An almost-magical 'disappearing' snooker table at the Art Deco home where Walt Disney once came to visit
Woodbourne Manor was built in the 1920s by Joseph Cohen, an entrepreneur and property developer whose chain of cinemas in the Birmingham area ended up winning him a very famous friend.

Having a full size snooker table is something of a dream for all those with even a passing liking for the game. What could be more pleasant than retreating, at a certain point in the evening, to a billiard room, there to enjoy perhaps a single malt and and some pleasant background music while chatting to friends amid the clink of balls as they run across the baize?
The problem is that a full 12'x6' table takes up an inordinate amount of room, space which except in the largest of houses is difficult to put aside solely for this purpose. That was the quandary faced by Joseph Cohen as he designed a house for his family to live, to be built on a plot in Harborne, just outside Birmingham, in the 1920s. That house — Woodbourne Manor — is presently for sale via Knight Frank at £2.5m.
Instead of shrugging and going without, Cohen came up with a brilliant plan: he installed his table on a platform that can be raised or lowered into the cellar below, a system which, while not unique, is vanishingly rare. Once the table has been wound slowly into the basement, a sprung floor can be moved across that's an ideal dance floor. For this is a billiard room and ballroom all in one; absolutely ingenious.
The rest of the house is may not have quite the theatricality of that showpiece space, but it's a beautiful and flamboyant place nonetheless. The grand entrance leads into a huge hallway with the sort of sweeping staircase you'd expect to find Fred Astaire dancing up and down in a film from the Golden Age of Hollywood — a link that's not as far-fetched as it might initially sound.
According to his grandson's family history site, Joe Cohen first went into film in 1915, eventually getting involved in everything from distribution to cinemas, and building a chain that stretched from Scotland to the South Coast, including London's West End. The cinemas were early to recognise and show Walt Disney's films, so much so that the man himself apparently became friendly with Cohen — even visiting him at home.
The house's Art Deco touches and other period features in several rooms nod towards the classic cinema architecture which used to be so common before giant, out-of-town multiplexes became the norm in most of Britain. Would that latter change make Joe sad? Maybe, but then again the legroom is far better and the seats far comfier than they ever used to be — and looking at how Joe's almost-century-old house has moved with design trends while retaining the best of the old, we can't help but think that he'd approve.
Woodbourne Manor is for sale via Knight Frank at £2.5m — see more details and pictures.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Harborne: What you need to know
Location: Three miles south-west of Birmingham, not far from the university, with easy access to the A456 and M5.
Atmosphere: One of the most affluent of Birmingham's suburbs, Harborne is a mix of suburban amenities and green space that's much loved by its residents — and it has repeatedly been named the best place to live in England's second city. It might not be as pretty or leafy as nearby Edgbaston, but has plenty of character and some great places to eat and drink.
Things to do: There are two golf courses nearby, the Botanic Gardens are just a mile or so away, Winterbourne House and Garden (owned by the university) is also near, and Woodgate Valley Country Park is a few minutes' drive.
Schools: It's the news that every parent wants to hear: Harborne Primary School is rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, and will be practically on your doorstep. Birmingham also has a dozen outstanding-rated secondary schools, including the nationally-renowned St Paul's and King Edward VI schools.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
Toby Keel is Country Life's Digital Director, and has been running the website and social media channels since 2016. A former sports journalist, he writes about property, cars, lifestyle, travel, nature.
-
Five homes with their own orchards that will be the apple of your eye (almost literally)
If you've been looking enviously this year at neighbours with apple trees that have been heaving with fruit, here is the solution: five lovely homes for sale that come with their own orchards.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
Where in the world is this? — and other pressing questions. It's the Country Life Quiz of the Day, October 14, 2025
Test your general knowledge in Tuesday's quiz.
By Country Life Published
-
Five homes with their own orchards that will be the apple of your eye (almost literally)
If you've been looking enviously this year at neighbours with apple trees that have been heaving with fruit, here is the solution: five lovely homes for sale that come with their own orchards.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
A beautiful Victorian vicarage that was home to one of the Cadbury family heiresses is on the market
Penny Churchill tells the tale of Monks Bridge in Warwickshire.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
An outrageously opulent mansion in London's answer to Beverly Hills, with a gym that 'wouldn't look out of place in a 7* hotel'
'One of the finest houses in St George's Hill' is on the market. Annabel Dixon takes a look at what's on offer.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
Six homes with fantastic features, from pools and paddocks to waterside settings, as seen in Country Life
Our look at the best homes to come to the market via Country Life this week includes a Chipping Norton farm and a Cornish dream home
By Toby Keel Published
-
Queen Victoria's chaplain's house on the Isle of Wight is for sale, and it's a riot of colour, charm and joy
A stone's thrown from Queen Victoria's beloved Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, the house where her chaplain lived is now on the open market.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
An Art Deco masterpiece with five-bedrooms, a private pool, a cinema, a helipad and the ability to conquer oceans
Lady Christine is the very essence of opulence and could be yours for a cool €55.75 million.
By James Fisher Published
-
The elegant 19th century townhouse where JFK and Jackie Kennedy dreamed of the presidency, and made their wish came true
This beautiful five-bedroom house in Washington DC's Georgetown was once home to perhaps the most celebrated couple of the 20th century: John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jackie Kennedy.
By Toby Keel Published
-
This five-bedroom thatched cottage in the Chilterns looks quite like Claudia Winkleman
Much like everyone's favourite TV host, this property is beautifully presented.
By James Fisher Published