When it comes to decorative flourishes, ceilings are not the most obvious place in a room to find them.
Occasionally one might find some beautifully detailed plaster work or fitting, matched by intricate patterns on the coving.
In older properties it might be supported by thick timber beams.
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But generally ceilings are fairly dull affairs, a plain plastered expanse, painted white or some other neutral colour, or perhaps still bearing the results of the ‘70s enthusiasm for artexing.
The drawing room ceiling at Robinshurst in Westfield Road, Edgbaston, however, is a quite stunning exception.
It is decorated with a series of Victorian murals. Surrounded by frames, they give the effect of an overhead gallery.
There are eye-catching period touches throughout this impressive home, including Minton tiled flooring in the reception hall, marble fireplaces and pretty Victorian fretwork in the sitting room.
With its three-storey height, abundance of gables (five, if you count the ones above the front porch) and arched windows, Robinshurst is as visually arresting on the outside as it is inside.
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It stands well back from the prestigious Westfield Road and has around an acre of gardens.
A generous block paved driveway provides parking for a good number of cars.
Heavy timber gates lead into the enclosed courtyard, which provides secure parking for up to three vehicles.
The separate garage provides a workshop area to the back and has potential for conversion, subject to planning permission.
Double timber doors open into the entrance vestibule which in turn leads into the colourfully tiled L-shaped reception hall with principle staircase and guest cloakroom.
On the left of the hall the front, fitted bookcase and a beautiful period fireplace with marble surround, hearth and mantle.
At the back of the property is the drawing room with its unusual ceiling murals. It has a bay window, French doors out to the terrace and central marble fireplace with a working log burning stove.
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Next to it is a sitting room which also has French doors leading to the garden with detailed fretwork above. It has an open fire in a marble surround.
Off the reception hall is a second hall with separate entrance from the front and another set of stairs up to the first floor.
This hall offers access to the cellars, utility/laundry room and kitchen/breakfast room.
This large space has a range of quality units, granite worktops, an island unit with storage and a recess for a twin plate Aga.
An archway leads to an additional seating/dining area.
Here there is access to the large conservatory with water fountain, doors to the gardens and its own guest cloakroom.
A substantial oak staircase leads from the main hallway up to a three-quarter height landing with a games room/bedroom three off it.
The main landing provides access to the master bedroom which boasts an en suite complete with hot tub, twin sinks, toilet, bidet and separate shower cubicle.
There is a second bedroom which also has an en suite shower room while another bedroom has a door into the family bathroom with bath, shower cubicle, toilet and basin.
A second floor landing is illuminated by a stained glass window.
On this floor there are four more bedrooms, a family bathroom and a kitchen.
Outside, the generous gardens are west facing.
There is a seating area directly at the back of the house.
Beyond this is a lawn, an original Victorian summerhouse, an orchard .
VIEWING INFORMATION
AGENT: Fine and Country
TEL: 0121 746 6400
WEB: www.fineandcountry.com
GUIDE PRICE: £1,800,000