It was a dream come true when Derek and Carol Lowe were able to buy this
“We had driven past Beechcote almost every day, taking the children to school in Berkswell,” says Derek.
“I’d often said to my wife that I’d like to live there.
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“The ‘For Sale’ board went up while I was away on business in Italy and, as soon as I returned home, Carol told me that ‘my’ house was up for sale and I immediately knew which house she was talking about.
“We viewed within a couple of days and made an offer, even though our house wasn’t on the market at that time and we weren’t actually looking to make a move.
“Fortunately, the vendor accepted our offer and five months later, we were all moved in.”
It was the parkland setting surrounding it that had caught their eye, as much as Beechcote itself.
The current Georgian-style house actually replaced an earlier Victorian property.
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“There are two stories that we have been told since we’ve lived here,” explains Derek.
“Before 1960 the large Victorian property was owned by an eccentric gentleman who was involved in the performing arts and, we understand, let our rooms to travelling actors and musicians who were performing locally.
“In addition we can also claim that a Wimbledon champion regularly played tennis in our garden.
“Although it would be difficult now, due to the overhanging branches of the copper beech tree, there was once a grass court on the front lawn and one of the anchor stones, used to secure the net post, is still visible.
“Maud Watson, , was the first ever winner of the Wimbledon Ladies title in 1884, defeating her sister, Lillian, in the final.
“Maud repeated her success in 1885 but lost in the final in 1886 before being unable to reproduce her form in later years due to a combination of injury and illness.
“Both Maud and Lillian are buried at Berkswell church.”
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One of the improvements they made to the house after purchasing it was to install a natural swimming pond in the garden.
“Instead of looking out over an ugly, blue swimming pool cover we now look out over a beautifully landscaped pond area, which looks good all year around,” says Derek.
“When the warmer weather arrives, you can jump in the pond to cool off and have a relaxing swim.
“For those who prefer warmer water and want to swim during the winter months, we also have an indoor exercise pool.”
Inside Beechcote there are four reception rooms, a games room, five bedrooms and five en suites.
The hub of the home is the open plan kitchen/breakfast/family room, complete with AGA.
“We love this space,” says Carol. “This is where we spend most of our time.
“The conservatory is lovely, especially during the spring and autumn as it is warm and light and overlooks the pool and gardens.
“We also like the balcony off the master bedroom where you can sit drinking coffee on a lazy Sunday morning (or anytime actually).
‘‘There are no near neighbours and all the rooms .”
The property is ideal for working from home, offering several room options.
There is a study situated so it looks out over the front garden. Alternatively, a first floor room in the annexe could be used as an office/study.
If even more space was required, the pool/games room could easily be converted into an office/consultation rooms.
French doors from the breakfast room, dining room, music room and conservatory all open out onto the large, south-facing, semi-circular rear deck.
The beautiful established gardens are impressive all year round, with numerous mature trees and shrubs which include a huge Wellingtonia/giant redwood in the front garden.
In the spring, the numerous and large rhododendron produce a colourful display of pink, red, white or purple flowers.
As well as the principle entertaining space, there is a more intimate and sheltered dining area beneath a wooden gazebo.
In addition to the swimming pond, there is a natural pond within the paddock area. This attracts nesting birds such as moorhens and mallards, as well as welcoming the occasional visit from herons, roe deer, muntjac deer, all three varieties of woodpeckers and a family of foxes.
An ‘L’ shaped paddock to the East and south of the property could be used for keeping ponies. A smaller paddock is located to the west of the property with separate, gated access from the road.
There has been a settlement in Berkswell (Bercul’s Well) since before Saxon times and parts of the church date from the 9th century
There is a small shop and tearoom in the village itself and a greater variety of shops and services in Balsall Common, which is only a short distance away.
Further afield, there are shops and a Waitrose in Kenilworth, while the larger shopping centres of Coventry, Solihull and Leamington Spa are all within easy reach.
The Bear at Berkswell is a traditional pub/restaurant that dates from the 16th century.
The village school was rated as ‘‘outstanding’’ following the most recent Ofsted inspection.
“Both of our children attended the school, which caters for children from nursery age through until year six,” says Derek.
“We are in the catchment area for Balsall Common Junior School, which was also rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted inspectors.
“For senior school children, state education is available at the .
“There are several private schools within a reasonable distance, including Warwick and Solihull School, as well as King Henry VIII and Bablake schools in Coventry.
“King Henry’s is situated opposite Coventry railway station, which is only five minutes from Berkswell station.
“The motorway network is easily accessible, as is Birmingham airport and Birmingham International railway station.
‘‘You can catch the fast train to London Euston from International and Coventry, or take the more relaxed train journey from Warwick Parkway into Paddington.”
VIEWING INFORMATION
AGENT: Fine and Country
TEL: 02476 500015
WEB: www.fineandcountry.com
GUIDE PRICE: £1,500,000