St. Bernards Road, Solihull, B92 7AU

Set on the prestigious St Bernards Road, Fairview is an impressive three-storey, six-bedroom, semi-detached Victorian home brimming with character, charm, and elegant design. Lovingly refurbished and upgraded to an impeccable standard, it offers the perfect blend of period features and contemporary chic. Built before 1900, Fairview also holds historical significance as the former home of pioneering engineer Frederick William Lanchester, who lived here from 1893 to 1897. During his time at No. 25, he designed gliders, a motor boat, and a motor car—laying the groundwork for innovations that would shape the modern automotive industry.

Fairview has been sympathetically renovated, refurbished, and meticulously improved throughout to meet modern standards while preserving its period charm. Recent enhancements include a new boiler, pressurised hot water system, 10 radiators, smart meters, and an energy-efficient AIMS electric Aga. The top-floor loft has been insulated, boarded, and fitted with a new hatch and ladder. The cellar has been tanked with a pump and maintained as of February 2024. A new EV charger was installed within building regulations in February 2024, and the flat roof and skylight have been refurbished with a guarantee.

Interior upgrades include plantation shutters front and rear, elegant Farrow & Ball and Fired Earth finishes, and renovated bathrooms, including a stylish new en suite with double sinks and a roll-top bath. Exterior improvements include a fully landscaped, west-facing garden with patio, decking, summer house, and fencing, along with annual gutter cleaning and recent repointing and lead flashing. Additional recent updates include a new double-glazed window in the top front bedroom and moisture-resistant painting in the orangery.

Approached via a wide gravel driveway bordered by mature lilacs and holly, this beautiful family home is set back from the road and enjoys a high degree of privacy. It also offers generous private parking. The original storm porch creates a charming entrance into Fairview and features a beautiful original Minton tiled floor that continues throughout the reception hall and inner hall, where stunning stained-glass panels frame the entrance to this family home.

Fairview features three elegant reception rooms, the first of which is located at the front of the property. This room, currently used as the family dining room, showcases original stained glass windows around the top of the bay. A sophisticated space perfect for special occasions and family gatherings, it includes a feature Victorian fireplace with a fully working gas fire, fabulous high ceilings, and immaculate original plasterwork, complemented by the recent addition of smart fitted plantation shutters for a contemporary touch.

Towards the rear of the main reception hall is the exceptionally spacious family living room, featuring an open fire set within a marble fireplace, original stripped floorboards, and double doors that open into the orangery. Leading off the kitchen is the charming breakfast room, complete with original butler’s cabinets, a beautifully exposed brick chimney breast, and a sash window with shutters. This versatile space could also serve as an ideal study, playroom, or snug.

The original panelling along the staircase conceals both a useful cloakroom storage area and the door leading to the cellar. The cleverly converted basement, professionally tanked in 2019, now offers a fabulous cinema room with excellent head height, built-in shelving, and soft grey décor. Adjacent to this is a second cellar space, ideal for bespoke wine storage.

The handcrafted kitchen is perfectly in keeping with the character of the home, featuring bespoke fitted wall and floor cabinetry, a deep ceramic sink with filtered water tap, and a superb energy-efficient AIMS electric Aga, set into an exposed brick chimney with a cast iron back plate.

Leading off both the kitchen and rear living room is the delightful orangery—a serene breakfast space with quarry-tiled flooring, plantation shutters, and double French doors opening directly onto the spacious raised terrace. A laundry room is accessed from the orangery, with ample space for a large fridge freezer, washing machine, and dryer. The inner hall between the kitchen and breakfast room also offers a back door to the side courtyard and a guest WC, featuring beautiful tiled walls, original stained glass, and stylish fittings.

First Floor
The principal bedroom suite is spacious and beautifully presented, featuring an original fireplace, immaculate plasterwork, and white plantation shutters on two front-facing windows—all complemented by soft Farrow & Ball tones. The luxurious en suite continues the palette, with a classic white suite comprising a claw-foot bathtub, twin pedestal basins, and a large walk-in shower, all finished with high-quality Burlington fittings.
Also on this floor are two further generously sized double bedrooms, both overlooking the rear garden. Each is tastefully decorated, showcasing original fireplaces, period features, and refined finishes. One bedroom benefits from extensive floor-to-ceiling fitted wardrobes along two walls. These bedrooms are served by a sleek, contemporary shower room, fully tiled from floor to ceiling and featuring under-floor heating, a spacious walk-in shower, WC, and hand basin.

Second Floor
The top floor offers three further spacious double bedrooms, all beautifully presented. Bedrooms four and five feature charming original fireplaces—one with views over the rear garden, the other enjoying far-reaching front-facing views. The sixth bedroom benefits from two Velux windows and a rear window, all fitted with plantation shutters, making it ideal as a home office or an additional double bedroom.

Also on this floor is a stylish shower room, finished with elegant limestone tiling and featuring a rain-head shower, WC, and hand basin. The landing is illuminated by a lantern roof light, flooding the space with natural light.

Garden & Outdoor Space
The fabulous west-facing garden provides a beautifully landscaped, private haven of peace and tranquillity. To the side, an enclosed Victorian courtyard offers the perfect spot for morning coffee, along with practical access from front to back via a tall, secure gated entrance and double garage doors at both ends of the garage.

A wrought iron gate, framed by a mature Montana Clematis arch, leads from the courtyard to a spacious elevated rear terrace. This generous grey sandstone patio, bordered by a low retaining wall, is ideal for outdoor dining and entertaining. Wide central steps descend to the main lawn, which is flanked by a broad pathway leading to a summer house and a lower decked seating area.

The garden is meticulously maintained and richly planted with mature trees and vibrant specimens, including peonies, acers, maples, camellias, an olive tree, apple tree, and rhododendrons. At the far end, a charming wooden summer house sits on a raised deck—a perfect place to relax and unwind in the evening sun.
Additional highlights include a double garage with dual access, outdoor water supply, stylish exterior lighting, and multiple seating areas, including the sunny courtyard. Rear and side pathways offer convenient access to both the garage and terrace.

Summary
Fairview presents a rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional Victorian residence in immaculate condition. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered, creating a luxurious yet welcoming family home in one of the area's most desirable addresses.



Services, Utilities & Property Information:

Utilities – Mains Electric, Water, Gas, and Sewer
Property Type – Semi-Detached
Construction Type – Standard
Parking - Driveway for 4+
Tenure: Freehold | EPC: E | Council Tax Band: G
Mobile phone coverage - 4G and 5G mobile signals available in the area - we advise you to check with your provider.
Internet connection - Ultrafast FTTP Broadband connection available - we advise you to check with your provider.

Special Notes – Situated in an Article 4 Conservation Area