Crowley, Cheshire, CW9

Set within the heart of the Cheshire countryside, Garland Hall is an exceptional Grade II listed country house, occupying a commanding position at the centre of approximately seven acres.

Description

Set within the heart of the Cheshire countryside, Garland Hall is an exceptional Grade II listed country house, occupying a commanding and elevated position at the centre of approximately seven acres of gardens and grounds. The property is approached via a long cobbled driveway, creating a strong sense of arrival and privacy.

Garland Hall forms part of the historic Arley Estate, widely regarded as one of the county’s most desirable rural environments. The estate extends to over 2,000 acres and includes a notable collection of period cottages, farmland and parkland. Nearby Great Budworth, the original estate village, is recognised for its distinctive character and architecture, while Knutsford and Stockton Heath are both readily accessible.

Dating from the early eighteenth century, the house is a substantial three storey residence offering approximately 4,500 square feet of accommodation. Over time, the house has been sensitively improved, combining the elegance and proportions of a period country house with the practical requirements of modern living, while carefully preserving its historic character.

An important enhancement has been the creation of a generous open plan kitchen, dining and living space which now forms the heart of the home. Designed for everyday family life and entertaining, this light filled space opens directly onto the terrace and gardens beyond. The kitchen is by Smallbone of Devizes and is finished in a hand painted style with extensive bespoke cabinetry, a substantial central island with breakfast seating, a traditional four oven Aga with companion and a freestanding pantry cupboard. Honed limestone flooring runs throughout and underfloor heating provides comfort and efficiency, allowing this contemporary addition to sit comfortably within the original house.

Elsewhere, the house retains many features typical of its Georgian origins and Grade II status, including exposed timber framing, solid oak doors, Georgian aesthetic windows some with original shutters and crown glass and character fireplaces. The principal reception rooms are elegant and well proportioned. The drawing room enjoys a dual aspect, an open fireplace and access onto the raised front lawn, while further reception rooms provide more intimate spaces suited to quieter use.

The bedroom accommodation is arranged over the two upper floors and is well balanced, with all rooms of generous proportions. The staircase, with its shallow treads, rises through the house and provides an attractive and characterful link between each level. The principal bedroom enjoys a front facing aspect and is positioned to take advantage of afternoon sunlight, with views extending across the formal gardens towards the tennis court. Original exposed timber framing and a ceiling beam add period detail and contribute to the character of the room. The bedroom is served by a spacious en suite bathroom, appointed with a five piece Villeroy and Boch suite and finished with limestone tiling.

Also on this floor is a further large double bedroom overlooking the front of the house, together with a well proportioned single bedroom positioned to the rear. The latter offers flexibility and, if required, could be incorporated to create additional en suite facilities for the adjoining bedroom, subject to the necessary works. The upper floor provides three further well proportioned double bedrooms, each enjoying views across the surrounding gardens and grounds. These rooms are served by a spacious family bathroom, fitted with a freestanding bath and a separate walk in shower, complemented by solid oak flooring throughout.

The gardens and grounds are a particular feature of Garland Hall. Formal gardens lie predominantly to the front and side of the house, with mature planting, established trees and well stocked borders creating privacy, structure and seasonal interest. A large entertaining terrace steps down across the lawn towards the tennis court, while paddocks wrap around the formal gardens and woodland to the rear provides shelter and seclusion. The outbuildings extend to approximately 5,000 square feet and include stabling, garaging, stores, and a former grain barn, which is separate from the annexe. The annexe, with its attached garage, offers clear potential for use as office space. Collectively, the buildings provide excellent flexibility and, subject to the necessary consents, could suit a variety of uses including storage, workshops, offices or further ancillary accommodation. A separate access serves the principal barn, alongside four loose boxes and an adjoining outdoor sand ménage, making the property particularly well suited to those with equestrian interests. An additional traditional brick outbuilding with adjoining open barn.

Location

Garland Hall is situated in the rural parish of Crowley, within open Cheshire countryside and adjoining the Arley Estate. The property is surrounded by farmland and established woodland, with access to a network of rural lanes linking the neighbouring villages.

Local amenities are available in Great Budworth, Antrobus and Comberbach, which offer village primary schools, public houses, churches and day to day services. Stockton Heath provides a wider range of shopping and amenities, while Knutsford offers an established selection of restaurants, cafés and boutique shops, together with further educational, recreational and professional services.

Primary education is available within the surrounding villages, with additional state and independent schooling options in the wider area. Independent schools include Cransley School, The Grange School in Hartford and The King’s and Queen’s Schools in Chester.

Recreational facilities are well represented locally. Sailing is available at Great Budworth, while a number of established golf courses are within easy reach including Antrobus Golf Club, High Legh Golf and Country Club, Knutsford Golf Club and others. The surrounding countryside and lanes adjoining the Arley Estate provide routes suitable for walking, cycling and riding.

The property is conveniently located for transport connections. The M6 and M56 motorways offer access to the regional and national road network, providing routes to Manchester, Chester, Liverpool and the wider North West. Mainline rail services are available from Warrington Bank Quay, with direct services to London Euston, and additional rail connections from Hartford, Acton Bridge and Knutsford.

Square Footage: 4,161 sq ft


Acreage: 7 Acres

Additional Info

NB The former grain barn was acquired separately from the Arley Estate and is subject to an existing covenant. Further details are available from the selling agents.