MetroPM has been appointed to manage one of the Midlands’ most impressive Grade II listed, 19th century country homes which is now converted into 16 luxury apartments and homes.
Berkswell Hall is set within the Conservation Area of Berkswell, near Solihull, and the appointment of MetroPM comes through director Ian Smallman’s prior involvement with the property.
He explained: “I was involved in the management of the estate some 20 years earlier when working at James & Lister Lee and this year I was contacted by the directors of Berkswell Hall Management Company Limited.
“They were looking for a new managing agent who had experience of managing listed buildings and who understood the complexities and importance of maintaining a historic building to the highest of standards and in accordance with the lease.”
John Reidy, a director of Berkswell Hall Management Co Ltd, said that it was essential for the new managing agent to share the owners’ passion for the building and to work in partnership with the directors to ensure major projects were completed to the highest of standards.
“We wanted an agent who was established and highly respected, who we could trust, and one who will communicate with the board in a timely manner on maintenance and financial issues,” he said.
The property has its origins in 1670 when the Marow family built a new manor house. In the 19th century, John Eardley Wilmot carried out major alterations to the house, and following his death in 1815, the property was substantially rebuilt, in its present form, by Sir John Eardley-Wilmot Bt.
During part of the 19th century, the house was occupied by a school but was restored as a residence by Thomas Walker in 1861.
In 1984, the estate was sold for development and the house was converted into apartments with the stable block also converted into houses.
Ian Smallman said: “We are extremely pleased to have been appointed and look forward to working with Berkswell Hall Management Company Limited.
MetroPM specialise in residential service charge management. Founded in 2006 by managing director Matthew Arnold, the company manages a number of listed buildings throughout the country and therefore fully understands the importance of planning for works to be undertaken, in order to maintain the fabric of the building to the highest of standards.
