Victorian charm high in the hills

Although Woodland Grand is a magnificent Grade II listed Victorian house set in a private and commanding position high in the hills of Ironbridge, it is still very much a family home with plenty of space and character.

Since buying their home eleven years ago, Alan and Linda Hanson have very much enjoyed bringing their family up in it. As all the children have now flown the nest, the Hansons have decided to move on to downsize, and so are looking for a bungalow.

It's for sale through Strutt & Parker of Bridgnorth for £695,000. nextpage

The house has a wonderful entrance hall featuring original Maws tiles, a great kitchen, impressive reception rooms with original fireplaces, a stunning conservatory and two cellars which are currently used as a snooker room and workshop.

Alan said: "The house dates from the 1880s/1890s. We're not exactly sure of the date. It was built by the brick factory for the brickmaster. We think the house is basically two houses. We think it is probably much older at the back of the house."nextpage

The good-sized breakfast kitchen has an excellent range of units incorporating an integrated fridge and dishwasher. This big room is easily big enough for a large family kitchen table.

"As our children have moved away now we're rattling away in here by ourselves," says Alan. "Ironbridge has just got everything you need. And here we have this private position, bordered on both sides by paddocks, so you have peace and quiet, yet down the road you've got all the restaurants you want."nextpage

Further down the entrance hall another door to the left opens into the huge sitting room. This has a magnificent marble fire surround with coal-effect gas fire and French doors opening into the garden.

A door to the right of the entrance hall opens to the sunny morning room with cast-iron wood burner on a marble hearth. From here a door leads off into the double-glazed hardwood spacious conservatory. It has ceramic floor tiles and French doors opening on to the rear garden.nextpage

The large family bathroom has tiled floor and walls, corner bath, shower cubicle and large walk-in cupboard.

Back from the entrance hall, an impressive balustraded staircase rises to the very large first- floor galleried landing.

The master bedroom, together with bedroom five, overlook the rear garden, both having an en-suite bathrooms and hand-built wooden wardrobes.nextpage

Bedrooms two and three have fitted wardrobes as well as far-reaching views across the front of the house, while bedroom four lies at the side of the house and is currently used as an office. nextpage

The house has its own drive and double garage, two pedestrian entrance gates and well-stocked gardens, a paved terrace and higher stepped levels giving more views.

The gardens have been beautifully cared for and has stunning views down across Ironbridge and the Severn Gorge - a World Heritage site - can be enjoyed. Linda said: "It's a lovely house - a great family house."