Inside the former Edgbaston home of Victorian Birmingham Mayor Joseph Chamberlain

After closing its doors during the Covid-19 pandemic, Birmingham’s best-kept secret venue, Berrow Court, has sensationally reopened its doors.

Tucked away in the affluent, suburban area of Edgbaston, Berrow Court is a stunning Grade ll listed Victorian mansion, set in three acres of beautifully landscaped garden.

The former home to the distinguished politician, Joseph Chamberlain, fell into disrepair in the 1980’s, laying empty for years. The house and gardens were returned to their former glory thanks to the hard work of the Parsons family who acquired the venue. For the first time it is available on Airbnb for overnight stays, as well as being a popular wedding venue.

Joseph Chamberlain also lived at Highbury Hall in Moseley, which was commissioned as his Birmingham residence in 1878 - two years after he became an MP for Birmingham. It took its name from the HIghbury area of London where Chamberlain had lived as a child.

As the Mayor of Birmingham, Chamberlain set up a new municipal gas company, spearheaded the slum clearance and created the Birmingham Corporation Water Department, all of which saved thousands of lives. He introduced the construction of libraries, municipal swimming pools and schools.

The Chamberlain Highbury Trust was established to preserve and restore Highbury Hall and grounds to give them a sustainable future. It is available to hire seven days a week - but doesn’t offer Airbnb services.

Berrow Court is proud to find that guests and clients pleasantly surprised at the unexpected vast grounds that surround the venue, along with its Victorian charm inside.

Over the last 30 years, its present owners have renovated Berrow Court which has evolved with the changing times, yet always stayed true to its original heritage. The venue played host to hundreds of weddings, corporate events, functions, and private parties.

It re-opened in January 2023. Janet Parsons, General Manager, said: “I was fearful that we might not ever re-open again after the pandemic. But we hosted our first beautiful wedding earlier this year, which was booked during lockdown.

"Since re-opening, we have been busy with wedding bookings. Guests love that we now have 10 bedrooms available for wedding guests who wish to stay overnight, without the need of leaving the venue and finding a nearby hotel. It makes the whole experience all the more special for our couples and their guests."

Berrow Court has partnered with an exciting new caterer, the award-winning Tapas Catering, available for weddings and events. Airbnb stays are recommended for anyone who needs a place to stay near Birmingham for weekend breaks, concerts, and cricket at Edgbaston Cricket Ground.

Berrow Court is also a popular filming location and has seen the likes of the BBC, Netflix, Sky TV, and a number of filmmakers and photographers using the venue for shoots. The team are now working with Birmingham based PR Agency, SeventyOne Media, and have lots of exciting plans for Berrow Court, including an onsite restaurant and a private members club. You can find out more informat here: Berrow Court.

Let’s take a look inside Berrow Court in Edgbaston, the former home of Victorian Birmingham Mayor Joseph Chamberlain: