Lea End Lane, Hopwood, Worcestershire

This beautiful five-bedroom house in Hopwood, Worcestershire, has been formed from a cluster of expertly renovated Victorian barns. Interconnected living spaces are defined by vaulted ceilings with original timber roof trusses, while banks of glazing look out onto the fields beyond. The barns are arranged around a central courtyard, and the house sits in 1.5 acres of land. Birmingham International rail station is a 20-minute drive away, with regular services to London Euston.

The Tour

Set back from the lane, entry is via electric cedar wood gates. Entry is to the central barn, a more recent addition that cleverly connects the three original brick-built barns. Here, a voluminous double-height kitchen and dining area is filled with light care of two large glazed panels, along with recessed skylights overhead.

A bespoke kitchen by Leicht German has dual Gaggenau ovens, with additional appliances from Siemens. A living wall filled with greenery complements fresh limewash paint. Adaptable Philips Hue smart lighting has been installed here, curating a warm atmosphere.

In the sitting room, a sense of space is amplified by vaulted and exposed trusses. Here, a vast single-pane window captures views of the garden beyond; on the opposite wall, sliding glass doors open onto the central courtyard. The space is further illuminated by a spectacular feature window, which incorporates the barn’s original timber frame and brick archway. A tall log burner is set against an exposed brick wall. In this barn, there is also a handy utility room, a guest WC and a storage cupboard for coats.

The principal bedroom has a walk-in dressing area with floor-to-ceiling storage. A set of sliding doors unfolds onto a south-west-facing patio terrace, bordered by neat planters and shrubbery to create a sense of privacy. An en suite bathroom by Victoria and Albert has a freestanding bathtub and separate shower, and is finished with marble tiling.

An additional barn provides further accommodation. It is formed of two double bedrooms, both with vaulted ceilings, exposed roof timbers and skylights. Each bedroom has an en suite shower room.

An oak and steel staircase ascends to the first floor, where there are an additional two bedrooms. One is currently used as a dressing room with bespoke integrated storage.

A shared bathroom on this floor has a freestanding bathtub and a separate shower.

Outdoor Space

The house is embraced by approximately 1.5 acres of land, which has largely been laid to lawn. There is a wooded area to the rear, as well as a landscaped central courtyard with beds chock-full of lavender, roses and shrubbery. Corten steel fencing surrounds its perimeters, and there is an outdoor kitchen and dining area.

The Area

Hopwood is a peaceful hamlet surrounded by lush countryside. It has a convenience store and post office, as well as a local pub, Hopwood House. For excellent coffee, Rituals is an eight-minute drive away in nearby Alvechurch, while Black and Green in Barnt Green is recommended in the Michelin Guide.

The centre of Birmingham is easily accessible. Its intricate waterways wind throughout the city and along the Fazeley Canal, connecting a series of lively neighbourhoods, including the ever-popular Jewellery Quarter, which earned its name in the 19th century as the largest concentration of jewellery manufacturers in Europe. Nestled among these businesses are a variety of independent bars and restaurants, including Decorum and Pasture.

A walk along the city’s River Rea leads to the Midlands Art Centre, set beside the expansive greens and boating lake of Cannon Hill Park, which has a popular café, cinema and exhibition space. Edgbaston Cricket Stadium is just across the street. Closer to home is Alvechurch and Hopwood Cricket Club, with Kings Norton Golf Club also nearby.

There are a number of excellent schools in the area, including St James’ Catholic Primary, Kings Norton Girls’ School and King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys.

Longbridge rail station is approximately a 15-minute drive away, and runs services to Birmingham New Street in around 20 minutes. Birmingham International airport and rail station are approximately a 20-minute drive. From here, train services run to London Euston in just over an hour. The M5 and the M42 are also easily accessible.

Council Tax Band: G