Property description
Stretton Mill Barns are close to the little village of Stretton near the Gailey Island on the A5 south of Penkridge. The site is only 2.6 miles from junction 12 of the M6 motorway. Stafford to the north provides a mainline link via British Rail to London Euston in an average time of 1 hour 20 minutes. The railway station at nearby Penkridge, which is a few minutes drive, provides links to Birmingham and various other conurbations.
The 4 barns, together with the farmhouse, represent one of the last cluster of unused farm buildings of such an unrivalled and unspoilt calibre to be developed within the area. This is recognized by the fact that both the farmhouse and the barns are Grade 2 listed and as such any future purchaser will be buying into a part of history. The old water mill, which still looks out onto a picturesque pond, a reminder of a former life, still retains the original wheels which complete the picture postcard quality to the exterior and a dramatic focal point within. Each property has tell tail signs of previous use, from wrought iron stable bars to weathered stone steps which would have accessed the high level barn doors. The location of the development is delightful with open fields and meadows all round. The entrance is bordered by some notable mature trees, including a fabulous willow tree; gazing out of the cow meadow down towards the last property the tall water mill, through the glinting leaves, even with the gardens basically landscaped, there is a sense of harmony and rural calm.
The developers of the house and barns and the builders of the two new build properties that will complete the small exclusive enclave of 7 luxury homes, is Hough Construction. Renowned for rural development of this type, they are finishing the properties to an exacting specification and ensuring each retains its own individual character and styling whilst remaining within a cohesive framework.
The first of the barns to be completed is already sold subject to contract and the others are available for reservation from now. It is hard to appreciate the size and potential of an unfinished property, which always looks smaller and darker, but one can be assured that with top quality limestone tiles, oak flooring, painted or gloss kitchen units in muted shades and gleaming white bathroom suites, the barns will be transformed and the light, contemporary styling of the barns will excite and delight!
Particularly worthy of mention is the quality and amount of the original oak beams. Each property is full of them! Finer examples are rarely seen and meticulously stripped back and to provide a light and mellow framework, particularly in the vaulted rooms, the impact is jaw dropping. Light has been maximized in each property and with the addition of some strategically and tastefully positioned roof lights, there is plenty of light bouncing around and windows, all different shapes and sizes corresponding to the original brick openings, affording spectacular pastoral views in every direction.
Whilst extreme care has been taken to maintain original features and enhance the rustic period feel, even to the extent that lime plaster has been used internally, this is not to say that the properties do not benefit from the best modern technology has to offer; the Kingspan internal wall insulation to external walls, timber double glazed windows and an air vented under floor central heating system which is extremely economical to run despite being expensive to install, benefit each property. The kitchens are fully equipped with Neff appliances even including separate fridge and freezer and the minimalist design with top quality finishes blends well and complements the charm of the original features.
Each property benefits from oil fired central heating, timber double glazed windows, garage, and an enclosed garden; the seven properties are extremely well spaced and do not encroach on eachothers’ privacy. The two lower properties and also the main house have separate access.