Henley Drive, Churchtown, PR9

Some homes just have a certain feeling. From the second the electric gates glide open and you pull onto the Indian stone driveway, you know this is one of them. It has charm, privacy, and presence. A late 1920s home with history in its bones and love in every corner, cared for by only two families in almost a century.

The driveway is framed by a neat lawn, though if parking is a priority you could easily extend this space to fit up to four cars without losing its grand approach. Already, before you step inside, you can see the care and pride here.

Step through the Farrow and Ball Charleston Grey front door and you’re greeted with light, warmth, and a sense of space you might not expect. The original floorboards run through much of the house, professionally restored and stained in a soft grey by Martin Kingdom, instantly setting a relaxed but refined tone.

The lounge is a showstopper. Huge windows flood the room with natural light while framing a peaceful view with no through traffic in sight. At the heart of the room, a crackled grey Henley multifuel stove is ready to take the chill off cooler evenings. Either side of the fireplace, you’ll spot the “champagne buttons” — a quirky little original detail whose original purpose might be lost to time, but which always sparks a conversation.

The kitchen and dining area is the true heart of the home. The island is topped with quartz and finished with a bevelled edge that catches the light. Aged copper accents give warmth and depth, from the Smeg copper sink to the subtle detailing throughout. The wine fridge, dishwasher, and integral bins are all neatly hidden. The oven and larger-than-standard ceramic induction hob are barely six months old, with a ten-year warranty.

Bifold doors open to the garden, creating a seamless connection between inside and out. Whether it’s a summer afternoon with the doors wide open or a cosy winter supper, the layout flows beautifully.

At the back of the house is the snug. It’s currently a relaxed second reception, but it could just as easily be your formal dining room, leaving space for a more casual seating area in the kitchen. This is a house that lets you live in it however you want to.

The utility room is more than just a place for laundry. It has granite worktops, a huge pantry and storage area, and side access to hang washing. There’s also a downstairs WC, new carpet on the stairs and landing, and that original staircase leads all the way to the top floor — this was built in, not added later.

On the first floor you’ll find four generous bedrooms, each filled with light and enjoying either front-facing privacy or tranquil garden views. The family bathroom feels straight out of a boutique hotel, with a freestanding clawfoot bath and a walk-in rainfall shower that makes mornings something to look forward to.

The top floor is home to the master bedroom, already spacious and peaceful, with a large rear-facing Velux window. From here you can see how much potential there is to add a dormer and really open up the view — it’s crying out for it. There’s also a shower room and generous eaves storage which could be turned into a dressing room.

The south-facing garden is a true retreat. It’s large, private, and completely not overlooked. There’s a blend of lawn for children to play, a modern decked area for outdoor dining, and mature planting that frames the space beautifully. The outbuildings and garage are impressive in size and already have electricity, gas, and water — making them perfect for a home office, gym, annexe, or creative studio.

Henley Drive is one of those addresses that locals know is special. Around the corner on Hesketh Drive you have the butcher’s kitchen, word-of-mouth bars, a hardware and garden shop, salons, and the post office. A short walk takes you to Churchtown Village where you can enjoy Pilates at The Corner Studios coffee at Botanic Kitchen, lunch at Remedy, or dinner at the new Penelope’s.

You’re minutes from the historic Botanical Gardens and Hesketh Park, and the RSPB Reserve and beach are just a 15-minute stroll. For commuting, the coastal road is close by, giving you easy access north or south. Schools are excellent, with Norwood Primary, St Patrick’s, and Churchtown nearby, and Scarisbrick Hall even offering a neighbourhood pick-up.

This is not just a five-bedroom detached home. It’s a rare piece of Churchtown’s history, filled with thoughtful modern touches and the kind of warmth you only get when a home has been truly loved. It’s spacious, stylish, and ready for its next chapter