Shropshire and Mid-Wales have gained a new Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Accredited Mediator.

Balfours’ Partner, Richard Jones-Perrot BSc MRICS, has recently trained and qualified as a RICS mediator, drawing on his 23 years’ experience as a land agent working with clients in Shropshire Wales and Devon.

Richard explains: “In my field of estate, land and farm management, on occasions disputes are unfortunately inevitable. Frequently business and family are intermingled adding untold stress to protracted disputes which could potentially be very expensive.

“I see mediation as an important tool in preventing such matters from escalating to arbitration or to the court, where decisions are imposed. The mediation process is voluntary and flexible, allowing all involved to retain ownership and control costs.”

He continues: “The purpose of mediation is to clarify and prioritise issues, crystallise needs and assist parties in searching for solutions.  Once both parties agree to mediation it is my job to guide and manage controlled negotiations and to help the parties reach a consensual outcome that is acceptable to them.”

With expertise in long term strategic planning, succession planning, rural asset management and development, the mediator is a neutral third party who can bring new energy to stalled negotiations, exploring how parties can move from entrenched positions, by identifying the real issues, concerns and needs. If these situations resonate with your land related business or family, call Richard on 01743 239210 email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

A six bedroom Georgian house, set within a third of an acre of gardens and within walking distance of the historic market town of Ludlow has been launched to the market by Balfours.

Exudes Character

“Grade II listed, Gravel Hill House is a wonderfully spacious property, offering a substantial family home, plus the opportunity for very agreeable homeworking, or auxiliary accommodation for a relative or guests, subject to planning,” advises Ludlow sales manager, Scott Kemsley.

Built in the late 18^th century this handsome house exudes character externally which lives up to expectations internally too. The traditional oak planked reception hall runs the depth of the house retaining an abundance of character, including the main staircase. Today the hallway opens directly into the formal dining room to achieve a wonderful space full of natural light.

From the dining room, a side entrance hall links directly to the breakfast room and kitchen, with utility and cloakroom off to the opposite side. The kitchen benefits from an Aga and features an apex ceiling flanked with character timbers.  The living room also runs the full 10 metres plus, depth of the house, boasting a large bay window and outlooks to three aspects, plus a woodburner. The study completes the generous ground floor rooms again with fireplace.

Below stairs is a wine cellar and workshop, while the first and second floor provides a selection of six bedrooms and three bathrooms, the master room being a lavishly spacious ensuite. In addition there is a seventh room on the first floor accessed via traditional back stairs.

In keeping with its roots, there is a delightful enclosed garden with mature trees, including copper beech, plus terraced area, a double garage and ample parking. Scott adds: “Presentation throughout affords inspiring 21^st century living anchored by Georgian architecture. We are marketing with a guide price of £900,000.” For more information call Balfours Estate Agents Ludlow office on 01584 707100.

For further details please visit our Property Sales Page.

This utterly unique design maximises views at every level from its location on Clive Avenue, Church Stretton.

Pristine Presentation

Lawley is a near hexagonal house. It provides four bedrooms, all en-suite on the ground floor, together with a large dressing room. Meanwhile topography directs the entrance porch to hallway, straight to the first floor, where open plan living dining space encompasses panoramic 240 degree views to the unspoilt spa town of Church Stretton and the Long Mynd. Cloakroom and utility are off the hallway too.

There are three, floor to roof glazed gables billowing light in at every level, together with French doors from the first floor living area leading to a variety of seating areas on terraces and in the private garden. The kitchen discretely opens to the main living space and has a contemporary finish incorporating much luxury including granite worktop, deep drawers and deep coving.

Ascending the spiral staircase the second floor is a generous space with the ceiling’s lantern profile positively crowning “Lawley,” while offering a fun entertaining space; or potentially a separate living space for a relative.

On the market with Balfours, Ludlow sales manager, Scott Kemsley confesses: “Few properties exude so much imagination – truly celebrating its surroundings through architecture. Furthermore, presentation is pristine not only inside, but outside too: From the gated entrance to double garage with office and private garden. This certainly is a house with a wow factor,” he adds. Lawley is being marketed with a guide price of £860,000, call Balfours Estate Agents Ludlow office on 01584 707100.

For further details please visit our Property Sales Page.

Moving house is continuing apace despite lockdown. That is the message from one of Shropshire’s leading agents.

Eager to Migrate

Head of sales at Balfours, Alistair Hilton, says the calls continue to come in as vendors and buyers recognise that your home really is your castle this winter and beyond.  He explains: “Clients tell us that once they have made the decision to move, they really do want to progress and don’t want to put it off any longer.

“This particularly applies to those who are eager to migrate to Shropshire from outside the county. It also hasn’t gone unrecognised that our sparser population is a real plus point to house hunters who are seeking a location central to the country.

Alistair continues: “During this difficult time, we would like to assure everyone that the property market in England remains open, as per current government guidance advising that we are still able to market properties.”

As a result Balfours continue to accept viewings which are able to take place, along with property market reviews, surveys and removals. Each stage is practiced in line with current government guidance. For further information, see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak .

Brook House is a deliciously attractive four bedroom home, situated in one of South Shropshire’s idyllic picture perfect villages, Ashford Carbonel, just four miles from Ludlow.

House For Sale With a Vegetable Garden Peter Rabbit Would Enjoy

This half-timbered grade II listed semi-detached home comes with beautifully landscaped gardens leading to – you’ve guessed it - the Brook. On the way you will find summer house, BBQ area and a vegetable garden that Peter Rabbit would enjoy.

Balfours sales manager, Scott Kemsley, comments: “Brook House is in the heart of this sought after village, it has a primary school within walking distance, an active village hall with an in-house pub and lively village green offering a range of recreational opportunities, plus the church.

“The property itself comprises of a dining reception hall, kitchen breakfast room with Aga, drawing room with log burner; but most important of all is that each room is laced with character. The present owners have restored and extended to a high standard. It also has those essential service rooms; cloakroom and storage on the ground floor, with utility and large workshop/potential office or gym room on the lower ground floor,” he adds.

There are three bedrooms on the first floor, one with en-suite shower room and an additional bedroom on the second floor with en-suite facilities. The family bathroom is of generous dimensions and two of the bedrooms have fireplace focal points. A separate garage and store, plus off road parking complete the package. Balfours Estate Agents Ludlow office are marketing with a guide price of £550,000, call 01584 707100.

For further details please visit our Property Sales Page.

One of Shrewsbury’s fine Grade II* Listed Georgian buildings has been launched to the market for the first time in more than 80 years.

Nestled Just Off the Main High Street

Windsor House is nestled just off the main High Street, overlooking St Mary’s Church, the River Severn and Shropshire Hills. Built in 1768 it uniquely retains much of its original fine Georgian interior including a splendid oak staircase, oak panelling and ornate ceiling cornicing.

Alistair Hilton, head of sales at Balfours, explains: The accommodation comprises of 18 rooms arranged over five storeys and is currently let to a number of different businesses who enjoy high quality serviced office accommodation in the building with shared reception area, board room and associated facilities.”

Windsor House also enjoys one of the fastest broadband connections in the town centre having a dedicated fibre optic line delivering up to 100/100 Mb speeds.

The property offers a sound and flexible investment opportunity with its existing rental income stream but it also has boundless potential, for those seeking a distinctly special ambiance: Whether that is commercial or residential, from a single home, perhaps with consultancy rooms, to high-end apartments, boutique hotel. True to its era the principle rooms, which account for more than half are of generous proportions of 20 to 30 square metres.

“Its assets are many, but not least its discrete vantage point, hardly a minute’s walk from the High Street, with River walks, the Quarry Park, an excellent selection of schools and train station, plus of course excellent independent shops and restaurants all within walking distance,” Alistair adds. Windsor House is being marketed with a guide price of £825,000, call Balfours Estate Agents Shrewsbury office on 01743 353511.