Eglwys Cross, Whitchurch, Shropshire

The property
Eglwys Cross Cottage is a charming Grade II listed property which dates from the 17th century. It retains a wealth of character features, including exposed timber framing inside and out, and benefits from a striking contemporary, two-storey extension, built in 2020.

In the original part of the cottage is the dual aspect sitting room with vaulted ceiling and impressive brick and beam fireplace, fitted with a Clearview log burner. Adjoining the sitting room is a well-proportioned kitchen and breakfast room with overhead beams, wooden flooring and French doors opening onto a large gravelled courtyard. There are fitted units and an electric Aga as well as ample space for a large table. Additionally, there is a study, ideal for working from home with a door opening onto the pretty private front garden. Upstairs, are two beautifully styled en-suite double bedrooms, each with private stairway access.

The modern extension seamlessly connects the historic elements of this home to its creative design, offering an airy hall with slate flooring and dual aspect full-height windows, and sliding glass doors opening onto a secluded decked seating area. It also accommodates a family room with countryside views, two of the home's four double bedrooms, a bathroom and a utility room with additional cooker wiring. It therefore has the flexibility to be self-contained, if desired.

Outside
At the entrance to the property, a five-bar gate opens onto the gravel driveway which provides plenty of parking space for several vehicles and access to an EV charger. A second five-bar wooden gate opens onto the gravel courtyard area at the rear of the cottage, while the entrance to the property is reached through a rose arch into the pretty west-facing front garden with its raised beds and cottage garden planting. There are further gardens with lovely views to the rear and include a pond, an orchard, a large shed and a covered dining area.

Location
Eglwys Cross Cottage is situated in a rural setting with far-reaching countryside views, two miles from the village of Hanmer and five miles from picturesque Malpas with excellent pubs, shops and restaurants. Four miles east is the bustling market town of Whitchurch, boasting two Michelin guide restaurants, supermarkets and a wide range of leisure facilities, all of which make for an ideal base for professionals, families and retirees. There are several good primary and secondary schools nearby, including primaries in Bronington and Hanmer, and secondaries Bishop Heber in Malpas, Sir John Talbot's in Whitchurch and Penley High School. Independent schools in the area include King's and Queen's in Chester, Ellesmere College, Abbey Gate, Packwood Haugh, Adcote, Oswestry School and Moreton Hall. Chester (23 miles) is a major centre and provides access to motorway and rail networks. Manchester (60 miles) can be reached by direct train from Whitchurch to Piccadilly in just over an hour, and also goes direct to the airport. Crewe is 20 minutes away, from where London Euston can be reached in around an hour and a half.

Distances
Penley 3.9 miles
Whitchurch 4.5 miles
Ellesmere 7.8 miles
Wrexham 10.5 miles
Oswestry 15 miles
Nantwich 19 miles
Crewe 21 miles
Chester 22 miles
Shrewsbury 24 miles

Nearby Stations
Crewe
Whitchurch
Chester
Shrewsbury
Wrexham

Key Locations
Cholmondeley Castle Gardens
Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
Whitchurch Heritage Centre
Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker
Nantwich Museum
The Ice Cream Farm
Bolesworth Castle
Grosvenor Museum (Chester)
Chester Cathedral
Erddig Hall (National Trust)

Nearby Schools
Moreton Hall School
The White House School
Bishop Heber High School
Abbey Gate College
Oswestry School
The King's School
The Queen's School
The Grange School
Cransley School
Penley High School
Packwood Haugh
Sir John Talbot's