Billy Lane, Barnt Green, B45

Summary
Nestled along one of Barnt Green's picturesque and sought-after roads - so enchanting it has even inspired its own published book - this striking Edwardian Arts and Crafts family home showcases handsome Tudor Revival elevations and occupies a breathtaking plot of approximately ¾ acre. Surrounded by beautifully established woodland and mature landscaping, the property enjoys an exceptional level of privacy, with wrap around south-east to south-westerly gardens that have been lovingly nurtured by the current owners to create a truly idyllic setting. Two independent driveways serve the property, with one leading to a substantial double garage featuring electric doors and useful first-floor storage rooms above. Despite its wonderfully secluded position, the property remains just moments from the excellent amenities of Barnt Green Village, its train station, highly regarded schools and convenient access to the Midlands motorway network.

Description
A welcoming and exceptionally spacious entrance hall sets the tone for the accommodation, centred around an open staircase and flooded with natural light from large windows, including a magnificent picture window framing views of the surrounding woodland. The generous proportions provide ample space for a home office or reading area, creating a wonderfully versatile entrance to the home.

Double doors open into an impressive triple aspect living room, where a contemporary ‘Contura’ wood burning stove forms an attractive focal point. Two sets of double doors positioned either side of the chimney breast seamlessly connect the room to the gardens, creating an ideal space for both everyday family living and entertaining.

Also accessed from the entrance hall is a charming separate sitting room, featuring an outstanding decorative fireplace that perfectly reflects the property's Edwardian heritage. Double doors lead directly onto a secluded patio, providing another peaceful spot to enjoy the surrounding gardens.

The country style kitchen is fitted with solid wood cabinetry beneath granite worktops, complemented by a traditional red AGA, a separate electric hob, Belfast sink and an excellent range of storage. The kitchen flows naturally into a delightful dining/family room, with an attractive beamed ceiling and French doors opening directly onto the adjoining patio for effortless indoor-outdoor living. A practical utility room adjoins the kitchen, providing further storage, external access and a guest WC.

The first floor continues to impress with its high ceilings and abundance of natural light. The spacious landing even retains an original decorative fireplace.

The principal bedroom is approached via a walk-through dressing corridor with beautiful wall mural, perfectly suited for a large full height mirror. The bedroom itself enjoys wonderful elevated views across the gardens and benefits from fitted wardrobes and drawers, thoughtfully designed to create an attractive window seat. Discreetly concealed behind a sliding door within the dressing corridor is a contemporary shower room.

The principal guest bedroom is equally well-appointed, also featuring fitted wardrobes and drawer units with a window seat, together with its own modern en suite shower room. A further generous double bedroom includes a decorative original cast iron fireplace alongside a useful double cupboard housing the hot water cylinder, while the fourth single bedroom, currently arranged as a home office, enjoys delightful garden views and fitted wardrobes.

Completing the accommodation is a beautifully presented traditional family bathroom, fitted with a classic roll-top bath perfectly positioned to enjoy picturesque views, alongside a separate shower enclosure.

Outside
The wrap-around gardens are undoubtedly one of the property's defining features. Extending to approximately ¾ acre and enjoying a desirable south-east to south-westerly aspect, they provide an exceptional degree of privacy and have been lovingly cultivated to create a series of beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces. Sweeping split-level lawns wrap around the house, complemented by a generous patio nestled between the two levels, surrounded by exquisitely planted borders and productive kitchen planting conveniently located beside the dining room doors. Beyond, a charming lower garden is home to a superb timber greenhouse, an apple tree and a pond, while woodland pathways lead to the rear of the plot where the double garage is discreetly positioned.

The property is approached via two separate driveways located at opposite ends of the plot. The principal driveway provides generous parking immediately in front of the house, while the second leads to a substantial double garage with twin electric doors and staircase access to two excellent first-floor storage rooms above. Beyond the garage, a further area of the garden has been arranged as a vegetable growing and storage area.

The property is located within a conservation area and some of the trees are subject to Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).

Services
Mains electric and water.
Oil central heating.
Private drainage via a sewage treatment plant.

Vendor’s Thoughts: We first saw Dowles Cottage on a rainy December day. We drove down Billy Lane and immediately were transported to an enchanted place, just a few minutes to the village but it seemed a million miles away from anywhere. It was love at first sight.

The garden is a wildlife haven, full of butterflies , dragonflies, bees and birds and Roe and Muntjac deer wander through from the adjoining woodland.
No matter what time of day, you can always find a sunny or shady spot to sit and admire the surroundings and in complete privacy.  Our favourite spot is near the top of the garden looking down towards the house and croquet lawn. It’s where we catch the last rays of sun and drink a well deserved G&T.

Everyone who comes to Dowles Cottage comments that it feels so homely.
In the spring and summer months the house is flooded with light and there are French doors in all the rooms making an easy flow to the outside patios for al fresco dining.

In the Autumn and Winter months Dowles Cottage becomes a cosy and tranquil place. Our favourite spot is in front of the wood burner where we have spent hours just watching the flames flicker.

Our Christmas’ here have been truly magical and we always look forward to our annual Boxing Day walk in the woods and coming home to the warmth of the AGA.
We have been so lucky to have had Dowles Cottage as our home for the last 12 years. We have had so many wonderful times here. We will miss the house, the gardens and the village all dearly.

Location
Located between the ever popular villages of Barnt Green and Blackwell, the residence is conveniently placed for Blackwell Infants School, local convenience store, church and the renowned Blackwell Golf Club. The delightful village of Barnt Green lies approximately 1 mile away and provides local shopping facilities, doctor's surgery, two churches, several dentists and St Andrew's First School (also with 'Outstanding' Ofsted status). There are many sporting facilities including a cricket club, sailing club and popular sports club (one of the leading racquet clubs in the country) as well as easy access to the M5/M42 motorway links and Birmingham Airport. The picturesque Lickey Hills are just a short distance away offering wonderful walks that enjoy panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.

Living Room

4.87m x 4.48m

Sitting Room

3.09m x 4.32m

Kitchen

4.94m x 3.31m

Dining/Family Room

3.2m x 6.49m

Entrance Hall/Office

4.21m x 4.34m

Utility Room

3.53m x 1.82m

Bedroom 1

4.9m x 4.47m

En Suite

1.63m x 1.65m

Bedroom 2

3.2m x 4.39m

En Suite

1.37m x 2.21m

Bedroom 3

2.59m x 3.75m

Bedroom 4

1.62m x 4.32m

Bathroom

3.44m x 2.24m

Double Garage

4.89m x 9.13m

Storage Above Garage

2.77m x 4.1m

Storage Above Garage

2.77m x 4.09m

Disclaimer

These particulars are for guidance only and based on information approved by the seller. Accuracy cannot be guaranteed and details may contain errors or omissions. They do not form part of any contract. We are not surveyors or legal experts and cannot advise on condition, title, or other legal matters. Buyers should instruct their own professionals before making decisions. Photos are illustrative only and items shown are not necessarily included. Fixtures, fittings and appliances are not tested and may not be in working order. All measurements are approximate. No liability is accepted for loss from use of these details.

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