Grindstones 20 Westfield Road Edgbaston
GRINDSTONES Built in 1893, Grindstones is set back up a private driveway behind a large retaining wall screened with stunning Copper Beech and Chestnut trees. In a most highly regarded location with a fabulous elevated position is this stunning example of Victorian grandeur blended seamlessly with contemporary luxury to create a truly distinctive seven bedroomed 3 storey family home.
Over 5000 sq ft of living space is laid out over 3 floors and briefly comprises of: a magnificent reception hall, sitting room, dining room, study, snug/tv room, extensive breakfast kitchen, laundry, workshop and larder. To the first floor is the master bedroom with dressing room and ensuite, three further double bedrooms, bathroom and separate wc, and to the second floor is a fabulous games room and two further double bedrooms with a jack & jill bathroom. To the outside there is a large private driveway to the front of the property and a double garage block, the rear has a spacious terrace, stunning private gardens and an extensive Victorian glass house.
Grindstones is a stunning example of late Victorian architecture and design. Magnificent period features throughout include the most superb entrance hall with mint condition Terrazzo tiling, panelled walls, numerous impressive fireplaces, superb cornices, ceiling roses and arches, deep skirting boards, fabulous high ceilings and the stunning original bannister. Over the years the present owners have substantially improved the property, creating the perfect balance between contemporary family living blended seamlessly together with traditional period characteristics. Grindstones benefits from all the modern touches of a fine luxury home, Villeroy & Boch fitted bathrooms, designer kitchen with high end appliances, high pressure mega-flow water and heating systems, excellent security systems, and luxury fixtures and fittings throughout.
Seller Insight Westfield Road, a leafy street lined with imposing houses that boast large lush gardens, is understandably one of the most desirable residential addresses in Edgbaston, and Grindstones is a beautiful family home that occupies a superb position on this much sought after road. We were actually only living just around the corner before moving here in 2001, says Sally, however we wanted a larger family home with a big garden for our two boys. Grindstones fitted the bill exactly. When we purchased the house, structurally it was in great condition, but the interior was very tired so in need of a whole lot of work to bring it up to scratch, however we could see that it had amazing potential. It retains a great many lovely original features, so it has real character and charm, and the rooms are all beautifully proportioned. Even the entrance hall is absolutely massive; in fact it s so big that when the children were young they would ride their bikes around in it! Another thing that really attracted us to the house was the fact that we could see that the layout would work for us, so it was just a case of updating the décor and bringing certain elements such as the heating and electrics up to modern standards. The only slight structural change we made was to knock through the kitchen to create a more open space, but apart from that it s been perfect. I have to admit, we re not great gardeners, so we ve tried to keep the garden as low maintenance as possible, continues Sally. It s very wide and runs the length of the house, and it s mainly laid to lawn so it s been ideal for the children. We also have a very pretty walled rose garden that has great potential for a keen gardener. In fact the whole space is something of a blank canvass that has so much potential to be developed further. I work in the centre of Birmingham and generally it only takes me around twenty minutes by car, so it s wonderfully convenient, says Sally, and I think it s that convenience combined with our peaceful and leafy surroundings which we ve enjoyed the most about the location. One of the things I love about this house is that the back of it faces south, says Sally, so each of the principal reception rooms is wonderfully light and bright and they all enjoy a lovely view of the garden. For the majority of the time it s just the two of us here now, so we feel that the time is right to downsize, says Sally. We will definitely miss the space, both inside and out, and also the wonderful character of the house. It s been the perfect family home.
The room that we spend most of our time in is the kitchen, says Sally, it s the hub of the home. We ve created a real family space in which we can all come together but not feel on top of one another. It s both functional and a pleasure to be in.
Providing practical living space with a high level of specification, the superb open plan breakfast kitchen is perfectly created for modern family living. This room is incredibly light and spacious and has large porcelain floor tiles, and is fitted with a range of base and wall mounted cupboards, granite worktops and a sink unit with a mixer tap. There are a range of quality built-in appliances to include Miele coffee machine, Neff microwave oven, 2 Siemens built-in ovens, a Siemens 5 ring induction hob, a 1.5 inset sink with a waste disposal unit, and a further food preparation area with a food prep inset sink. The breakfast area has superb views across the gardens through extremely large windows and a door allows direct access onto the terrace.
The Grounds The rear grounds are accessed through a number of doors across the entire width of the house. The attractive terrace adorned with Camellia shrubs and a Fig tree, has steps leading down to the generous sweeping lawned area with high mature trees and superb mature shrubbery bordering all sides offering complete privacy. Apple trees intersperse with Rhododendrons and fringe the substantial lawns. To the rear of the garden is a useful brick built storage shed and a covered shelter. To one side of the large lawned area is a formal garden with brick pillars interspersed with an array of Ferns, Fox-gloves, Roses and other plants. Stone steps take you back to the terrace which leads round to the extensive original Victorian glass house. To the opposite side is the rear access to the garage and a gate leading through to the front of the property.
EDGBASTON Traditionally one of the most upmarket and affluent areas of Birmingham, Edgbaston is referred to as where the trees begin. This picturesque leafy suburb is home to both the University of Birmingham and the Edgbaston Cricket Ground. The University of Birmingham is a traditional Red Brick institution established as the Birmingham School of Medicine and surgery and currently ranked 11th in the UK and 64th in the World. Edgbaston Cricket Ground is home to the Warwickshire County Cricket Club. Established in the 1880s and redeveloped in 2010, the venue hosts county, national and international tests matches as well as One Day Tests and Twenty20 Internationals, as well as the Ashes.
BIRMINGHAM Lying at the seat of England s industrial and commercial heartland, the Second City is the very model of a beaming cosmopolitan global city that sets the standard for others to mirror. Increasingly recognised as an important cultural hub with the Birmingham Royal Ballet based in the city, along with a magnificent and striking new library. Birmingham also boasts some of the best shopping in Europe with the superb Bullring Shopping Centre containing over 140 shops including a flagship Selfridges department store. The exclusive Mailbox development is host to a range of designer stores including Armani and Harvey Nichols.
Tenure Freehold. Services Mains gas, electricity and drainage. Local Authority Birmingham City Council. Council Tax Band G Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg. No. 04018410. Registered office address: 1 Regent Street, Rugby 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. * 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. Printed
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