If spectacular crimson sunsets are the stage then The Dovecote is the Royal box. The apocalyptic atmosphere can be viewed from every window overlooking the garden to the Shropshire Welsh border beyond. Balfours sales manager - Ludlow, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. says: “This is a most serene setting from which to reflect on the day with a glass in hand.”

This four bedroom barn conversion in an enviable location, it is only half a mile from a popular and vibrant village of Pontesbury. The arrival is to landscaped gardens with parking areas and magnificent views. Step inside through double height glazing to find a conversion brimming with character.

Partial timber framing links those views from hallway to dining room; a well-balanced room with feature inglenook and a web of beams. The kitchen breakfast room is next door, while a clever conversion of the former garage offers a utility and cloakroom, together with an en-suite bedroom.

Barn Position For Sunset Perfection

To the opposite end of the property the living room has a character inglenook, with double doors leading through to a garden room which captures those views and gives access to the wrap around terrace. Three bedrooms are found on the first floor, one is en-suite plus a family bathroom.

Balfours sales manager - Ludlow, Scott Kemsley, acknowledges: “The Dovecote is very well presented and has the added benefit of location in all senses of the word: Easy to reach road networks, with Shrewsbury just nine miles away. The village provides primary and secondary schools, butcher, bakery and restaurants, plus amazing walking and cycling in the nearby hills.”

The Dovecote is marketed with a guide price of £495,000, call Balfours estate agents Ludlow on 01584 707100.

For further information please visit our Property Sales Page.

A diverse range of alternative incomes can be achieved by land and property owners, but which alternative income is the best match to maximise your land, property or farm’s unique assets?

A Steer On Farm Innovation

Balfours associate partner, Frances Steer observes: “Many rural businesses already have some ‘add on’ enterprises either a cottage they are letting out, farm shop, or sporting rights and many may have developed organically.

However when it comes to investing and changing the dynamics of the farm or estate, it takes great care and diligence to ensure that the chosen additional enterprise is going to reap long term benefits, without undermining other enterprises or assets.”

“It might sound good to convert old buildings to rented accommodation, holiday or long term let, or to allow a music festival or film production company to utilise park land or an Estate property

but it is critical to look at the big picture and how that will impact on other farm enterprises – and the capital assets before going in head first. There are so many other alternatives, from glamping, to green energy, tea shops to energy storage and waste recycling.”

That means undertaking full business and planning feasibility studies, both of which Balfours have significant experience. We believe a rural business should also consult with their accountants

and lawyers so that options and consequences of any additional enterprise are fully understood,” she adds.

Frances will be speaking at two briefings for professionals at Balfours Xtra in Hereford and in Shrewsbury on November 27th and 28th.

For further information This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. on 01743 239206.

Leighton Lodge, a stunning grade II listed Georgian six bedroom house set in 1.56 acres, with six stables, garaging and store rooms is on the market with Balfours.

Full of Period Charm

Agent, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., sales manager Ludlow, states: “This is a unique property full of history and in a prime location. Much Wenlock, Shrewsbury and Telford, are all less than ten miles while it is 40 miles to Birmingham. Sitting in the Severn Valley it is no surprise that Leighton village enjoys breath-taking scenery - attracting a vibrant community complete with public house, church and village hall.

Full of period charm, the property itself benefits from four reception rooms namely the drawing, sitting, dining and living rooms, plus a study; all accessed off the central hallway with oak floor and staircase. Traditional fireplaces, high ceilings and sash windows are to name but a few of the features almost certainly enjoyed by the well-known author Mary Webb, whose birthplace Leighton Lodge was. 

At the end of the hallway a large farmhouse style kitchen can be found with Aga and an inglenook recess. On through is a spacious utility, the ground floor also accommodates a downstairs guest cloakroom. There are four bedrooms on the first floor. The master room with en-suite and walk-in wardrobe enjoys the same footprint as the drawing room below, with large central bay window. A family bathroom of generous proportions, including luxurious claw foot bath and an additional separate wc can be found on the central landing.

On the second floor are an additional two bedrooms, plus shower room, Kitchenette with open plan living space. Typical of its era the house has several very useful storerooms, plus a large cellar with wine store.

Scott adds: “For anyone seeking a period property in a picturesque village, central to major towns plus private and state schools, Leighton Lodge is worthy of serious consideration. And of course there is the potential that the stables and outbuildings could provide additional accommodation subject to planning.” Leighton Lodge is marketed with a guide price of £800,000. Call Balfours Estate Agents Ludlow on 01584 707100.

For further information please visit our Property Sales Page.

A briefing in land and property matters – titled Balfours Xtra - is to be held this month (Nov) in Hereford.

Rural professionals Balfours are inviting lawyers, accountants, bankers to attend the briefing on Tuesday, November 27, at the Castle House Hotel. Partners, William Shuttleworth and Tim Lee, who will take the chair on the evening, explains: “There are so many interlinking issues between land management and property management, relating to legal and financial matters.

“We have a line-up of five speakers who will cover:  the way forward in contract farming; values and activities in the residential sales and letting markets; compulsory purchase issues for those affected by the proposed new bypass and alternative sources of income for property owners.”

The event will commence at 4.30pm and will conclude with drinks and canapes at 6pm. If you would like to attend and for more information call Balfours on 01981 570727 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pictured from left, Tim Lee, William Shuttleworth and Bryn Hill, who will be speaking at the briefing.

An approach through beautiful parkland sets the scene for The Garden Cottage, which is situated in the stunning grounds of Llanerchydol Hall, two miles from Welshpool.

Stunning Parkland Setting With Peppercorn Champagne

The three bedroom extended Victorian cottage is marketed with a guide price of £450,000, plus an unusual leasehold demanding a quirky peppercorn rent of a bottle of vintage Champagne per annum! Neighbouring the walled garden, Garden Cottage boasts nearly three quarters of an acre of its own lawns, flower beds and mature trees.

The design of the cottage flows perfectly - the porch to the hallway, in turn offering access to reception and service rooms. A large sitting room with French doors to the garden enjoys outlooks to three aspects; meantime the newly fitted kitchen breakfast room with oil fired Stanley Range, is equally well-proportioned; it also with French doors, this time into the garden room complete with wood-buring stove.

Ground floor accommodation also includes a pantry off the kitchen, a cloakroom and utility room. Ascend the stairs from the hall and there is a master bedroom with a hugely generous en-suite, two additional bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Agent, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. of Balfours, reflects: “This is an utterly charming and very well presented property in the most desirable setting, yet only two miles from the thriving town of Welshpool. Shrewsbury and Oswestry are 21 and 15 miles respectively.” Call Balfours Estate Agents  Shrewsbury on 01743 353511.

For further information please visit our Property Sales Page.

Period and architectural features of merit are among the assets of 44 Mount Street. This detached Victorian town house additionally boasts a desirable location tucked away in Frankwell, yet a short distance from the town centre, Shrewsbury Quarry Park and river walks.

Number 44 Mount Street is on the market with Balfours Estate Agents Shrewsbury, briefly it provides four large bedrooms, two reception rooms each with log burning stove, a kitchen, study/dressing room and guest/play room.

Frankwell - Victorian Gem

Head of sales This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. reflects: “This is a gem; it is well laid out; an arched character side vestibule leads into the entrance hall, from which the stairs, living room and dining room are each directly accessed. The living room benefits from a bay window, while the kitchen with granite worktops and Belfast sink, also boasts French doors to a charming walled terrace – creating a highly convivial additional ‘outdoor room.’

“The house has been extensively and tastefully updated by the current owners to now provide a home of immense character including high ceilings, original fireplaces and parquet flooring to name just a few features,” Alistair adds.

The accommodation is over four floors, with a basement perfect as cinema or sports room. On the first floor are two bedrooms each with character fireplaces and two bathrooms. The second floor is laid out to a further two bedrooms, one with a stunning view to the River Severn, plus a study/dressing room. Balfours are marketing with a guide price of £485,000, call 01743 353511.

For further information please visit our Property Sales Page.