The Property
Lower House traces its origins back to 1560, originally constructed as the principal farmhouse for Lower House Farm, a substantial 152-acre holding positioned on the Warwickshire and Worcestershire border. Built using beams reclaimed from 13th century ships, the house evolved beyond its agricultural beginnings as the prosperity of the estate grew during the late 18th century, gradually refined into the striking Grade II Listed manor house seen today. The result is a property of remarkable architectural depth and authenticity, where centuries of careful evolution remain visible throughout the building.

The rooms are generous in scale yet retain a notably warm and inviting feel, with the three wings of the house arranged around the original central triple-stack chimney, historically the primary source of heating for the entire building. With family and servants’ staircases, two kitchens, three gardens, a swimming pool and two driveways, the house is exceptionally well arranged for both large-scale entertaining and quieter family life.

The versatility of the accommodation is particularly notable. A cinema cellar, peaceful family sitting room and games room provide spaces suited to every occasion, while the layout comfortably accommodates up to 18 guests for larger gatherings and celebrations. Arranged across four floors and benefitting from the separation created by the two staircases, the five-bedroom configuration allows the house to remain highly functional and comfortable even when full of guests.

The current owners have undertaken a thoughtful restoration of the grand façade while introducing rich colour throughout the interiors inspired by Elizabethan houses of status, where bold pigments were traditionally used to display prosperity and importance. Having undertaken extensive research into the history of the house, the owners have assembled a remarkable archive of information relating to the property, much of which will pass to the next custodians alongside original deeds and historic documents, some dating back hundreds of years. Features including a surviving priest hole and a sealed tunnel connecting directly to nearby Gorcott Hall further reinforce the considerable lineage and intrigue associated with the property.

Having stood for almost five centuries and witnessed more than 25 generations, Lower House represents a rare opportunity to become custodian of a historically important and architecturally enduring house, one that continues to evolve while retaining an extraordinary sense of permanence and authenticity.

Entering the main house through an Elizabethan arched porch, the sense of history is immediately apparent. The entrance hall is centred around the original triple-stack inglenook fireplace with wood-burning stove, flanked by beautifully shuttered windows positioned either side of the front door. Three substantial reception rooms extend across the front elevation and principal wings of the house, each possessing its own distinct atmosphere and architectural character.

An archway from the hall leads through to the dining room alongside a cloakroom, while to the opposite side lies the principal family kitchen. Arranged around a distinctive purple four-oven Aga and freestanding cabinetry, the room balances practicality and informality exceptionally well, with French doors opening directly onto the pergola and swimming pool gardens beyond.

The west wing accommodates the principal sitting room, reached through a secondary hallway incorporating the family staircase to the first floor and stairs descending to the cinema cellar. The room is arranged around a substantial fireplace with wood-burning stove and enjoys direct access onto the pergola and swimming pool terrace through French doors, alongside further views across the main driveway and lawn.

The boot room is accessible from both the sitting room and main hallway and provides valuable secondary access into the courtyard and outbuildings beyond. From here, a step down leads into the second kitchen, incorporating utility plumbing, a Belfast sink and extensive fitted storage. A rear door opens directly into the courtyard and gardens, where mature fir trees and fruit planting further enhance the atmosphere and privacy of the setting. The original servants’ staircase also rises from the boot room, preserving another important aspect of the house’s historic arrangement.

The first floor reveals some of the property’s finest architectural detailing. Arranged from the family staircase landing are three principal bedrooms, each retaining their own wash basin alongside exceptional period character and original proportions. The principal bedroom is entered through an impressive panelled doorway and retains particularly fine examples of Elizabethan interior panelling alongside exposed timber walls and views across the main lawn.

The second principal bedroom is the largest of the bedroom accommodation and enjoys views across both the swimming pool gardens and established grounds, while the third bedroom combines exposed timber walls, fitted wardrobes and an original fireplace with dual aspects overlooking the pergola, mature planting and driveway approach.

Positioned within the north wing, a two-room bedroom suite offers particularly flexible guest or family accommodation. The first room enjoys views across the courtyard alongside beautifully exposed timber walls, while the adjoining vaulted room benefits from elevated views across both the rear driveway and main lawn.

Across the landing, positioned beside the top of the servants’ staircase, the family bathroom has been carefully modernised while remaining sympathetic to the age and character of the house. The room incorporates a freestanding bath, separate shower, WC and twin wash basins set within a marble vanity arrangement, alongside extensive fitted storage, shelving and integrated linen cupboards housing the boiler and water tank.

A timber spiral staircase rises to the second floor where a fifth bedroom has been created beneath the roofline, illuminated by two skylights and benefitting from direct access into one of the three substantial attic spaces.

Externally
With three gardens and two driveways, Lower House enjoys an unusually private setting, surrounded on all sides and benefitting from an absence of overlooking neighbouring properties. Mature and protected trees contribute significantly to the atmosphere and sense of seclusion, creating an environment that feels noticeably more rural than its convenient position on the outskirts of Redditch might suggest.

The traditional outbuildings include an external WC with basin, the original pig shed and a log store, alongside additional storage suitable for bicycles and larger garden equipment. Two separate driveways serve the property, with the principal approach leading directly from Far Moor Lane through automatic remote-controlled gates, while a secondary gated driveway provides further access to the rear courtyard and gardens.

Constructed in 2019, the swimming pool was installed to an exceptionally high specification with a strong emphasis on ease of maintenance and year-round usability. Automated chlorine dosing, an insulated automatic cover and an air source heat pump have all been incorporated, while a direct connection to the house boiler allows for year-round swimming if desired. The pool also benefits from a built-in Hydrastar jet for endless swimming functionality, with the specialist installation company continuing to service and maintain the system annually.