Rakesdale, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST10

A wonderful country house offering privacy in a beautiful tranquil setting, set within about 18 acres of gardens and grounds, with a triple garage and apartment above.

Description

Rakesdale House is approached from a quiet country road that runs alongside the meandering River Churnet which is stocked with trout and salmon.

The private drive meanders through a small valley and arrives at the gateway to Rakesdale House. The house is set into the hillside and enjoys the most spectacular views from every room over the gardens and hillside beyond, all of which is part of the property. A series of streams and ponds set the background for this most tranquil situation.

Rakesdale House is a most elegant and deceptively spacious house with a series of flexible reception rooms that flow beautifully ands would adapt well to many living situations. The house incorporates both historic architectural details and contemporary features. The house is approached from the driveway up York stone steps which open up to a large paved terrace area running the length of the front of the house.

A portico leads to the front door which opens into a spacious, open plan reception room, with Viennese Parque flooring, part panelled walls and a wood burning stove with a stone surround. Double doors open into the spacious conservatory, offering a generous space for entertaining. The conservatory has two sets of double doors opening onto the gardens and terrace, and an inset contemporary log burner with log storage underneath. The conservatory also has central heating, offering a year round entertaining space which enjoys wonderful views.

From the other side of the reception area, you move through into the luxurious fitted kitchen, made by Clive Christian, with large central island, a modular Aga offers the flexibility of using both oil and electric for both hobs and ovens. There is a pantry and utility room. A door leads into the dining room, which is full of natural light and has a vaulted ceiling, minstrel’s gallery and double height windows, still with the original stone mullions. From the dining there is access to the office/snug with a stone fireplace and a door leading outside onto the terrace.

Beyond the office/snug is the impressive drawing room with a modern inglenook fireplace with a natural stone hearth and a wood burning stove. French doors, and a separate door lead outside onto the terrace and gardens. Within the central hall is a cloakroom and the staircase leading up to the minstrels galleried landing and first floor.

The principal suite is a wonderful spacious room with a separate dressing room with built in wardrobes and units, a beautiful en suite bathroom with modern fixtures and fittings including a free standing bath and a wet room shower, along with a vanity double sink unit. There is a double bedroom offering in plenty of natural light and wonderful views through four sets of windows.

Along the landing is a separate family bathroom with a spa bath and separate shower, Bedroom five which is a double, a separate airing cupboard two further double bedrooms and a shower room with a double vanity sink, and a double bedroom with an en suite shower room. All of the bathrooms have underfloor heating.

Immediately surrounding the house are a series of areas providing outdoor entertaining space, with a parking area, along with an elegant separate Amdega conservatory. The current owners have added in a triple garage, with up and over electric oak doors. The garage has water and electricity connected, an internal door and window. A staircase to the side, leads up to a decking seating area with access into a one bedroom apartment, which is currently let out through Holiday Cottages. There is a sitting room and kitchenette, a shower room and a bedroom. A door provides access to a staircase leading into the main garage.

Outside

Outside, Rakesdale House sits centrally in its own land which extends to about 18 acres of landscaped gardens and rolling hillside pasture. There is a separate area which has been created into a fire pit along with a building currently used as a gym. This space also has a shower room and WC and a wood burning stove. Situated on the terrace is an oak framed pergola, ideal for al fresco dining.

As Rakesdale House is set in a valley that feeds into the River Churnet a series of spring fed streams and ponds run through the grounds, giving a great sense of tranquillity. Throughout the streams and ponds there is a wealth of aquatic plants growing in the dappled shade of the willow trees. The gardens are well planted with mature trees, shrubs and flowering plants, giving a good balance of light and shade.
The land beyond, which is mostly hillside pasture and woodland, has many ancient trees, sandstone escarpments and promontories. Walking past the house, a grass walkway continues up the valley beside the water course, finally arriving at a secluded seating area that feels a world away. Walking back down this path towards the house, the views over the pond to the terrace in front of the house are quite stunning.

Lot 2
Immediately after entering the gates of Rakesdale House, a secondary driveway to the left leads to a modern barn suitable for a number of purposes but currently configured with two large stables with a mezzanine above for storage.
Beside this useful barn is a drained concrete hardstanding and muck bay, as well as a small fenced enclosure with a waxed rubber surface, for all year turnout. The area has a wealth of bridleways and quiet roads for hacking.

Location

Alton is a delightful village set amidst the beautiful rolling Staffordshire countryside, built around the site of Alton Mansion, which was owned by the Earls of Shrewsbury and designed by Augustus Pugin. Amenities include a range of local shops, excellent public houses and restaurants and two local primary schools.

Additionally, there are a number of highly regarded schools in reasonable proximity including Denstone College, St Bede's and Yarlet Preparatory Schools as well as Stafford Grammar School.

There are beautiful walks set among the woodland of Dimmingsdale and the Churnet valley; the Pugin masterpiece of Alton Castle towers over the valley. There are three historic churches - St. Peter's and St John's at the heart of the village as well as the unique little Methodist chapel with its historic connections to Hugh Bourne.

There are a number of larger towns/business centres accessible from Alton including Cheadle, Uttoxeter, Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford, with its access to the M6 and a fast train line to London Euston in about one hour 20 minutes.

Square Footage: 5,265 sq ft


Acreage: 18.06 Acres

Directions

From the village of Alton turn onto Horse Road with the Royal Oak pub on your left. At the bottom of the hill turn left onto Red Road, which is signposted towards the Ramblers Retreat. When the road turns sharply to the right there is a private road on the left with the sign to Holme Farm. Follow this drive past Holme Farm, and you will arrive at the gates of Rakesdale House.

Additional Info

Council tax band- G, Staffordshire Moorlands

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

Brochure prepared 2025/08 BTJ
Photographs 2025/07 E-House