Long Mountain House, a period five-bedroom country residence, three miles from Welshpool, has been launched to the market by Balfours with a guide price of £550,000.

Set within a charming large garden and with a chalet annex, this period property has immense charm and potential.

The reception hall gives rise to three reception rooms: Currently the morning room and music room, with working fireplaces and extensive bay windows billowing in natural light; plus a snug with woodburner set in an ornamental fireplace and French doors to the garden. The kitchen sits well placed between the utility room and dining/garden room and benefits from a generous pantry. There is a downstairs cloakroom accessed internally and externally.

First floor accommodation comprises of the master room with ensuite, a second bedroom also sits over the two main reception rooms, each has a feature fireplace. Four of the five bedrooms benefit from built in wardrobes. There is a generous family bathroom and a separate shower room. Below stairs is a good-sized cellar.

Alistair Hilton, head of sales at Balfours comments: “This is a fabulous find, a period home with well stocked gardens incorporating a water feature, terrace and garden shed. It benefits from two access points and a carport.” For more information call Balfours on 01743 353511.

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

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

A pretty timber framed late 17^th century terraced one bedroom cottage, less than two miles from Shrewsbury town centre has been launched to the market with a guide price of £215,000 by Balfours.

Alistair Hilton, head of sales at Balfours, explains: “Number Six Shelton Oak Cottages is in a quiet enclave at the end of a private driveway, with its own garage and parking. Recently refurbished, the Grade II listed cottage is full of period features creating an enchanting and atmospheric living space.”

The front door opens to a lobby area, open plan to the lounge diner, to the far end is the kitchen which is equipped with cooker, hob and dishwasher, with plumbing for a washing machine. Stairs from the lounge ascend to the landing, where there is room for a desk. Off the landing is the bedroom with built in wardrobe and the bathroom which boasts a new bathroom suite. Above the bathroom is a large storage room.

Outside a private courtyard is accessed from the kitchen, offering a second dining area and a place to enjoy good weather. The garage is equipped with electricity, plumbing and wc and could be utilised as home office or workshop, subject to planning.

Alistair adds: It is an idyllic and well placed opportunity as a first home, or for someone seeking to downsize. For more information call Balfours on 01743 353511.

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

Perfect weather is forecast for making a splash at the Coracle World Championships on the River Severn this Friday launching from Shrewsbury’s Pengwern Boat Club.

With 38 teams entered the legacy which Balfours, Richard Bayliss, instigated in 2007 continues to go from strength to strength. To date this event has raised more than £350,000 for Macmillan in Shropshire, with this year promising to be as competitive as ever, both on the water and fund raising, with fancy dress spectacle thrown in.

Balfours will again be presenting a team in memory of Richard who sadly himself died of cancer in 2015. Craig Varley, Balfours business manager, reflects: “It was so typical of his sense of fun and can-do attitude to help others, that he rallied Shrewsbury’s business community to paddle ridiculously unstable crafts across the River Severn, knowing that some would not make it to the other side without getting wet!

“We are extremely proud of the legacy he has left; he would be delighted with the way it has gone from strength to strength.  Today his name lives on with the most significant trophy, ‘The Richard Bayliss Cup,’ which is presented to the team who raises the most sponsorship at the annual event.”

Heats commence at 12 noon with each of four people relaying across the river in coracles with one oar, followed by semi-finals and ultimately the final from which the World Champions will emerge. Hospitality for onlookers will include a bar and food.

Craig adds: “With the current Indian Summer making a splash is likely to be quite refreshing and a fabulous spectator sport too with everyone welcome!”

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

The opportunity of an idyllic country life extends from Upper House, Longnor, launched to the market by Balfours.

Ludlow sales manager, Scott Kemsley enthuses: “There are fabulous views to the Lawley and South Shropshire Hills. This four/five-bedroom edge of village home is convenient to Shrewsbury and Church Stretton, which are seven and five miles respectively. Significantly Longnor is proud not only of its OFSTED rated “outstanding” primary school, but also its Church and village hall, which create a vibrant community, all within a few minutes’ walk of Upper House.

“The opportunity of country life extends to paddocks and gardens of just under an acre, plus two stables and a tack room. Riding, walking, cycling, golf and even gliding are all on the doorstep, the latter off the Long Mynd. Close by too are the link roads with the A5 and M54 putting the Midlands and Northwest within comfortable distance,” Scott adds.

Step inside Upper House and its 1780 origins are reflected in rural period charm, with exposed timbers and proportions. The whole is well presented achieving a flow with the entrance hall offering access to three of the four reception rooms plus of course the characterful kitchen filled with natural light benefitting from windows to two aspects. Off the kitchen is a utility and boot room.

The living and dining rooms each benefit from fireplaces, while across the hallway the conservatory leads to the terrace and garden via French doors. Off the large living room is the fourth reception room which could be used as a home office or a fifth bedroom.

Stairs from the hallway lead to four bedrooms, two of which have ensuite shower rooms, while the master room also benefits from a dressing room. A further two double bedrooms share the spacious family bathroom with slipper bath.

Upper House, with double garage and electric charging point is marketed with a guide price of £895,000. For more information call Balfours on 01584 707100

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Aren’t we lucky to enjoy the full effect of the seasons. Autumn, or as some would prefer to refer to September as late summer, is decidedly with us. It feels like a fresh page, perhaps instilled in our sub-conscious from early years of progressing through school and higher education.

 A decision to sell your house is a step change that is likely to have been brewing for some time and is finally taking root. Contrary to traditional thinking putting your house on the market in the Autumn can be a savvy move. Even in the current steadier market we still have a list of clients with an appetite to move on, including cash buyers.

It is also reassuring to realise that we are indeed “all in similar situations;” that is to say your property remains pro-rata to the value of others. This is particularly so in Shropshire, where values have held significantly better than many areas of the country.

The starting point is to seek a market appraisal of your property. From there you will be able to properly judge whether a new season and start of a new term is right for you. At Balfours we are a tight knit team with deep local knowledge together with integrity and drive to ensure that opportunities are maximised for each and everyone of our clients.

To confidentially discuss your aspirations and a free appraisal, do call us. Alistair Hilton, Balfours partner and head of sales.

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