It may have been built last century but this house in Oakham Road, Harborne, has had some thoroughly modern upgrades.
Among them is a contemporary fitted kitchen, bi-fold wood doors and solar panels which provide the property with 50 per cent of its heating.
The hard work has been done by the current vendors, who bought it 22 years ago and set about improving the then dated house.
One of the reasons they were drawn to it was the location and size of the plot. It left scope to extend and they duly added on to the side.
It now has two reception rooms, a much enhanced/kitchen family room, large conservatory and up to six bedrooms on the top two floors.
However, the house’s character was not lost in the makeover with many of its original features mixed with the new improvements.
These include high ceilings, original stained glass windows, picture rails, stripped doors, Kentucky oak flooring in the hall and fine fireplaces.
At the front of the property, the block paved driveway has plenty of space for cars with a pretty white camellia adding a splash of colour.
In the oak floored entrance hall, there is an original triple stained glass window and a guest cloakroom. In the dining room at the front there is an inset brass gas real flame fire while the living room to the back features original picture rails and a 1930s open coal fireplace.
Large bi-fold ash doors lead through to the excellent sized conservatory with terracotta tiled flooring, fitted blinds and double doors to the patio and gardens beyond.
Double doors open from the conservatory into the family room/breakfast area. The focal point here is the cosy log burner on terracotta tiles. It also has an original stripped pine built-in cupboard.
The stripped pine floor leads through to the contemporary kitchen with built-in appliances including a Bosch microwave, oven and dishwasher.
The centre island with black granite worktops creates further space and dining options, and behind two tall cupboards there is room for an American fridge freezer. The size of this space has proved to be ideal for hosting parties and the vendors have held many over the years.
Upstairs there is access to the loft which houses the solar panel controls.
One of the front rooms on the first floor has been converted to a kitchenette and dining area, a useful facility that, together with a bedroom, could be used to create a self-contained flatlette.
There are four double bedrooms on this floor and a very good sized single that has been used as a study. These are served by the family which has a large walk-in shower, bath, toilet, pedestal basin and airing cupboard. One of the bedrooms features original cupboards and a pedestal basin.
On the second floor there is a large landing with lots of storage space. This leads to a shower room and a double bedroom with oak laminate flooring, a range of oak fitted wardrobes, and Velux windows in the high vaulted ceiling.
The owner of the house is a gardening enthusiast, as is clear from the back of the house. The large space is full of interest and colour, including a fish pond, water feature and greenhouse. It starts with a raised patio. Down the stone steps the gravel path meanders past shaped lawns and beds containing acers, lilacs, tree peonies, pieris, and magnolia. There’s large mature wisteria to one side and a landscaped pond with waterfall on the other.
Further on down the garden through a rose covered trellis, there is a circular rose bed and two further patio areas at the bottom. The first has a Virginia creeper over a pergola and provides a useful wood storage area. The second is in front of the stainless steel security shed and currently has a hammock in place. High laurel hedges and old walls help to provide a very private space.
VIEWING INFORMATION
AGENT: Fisher German
TEL: 0121 746 6400
WEB: www.fineandcountry.com
GUIDE PRICE: £635,000
