For many families, the dream of a peaceful, idyllic life in a picturesque village is a powerful one. Yet, in certain exclusive corners of the West Midlands, that dream is firmly gated, accessible only to those with the deepest pockets.
The B94 Postcode: The Region's Richest Enclave
Far removed from the typical industrial image associated with the area, a cluster of villages just south of Solihull forms the wealthiest part of the West Midlands. This is defined by the B94 postcode, an area where sky-high property values place it in a league of its own.
Here, the crime, traffic, and noise of Birmingham and the Black Country feel a world away. Instead, the landscape is dotted with sprawling, gated mansions, often with one or two expensive cars gracing the driveways. The area boasts more properties worth at least £2 million than anywhere else in the region, cementing its ultra-exclusive status.
Village Life in the Lap of Luxury
The sought-after neighbourhoods include Hockley Heath, Earlswood, and Tanworth in Arden. Residents enjoy access to some of the region's most stunning scenery, from the historic Packwood House National Trust property and the Umberslade Estate to the tranquil Earlswood Lakes.
Life here revolves around quaint village streets and the opportunity to while away an afternoon in a traditional country pub. The air is clear, and the crime rate is notably low. Crucially, despite the rural serenity, Birmingham remains within easy reach, making it an ideal commuter belt for the city's highest earners.
A Market Beyond Reach
For the vast majority, owning a home here is little more than a pipe dream. The property market operates at an extraordinary level, exemplified by one standout mansion in the B94 area with a price tag of a colossal £3.35 million – one of the most expensive in the entire West Midlands.
This enclave represents a very different side to the region, one defined by luxury, space, and a premium on privacy. It is a world of high hedges and even higher prices, a lifestyle aspiration that, for most ordinary folks, remains firmly out of reach.
