Edgbaston, Birmingham

“Original sash windows cast gentle light over vibrant pastel tones throughout”

This elegant two-bedroom apartment lies on the first floor of Ferndale House, a handsome Victorian building in a leafy part of Birmingham. Extending over 1,184 sq ft, the apartment has been sensitively renovated with a soothing palette that complements retained period features, including ornate cornicing, timber sash windows, and beautiful stained-glass windows. Landscaped communal gardens provide a peaceful, verdant setting, while Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens are a short stroll away.

Setting the Scene

Edgbaston has long been one of Birmingham’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. In 1810, George Gough-Calthorpe, 3rd Baron Calthorpe, began developing the area as an exclusive residential estate, prohibiting factories and warehouses to preserve its semi-rural character. Seeking an escape from the smoke and bustle of Birmingham’s industrial centre, affluent families began to make their homes among the area’s trees, gardens and handsome villas.

Ferndale House occupies a peaceful position within the Calthorpe Estate, now a designated conservation area. Originally built during the Victorian era, the building was restored and converted into apartments in 2019. The architecture retains its period character, with prominent Gothic Revival influence in its handsome red-brick façade, pointed window arches, and intricate central gable.

The Grand Tour

The apartment opens to a welcoming entrance hall, painted a gentle shade of green, and leading to a generously sized reception room. Here, a peach-coloured finish is a pleasing adornment to the room’s elegant period proportions, complemented by cornicing and a picture rail, as repeated in most rooms. A trio of sash windows draws in abundant natural light, and frames views of the communal gardens and surrounding treetops.

The adjacent kitchen is wonderfully bright, with a sash window and a rounded bay window with original stained-glass elements: four panes of glass in a diamond-latticework pattern and translucent cobalt blue. Contemporary cabinets are topped with stone countertops and house integrated Siemens appliances.

The principal bedroom is particularly spacious and features three sash windows overlooking the tree-lined street. Decorative iron railing runs beyond the windows, with space for a collection of potted plants. Painted a calming shade of blue, the room has a restful atmosphere, with matching built-in wardrobes. An en suite bathroom has a shower over the bath and striped tiling.

Across the hall, the second bedroom is bright and airy, with moss green walls, built-in wardrobes, and an en suite shower room.

The Great Outdoors

Mature communal gardens extend at the rear enclosed by established trees, providing a tranquil setting for residents. At the front, a gated driveway provides access to allocated parking for each apartment.

Out and About

Ferndale House lies in the leafy neighbourhood of Edgbaston, Birmingham, celebrated for its green spaces and grand Victorian architecture. The Grade II*-listed Birmingham Botanical Gardens is less than five minutes’ walk from the house. Beyond its glasshouses, landscaped gardens and mature planting, the surrounding area offers plenty of opportunity for walking and outdoor pursuits. Edgbaston Priory Club (5-minute drive), one of the oldest lawn tennis clubs, hosts a yearly women’s ATP grass court event year, as well as featuring a gym and swimming pool.

Edgbaston Village is home to restaurants and an award-winning independent wine merchant, while Harborne Road and the surrounding streets have many independent shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars. The city centre of Birmingham is around 10 minutes by car, or a 14-minute tram ride. The Library of Birmingham is Europe’s largest public library with a hidden panoramic rooftop, while Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery has a collection spanning fine art, archaeology and local history.

The area is well served by schools, including Edgbaston High School for Girls, and The King Edward Foundation Schools, along with Hallfield School, St George’s School, Priory School, and The Blue Coat School.

For transport, mainline rail services run directly from Birmingham New Street into London Euston in approximately an hour and 20 minutes. Five Ways station is under 20-minutes’ walk for local train links (West Midlands Railway). Regular buses run along Harborne Road to the city centre, while tram services are available from the nearby Hagley Road.

Council Tax: E