The Croft, Green Lane, Kelsall for sale at £735,000

A country cottage with a thatched roof in a pretty Cheshire setting and a very happy history.

That's how Julian Sillito describes the property his parents John and Val made their own and the place where their family would gather over the years.

The Croft, one of the oldest properties in the area, is now on the market and Julian has ensured it is in pristine condition, with the extensive gardens well-tended and the structure and decoration maintained immaculately.

A wooden front door opens into the hall with its York stone slab floor. (Image: ackson-Stops) ‘My parents bought the cottage in 1981, from Jackson-Stops, and it has been in the family since then. My mother died in 2022 and my father last year, and it has very special memories for us as a family of visits and Christmas times.’

The red sandstone property was originally a row of workers’ cottages and dates to the 17th Century.

‘One of the houses was a cobbler’s and you can still see where the original doors were,’ says Julian. There has been a kitchen extension and a sandstone double garage. It is all in perfect structural and aesthetic condition, although a new owner would probably want to update the bathroom suites to make them more modern.

The kitchen with integrated fridge, dishwasher and cooker and a dining area. (Image: ackson-Stops) ‘It is airy and bright due to the vaulted ceilings, and the thick sandstone walls mean the cottage has an inbuilt climate control, keeping rooms warm in winter and cool on hot days.’

The interior, with oil central heating and a combination of single and double glazing, is made up of a hall with turned staircase; a large dual-aspect, beamed sitting room with inglenook; the dining room with maple boarded floor, exposed timbers and impressive fireplace; kitchen with a dining area and pantry; and a downstairs bedroom and family bathroom. The upstairs has a galleried landing, perfect for a reading area because of its good light, and two further large bedrooms, with the master suite having an en suite shower room.

Vaulted ceiling and beams in one of the three bedrooms. (Image: ackson-Stops) There is an outside store used as a utility room and outhouses.

‘The gardens are fantastic,’ says Julian.’ At one point they were open to the public because so many of the plants are of botanical interest. They are especially stunning in spring and summer when they are bursting with flowers.

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‘The house has real character, it’s a real chocolate box cottage, and we have had so many happy times and fantastic Christmases here. Now it is looking for someone who will click with it and make it a lovely family home again.’

The sitting room is so large it could be converted into two rooms. (Image: ackson-Stops) CROFT COTTAGE

What the agents say

Original features with exposed beams and timbers throughout: thick sandstone walls, deep windows sills with beams above, vaulted ceiling on the first floor.

While well-maintained, the Croft would benefit from a scheme of modernisation and/or extension.

Roof rethatched spring 2024.

Landscaped gardens of 0.41 acres with sandstone patchs, lawns, flower beds and shrub borders. series of lawns bordered by deep flower beds and mature shrub borders.

Croft Cottage has extensive, well-maintained gardens with an array of interesting trees, flowers and shrubs. (Image: ackson-Stops) Situated on Green Lane on the edge of the village of Kelsall and in walking distance of amenities, which include: an ‘Outstanding’ primary school, churches, doctor's surgery, chemist, veterinary practice, food store, coffee shop, butcher, pubs and restaurants.

Numerous clubs nearby offering football, rugby, cricket and hockey and tennis courts in the village. Sailing on the River Dee at Chester and nearby Manley Mere, golf courses at Oscroft, Delamere and Sandiway, mountain biking in Delamere Forest and extensive walking along the Sandstone Trail.

Nine miles from Chester.

Offers in excess of £735,000

Contact Jackson-Stops Chester

01244 328361

jackson-stops.co.uk/properties/19678901/sales/chester

The beamed dining room has a feature fireplace. (Image: ackson-Stops)