AN unusual house previously owned by a renowned Kidderminster clockmaker has gone on the market for just under half a million pounds.

The Malt House in Franche dates back to around 1790, following the purchase of the land at the corner of Bridgnorth Road in 1776 by famed watch and clockmaker Benjamin Cope.

Cope subsequently built the original Three Crowns and Sugarloaf Public House, followed by stables and a malt house with an adjacent dwelling.

Kidderminster Shuttle: A painting from 1898 clearly shows the original tall malt house building with stables fronting the Bridgnorth Road. Photo from Allan Morris estate agents websiteA painting from 1898 clearly shows the original tall malt house building with stables fronting the Bridgnorth Road. Photo from Allan Morris estate agents website

An image shared by Allan Morris estate agents, which is handling the sale of the site, shows a painting from 1898 which clearly shows the original tall malt house building with stables fronting the Bridgnorth Road and the dwelling house behind.

A larger double-fronted white building shown in the painting is the original pub, which was demolished in 1977. A replacement public house of the same name was constructed just 20 yards away.

The original malt house has long since been reduced in height to a single-storey structure which, over time, has been combined with the stables and original dwelling house to form the quirky four-bedroom property which is today known as The Malt House.

Kidderminster Shuttle: The former stables have been converted into a huge games room. Photo from the Allan Morris estate agents websiteThe former stables have been converted into a huge games room. Photo from the Allan Morris estate agents website

This enormous property features a large living area, modern kitchen, a jacuzzi bath in the family bathroom and extensive outbuildings, including two double garages and a large games room in the original stables.

The property listing reads: "This large and rambling, decidedly quirky yet ultimately characterful property must be viewed to fully appreciate the scale and proportions of the accommodation on offer.

Kidderminster Shuttle: A view of the garden area. Photo from Allan Morris estate agents websiteA view of the garden area. Photo from Allan Morris estate agents website

"Extending to around 3,500 square feet in all, the principal living space is supplemented by extensive attached outbuildings which all form part of the overall structure, and which could undoubtedly be improved and developed to form valuable additional amenities, for example as an accommodation annexe to suit a dependent relative or as a capacious home office together with workshop and gym, or studio.

"Essentially the house provides a large four double bedroom family home with exceptional living space to the ground floor. The property fronts the main Bridgnorth Road, yet is discreetly orientated remaining mainly unseen from the road and enjoying a surprising degree of privacy.

Kidderminster Shuttle: The Malt House has been described as one of the district's most interesting properties. Photo from Allan Morris estate agents websiteThe Malt House has been described as one of the district's most interesting properties. Photo from Allan Morris estate agents website

"The Malt House provides a unique opportunity to thoroughly update, re-plan and transform the existing accommodation, in order to maximise the true potential which undoubtedly exists here."

The Malt House is on the market for £478,500. To view the full property listing, click here.