The origin of the name Pool Hall is shrouded in mystery.
Though deeds can trace the presence of a property on the site in Bullls Lane, Wishaw, close to Sutton Coldfield, back at least 400 years, there are few definitive clues as to what gave its title.
“We have not been able to find out why it was called that but I would think it was to do with water, whether it was pools or ponds in the grounds,” says the current owner, Mick Dunne.
There are pools there now – two ponds in the garden and a space for a pool table in the striking contemporary extension that has been added to the house.
When Mick and his wife Yvonne bought the property seven years ago as a home for themselves and their children Calum, who is 21, and Scarlett, who is 10, a Victorian house has replaced the original hall – a plaque on the wall dating it back to 1852.
Though handsome and well maintained, it was sorely in need of an update and a reconfiguring of rooms.
“Structure wise the property was good,” says Mick. “It looked fine. But it hadn’t been decorated since the 1970s. It was all avocado bathroom suites and layers of wallpaper. When we took the wallpaper off there were slight cracks here and there so we were advised to take it off and start again.
“We took up floorboards, took plaster off the walls, did the electrics and the plumbing. We started with a shell. But we have done it all as sympathetically as possible.”
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The number of bedrooms was reduced from eight to six so bedroom suites could be created with dressing rooms and private bathrooms.
On the second floor the ceilings were raised to create spaces more suitable for guests than the servants who probably used to reside up there.
But the biggest transformation has been to the land at the side of the house where the extension now stands.
Rather than attempt create a faux Victorian replica, the Dunnes have gone for something dramatically different, with the blessing of the city planners.
“The first architect wanted to go down the traditional route. We said we wanted a lot of glass and big family entertaining area where we could have meals and talk about our day.
“On that side you get the sun all day so the glass was really important
“We went to Birmingham City Council planners for a consultation. They said we were trying too hard to match it to the original building. What they much prefer these days is for the original to look original and the new to look new. They were very happy to see a modern box on the side rather than something traditional.”
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The Dunnes brought in a new Bob Ghosh of K4 Architects, Birmingham, to help them realise their vision of an open plan, light filled living space which recalled the minimalist buildings of the 30s and the style of Miami.
“Though we don’t really get the weather here but when we do it works really well,” adds Mick.
“There is solar film on the glass. When it is 25 degrees outside, the house stays cool. You step outside and it is like being on holiday.”
Mick, who has a background in retail fashion as one of the founders and a former director of the fashion brand All Saints, project managed the restoration and build.
The Suzanne Barnes Design Partnership, which is based in Edgbaston, was brought in to work on some of the rooms in the original building.
“It took about two years. When we bought the house a coach house came with it. We renovated that first and lived there while doing this up. Then we rented that out and sold it about a year ago.
Mick has developed a taste for doing up properties and that is part of the reason for the sale. “My son has finished at Bristol University and wants to stay in Bristol, so part of it is downsizing. But I am hungry for another project. I have done a few for other people and I have built up a portfolio over the last six years. I enjoy doing them.”
The entrance to the Pool Hall still retains a period feel with original stone steps and Minton tiled floor in the hallway which is lit by a huge window above the oak stairwell.
To one side is a cinema room or snug with a state of the art surround sound system, centrepiece fireplace and Victorian bay window.
Beyond this is a library with Parisian limestone flooring and French doors to the garden. It also has access to a guest cloakroom with toilet and vanity unit with twin sinks.
A small hallway leads to some useful rooms which include a cloakroom, butler’s kitchen, laundry and gardener’s toilet.
On the other side of the hallway is the Victorian sitting room which blends seamlessly with the modern build beyond.
An elegant reception room, its original features include bay windows and grand fireplace and a log burner to the other. Deep skirting, plaster cornices and oak parquet flooring are typical of 19th century luxury but flow naturally into the clean lines and open spaces of the kitchen/family/recreation area beyond.
The streamlined, Poliform Varenna kitchen is the ultimate in hi-tech cooking. It has a Küppersbusch hob with integrated wok, Varenna extractor, Gaggenau steamer and Gaggenau built-in barbeque/hot plate. There are two integrated Miele ovens, Miele steamer and microwave, Gaggenau dishwasher, two fridges, one freezer, Zip HydroTap with filtered boiling and chilled drinking water and Franke double sink within the Sisal stone work top.
A bar stool seating area introduces the substantial wraparound family/recreation area. This has polished limestone flooring, high glass walls and German-engineered Schuco doors to three sides.
To the far end is a double height seating area with oak and glass floating staircase up to the mezzanine area above.
This mezzanine features a coffee bar area/kitchen with high gloss white units, Corian work tops, a bank of stainless steel appliances and storage to incorporate Gaggenau coffee machine, microwave/grill and drinks fridge and freezer, and breakfast bar area with Gaggenau induction hob.
Glass sliding doors open onto the substantial outside balcony with sheer glass surround – ideal for large scale entertaining or relaxing.
On the upper two floors there are six beautifully appointed bedrooms and five en suites.
The master suite incorporates four main areas. The bedroom retains original features including a period fireplace, oak flooring and steps up to the seating area.
It also has a cloakroom with toilet, basin and marble flooring.
A stunning dressing room features a high vaulted ceiling and beams, 24 imported Italian, black glass wardrobes and a centrepiece of white wrap around sofas with opulent black glass chandeliers above. Mirrored double doors lead through to an equally luxurious en suite with walk through Hansgrohe Pharo Arc shower, freestanding Castello Deco style stone bath in front of a charcoal marble tiled wall with inset TV.
His and hers wash stands are set in Carrera marble.
On the second floor, bedroom six could act as a self-contained apartment with bedroom, built-in wardrobes and shelving, sitting room area with wooden flooring and a kitchenette with units and a sink. It also has an en suite shower room.
There is an annexe above the carport which offers a multitude of uses, from home workspace to guest accommodation.
An original garage has ample space for five to six cars. Planning permission is in place to build a new garage block and to convert the existing garage into living accommodation.
The grounds cover seven acres with the garden accounting for two of those. They are laid to lawn with an abundance of mature trees and shrubs.
To the front they stretch down to the old Farriers Smithy, home to the smithy for Pool Hall 400 years ago.
From the high gated private front entrance, the driveway sweeps round past the property to the garages.
Planning permission has been granted to build another gateway in Bulls Lane for an in-out drive.
Two large ponds create a lovely area of natural beauty.
Like the interior of Pool Hall, the grounds blend period and modern features. There are old Victorian brick arches, a wishing well and Victorian water pump, modern covered decking and excellent sized patio.
The views take in the surrounding countryside.
There is a good sized children’s playground set back from the lawns and a brick built barbeque to the patio area.
At the back of the lawns a five bar gate leads to a further five acres of pastureland and an old stable block.
VIEWING INFORMATION
AGENT: Fine and Country
TEL: 0121 746 6400
WEB: www.fineandcountry.com
GUIDE PRICE: £4,000,000