Location

Originally called the Severn Gorge, Ironbridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, now takes its name from the famous Iron Bridge, the first iron bridge of its kind in the world and a monument to the industrial revolution that began in the 18th Century. The bridge was built in 1779 by Abraham Darby III to link the industrial town of Broseley with the smaller mining town of Madeley and the growing industrial centre of Coalbrookdale.

The Ironbridge Gorge offers a strong reminder of the origins of the industrial revolution with extensive museums, public buildings and original architecture, all set within a traditional landscape.

Ironbridge is a thriving community with a range of pubs, bars and restaurants, as well as cafes, shops, post office and a small supermarket.

Ironbridge is situated close to Telford, with the nearby M54 providing easy access to the Midlands business centres and national motorway network. The county town of Shrewsbury is approximately 16 miles away. There is a rail service from Telford and from Wolverhampton to London Euston, while regional airports include Birmingham (38 miles), East Midlands and Manchester.

There are schools in the area including the well respected Coalbrookdale Infant and Junior School, and Thomas Telford Academy, Abraham Derby School and William Brook School in the nearby town of Much Wenlock. Within the private sector, Wrekin College, Shrewsbury School and High School and a variety of prep schools are all within easy daily travelling distance.

Description

The Library House is a beautiful example of a Grade II Listed Georgian town house, originally an Ironmaster’s residence and also the town library. The Library House exudes character with wonderfully proportioned rooms and elegance, it is currently used as both a private house but with a thriving B&B business making for the perfect lifestyle property.

Dating back to about 1735, the current owners have lived there for about 10 years overseeing a comprehensive restoration programme including a new roof and extensive work to wiring and plumbing and run part of the house as a successful B & B, taken over from the last two predecessors. The house works perfectly well as a family home, but does offer the flexibility for income potential. The house retains many of its original features including sash windows, wooden shutters, bannister and cornicing.

The house offers plenty of living space with an entrance hall which has oak flooring, off which is the formal living room, which was the original library, with fitted bookshelves and a fireplace with a multifuel stove. The dining room has quarry tiled flooring, storage cupboards and a door leading back to the entrance hall. The kitchen was redesigned and replaced in 2021, maximising use of space and natural light There are fitted wall and base units, granite worktops an under counter larder fridge and an integrated fridge and freezer. There is a Falcon range oven with gas ring hob and underfloor heating. The kitchen and dining area off, provides plenty of natural light with large glazed oak framed windows and doors leading outside to the courtyard.

The staircase rises to the first floor, where there is a sash window overlooking the rear garden. The guest bedrooms are named; starting with Eliot, a double room with views towards the River Severn and an en-suite bathroom with a bath and shower over. There is another bedroom, which is currently used as a private office. Milton is a double bedroom with built in wardrobes and an en suite shower room. Chaucer is a double bedroom with an en suite shower with a door leading outside onto a terrace and gardens.

The second and third floors are currently used as a private suite by the owners. It has a double, en-suite bedroom, dressing area with fitted wardrobes and family bathroom. Additionally, it has steps up to a further double bedroom created from one attic; and separate steps up to a further attic space which spans the length and width of the house and which can be used either as a bedroom, relaxation space or home office, with five large Velux windows providing views over the garden, roof tops and the River Severn.


Outside

The Library House has no dedicated parking, but has two permits which are valid throughout the town. There is off street access down an alley way which also provides access to the cellar and utility area, where there is plumbing for white goods and space for bikes, garden equipment or a workshop. This alleyway leads to a set of steps which enters the inner courtyard, off the kitchen. From here you can access the terraced gardens which are beautifully maintained, with a BBQ and seating area, flower beds, hedging, old brick walls, views towards the River Severn, a lawn area and gravel pathways. Being south facing, the house offers plenty of opportunity to enjoy the gardens and seating area throughout the day, and provides ample space for a home office or garden room.