Hall Lane, Walsall, West Midlands

Built around 1970, this spacious five-bedroom house near the centre of Pelsall remains true to its mid-century origins. Newer additions, including concrete floors and bespoke joinery, have been installed with a deep appreciation for the home’s period distinction and dynamic form. Outside is a large garden, where a paved terrace gives way to a large stretch of lawn framed by mature trees and shrubs.

The Tour

Made up of pitched, staggered silhouettes, this home’s profile hints at the bright, voluminous spaces that lie within. In front is a smart front garden, where a driveway has room for four cars.

Entry is to a porch with storage for coats and shoes. Beyond is a striking hallway, where the home’s period distinction is brought to the forefront. Timber-panelled ceilings span overhead, with concrete underfoot. Although each of the ground-floor rooms branches off this space, it is a space worthy of pause in its own regard.

Behind sliding doors is the living room, a bright space with almost floor-to-ceiling timber-framed windows on two sides. Next door is an open kitchen and dining room, which has beautiful exposed beams and dual-aspect windows that look out to the garden. The kitchen has beautiful cupboards, a newer but sensitive addition, with micro-cement countertops and ample storage space. An unbroken line of sight extends out to the garden, through French doors at the far end.

A spiral metal and timber staircase curves up to the first-floor landing, a voluminous space open to the roofline. There are three bedrooms here; all have peaceful floor-to-ceiling views over the garden. There is also a bathroom, a separate shower room and a large storage space.

There are two additional bedrooms on the second floor; the larger is a particularly quiet and private space with built-in storage and far-reaching views.

Outdoor Space

A large garden extends beyond the house, with a split-level patio area perfect for summertime barbeques. Beyond is a large lawn, with well-stocked borders, trees and shrubs, along with a greenhouse.

There is also an insulated home office or summerhouse in the garden, with power and lighting. It is a wonderful spot to work, relax or listen to birdsong.

The Area

This house lies in Pelsall, a quiet village with access to plenty of open green spaces. There is a large public common in the village as well as a beautiful north common with canal walks. This popular green corridor connects to the historic cathedral city of Lichfield.

The village has excellent amenities, including an independent bakery, a coffee shop, a library, a dentist, a doctor's surgery, and a school. There is an active community centre too, which runs quiz nights, along with an active cricket club, two tennis courts and a cycling club.

There is plenty to do nearby, from The New Art Gallery to Wednesbury Museum and Gallery. There are some fantastic National Trust sites nearby, including Moseley Old Hall, an atmospheric Elizabethan farmhouse, and Wightwick Manor and Gardens, which is filled with Pre-Raphaelite art and William Morris interiors. The fantastic Black Country Living Museum in Dudley is also easily reached by car.

Chase Water is within 15 minutes' drive of the house, while Sutton Park, a 2,400-acre National Nature Reserve, can be reached in around 20. The Cannock Chase Forest is within 30 minutes of the house; an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it has walking and bike trails and a significant population of fallow deer.

Birmingham is close, around 22 minutes via Walsall train station. Here, a wider range of shops and restaurants can be found, including Adam’s and Opheem, which have three Michelin stars between them, and Tropea and Riverine Rabbit, which have Bib Gourmand nods. RSBA, Ikon, The Birmingham Art Gallery and Museum, and MAC are all excellent. Lichfield is around 20 minutes' drive away and has an impressive cathedral, excellent independent shops and the 70-acre Beacon Park.

There are plenty of excellent places to explore the great outdoors too, from Walsall Arboretum, Reedswood Park and the Walsall Canal Towpath. Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace and the home of the RSC, is around 45 minutes’ drive away, with Worcester and Warwick also easily reached by car.

Local schools are fantastic, in both the state and independent sectors. Mayfield Prep School, Hydesville Tower School, and Queen Mary's Grammar School are all especially well-regarded.

Walsall station runs regular services to Wolverhampton and Birmingham International. From the latter, trains reach London in as little as 79 minutes. There are also excellent road connections nearby for travel north and south.

Council Tax Band: F