One of the beauties of the substantial Victorian home of Peter and Dorothy Barclay is that hardly anyone knows it exists.
Although positioned in Bridgnorth, and surrounded by around 1.25 acres, The Grange at Westgate Drive is hidden at the end of a long private drive.
Its extensive, beautifully landscaped grounds are quiet and peaceful, bordering on to the rear gardens of surrounding properties.
It has around 6,000sq foot of living space, including an indoor swimming pool, a 29 foot games room, and outbuildings.
The Grange is a secluded large, imposing home combining a warm and welcoming family atmosphere with plenty of space from which to work from home.
As Peter, a retired businessman, and Dorothy, a housewife, now wish to downsize, they have put their home up for sale through Berriman Eaton of Bridgnorth for around £975,000.
It has three halls, dining room, sitting room, drawing room, utility, breakfast kitchen, lobby, boot room, office, master bedroom, two bathrooms, four further bedrooms, games room, and store rooms.
The Grange also has cellars and a detached twin garage which has a workshop/garage and first floor loft rooms.
Outside a private approach leads through trees into a turning area at the side of the house. Formal gardens surround the property with lawns and shrub borders, and a fruit and former vegetable patch lie to the rear, with footpaths leading around the garden.
A south facing sun terrace lies outside of the indoor swimming pool.
The Barclays have owned The Grange for five years. Before they bought it was known as Yonderfields. Previously the Barclays had lived at the 18th century Badger Hall in Badger.
Dorothy said: “Then we were living in the middle of nowhere and here, because no-one knows the house is here, I feel really comfortable.”
They decided to move because their grandchildren had started school in Bridgnorth and they wanted to be nearer their family. “All four of our grandchildren have learned to swim here,” said Dorothy.
The Grange is a substantial property with some great features, including tall ceilings and windows. “It is ideal for a family and also wonderful for entertaining and having friends to stay, as there is so much space.
At Christmas Dorothy said the house “came alive” with all their family visiting. Since being there the Barclays have added a stunning luxury bathroom.
Dorothy said: “That was the only thing we were short of, and when we were doing that, we decided that the house was in need of rewiring, which we subsequently did.”
The Barclays do not know much of the history of their home because the title deeds were burned in a fire at the Halifax Building Society at some point.
Walking distance
Dorothy said: “As far as I can tell, all the land round here belonged to the house. I believe that the front of the house would have been south-facing, with the original entrance to that side, but I think they changed the position of the entrance in order to put in Westgate Drive.”
Dorothy said that one of the great benefits to the position of her home was that it was only a ten-minute walk into town. Bridgnorth’s good schools are also within walking distance.
“We’ve got the amenities nearby and yet it is so quiet,” said Dorothy. “In the summer Bridgnorth is a holiday place and it’s a lovely place to live, the people are really friendly.”
Stone steps lead up to the main entrance porch, an entrance hall and then an inner hall.
Off this is an oak staircase with large leaded stained glass window up to a galleried landing. To the left of the inner hall is the light and airy dining room; behind this is a sitting room and then the fabulous drawing room.
To the left of the entrance hall is the front facing utility, kitchen and lobby. The lobby leads on to the right-side boot room, with office and store with changing rooms behind.
The rooms form a horseshoe round the indoor swimming pool, and a large window from the kitchen overlooks it.
On the first floor is the master bedroom, three further bedrooms, the bathroom and two store rooms. Off the third floor is the games room, two store rooms and bedroom five.
Dorothy said: “We will miss the house. We have had some good times here.”
Further details are available from Berriman Eaton of Whitburn Street, Bridgnorth on 01746 766499.
* Price and details correct at time of publication.
By Cathy Stanworth.
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