The areas bordering the major conurbations of Birmingham and the “Black Country “(as the industrial area around Stourbridge, Dudley and Wolverhampton is known), have in recent years been highly sought after by home seekers.

This is due to their proximity to those industrial and commercial centres – Birmingham City Centre is about 45 minutes drive – and to the Midlands and national transport networks – London Euston is just 90 minutes away from Birmingham International.

But in addition, perhaps surprisingly, this area is both rural and attractive in nature. The larger towns – Redditch, Bromsgrove and Kidderminster, provide all the necessary amenities, whilst between them lies a landscape of lovely undulating countryside – farmland, woodland and country lanes, punctuated by a large number of villages and hamlets.

Villages such as Trysull, Wombourne, Pattingham, Kinver, Enville, Clent, Belbroughton, Chaddesley Corbett, Alvechurch, Hanbury (reputed home of The Archers) and Feckenham are all known for their history, pretty architecture and local crafts. Larger “village towns” such as Hagley and Barnt Green are much sought after for their quality homes and excellent schools.

In leisure terms, there is a plethora of choice. The National Trust/Forestry Commission lands of Clent Hills, Enville Common, Chaddesley Woods and the Wyre Forest offer walkers and nature lovers beautiful areas in which to roam.

The River Severn flowing through Bewdley and Stourport draws people who row, fish and boat its lengths. For the shopaholic there are several large shopping centres within a 30 minute drive, plus of course Birmingham itself, boasting the Bull Ring as just one of its retail havens. The City also provides a wealth of cultural and artistic attractions.

The NEC, home to exhibitions, concerts and other events of all kinds, is easily accessible by the M5 and M42. And the sports enthusiast, from football to horse riding to golf, will find many places in which to indulge their passion.

Many other areas of interest are within easy reach – Warwick, Cheltenham, Stratford are all within an hour’s journey

The property itself in this area spans all types and tastes. There are large country houses, equestrian properties, period homes (especially Victorian from the days when this area was the heartland of the industrial wealth of Britain), pretty village cottages, modern exclusive and luxurious gated enclaves, luxury flats and individual new-builds.

Communications

Birmingham International Airport – Flights worldwide
Halfpenny Green airport near Wolverhampton – private charter
Birmingham New Street and International railway stations – direct lines to London, Manchester and the North
M5, M42, M6, M40, M50 provide access to all parts of the country