Charming Norley cottage adjoining fields

Oakend, Hambletts Cottages, Pytcheleys Hollow WA6 8NT

Peacefully nestled on the bend of a quiet country lane fringed by rolling fields, in one of the most picturesque parts of the lovely Cheshire village of Norley, discover Oakend – a place to rediscover inner peace.

A warm and welcoming Victorian cottage, Oakend, a much-cherished former smallholding, has been in the same family since 1914. 

OWNER QUOTE: “I first saw the home when I was four,” says the current owner, “then knew that’s where I wanted to live.”

Serene setting

With its resplendent red brick design so in keeping with the local area, festooned with fresh green vines which trail up alongside the front door, Oakend emanates country cottage charm before even setting foot inside.While there is no parking on site at present, there is scope with the land to create parking if desired.

Beyond the front door, evocative Victorian oak beams span the ceiling, while robust Eastern European solid oak flooring flows underfoot. Whitewashed walls and modern neutral colours ensure a light and airy arrival.

Emerging into the dining room, the first of the reception rooms, an elevated double-sided hearth houses a Woodwarm log-burning stove which faces the adjoining sitting room, infusing both rooms with toasty warmth on winter mornings. Light streams in through windows to the front, whilst built-in cabinetry offers plenty of storage to the side.

Relax and unwind

Continue through to the sitting room beyond, flooded with light from windows to three sides and enveloped in warmth emanating from the log-burning stove and reclaimed beams overhead. With peaceful views out to the winding lane of Pytchleys Hollow, fields overflowing with corn or potatoes, wildflowers and mature trees, the sight of horses and dog walkers who find this peaceful lane such a pleasure is not uncommon. A spacious and soothing place in which to unwind, the sitting room is perfect for relaxing and reconnecting with family.

Savour the view

Directly ahead from the front door lies the kitchen, tiled underfoot and with a high, gently vaulted ceiling embellished by rustic beams above. White gloss cabinetry offers ample storage, with space for a dishwasher and washing machine. Natural light from three large windows is enhanced by integrated LED ceiling lights.

Step outside and onto the patio terrace, where light streams through the roof of the verandah, providing shelter when entertaining whatever the weather.

And so to bed…

Back inside, original wooden stairs lead up to the first floor, where on the right, the master bedroom awaits; a peaceful room with original beams and exposed chimney brickwork. Wake up to incredible views that take in winding country lanes and green fields. Custom-fitted wardrobes offer ample storage and help keep the space clutter-free.

Along the landing, refresh and revive in the bathroom, with vinyl flooring underfoot and furnished with a corner shower, wash basin, heated towel radiator and WC.

A second double bedroom with a high, sloping ceiling is peaceful and private, with similar beams, and views over the fields to the right, the lane and distant glimpses of Norley village.

Connect with the countryside

Dine alfresco beneath the canopy cover outside the kitchen. The patio extends beyond the verandah and wraps around to the rear, where it meets a lush green lawn stretching towards the distant trees.

Spring and autumn see the garden at its finest with pale green leaves sprouting on many shrubs and trees – including cedar, snake bark and tulip trees – before they darken ahead of the winter months. Spring sees bulbs burst into life, followed by drifts of bluebells, whilst the  large Cornus Kousa is a source of admiration for passers-by along the lane when it comes into blossom, producing hundreds of white flowers.

Alongside a long, narrow workshop with wood storage and plenty of space for pottering, at the top of the garden is a semi-enclosed lean-to space used for storing timber. Tucked away is also a secluded seating area, the perfect place for quiet contemplation, enjoying birdsong or reading.

OWNER QUOTE: “Frost or occasional snow brings a magic to walks down the lane with white painting the natural hedging and trees.”

Out and about

Tucked away along the enchantingly entitled Pytchleys Hollow, on the peaceful fringes of Norley, Oakend is rural, but by no means remote, just a short walk from popular local pub The Tiger’s Head.

The pub is a mere four-minute walk away, offering food, wines and a range of draught beers. Two other pubs - The Carriers at Hatchmere and The Forest View - are also close by, alongside a highly rated Chinese restaurant, The Delamere Fortune Palace. For Italian tapas, Pesto is just a short drive away, with many more characterful country pubs in the surrounding villages.

With countless walks in and around Norley - across fields and along quiet lanes leading to Delamere Forest, Hatchmere Lake, Crowton, Acton Bridge and the River Weaver – there is plenty of opportunity to get out and about into nature, with a public footpath across the field just yards from Oakend’s front door.

Nearby attractions include Oulton Park motor racing circuit and the Shire Horse Centre with its resident wildlife – including deer, owls, foxes, otters and farm animals. For gardening enthusiasts, there is a large garden centre on the A49 whilst shopping opportunities are in ample supply in nearby Tarporley.

For a day out with family, museums in Chester and Northwich are easily reached, as are Beeston Castle and Delamere Forest. 

For the essentials, Norley village shop is a short walk away and impressively well stocked – with fresh vegetables, bread and meat delivered daily.

Rural, but by no means parochial, the village chapel hosts coffee mornings on Tuesdays, while the village hall offers yoga, Pilates, fitness and badminton and has its own bowling green. You can even grab fresh fish and chips from the local van on Wednesday evenings, just a two-minute stroll away.

Transport links are strong, with easy access to the M56, M6 and M62 motorways, plus Manchester and Liverpool airports. Delamere and Acton Bridge railway stations – just ten minutes by car – offer routes to Chester, Manchester, Liverpool and Crewe.

Norley Church of England Primary School enjoys a good reputation, with buses serving secondary schools and independent options in Hartford, Chester and beyond.

Peaceful, private and perfectly placed for all of life’s amenities, soak up the serenity of the Cheshire countryside, whilst remaining connected to all of the convenience of the city, at Oakend.

Disclaimer

The information Storeys of Cheshire has provided is for general informational purposes only and does not form part of any offer or contract. The agent has not tested any equipment or services and cannot verify their working order or suitability. Buyers should consult their solicitor or surveyor for verification. Photographs shown are for illustration purposes only and may not reflect the items included in the property sale. Please note that lifestyle descriptions are provided as a general indication. Regarding planning and building consents, buyers should conduct their own enquiries with the relevant authorities. All measurements are approximate. Properties are offered subject to contract, and neither Storeys of Cheshire nor its employees or associated partners have the authority to provide any representations or warranties.

*please note that internal images have been virtually staged for illustrative purposes only