Hazelwood, an exclusive new development of 17 detached luxury homes, has come to the market through selling agents Knight Frank. Set in the idyllic South Staffordshire village of Great Wyrley, nestled in seven acres of beautiful countryside, Hazelwood offers privacy and tranquility just minutes from major transport links.

The secure gated development comprises 14 detached houses on approximately one-third acre plots and 3 detached bungalows, each on their own private land. The thoughtfully designed 5-bedroom homes feature Porcelanosa tiling, German Nobilia kitchens with integrated Neff appliances, air sourced heat pumps, underfloor heating and CCTV security systems.

Residents can enjoy countryside views from their balconies and patios. The properties also come fully networked for home automation systems and each home has a detached garage and an electric vehicle charging point.

“Hazelwood offers a rare opportunity to own an exceptionally appointed new home in a peaceful rural setting,” said Kate Horton, Associate at Knight Frank’s Birmingham New Homes team. “With an attractive village location and easy access to major towns and cities, these homes appeal to commuters, families and professionals alike.”

The village of Great Wyrley offers a traditional English country lifestyle just 12 miles from Wolverhampton and Birmingham city centres. The Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is within a 5-mile drive.

Hazelwood is now ready for occupation with prices starting from £1,500,000.

For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact Knight Frank’s Birmingham New Homes team newhomesbirmingham@knightfrank.com Tel: 0121 233 6495.

www.knightfrank.com

Bargain hunters are expected to be queueing up to bid for a Birmingham home hidden by overgrown trees which is coming up at Bond Wolfe’s next auction.

The three-bedroomed house at 95 Walkers Heath Road in Kings Norton will have a guide price* of just £25,000+ in the livestreamed auction on 8 February.

Gurpreet Bassi, chief executive at Bond Wolfe, explained that while some serious pruning was needed outside, the family-sized house comes with a valuable driveway and rear garage.

Mr Bassi said: “There are currently some overgrown trees that need to be cut back outside of this end-terraced home.

“Once that is done, the new owners will be presented with a property which stands back from the road with plenty of space on an L-shaped plot of land.

“This is likely to be a popular lot for first-time buyers with green fingers or for landlords looking to invest in extending their portfolios.”

There is a porch, L-shaped reception room and dining kitchen on the ground floor, with a landing, three bedrooms, bathroom and toilet upstairs, plus gas central heating.

However, Mr Bassi added: “As well as some garden work, this property is also in need of renovation inside, reflected by its very attractive starting price.”

The Birmingham property is just one of 192 lots that are appearing in Bond Wolfe’s next auction, which will start at the earlier time of 8.30am on Thursday 8 February. 

If you have a property you are considering selling, visit https://www.bondwolfe.com/free-property-appraisal/ email auctions@bondwolfe.com or call 0121 312 1212 or 01902 928 510 for advice or to arrange a free no obligation valuation.

A pair of family-sized homes just doors away from each other on the same Birmingham street and both with attractive starting prices are in Bond Wolfe’s next auction.

The three-bedroomed, semi-detached houses are at 17 Montpelier Road and 43 Montpelier Road in the Bromford area, and each will have guide prices* of £39,000+ in the livestreamed auction on Thursday 8 February.

The two properties have front and back gardens, with a hall, two reception rooms, kitchen and toilet on the ground floor, then a landing, three bedrooms and bathroom upstairs.

Gurpreet Bassi, chief executive at Bond Wolfe, explained that Montpelier Road was a short distance away from The Fort Shopping Park, with plenty of local parks and school options.

Mr Bassi said: “While both houses need refurbishment throughout, with number 43 also having no fittings in its kitchen or bathroom, they could each make ideal purchases for first-time buyers or landlords looking to extend their portfolios.

“They are great examples of the wide range of Birmingham lots in our auction, and we are already busy with plenty of early enquiries.”

Over in Handsworth, a two-bedroomed, end-terraced house with front and back gardens at 18 Clarence Avenue in Handsworth has a guide price of just £29,000+.

This property has two reception rooms, a kitchen and bathroom on the ground floor, a landing and two bedrooms upstairs, plus gas central heating and double glazing.

Down in the south of the city, a three-bedroomed, double fronted and end-terraced house at 207 The Roundabout in Northfield has a guide price of £49,000+.

This property has a porch, reception room, dining kitchen and rear lean-to on the ground floor, with a landing, three bedrooms, bathroom and separate toilet upstairs.

There is gas central heating and partial double glazing, plus gardens and driveway parking outside, although there is the need for “improvement works throughout”.

Also needing modernisation is a three-bedroomed, semi-detached home with a driveway and gardens at 224 Sladepool Farm Road in Druids Heath, and this has a guide price of £50,000+.

This property has a porch, hall, two reception rooms, kitchen with dining area and toilet on the ground floor, with a landing, three bedrooms and bathroom upstairs, plus gas central heating and double glazing.

Over in Selly Oak is a three-bedroomed, semi-detached house with gardens front and back at 27 Prestwood Road, with a guide price of £69,000+.

This property has a hall, reception room with understairs store and bathroom on the ground floor, a landing with three bedrooms upstairs, plus gas central heating and double glazing to the majority of windows.

Back up in the north of the city is a three-bedroomed, mid-terraced house with gardens front and back at 20 Ilsley Road in Erdington, with a guide price of £59,000+.

This property has a storm porch, two reception rooms, understairs cupboard and kitchen on the ground floor, a landing, three bedrooms, shower room and toilet upstairs, plus double glazing, although it needs modernisation.

At the other end of the price scale is a vacant three-storey, mid-terraced property converted into three self-contained flats at 44 Church Road in the much sought-after suburb of Moseley.

This property, with a guide price of £275,000+, may be suitable for redevelopment, subject to obtaining the necessary planning permission.

There is a vestibule and communal hall on the ground floor, plus entrances to Flat 1 and Flat 2, which both have a hall, reception room and kitchen downstairs.

Flat 1 then has a landing, bedroom and bathroom on the first floor, with the same plus an extra bedroom on the first floor for Flat 2, while Flat 3 on the second floor has a bed-sitting room, inner hall, kitchen and bathroom.

The property has gas central heating, fire doors, smoke alarm, intercom system and double glazing, plus there is rear access to gardens outside.

The Birmingham properties are among 192 lots that are appearing in Bond Wolfe’s next auction, which will start at the earlier time of 8.30am on Thursday 8 February. 

If you have a property you are considering selling, visit https://www.bondwolfe.com/free-property-appraisal/ email auctions@bondwolfe.com or call 0121 312 1212 or 01902 928 510 for advice or to arrange a free no obligation valuation.

Intertwining storytelling with design to evoke a clear picture of each member of the household, the Andrew Henry Interiors design team created an unforgettable show home at Locking Parklands in Weston-super-Mare.  Showcasing the quality and appeal of the 124 new sustainable homes by housing association and housebuilder Curo, the four-bedroom property has been transformed into a vibrant retreat for an eco-conscious family who encourage and celebrate each other’s unique qualities.

Curo’s brief requested that the design steered away from a typical show home and painted a clear picture of the different individual personalities living in the house.  An industrial look to indicate the inhabitant’s stylish taste and an element of surprise were also key elements of the brief.  Dianna Colwell, lead designer at Andrew Henry Interiors, comments: “All families are unique, with different qualities and quirks. Viewers at Locking Parklands will be able to envisage what each family member living in this show home is all about; the children’s hobbies, the parent’s interests and the outdoor activities they enjoy together as a family.”

Starting with the kitchen, the specially selected worktops made from Dekton ‘Trillium’ quartz, which is 80% recyclable, influenced the colour and material palette used throughout the house.  Inspired by volcanic stones with intense grey and black tones and subtle hints of copper, the beautiful matt surface creates a stand-out feature which is complemented by light cashmere coloured kitchen cabinets with copper handles.  Practical for family living, the kitchen and living room feature furniture to match the industrial theme.  Complementing the dark wood herringbone flooring, a large black dining table with a mixture of brown leather chairs and upholstered bench seating, creates a functional and stylish kitchen/dining space. A feature light adds interest over the table and a note on the notice board about surfers campaigning to combat sewage in the sea informs visitors of the family’s commitment to saving the planet.  Dianna adds: “The overall aesthetic is industrial, yet cosy.  We introduced forest green and blush to the bedrooms to add warmth and nod to the home’s location, surrounded by woodland. We also used a lot of natural materials and textures to enhance the eco conscious ethos of the development and to tie in with the professions of the parents and the interests of the family.”

In the living room, a bespoke media unit and radiator cover maximise the space. Neutral sofas accessorised with black, white and beige textured cushions, a large Crittall style mirror and a statement rug blend industrial

minimalism with sophisticated comfort.  The downstairs cloakroom re-introduces the copper from the kitchen worksurfaces with wallpaper by Galerie on a feature wall which continues up and over the entire ceiling.  Completing the ground-floor, a spacious entrance hall accessorised with captivating artwork, which celebrates Weston-super-Mare’s lesser-known historical moments, provides several surprises.

The parents’ professions as a marine biologist who studied at Bristol University and a Conservation and Ecology professor at Exeter University are also referenced throughout the home. Books on the shelves in the study give viewers clues and books in the guest bedroom give a nod toward interests such as local history, local nature and British Sealife.  There is ornamental coral in the ensuite linking to the sea theme.

The four upstairs bedrooms reveal further insight into the home’s inhabitants.  In response to Curo’s brief, one of the children’s bedrooms suggests an interest in marine conservation. Although beach themed at first glance, this is not your typical teenage girl’s bedroom.  Striking mural wallpaper featuring an image of a huge wave, life size wall paintings of a surf board from several angles and snorkelling and surfing equipment provide this insight. Black bedroom furniture including a desk and subtle accessories like a bronze tortoise ornament placed on the window sill, a sea green velvet armchair and peach accents complete the space. 

A second children’s bedroom displays a love of football and support for the local team with a framed Weston-super-Mare kit, an eye-catching green mural over one wall and striking black and white striped wallpaper on another which continues up and over the ceiling.  The elegant primary bedroom fuses industrial features including bespoke black wall panelling surrounding a neutral fabric headboard, which covers the entire back wall. A brass industrial looking chandelier hangs over the bed which is accessorised with a mixture of dark blush velvet and black and white textured cushions.  A bespoke canvas featuring a stunning seascape, created by Andew Henry Interior’s in-house artist Sadie Vile, reflects the parents love of the ocean which has been passed onto the children. 

Jodie Winter at Curo concludes: “Andrew Henry Interiors nailed this design.  The team understood our brief and has injected personality and spirit with their approach and produced a memorable show home which brings excitement to every day family life. We’ve created a green and sustainable environment at Locking Parklands and it’s wonderful to have a show home that reflects this commitment.”     

For more information on Andrew Henry Interiors visit https://andrewhenry.co.uk/ or for the bespoke soft furnishings service, Thread & Dandy visit https://www.threadanddandy.co.uk/

Happy family home : Homebuyers searching for the perfect family abode can look to ten top considerations from property experts when choosing a happy family home.

Whether you are looking for somewhere to settle down and start a family or need to accommodate a growing one, there are many factors that need to be considered to ensure your new home works for you and your household.

As many of us are spending more time at home than ever due to working remotely or looking after loved ones, it’s important that your home enriches and complements your lifestyle, routines and habits, rather than restricting you due to a lack of space and flexibility.

With so much to consider, searching for the ideal home can be daunting, but with proper planning and careful thought, finding the dream home for you and your family need not feel like an impossible task.

Michael Taggart, CEO of Taggart Homes, says: “Finding your ideal family home can be a challenge, but it’s also an exciting prospect if you’ve chosen to move to improve you and your family’s lifestyle and environment.

“There is a lot to take into consideration, from the space and location that a home provides, to the potential and resale value it has in the future. During the pandemic, the importance of our homes has become even more significant – and many people are deciding to move because their current property is no longer working for their new routines.

“At Taggart Homes, we are proud of the care we take in considering who our homes are designed for and always put ourselves in the customers’ shoes. Quality, practicality, energy efficiency and value for money are at the top of our aims when designing new homes and neighbourhoods – that’s why we’ve compiled this list of our top ten considerations for finding a happy family home, to help buyers make the right choice for both the short and long term.”

Here are the top ten considerations for finding a happy family home:

1. Space

One of the most important aspects of any home is the space it affords you and your family – and that does not just mean the amount of space there is, but how it is used too. Smaller, compact houses still offer plenty of room if laid out and utilised in the best possible way, giving you plenty of options when creating rooms for working, dining and relaxing.

When looking for your family home, try to envisage how each room would work for you and your loved ones – what it would be used for, how you can make the most of the natural light and layout, and what you might like to alter when it comes to décor and style.

Consider your future plans – whether it’s to grow your family, downsize, or move out in the years to come, so any home you choose needs to be flexible to meet your changing needs, or have resale value in a desirable or up and coming area.

2. Location

It’s the classic property cliché, but location really is everything when it comes to house-hunting.

Proximity to local amenities such as shops, restaurants and bars, as well as schools, health and leisure facilities and places of interest, all add to the value and quality of life that a home can offer. Do your research around the area and surrounding neighbourhoods to get a good feel for the location.

Remember to consider the proximity of the property to beauty spots and places of interest too – if you enjoy a short break to the seaside or nearby nature reserve for example, choosing a home with easy links to main roads and motorways within an hour’s drive from these attractions might be the right choice for you.

3. Quality

The quality of a home – from the materials used to build it down to the finishing touches – will determine how enjoyable the space is to live in.

Practicality, aesthetics and energy efficiency are key aspects of an ideal home, with durability and value for money of materials and products used being equally important, to ensure several lifetimes of wear.

The ideal family home is one that you can create memories in, and when planning for the long term, it is important to consider the quality of a property, so it will last and will not cause you problems in the long run.

4. New build vs traditional

When choosing a new family home, one of the first decisions you will need to make is whether you would like to purchase a traditional or new-build house.

There are benefits and advantages to choosing either, and it really comes down to your personal preference and taste.

If you are planning to buy a new-build home, you have the added luxury of getting a ‘blank canvas’ that you can truly stamp your personality on. Many high-standard new-build homes will come with tasteful décor and quality fixtures and fittings already installed, so you can move in seamlessly and quickly.

If you are choosing a new-build property, research the housebuilder thoroughly to get a feel for the price range, style of homes, and areas that they are active in – this will help you to determine whether you are getting a quality home that will last.

5. Fixtures and fittings

To ensure a richer quality of living, choosing a property that offers convenient and efficient fixtures and fittings will keep your family home running smoothly.

Spending a little extra on a home that comes with quality appliances or has the potential to install new fittings over time, will be worth it for a more enjoyable living experience.

From high spec kitchen appliances and fibre broadband, to smart technology such as lighting, heating and speakers – there is so much you can add to your home that is going to provide practical and useful features you’ll love.

6. The neighbourhood

Researching the neighbourhood you would like to live in will help you to decide on your next home – this can include getting a feel for the housing market in the surrounding areas, such as price ranges, how quickly houses sell and how often or how many properties are on the market at any one time.

With the rise of property search portals and websites, it is easier than ever to look at the breadth of houses available in a chosen area, and you can compare prices and features to choose what suits you.

7. Travel

Although working from home has become the new routine for many, the need to travel as circumstances return to normal may arise once again, so consider how close your new home is to travel links such as trains, bus routes and motorways.

As attractions begin to reopen, there will be plenty of opportunities to visit family, take day trips out with the children and visit your favourite shopping and leisure parks, so it is worth researching how easy it will be to reach these places from your family home, whether that is by car or public transport.

8. Flexibility

When purchasing a family home, it is important to choose a property that works for you both in the short and long term.

The use of space may change over time – rooms might become multi-functional, you may wish to convert a space into a home office, a gym or another bedroom, so keep in mind how flexible the space is before buying.

The popularity of open-plan living continues to increase and is an extremely desirable asset in any property, as it allows the space to be used in various ways and can easily be adjusted over time.

9. Potential

A happy family home is one that can adapt to your changing lifestyle and needs over the years – so finding a property that can be extended or remodelled in the future is an important factor to consider.

Most homes with outside space will have the potential to be extended, but it is worth doing some research and seeking advice on this before purchasing if you think it is something you might need to do in the future.

Extending the kitchen, dining room, converting the loft, garage or basement, adding a roof extension, utility room or a new conservatory can all add value to a property, as well as provide you with that precious extra space to make your own.

It is a good idea to look at other similar properties in the area to see if they have been extended too and this will indicate how easy it will be to get planning permission for such a project, as well as provide scope for what can be achieved with the space available.

10. Outside space

One of the most sought-after features in a happy family home is the outside space – a garden is an extremely valuable part of any house, and one that is becoming even more significant given the amount of time we find ourselves spending at home.

A garden, patio area or courtyard can be transformed into a place to sit, dine, relax and play and will provide space for hours of fun and leisure time, where memories can be made.

Access to outside space is also vitally important for our physical and mental wellbeing, as proximity to nature is known to help combat stress and provide us with a calming environment – if this is high on your dream family home checklist, don’t be tempted to compromise!

Looking ahead to the future, choosing a home with a garden will also provide plenty of scope for extending your property, as well as adding in features such as a gazebo or even an outdoor garden pod – perfect for use as a home office, yoga studio or even your very own bar.

With more than 30 years in the industry, Northern Ireland and Birmingham-based Taggart Homes currently has developments underway in Oxfordshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

Property & Development Magazine