“Shropshire’s residential market still has a way to go with its house values, compared to other counties,” says Alistair Hilton, head of Balfours sales.

Propertymark reported, that June achieved a third record breaking month for residential sales nationally; Alistair reflects this was not much of a surprise, as the stamp duty holiday is phased out. “At Balfours there was a massive surge across the board, on properties from £150,000 to £1.5 million, with vendors, buyers, solicitors and ourselves maximising the benefits of the stamp duty holiday,” says Alistair

He continues: “As a leading agent, we have seen unprecedented demand since the beginning of 2021, launching a significant volume of properties throughout the first half of the year, which the market has easily absorbed.  Looking back at the first six months of 2021, it has been phenomenal, particularly when you consider the relatively strong restrictions and guidance on our mobility as citizens. It has been an exceptionally fluid market in face of the restrictions.”

Alistair said the question for sales in July, “was this the beginning of the end?” “Not a bit of it – by the middle of July we could see that the stamp duty holiday has not impacted on the desire of buyers, particularly in the mid to upper market, which remains very strong post stamp duty holiday.”

“What we are seeing is the shift from urban to rural being played out with high growth in Shropshire compared to the more expensive home counties. That tells me that assuming there is no cataclysmic event we can look forward to a strengthening market in this unspoilt county for some time to come,” concludes Alistair.

A rare dream development opportunity close to one of Herefordshire’s most sought-after villages has been launched to the market by Balfours. Stone House, located a mile from Weobley in the hamlet of Weobley Marsh is a four bedroom house, plus more than half an acre, in need of development and refurbishment.

Stone House by name and nature, emits huge unspoilt character with original stone arches above the ground floor windows and doors. Currently the front door leads to the hall and stairs, with there being four ground floor rooms, plus a porch and four bedrooms above. 

Planning permission is in place for the ground floor accommodation to consist of hallway, study, sitting room and the heart of the house, an open plan kitchen, diner, family sitting room. On the first-floor permission is for four bedrooms, with one en-suite, plus a family bathroom.

Balfours Ludlow sales manager, Scott Kemsley, enthuses: “This is a superb opportunity to bring the property into the 21^st century, nurturing its charm, while indulging in one’s own dream ideas and wish list.

“It is an idyllic location, close to the amenities of Weobley and equi-distance from Leominster and Hereford of some ten miles, while Ludlow is 21 miles. Planning permission for a double garage is included. We are marketing Stone House with a guide price of £395,000.” Call Balfours on 01584 707100.

A country house close to the sought after and picturesque village of Leintwardine has been launched to the market by Balfours.

Walford House is found in its namesake hamlet of Walford, a mile and a half from Leintwardine’s vibrant village with butcher, nursery and primary school and much more. Ludlow and Church Stretton are 11 and 16 miles respectively, while the county towns of Shrewsbury and Hereford are both very commutable.

This handsome, mainly stone built period house has five good sized and well-proportioned reception rooms. Set in more than an acre of gardens and grounds, the property also boasts a Granary Barn, with potential in many directions. Scott Kemsley, Balfours Ludlow sales manager comments: “This is one of those handsome gems, and the fact that it requires some modernisation is likely to appeal to buyers seeking to put their own stamp on a period property.”

There are five bedrooms on the first floor, with three en-suites plus a family bathroom and a sunroom, come study. A further three bedrooms are found on the second floor, with a cloakroom and lots more scope. Below stairs is a cellar.

Within the 1.22 acres are landscaped gardens, courtyard garden with covered terrace, fruit trees and vegetable garden, potting shed and wood store. The Granary Barn is a delightful outbuilding currently used for storage but could be converted for annex or home working subject to planning. The whole is marketed with a guide price of £775,000, call 01584 707100.

A prime short term let and investment opportunity has been launched to the market. Number One to Four, Wyle Mews, is a stunning collection of four Grade II listed cottages in the heart of Shrewsbury.

Each of the one-bedroom timber frame character cottages has been sympathetically restored to a high standard, making them the perfect base for visitors to the medieval county town. Balfours, Charlie Giffard comments: “Wyle Mews are found on cobbled path just off Wyle Cop, so tucked away yet superbly situated to explore the town’s heritage, pubs and restaurants, river walks and the Quarry Park.

“They are charming little properties have been finished to a high standard, with integrated appliances, fitted kitchens, plus open beams and fireplaces. If I were visiting the town Wyle Mews would be a perfect base. I have no doubt the pandemic will change people’s get-away aspirations and that we will see many more visitors to Shrewsbury for the foreseeable long-term future,” Charlie adds.

Shrewsbury has become quite a tourist hot spot, with much heritage and culture, including fine dining, independent shops, theatre, plus kayaking and cycling taking you out into the countryside. There are several carparks, including overnight free parking and the train station is a short walk.

1 – 4 Wyle Mews is marketed by Balfours with a guide price of £650,000. Call 01743 353511.

Land with outline planning for five detached dwellings is on the market with Balfours, with a guide price of £190,000.

The residential development near Cefn is less than four miles from Welshpool and within walking distance of local amenities in Cefn, including the local Primary School. 

Called The Wallers the site enjoys rural views to open countryside and will benefit from its own private drive. Head of sales at Balfours, Alistair Hilton comments: “This is a well presented and highly accessible plot with services nearby and conveniently close to trunk roads; overall it is an excellent opportunity to purchase a freehold site which is chain free.”

He adds: “From a developer’s viewpoint it is likely to attract house buyers seeking a balance between rural village living with accessibility: While Welshpool is close by, Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Newtown, Wrexham and Chester are all sensible commutes. Call Balfours on 01743 353511.

Penarth House and Vineyard, a grand Jacobean Grade II black and white property with eight acres incorporating an award-winning vineyard has been launched to the market by Balfours.

Striking a truly grand feeling of living history, this glossy magazine, six bedroom property sits within a stunning rural landscape, set on the bank of the River Severn. It is found two miles east of Newtown, with good road links to Welshpool, Shrewsbury and Ludlow.

“A wonderful entertaining residence,” the three main reception rooms are all of good size and huge character, currently used as study, living room and dining room. There are two hallways, the main hall, with accesses the study, living room, utility and a sixth bedroom with en-suite.

From the living room, with large inglenook fireplace, there is access to the dining room and onwards to the kitchen. The dining room also offers access to the side hall and open porch. With two staircases the house could easily be divided to provide separate living quarters for extended family.

On the first floor there are five bedrooms, the master-room with fabulous views and en-suite. A Priest Hole is a quirky extra to a second bedroom with adjacent bath and shower facilities. Three more double bedrooms and an additional shower room are found off the large landing.

Charlie Giffard, Balfours Associate Partner, Country House Sales, says: “This is a magnificent home, with amazing and unspoilt architectural features. Beyond it has the vineyard producing classic champagne variety grapes which were nominated by Decanter for a bronze medal in 2019. There is a further four acres of lawns, paddock and woodland. A truly artisan country house full of lifestyle potential.” Balfours are marketing Penarth House with a guide price of £1,250,00.