01584 707100.

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A unique row of eight rural Shropshire cottages, nine miles north of Shrewsbury, all refurbished to a high standard, plus a potential glamping site, has been launched to the market by Balfours.

This superb investment opportunity is found in the pretty hamlet of Hopton, just north of Nesscliffe, where local services include primary school, renowned public house, post office and service station.

Six of the picture-perfect cottages are finished in local beautiful Grinshill stone, framed with timber porches, achieving truly pleasing aesthetics. The sixth cottage is a considerably larger property that has a separate dining room and a third bedroom.

Close by is a brand-new pair of semi-detached cottages. They have the added benefit of roof solar panels and solid oak flooring throughout.

Abigail Barker, Balfours associate partner, comments: “This is a unique investment opportunity. All have been recently refurbished, including new appliances, log burners and floor finishes, with carpet upstairs. They have achieved energy EPCs of between B and D.

“The whole site extends to just over an acre including ample parking and large communal gardens, together with a potential glamping site. Hopton borders the stunning Nesscliffe Hills and Cliffe Countryside Heritage site of 70 hectares, with fabulous walks from woodland to heather ridges with breathtaking views across Shropshire,” Abigail adds.

There are excellent road links, both to the North and to the Midlands. Balfours are marketing the cottages with a guide price of £1,650,000, for more information call 01743 353511.

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Issued by and more information from Joy Fox Pr 07841 763 530. 

An exceptionally beautiful grade II listed Ludlow townhouse has been launched to the market by Balfours.

Number Nine, Raven Lane’s external beauty is matched by its internal finish having been extensively restored to an exacting standard in the early 2000s. Ludlow’s sales manager, Scott Kemsley, reflects: “This four-bedroom 17th town house is just quite magical. To think its timber frame was erected approximately four centuries ago and yet it ticks all the boxes for 21st century living is a credit to its many custodians.

Its exposed timbers offer great character, as do the leaded light windows which bathe each room with generous amounts of natural light. Oak features throughout, including doors, window frames, the staircase and a beautiful oak floor in the main open plan living dining area all contribute to character without compromise.

To one end of the main open plan living space is the kitchen, while the dining area opens out of the living space to benefit from French doors to a small courtyard. Returning to the kitchen, breakfast room it is fully fitted with integrated units and appliances, plus a generous size window.

The lower ground floor provides a fitted utility, cloakroom and snug; the latter could be a study. Ascending to the first floor and second floors, each boasts two double bedrooms with great storage and a bathroom. A single garage completes the offering which is just 150 yards from the market square.

Scott adds: “Its proximity while tucked away is very special, with all that the medieval market town has to offer, from independent shops and restaurants, to a vibrant cultural community punctuated with festivals and events throughout the year.” Number Nine is marketed with a guide price of £615,000, for more information call 01584 707100.

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Issued by and more information from Joy Fox Pr 07841 763 530