Chesterton Croft, Ridley, Tarporley, CW6 9RY

A tranquil juxtaposition of classic farmhouse comfort and contemporary family living, Chesterton Croft is a home that gives a great deal while asking for little in return. Meticulously maintained and improved, this warm and welcoming home is ready to step straight into and start making memories.

Set amidst Cheshire's most lush countryside, for those seeking a taste of rural living without cutting ties to the outside world, Chesterton Croft achieves that elusive balance between seclusion and connection, with handy local road links providing swift access to local towns including Nantwich, Whitchurch, Chester and Crewe, and rail links offering easy links to the north and south.

OWNER QUOTE: “The setting sold it to us straight away – a quaint farmhouse surrounded by fields.”

Pull up through the gated, golden gravel driveway to a garage, where lush green lawn bordered by mature hedging provides a buffer of privacy from the wider world, while a second driveway sweeps up to the side, offering access to the main entrance of the home. 

Parking is abundant, with gardens on all sides creating a tranquil oasis for wildlife, birds and relaxed afternoons following the sun as it moves around the home.

From past to present

The history of Chesterton Croft is written into its very façade, where a Cheshire County Council plaque dated 1914 marks the home's origins, believed to have been created as a smallholding for returning servicemen after the First World War, reflecting the agricultural heritage of the surrounding landscape.

Older homes deserve attention, and over the past five years, the current owners have invested time and care in the refurbishment and restoration of Chesterton Croft, updating key elements of the home. Improvements made include replacement double glazing, a new oil-fired boiler, updated external doors, the installation of modern appliances, roof and exterior maintenance and careful management of the mature trees, ensuring this is a home ready to be enjoyed by its new owners from day one.

A warm welcome

Step inside and onto the stone flooring of the entrance hall, where exposed beams continue to convey the warmth and heritage of the home. With plenty of space to hang coats and stash shoes, freshen up in the spacious and sun-drenched bathroom on the right, where wooden floor flows underfoot and a shower is on hand for muddy paws after country walks in inclement weather.

During the current ownership, layers of bold décor have been carefully stripped back and refreshed with a softer, more neutral palette, allowing the craftsmanship and natural materials to take centre stage, revealing a home both true to its heritage while feeling bright, calm and ready for modern family life.

Feast your eyes

Ahead from the entrance hall, stone flooring runs through into the country contemporary kitchen, where soft lichen green and grey cabinetry alongside wicker vegetable basket-drawers provide plenty of storage. Wooden beams above are mirrored in the wooden worktop of the breakfast bar, sociably situated at the centre of the room, naturally drawing people to gather, chat and keep company with the cook. 

A modern yet timeless space, new appliances fitted include a dishwasher and induction hob. Tucked off the kitchen, the utility room provides further storage, space for washing machine and American-style fridge freezer, with enchanting garden views and direct access outdoors.

Double doors open into the dining room, creating a sense of connection between the two spaces. Whether preparing dinner, sharing morning coffee or helping with homework, it is easy to remain part of the conversation, with views across the gardens from more than one direction enhancing the sense of openness and light. 

OWNER QUOTE: “The sense of space is so important, for our hobbies and also when family stay; we love to entertain.”

Follow the flow

A great size for entertaining, next to the kitchen in the dining room the warm wooden floor contrasts with the stone flooring seen in the harder-working areas of the home - timeless and wonderfully practical for family life.

French doors open to the garden for al fresco summer dining, while the beams overhead echo the farmhouse feel from room to room.

Cosily tucked off the dining room, after dinner retire to the snug, with its toasty open fire and tiled surround, garden views and intimate feel. Often used as a music room, this room offers great versatility perhaps as a playroom or study, with reliable high speed broadband cabling to Chesterton Croft making working from home or streaming music convenient.

Relax and unwind in the lounge, where French doors open to the golden gravel area adjacent to the front door. A warm and welcoming winter room, spend Christmas mornings unwrapping presents with the children beside the warmth of the log-burning stove, nestled within its exposed brick surround. 

Bathed in natural light, this room also links back to the original front entrance, with the staircase rising to the right. Beyond, the snug comes back into view, creating a seamless circuit through the ground floor that is ideal for entertaining.

And so to bed…

Upstairs, off the landing to the left, the warm woodwork continues underfoot and in the beams above in the family bathroom. Spacious and bright, soak away the aches in the freestanding roll top tub. Pale yellow panelling to the walls is another characterful touch, while the inclusion of a separate shower cubicle ensures this room remains firmly in the 21stcentury in terms of practicality.

Next door to the right, angles and alcoves define the first of the double bedrooms, with leafy views out over the garden and ample space for wardrobes and drawers. 

Across the landing, wooden flooring features in a second characterful bedroom, currently serving as a home office, with verdant views out over the garden.

With dual aspect windows drawing in plenty of light and country views, the third of the double bedrooms is another restful space, dressed in the same country calming shades seen throughout the home.

Tucked privately along its own inner landing, the master suite is a hidden haven. Wooden flooring flows underfoot, while light streams in through French doors opening to the Juliet balcony. Pull back the curtains each morning to take in uninterrupted views across paddocks and open farmland, stretching beyond Bickerton Hill towards the Welsh hills on the horizon. A walk-in wardrobe provides plenty of storage, while the bedroom itself offers ample space for a super king bed and seating area. Freshen up in the en suite, with shower, heated towel radiator, wash basin and WC.

OWNER QUOTE: “We love to watch the hay baling in the fields from the windows.”

Outdoor living

OWNER QUOTE: “We are outside as much as we are in the home; it is an easy, enjoyable garden to look after.”

A home lived as much outdoors as in, the landscaped garden has been designed for low maintenance enjoyment, where the recently installed patio beside the greenhouse provides a peaceful, private suntrap, bathed in sunshine throughout the day and perfectly positioned to enjoy the ever-changing display of flowers, foliage and homegrown produce.

Carefully planted borders packed with perennials ensure colour and interest year upon year, with minimal maintenance needed. Extensive gravelled areas provide plentiful parking, while the seamless connection between the kitchen, patio and garden makes outdoor dining a natural extension of the entertaining space within.

Above the garage, a versatile, heated room offers further flexibility. Fully soundproofed and currently used as a music room, it could equally serve as a home office, gym, hobby space or teenage retreat, providing a place to pursue individual interests while remaining connected to the heart of the home.

Orchard delights

Beyond the formal garden lies an additional parcel of agricultural land, creating a natural buffer between Chesterton Croft and neighbouring farmland. Harvest the fruit from mature cherry, pear, apple and plum trees, perfect for crumbles, jams and preserves, while the open space lends itself to summer picnics beneath the boughs or simply the enjoyment of having a little extra room to roam. 

Out and about

A home that delivers complete peace and privacy, enjoy rural living at Chesterton Croft without ever feeling isolated. Surrounded by open countryside, with views of fields and the changing seasons, Chesterton Croft captures the essence of rural Cheshire living while retaining convenient connections to nearby towns, cities and transport links.

Nantwich is around ten minutes away with its independent shops, bookshop, renowned cheese specialists, annual Jazz and Blues Festival and colourful Civil War re-enactments. Meanwhile, Whitchurch, with its traditional market town charm, independent retailers, regular market days and a modern swimming pool, lies approximately seven miles to the south. Close by, Crewe's major rail connections link to Birmingham, London and destinations further south, while the M6 offers straightforward access across the region. 

Chester, around twelve miles away, is close by for boutique shopping, restaurants, cinemas, hospitals, independent schools, the famous racecourse and the ever-popular Chester Zoo.

Closer to home, Bunbury offers a primary school, doctor's surgery, village shop and a thriving community spirit, with events ranging from summer village celebrations to fireworks displays. 

Families are well catered for, with local primary schools, access to highly regarded secondary schools including Bishop Heber and a selection of respected independent schools such as King’s and Queen’s in Chester within easy reach.

For those who relish time spent outdoors, scenic walks can be enjoyed at Beeston Castle, Bickerton Hill and to the ancient Iron Age hillfort of Maiden Castle, while the towpaths and waterways of the local canal network also offer idyllic routes through the local countryside. Delamere Forest is nearby for walking, cycling and family adventures in the treetops, while mountain bikers will appreciate the trails at Llandegla Forest, around twenty minutes away.

The surrounding area offers an impressive variety of attractions throughout the year: Cholmondeley Castle hosts renowned gardens, plant fairs, classic car gatherings and seasonal events, while nearby BeWILDerwood is a favourite with younger families. Oulton Park provides world-class motorsport on the doorstep, whilst Bolesworth hosts international equestrian competitions and events. Music and supercar fans alike will appreciate the proximity of CarFest and other regional festivals.

Meanwhile, Tarporley remains one of Cheshire's most sought-after villages, offering independent cafés, boutiques, clubs, classes and regular social activities, while The Hollies Farm Shop has become a popular destination for food lovers. 

OWNER QUOTE: “Being rural is nice, but being rural and this well connected is remarkable.”

Enjoy the tranquillity of country life, yet still reach schools, shops, rail connections and thriving market towns with ease at Chesterton Croft. Combining the character of a traditional farmhouse with the comfort and practicality of modern living, this is a home lovingly maintained and thoughtfully improved throughout, offering that most elusive of opportunities: to embrace a rural lifestyle without sacrificing connectivity, convenience or comfort. One where, as the current custodians reflect, “each morning brings the same thought: another day in paradise”.

OWNER QUOTE: “It’s a privilege, living here.”

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.