Streetsbrook Road, Solihull, B91 1

Solihull is a stylish and prosperous town and as such has become a sought after destination for the discerning home owner. Sadly the knock-on effect of this has resulted in an escalation in house prices meaning that those looking at the lower end of the market are finding possibilities in short supply. However all is not lost as developments such as this one are becoming more popular and having seen this one it is with good cause, with the resulting apartments being finished to a very high standard and their convenient location providing the flexibility residents need. For anyone retiring to the leafy suburbs of the town or, still working and needing easy access to nearby Birmingham this could provide the perfect answer. At the same time, it represents an excellent opportunity for a buy to let landlord seeking to extend their portfolio.
Entering the block via the impressive lobby we find our way to ‘our’ front door and pass into the inner hallway where to our left is the door into the bedroom. This is not a very wide room, if 4m can be considered narrow but more than compensates for this by being some 6.5m long, finishing at a pair of patio doors which provide masses of light and when the weather permits, ventilation. The sheer length of the room means that any choice of free standing furniture is governed by just that, choice, with any constraint on size never entering the equation which in any apartment, is a luxury. As if that were not enough, there is also a large fitted wardrobe opposite the entrance door, fitted with a mirror front to add a further touch of decadence.
Moving back along the hall we come to a large storage cupboard, instantly solving the main problem encountered in homes of this type namely, everyone has got a Hoover and an ironing board, along with various outdoor coats and winter boots but where are they to be kept? Here, obviously.
Next to here is the bathroom which put me in mind of a boutique hotel, where everything is fitted and integrated giving a neat and easily maintained space. Fully tiled to ceiling height in those large patterned tiles so popular today this features a suite which comprises an integrated lavatory, wall mounted hand basin with additional storage beneath and a full length bath. To one side of the bath is a glass screen running half its length and offering protection to the room from any over-enthusiastic use of the shower positioned above. This is of the type that drawers its hot water directly from the home’s heating system, this meaning that you will never run out mid-way through your daily ablutions; a short sharp shock which is guaranteed to take this shine off anyone’s morning.
The remaining door off the hall takes us into the lounge which in turn, includes the kitchen. This is an arrangement that I am often suspicious of, as frequently there is just too little room to fulfil this dual role but happily, this is not the case here.
The kitchen is found in a small annexe on the right as we enter, though this scarcely does it justice as in many lesser homes it would be thought of as a perfectly acceptable stand alone kitchen. There are fitted units in an ‘L’ formation to the end and one side wall, providing everything you could need in a neat and attractive package with generous storage and work top space. No, it is not huge but for the numbers of diners it is likely to be catering for, it is more than enough and more importantly, is big enough to allow the chef to move around easily while never feeling cramped.
The lounge section mirrors the adjacent bedroom in size, meaning that there is not only comfortably enough space for a large settee and occasional armchair, but a proper dining table as well because after all, there may only be one bedroom but surely you are allowed dinner parties from time to time? Well here they are not only permitted but positively encouraged, and there you have it. A home that is easily managed by one person, spacious enough for two to live in a great deal of comfort, and occasionally entertain a great many more. And all in fashionable Solihull, at a price that won’t give you an attack of the vapours – you can’t ask for more than that.

All in all, this is either to be seen as a home that fits a selection of possible buyers or, a very shrewd business proposition. As an investment it is pain free; already finished to the sort of standard that would make prospective tenants beat a path to your door or, for someone downsizing and needing somewhere that almost runs itself, it is perfect. Also, for any first time buyers wanting to find somewhere stylish but which remains affordable, it is manna from heaven and this is before we even consider exactly where it is located, something which surely must represent the cherry on the top of what looks a very enticing cake.