Homes with a history

A former grammar school, an Italianate retreat with its own converted brewery, an ancient windmill or the former residence of a famous industrialist? Take your pick of the historic properties currently for sale around Shropshire.

The Old Windmill in Albrighton is a striking character home built in 1786 on a sandstone base, thought to have been owned in the early 20th century by the Earl of Shrewsbury, who rented it to Colonel Thorneycroft of Tettenhall Towers (now Tettenhall College).

Thorneycroft built the upper storey as a room from which to survey the Shropshire Hills and in 1918, the Earl of Shrewsbury sold it as part of his estate to a Mr Hoole, who in turn sold it a year later to the current family, who have occupied it ever since.

The most special part of this four-bedroom property is perhaps the fourth floor observatory, which has incredible views over the rolling Shropshire countryside.

It would benefit from a comprehensive scheme of refurbishment to restore it to an unrivalled family residence.

Offers in the region of £395,000 through Berriman Eaton in Tettenhall.

Highfield House in Whitchurch is a unique Victorian country villa of distinction, built in 1877 by the industrialist and ironmaster Robert Thursfield Smith.

Perched in elevated, extensive landscaped gardens with far-reaching views and around 26 acres of land, this imposing house combines striking architecture with the comforts of modern family living.

The east-facing principle rooms make this a light, sunny house throughout, boasting an entrance vestibule, hall, drawing room, dining room, study, family room, cloakroom, kitchen and breakfast room, conservatory, eight bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sauna, shower room, three cellar rooms and extensive attics.

Its integral garages have a laundry room and cloakroom, while outside there are pasture paddocks, a livestock building and grazing land with sporting pool by seperate negotiation. There's also a former stables and Coach House with planning permission.

For sale by private treaty, as a whole at £1,395,000 or would divide, through agents Nock Deighton on (01746) 762666.nextpage

The Old School House in Deytheur, near Llansantffraid on the Shropshire/Welsh Border, is a charming country house thought to date from 1629 when it was built as a grammar school.

Tucked into the Banwy Valley, the property has evolved over the years to become a headmaster's house and, during the 1980s, a private residence, which has been sympathetically restored.

Inside, there's a reception hall, drawing room, kitchen and breakfast room, utility room, principal bedroom with en-suite bathroom and dressing room, five further bedrooms, three further bath and shower rooms, and a terrace with a balcony over.

As well as magnificent gardens extending to around 1.73 acres, the property provides an all weather tennis court, a substantial detached garage and a traditional range of red brick outbuildings currently used for storage.

Guide price of £725,000 through Savills on (01952) 239500.nextpage

Pen-y-llan Hall in Oswestry is a most attractive Grade II listed Italianate country house in the glorious Welsh Marches, split into two principle family homes - a formal living space with what used to be servant's quarters, and a converted former brew house.

The main house offers two principal reception rooms, kitchen and sitting room, six bedrooms, bathroom and en-suite shower room.

The West Wing comprises a sitting and dining room, playroom, kitchen and utility room, seven or eight bedrooms, a bathroom and shower room.

The cottage and annexe each have two bedrooms, and outside there are part-wooded gardens, an all-weather tennis court, stores and a garage, in all extending to around 2.8 acres.

Guide price of £1,100,000 through Savills on (01952) 239500.