Roving Bridge, Whixall, Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13

An extremely rare opportunity to purchase a rural idyll, canal side, with fabulous views and within a wildlife haven.

Description

Roving Bridge Farm is a charming Grade II listed former toll house set in a glorious canal side location. Approached via a long private drive way of around a quarter of a mile, the property offers a wonderful sense of seclusion along with a range of useful outbuildings and land.

Built in the 1780’s by renowned canal engineer William Jessop- mentor to the famous Thomas Telford- the house is a fine example of simple local architecture, constructed from mellow red brick beneath a tiled roof. Arranged over three floors, the second and third storeys sit above the steep canal walls, creating a striking and picturesque setting. Originally serving as a toll house and smallholding, today Roving Bridge Farm is a characterful canal-side retreat with breath-taking views.

The property is accessed down the long, private driveway, offering ample parking for several vehicles. Entry is via the light-filled orangery, currently used as a breakfast room, but offering versatile potential as a dining room or morning room. Roving Bridge Farm is full of character and original features, including the listed front door leading into the kitchen, exposed beams with original hooks, and beautiful windows that fill the house with natural light. The kitchen itself is fitted with an original double Belfast sink, oak worktops, and a Belling range cooker with electric oven and induction hob. Adjoining the kitchen is a boiler room, a utility area with shelving for storage, and a WC. A charming brick archway opens into a flexible office/study and storage space, complete with picture windows and a serving hatch through to the kitchen.

Stairs rise to the first floor, which sits at canal level, where where you'll find a characterful living room with a wood-burning stove. Beyond the living room is a cloakroom and built-in cupboard, positioned opposite the original ticket office- and is now used as a study-which still features the original brick flooring and an additional front door facing the canal. This level also offers a double bedroom rich in period charm, with exposed beams, a fireplace, two pantry cupboards, and shutters providing privacy.

A second staircase leads to the principal bedroom, featuring a fireplace and views over the fields and countryside beyond. The en suite bathroom includes a walk-in rainfall shower and enjoys spectacular panoramic views across the canal and open countryside. The en suite is also connected to an adjoining dressing room, which could easily be reconfigured into a additional double bedroom if desired.

Annexe

An attractive, self-contained annexe, sits along Roving Bridge Farm, arranged over two levels. Previously used as private holiday accommodation, it has generated an excellent annual income (further details available from the agent). The annexe is entered through a modern, bespoke kitchen featuring York stone flooring, an integrated fridge and freezer, integrated dishwasher and microwave, and an induction hob.

Leading through to the stunning living room, large widows overlook the front drive, filling the space with natural light and creating a bright, airy atmosphere. Exposed beams across the ceiling mirror the character of the the main house. The living room is generously sized, with ample space for both seating and dining areas, and a door opening out onto the private courtyard.

The bathroom is fitted with a shower and heated towel rail. A few steps leads up to a spacious bedroom, which also enjoys direct access to the private courtyard, along with a wood store and the charming Shepherd's hut accommodation.

Outside
A large turning circle provides ample parking outside both the main house and the annexe, alongside a raised decking area and a wildlife pond to the front. the annexe also benefits from its own private courtyard and patio area. Two large storage rooms, formerly stables and till featuring their original doors, offer excellent additional storage.

Nearby, a purpose-built, fully fitted gym/yoga studio offers flexible space, with the potential to extend into the adjoining original stable block (subject to planning permission). An original dovecote/pigeonnier stands at the entrance to the courtyard, adding to the property's historic charm. there are also log stores, gates leading to the yard, and traditional wood sheep pens.

The property sits within approximately 3 acres of impressive grounds and outbuildings. Long the private driveway, five picturesque ponds; two of which are stocked with fish and are surrounded by lily pads and abundant wildlife.

Four large steel portal barns provide extensive storage, ideal for classic, motorhomes, or equestrian use. A small orchard offers a variety of fruit trees, including Victoria plums, apples, pears, and French walnuts. alongside a fenced paddock.

Additional outbuildings include four further stable blocks and a dog kennel area, providing even more storage options. Two disused railway carriages sit alongside a vast Dutch barn, presenting an exciting opportunity for conversion into holiday lets (subject to necessary consents). Set against a peaceful backdrop of birdsong an surrounded by wildlife, Roving Bridge Farm offers an exceptional rural lifestyle.

Location

Located in Whixall; a civil parish in Shropshire, which is by land area the third biggest inland village in England. The nearest town are Whitchurch to the north and Wem to the South. There is a C of E Primary school, and a church. It is ideally situated for access to Chester, Wrexham, Shrewsbury, Stoke and Manchester.

The town of Ellesmere is around 81.1 miles away near to the Welsh border with stunning landscapes, historic landmarks and a vibrant community. they hold a range of amenities such as supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, leisure centres, bars and so much more. There are plenty of walks that take you right through the local nature reserve or The Mere; an award winning park with a beautiful lake and gardens.

Wem is approximately 5.5 miles away and has a train station. Taking around 11 minutes to Shrewsbury, 1 hour 24 minutes to Birmingham New Street, 1 hour and 9 minutes to Chester, and 44 minutes to Ludlow.

It is a beautiful location with a countryside backdrop setting all around, and surrounded by wildlife. Alderford Lake is around 7 miles away and is an ideal out to explore and have fun. There is a kitchen and café/farm shop, lovely walks around the lake and even join in on the water activities in the summer.

There some well regarded schools nearby such as, Whixall C of E Primary School around 1.2 miles away, Moreton Hall around 16 miles away, Ellesmere College around 9.5 miles away and Prestfelde Prepatory School around 17.3 miles away.

All distances and journey times are approximate.




Acreage: 3 Acres

Additional Info

Services- Mains water, electricity. Oil central heating. Private drainage by way of a septic tank.

Shropshire Council. Band D.

Main house EPC- F

Annexe EPC- C

Brochure prepared 2025/04 AW
Photography 2025/04 E-House