Valley Farm Hanbury Road | Hanbury | Worcestershire | B60 4HJ
VALLEY FARM “We were initially attracted to the property as we were looking for a countryside location with good commuter links and within close proximity to Bromsgrove School,� says Gaynor & Steven.
Valley Farm is a substantial country residence situated in the heart of the Worcestershire Countryside, tucked away down a long winding driveway the property occupies an enviable, idyllic position and has been generously extended by the current owners to an exceptionally high standard. Dating back to the 1600’s Valley Farm originally being a Malthouse has many original features which can still be seen today. The Farmhouse and three adjoining cottages were completely transformed in 2003 to engender this most impressive family home. The property has been further enhanced with the addition of a heated indoor swimming pool complex with changing room and shower facilities, triple garaging with additional spacious room above which could lend itself to annexe facilities (subject to some light renovation works). Valley Farm has a separate 7 acre field located at the bottom of the lane, which is ideal for equestrian pursuits. Externally the property sits in four acres of secluded grounds and is characterised by different themes throughout, from the hot tub patio area with double doors leading into the heated indoor swimming pool for those wishing to host pool parties to the more sophisticated terrace / patio area for a more al fresco dinner party / barbecue setting. There are also extensive lawned areas with a natural hillside beyond which makes this property a must buy for those purchasers looking for a countryside retreat who enjoy entertaining friends and family whatever the time of year. A 7 acre field is also located at the bottom of the lane.
The imposing entrance to Valley Farm affords a generous block paved driveway which in turn leads to double entrance doors with feature stained glass window panels revealing the grand entrance hallway with central split staircase giving access to the first floor accommodation. The ground floor offers spacious accommodation for even the largest of families and comprises of a superbly proportioned drawing room with feature “inglenook” fireplace, separate dining room with many original features, additional sitting room and comprehensively equipped good sized study. The centrepiece to this property which certainly exudes the “wow” factor is the tremendous, open plan, contemporary kitchen /breakfast/ family room with feature lantern roof and comprehensive bespoke kitchen with granite worktops, feature centre island, integrated appliances and tiled underfloor heating, Bifold doors open on to the terrace / barbecue area which is excellent for entertaining purposes. The property also benefits from an excellent laundry room and additional room which in our opinion would lend itself to a playroom or additional downstairs bedroom. The first floor accommodation comprises of a high quality principal suite with dressing room, make up area, contemporary en-suite shower room and large bedroom with door opening on to a superb south facing roof terrace which provides the perfect retreat for either a late night glass of wine or early morning coffee whilst overlooking the well manicured grounds. The first floor of the property boasts a further FOUR double bedrooms with en-suite bathroom located off the second bedroom and large additional house bathroom. The second floor which we understand forms part of the original servant’s quarters comprises of bedrooms six and dressing / storage area which could also be utilised as a teenager’s retreat/games room. The current owners have gone to great lengths and have taken great care to retain the rustic exterior fabric of this former 1600’s Malthouse whilst cleverly introducing a modern, contemporary internal twist with the addition of high quality finishes to the kitchen, bathroom’s and en-suite’s.
Accommodation summary Ground Floor • Reception hallway • Bespoke kitchen/breakfast/family room • Laundry room • Play room/Bedroom 7 • Downstairs guests W.C • Drawing room • Sitting room • Dining room • Spacious Study • Pool area (with changing room / shower facilities) First Floor • Principle master suite with dressing room/en-suite/make up area • Terrace area off master suite • Bedroom two with en-suite • Three further double bedrooms • House bathroom Second floor • Double bedroom • Storage area
Seller Insight We were initially attracted to the property as we were looking for a countryside location with good commuter links and within close proximity to Bromsgrove School,” says Gaynor & Steven. “Fighting off property developers, over a 12 month period we stripped it back and created an affordable house to run with all modern conveniences, whilst still retaining the original Tudor character. It feels like a brand-new home where everything flows just perfectly.” “We created lots of entertainment areas including the roof terrace, the indoor swimming pool complex and the open plan dining room / kitchen both have bifold doors opening out onto the sunken, sheltered patio which is an ideal spot for a BBQ. The annexe above the triple garage is currently used as a hobby room but could easily be converted into a self-contained living area.” “We’re situated in a valley of 4 acres with a 7-acre field at the bottom of the drive. The garden was a labour of love involving the shifting of around 250 tonnes of soil to create the patio area. We tend to use the back garden for more formal entertaining but we left a lot of space as natural habitat to attract wildlife including barn owls, deer and birds. We have a vegetable garden and lots of mature trees including apple and plum. The garden is particularly beautiful in the summer when the roses and buddleia come into bloom.” “There are 100’s of countryside walks accessible straight from our driveway and there are plenty of excellent pubs and restaurants within walking distance or a short drive. We’re ideally situated for access to the M5, M42, M40 and we can be in the centre of Birmingham in around 30 minutes and London in just over an hour and a half. The house is ideal for somebody who wants the benefits of countryside living with easy access to all of the major amenities.” “Our favourite room is the open plan kitchen with bi fold doors opening out onto the indoor sunken terrace with roof terrace above, affording the most stunning views of the valley. We enjoy breakfast out here in the morning sun and cocktails before dinner. We also like to swim and, as the pool is enclosed and heated, we can be found out there at any time of the day or evening. On a sunny day, it’s particularly nice to open the doors and turn on the entertainment system and we’ve had lots of pool and hot tub parties which are always great fun.” “We’ll miss the pool and the countryside, basically all the reasons why we bought the house initially, the house has not disappointed us in any way. Our children have flown the nest and we’re now retired, so we don’t need all of the space and we’ve decided the time is right to downsize.” “ We will be very sad to leave Valley Farm.”* * These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.
“We really value the privacy and the tranquillity that the house and location offers. It’s great to come home and watch nature and the world go by, it’s very soothing but at the same time, we’re still close to all of the amenities that we need.”
We will miss the space, it’s a very large house where we can all be comfortably together or alone in our own space.�
We own the 7-acre field which would be great place to keep horses. We’ve also hosted a wedding in the same field, celebrating with up to 200 guests and we’ve had many BBQ’s and pool parties throughout the 15 years we’ve lived here. The house has plenty of ‘entertainment areas’ and the roof terrace alone can easily accommodate up to 50 guests.”
Outside The property is located just off Hanbury Road (B4091) via a winding driveway which leads into an expansive block paved driveway. The property sits in four acres of manicured grounds and has two “tradesmans� gates that access the rear of the property which benefit from established gardens, several patio areas and a covered terrace. A triple detached garage (with further adjacent car port) offers ample secure parking. The property has an abundance of mature shrubs, trees and bushes which attracts a host of wildlife.
LOCATION Hanbury is a small village with excellent amenities including a first school, craft centre with many small businesses including a restaurant, a local pub and a village hall which accommodates local clubs and activities, as well as the National Trust property of Hanbury Hall. The property is close to the ever popular Hanbury Church and for dog lovers, provides excellent walks throughout the countryside. The two market towns of Bromsgrove and Droitwich are each located within a ten minute drive and both have access to the M5 and M42 motorways and rail stations – as well as Gyms, Supermarkets, Independent Schools and expected facilities.
BROMSGROVE SCHOOL Bromsgrove School, founded in 1553, is a co-educational independent public school in the Worcestershire town of Bromsgrove and is a founder member of the Headmaster’s Conference. Consisting of three schools, Pre-Prep Nursery School (ages 2–7), Preparatory School (ages 7–13) and the Senior School (13–18). The School has a total of 200 teaching staff, with 1,660 pupils, including 220 in the Pre-preparatory School, 500 in the Preparatory School and 940 in the Senior School, of whom 60% are male and 40% female, 60% boarding and 40% day. As well as British students, there are more than three hundred from 49 different countries, especially Russia, Germany, China and Hong Kong. The school website states that the pass rate at grades A* to C (exams at age 16) is 96%. Bromsgrove also started teaching the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) in 2009, with 6th form students having the choice between them and A-Levels. A Rugby match against King Edward’s School, Birmingham, that has been played annually since 1875, is thought to be the oldest continuous Rugby fixture between two schools in England.
Local Authority Wychavon District Council – Council Tax Band G Services Mains gas, electricity and water Drainage is on a private system Local Authority Wychavon District Council Viewing Arrangements Strictly via the vendors sole agents Fine & Country on 01905 678111. Website For more information visit www.fineandcountry.com Opening Hours: Monday to Friday Saturday
9.00 am - 5.30 pm 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
Agents Notes All measurements are approximate and quoted in metric with imperial equivalents and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given and that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure.
Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg. No.08775854 Registered Office: F&C Stratford upon Avon Ltd, 5 Regent Street, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 2PE copyright © 2017 Fine & Country Ltd.
Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed 21.09.2018
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Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0)1905 678111 droitwich@fineandcountry.com 12 Victoria Square, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire WR9 8DS