The Coach House is a perfectly formed two-bedroom period property within the Kingsland Bridge Mansion.

Its town centre location really doesn’t get any better, overlooking the River Severn, with easy access to Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park riverside walks. Yet also a few minutes’ from all that the county town has to offer, including fine dining, theatre, commerce and boutique shops.

The ground floor comprises of the light and airy, well-equipped kitchen with French doors to the south facing courtyard with outlooks to the tree lined Quarry Park. There is access to a cloakroom and integral garage. On the first floor is the lounge and an en-suite bedroom which each overlook the river. A second bedroom benefits from a separate bathroom with walk in shower.

In addition to the garage the property has two carparking spaces and shared gardens. Head of Balfours, Alistair Hilton comments: “This is one of those very special properties, which is beautifully presented. We are marketing The Coach House with a guide price of £375,000.” For more information call Balfours on 01743 353511.

Confidence in Shropshire

When the pandemic hit, we had little idea of what might happen to rural property values.  The newspapers were full of predictions of a slump.  But land prices held firm, as they so often do in times of crisis and now, we are seeing reports of values increasing for the first time in five years albeit in a quiet market.

Farm houses and cottages on the other hand are in huge demand.  Two weeks ago, Balfours’ Ludlow Office launched the sale of a three-bed traditional cottage to the Market.  Within 48 hours they had booked 40 viewings and had potential buyers bidding before viewing.

Our sales team now have more trusted potential purchasers on their books than ever before.

So, what we are seeing is, despite predictions, a strong demand from people wanting to buy in the Shropshire countryside. Farm cottages proving to be in the greatest demand. Tim Perkins RICS Registered Valuer and Partner in Balfours LLP

A contemporary home in South Shropshire, land and a ground floor studio apartment is on the market.

Balfours has launched, Beech House, situated close to the villages of Cheney Longville and Wistanstow, in picturesque countryside. It is convenient to the A49, a mile north of Craven Arms and six miles from Church Stretton each with a raft of everyday needs, while Ludlow is just nine miles, and the county town of Shrewsbury is 19 miles.

A fascinating 21^st century property. Centre stage to the ground floor spacious hall, is a split staircase in light wood and glass. There are three bedrooms, a studio apartment and stair lift enabling full access to the first floor main living quarters.

Glazing to the balcony sundeck maximises the rural views to be enjoyed from the open plan kitchen and lounge. Also on the first floor is the master bedroom suite, with its own private balcony sundeck, while a fourth bedroom is to be found on the second floor with en-suite.

Ludlow sales manager, Scott Kemsley comments: “This is a hugely flexible home offering a great opportunity to anyone with mobility issues. As would be expected of a contemporary 21^st century build it offers high energy efficiency with an EPC ‘B’ rating. Add to this paddocks and garden extending to 2.4 acres, Beech House is a great package which we are marketing with a guide price of £665,000.” Call Balfours on 01584 707100.

A field extending six and a half acres, ideal for equestrian use, including two stables and a tack room is on the market with Balfours.

Located in the heart of the Teme Valley, on the Shropshire, Worcestershire border to the east of Lowbourne, the land has excellent access and road frontage. Scott Kemsley, Balfours Ludlow sales manager says: “The land is in good heart, well fenced and with hard access for a horsebox. Teme Valley is a well-established equestrian area, with good access to both quiet country lanes and bridleways in stunningly beautiful countryside.”

Currently a 1,250-litre water tank, collects the stable roof rainwater, however mains water and electricity is available at the roadside. Balfours are marketing the field with a guide price of £150,000. Call 01584 707100.

Jackie Monro, who previously ran her own successful lettings business, has been appointed head of Balfours letting department. Not only does she bring experience from running her own business, based in Bridgnorth, but also her qualifications as a Fellow of both ARLA and NAEA, the Association of Residential Lettings Agents and the National Association of Estate Agents.

Jackie reflects: “I have been in property for quite some year’s having achieved professional qualifications when employed as an area letting manager in the county. While I have worked nationally too, Shropshire is my home turf and so it is hugely pleasing to join Balfours to offer extensive local letting knowledge to our clients.”

Initially this was a post to cover maternity leave, commencing during first lockdown, in May 2020. As a result, Jackie has been at the sharp end of the market roller coaster and government legislation to protect tenants during Covid.  “In 17 years, I have never seen lettings busier with rents up across the board, often by several hundreds of pounds.”

“The past 15 months have been fascinating; I am delighted that I have been able to give Balfours clients the steer and reassurances they need to keep their property and portfolios on track. Overcoming challenges to achieve for clients is what I relish – and that is what being head of lettings is all about.”

“The Country Houses Shropshire” is the culmination of 25 years research and knowledge by author Gareth Williams. Gareth was first captivated by the work of one of Shropshire’s most prolific country house architects, Edward Haycock, on whom he based his thesis as part of his studies to achieve a BA and MA.

Speaking at a gathering of 200 at Onslow Hall recently, Gareth explained: “My publisher, Boydell and Brewer took the book on two years ago, but they were nervous about the viability of the project since the book was so large and contained so many illustrations. At that point Balfours stepped in, and I couldn’t have wished for a better sponsor. I am indebted to the partners, not only for the financial backing, but also since no one in the county knows and understands country houses better than Balfours.”

Guests included some of the owners of the 265 country houses featured in the book. Balfours business manager, Craig Varley commented: “Gareth’s commitment to the integrity and quality can be seen across every page. This is not only a very beautiful book, but also a definitive reference to the history of houses and families in Shropshire, which will be appreciated for decades to come.” The book can be purchased through all good book sellers, including Millard & Lancaster, St Mary’s Street, Shrewsbury.