The former home of Walsall-born Jerome K Jerome, best known as author of the all-time comedy classic Three Men in a Boat, is on the market – for £425,000.
The premises at 23 Lichfield Street, Walsall, are up for sale following their vacating by law firm Addison O’Hare as part of a merger with Enoch Evans LLP.
The house and links to the author’s family are referred to in the Municipal List of Residents of 1861, and today the premises comprise over 5,000 sq ft in total.
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The merger of the two law firms will see Addison O’Hare give up 23 Lichfield Street – described as a “character property” in the heart of the town centre.
Rob Watts of auctioneers CPBigwood said: “It is a prominent, period building with plenty of history and could hardly be better situated.
“It could appeal to owner-occupiers, potential investors or parties who may be interested in converting it to residential. It is a terrific opportunity for someone and we are expecting plenty of interest. The Jerome connection is the icing on the cake.”
Jerome K Jerome was born in Caldmore, Walsall, in May 1859 and achieved international fame with his hugely successful comic travelogue Three Men In A Boat, published in 1889.
The comic novel was an instant success and remains in print to this day.
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In the year following publication the number of registered Thames boats increased by 50 per cent in 12 months and Three Men In A Boat is still considered to have played a key role in the Thames becoming a tourist attraction.
In its first 20 years, the book sold over a million copies worldwide and has been adapted to the cinema, TV and radio and the stage. Jerome K Jerome died in June 1927 after suffering a cerebral haemorrhage whilst on a motoring tour.
The merged firm will house more than 40 lawyers and will operate under the name of Enoch Evans LLP incorporating Addison O’Hare Solicitors, with a staff of over 70.