Dreaming of rolling rural landscapes and quaint picture-postcard towns? This North West gem should be top of your list
Rural Cheshire is bursting with history, heritage and plenty of gorgeous villages that’ll leave you desperate to put down roots. Near the Welsh border, the county offers a plethora of affluent areas and its towns often top polls of the best places to live.
Keen shoppers should check out Chester Rows, a covered walkway of Tudor shops where independent traders mix with well-known upmarket brands for a luxurious retail experience.
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Any foodies will revel in the many culinary festivals and fabulous restaurants, while families might prefer a trip to Chester Zoo or a wander round some of the stunning country houses in the area, like Tatton Park.
The properties in this corner of the country are absolutely incredible and there are so many different options, from refurbished listed buildings to converted barns, sprawling manors and cute country cottages.
Within easy reach of Manchester and Liverpool, it’s an ideal location for commuters thanks to the area’s streamlined travel links. Homes in the county have an average price of £251,305 but there are plenty of elegant estates that’ll push your pocket further…
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2-bedroom flat, Mostyn House, Parkgate, £399,950
A stunning duplex apartment situated across the second and third floors, this stylish home enjoys outstanding views across the Dee Estuary and Welsh hills beyond.
The lower level offers two double bedrooms, one with its own ensuite, along with a family bathroom.
Upstairs, you’ll find a vast open-plan living room with a modern kitchen and bifolding doors opening out onto a splendid roof terrace.
The building benefits from lift access to all floors, car parking, a phone entry system and a spectacular communal entrance hall with exquisite architectural covings, high ceilings and stained-glass windows.
On the market for £399,950 with Clive Watkin.
5-bedroom cottage, Kidnal, Malpas, £500,000
How Hannets Cottage qualifies as a cottage, we just don’t know. It’s downright huge!
The five-bed home has been much loved by its current residents, who’ve lived at the property for a whopping 35 years. They’ve modernized the property over the years, while sensitively maintaining the 17th-century cottage’s history.
The gravel driveway sweeps round to a turning area in front of the characterful chocolate-box cottage. Downstairs, the entrance porch opens to a hallway and leads round to a large dining and living room with a feature inglenook fireplace.
Upstairs is the grand master bedroom, complete with ensuite bathroom, along with two further bedrooms. To the left of the property, a more recent addition offers further accommodation that could be used as an annexe or utilised as part of the main house.
Externally, the grounds reach to around half an acre and offer delightful gardens, a double garage and, for any green-fingered buyers, a garden store with a garden room.
On the market for £500,000 with Wright Marshall.
3-bedroom house, Kinsey Heath, Audlem, £749,000
We love this fine family home in the village of Audlem. The principal wing of a Georgian country home, it sits within mature grounds and overlooks attractive parkland and open countryside.
Offering three bedrooms and as many bathrooms, this dwelling doesn’t fall short on impact. High ceilings, feature fireplaces and stained-glass doors add character to this impressive estate, while the palatial proportions and eye-catching skylight in the dining room will steal your heart.
Thanks to its gorgeous green setting, the home is well suited to those with young families. Outside, you’ll get free rein of the impressive manicured gardens, patio area, paddock and summer house, as well as a stately tree-lined drive and various outbuildings.
On Rightmove for £749,000 with Jackson-Stops.
3-bedroom apartment, Birtles Hall, Over Alderley, £1,100,000
Believed to date back to 1790, Birtles Hall is a seriously impressive Grade II-listed Georgian manor house that’s been split into six luxurious apartments.
Entering down a long, sweeping driveway, the approach feels especially grand. Somerfield Court is located on the first floor and enjoys expansive views across the formal grounds and woodlands, which extend to 11 acres.
Boasting three superb bedrooms, many original features have been retained and the spacious layout really does feel fit for royalty.
Of note is the handsome dressing room off the master bedroom and the sweet balcony where you can recline in peace and admire your estate from on high.
This peaceful spot has the best of both worlds, with Alderley Edge, Wilmslow and Prestbury a mere 10-minute commute away.
On the market for £1,100,000 with Maison Haus
7-bedroom estate, Church Lane, Gawsworth, £3,250,000
Set within 10 beautiful acres, this Grade I-listed home had a former life as a rectory. Its idyllic village setting promises a quiet life with no shortage of breath-taking views, while inside, the accommodation on offer is a treat.
Rooms range from elegant and airy to historic time capsules, thanks to the handsome wooden beams, ceiling roses and regal décor.
We’re smitten with the solid wood four-poster in the main bedroom – Henry VIII eat your heart out! Check out the dining room as well, we can imagine it was a fine spot for a post-hunting banquet.
The main house has seven bedrooms, four bathrooms and two dressing rooms, as well as six reception rooms and two farmhouse kitchens.
A two-bed lodge is also included in the sale price and boasts an open-plan reception room, kitchen and bathroom. Basically, you won’t be short of beds at Christmas…
On the market for a cool £3,250,000 with Andrew J Nowell.
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