Large period house on the edge of Chester with several auxiliary buildings and land

On the leafy fringes of Chester, village life and city convenience coincide at Elm Bank, an imposing period home – and so much more besides.

Complete with a separate cottage and substantial barn alongside just over five acres of surrounding paddock land, Elm Bank promises the flexibility to embrace multi-generational living, generate an income, work from home, entertain on a grand scale or embrace an equestrian way of life, with all the atmosphere of a private country estate and the warmth of a characterful family home.

OWNER QUOTE: “It’s a home that has seen a lot of hosting, it’s been built around an entertaining lifestyle really.”

Within easy reach of the historic walled city of Chester, Elm Bank nestles amidst the greenery on the village fringes, accessed along a sweeping, tree-lined driveway.

Hidden from passers-by behind a tapestry of mature trees, shrubs and climbing vines, Elm Bank makes an unforgettable first impression, its imposing Tudor-style gables, elegant bay windows and wrought-iron porch every inch the distinguished country residence. 

With abundant parking – perfect for both a growing family and when entertaining – the driveway continues up ahead, passing the main house before arriving at the cottage and barn where further parking can be found.

Welcome home

Built in the 1900s and extended harmoniously with the heritage of the home, make your way indoors, via the handsome ornate iron porch, where the stained-glass front door opens into the vast, light and airy entrance hall.

Here, the character of the home continues in the traditional Victorian tiles underfoot and the elegant oak panelled staircase, while the high ceiling above amplifies the sense of space and openness. Extended with great respect for the original house, Elm Bank has evolved over the years without compromising its identity. Matching floor tiles, skirting boards and period detailing ensure the newer spaces sit effortlessly alongside the Victorian fabric of the home.

Storage is available beneath the stairs for coats and shoes, as rooms beckon ahead and to the right and left.

Turning left, light streams into the snug through a broad bay window to the front and a second bay to the side, where a leaded door opens to the garden which wraps around the home. Carpeted and decorated in soft, neutral tones, traditional features including picture rail and cornicing, alongside high skirtings and a fireplace, exude character.

Wine and dine

Passing through an original panelled door, preserved and drawing the eye to the home's lofty ceilings and period proportions, continuing along the hallway and also to the left, the dining room is a space made for bringing people together. Parquet flooring underfoot and an open fireplace lend warmth and occasion, whilst beyond, the conservatory, with direct access out to the garden, continues the entertaining space, drawing in natural light, creating a wonderfully bright backdrop for everything from relaxed Sunday lunches to Christmas celebrations or even wedding celebrations; Elm Bank is naturally equipped to entertain, with the gardens and fields beyond even offering the potential for a marquee when the guest list grows.

Also opening up off the entrance hall, through an impressive archway, double doors reveal a magnificent drawing room, where natural light pours in from three sides, including through two sets of French doors opening out to the garden. 

The imposing stone inglenook fireplace exudes warmth for both quiet nights beside the fire and magical Christmas mornings unwrapping presents.

Double doors lead seamlessly through to the bar and drinks room, enhancing the drawing room’s claim as the perfect setting for pre-dinner drinks, celebratory toasts or a nightcap, furnished with plenty of cabinetry, a sink and built-in wine rack for the New Year’s Eve toast.

Also located on the ground floor, a contemporary, fully tiled wet room enriches the versatility of Elm Bank, handy for overnight guests, multigenerational living or those looking to future-proof their home. Together with the recently refurbished first-floor shower room and the master bedroom's en suite, Elm Bank’s bathrooms and shower rooms, have all been updated in recent years.

Feast your eyes

Spacious living beckons in every room at Elm Bank, with the dining-kitchen no exception. Step through onto the tiled flooring, bright and offering leafy views out over the garden. Solid wood cabinetry provides ample storage, while appliances include a gas-powered Aga, single oven and hob with plenty of room for a breakfast table.

Tucked to the side the utility room, rustically tiled in terracotta and black diamonds, is the perfect every day entrance for those with canine companions,. With space for a dishwasher and washer-dryer, the utility room offers direct access out to the courtyard, where, opposite, a separate shower room is handy for a hose down after days spent out in the garden (for children and furry friends alike).

Bedtime beckons

Returning to the entrance hall, ascend the broad, beautifully carved staircase to the landing, where light streams in through a large window to the front. Decorative archways and architraves serve as a reminder of the home’s heritage, with high ceilings and classic, light-toned striped wallpaper. 

Turning to the left, with large windows to the front and side, the first of the bedrooms is brimming with light. Currently serving as a storage/ironing room, this long and light bedroom features an original fireplace and would make an elegant nursery or home office.

Ahead from the stairs, crisply decorated in fresh white, a bountiful double bedroom features both a sink and a handsome original fireplace, with light flooding in through a large bay window and separate window to the side. Plenty of space for wardrobes and drawers is available.

Beneath the archway, to the left, a large double bedroom with original fireplace offers a splash of colour in its pink and white feature décor to the chimney breast, with the added bonus of its own tiled shower room en suite.

Continue along the landing to the left, arriving at the master suite at the very end of the landing. Refresh and revive in the modern wet room shower room en suite, where a large window offering leafy views out over the mature trees draws in plenty of light.

A series of white, built-in wardrobes reflects the classic design of the home, offering ample storage, while, ahead, the master bedroom opens up, a celebration of serenity and space. Windows to three sides ensure natural light flows, while the soft grey and white décor enhances the soothing, relaxing ambience.  

Turning left out of the master bedroom, built-in storage features in the fifth of the bedrooms, while making your way back along the landing, a modern shower room can be found next door to the main family bathroom, beautifully tiled and papered, with cast iron radiator and freestanding, rolltop, claw foot bath for luxurious pamper evenings.

Two further bedrooms await, one nestled beneath the gentle slope of the roofline, with ample space for a double bed, and the second furnished with a quaint corner fireplace. 

A door opens, revealing stairs leading up to the attic, where so much more storage can be found.

The Cottage

Formerly an outbuilding used mainly for storage before being rebuilt in 2005, The Cottage was designed to respect the style of its origins, built using carefully reclaimed original bricks while even the proportions of the former hayloft were respectfully echoed through the large traditional-style windows, resulting in a cottage that perfectly complements Elm Bank's historic character.

Privately gated off, the cottage is distinct and independent, complete with a private, hedge-lined garden and sheltered courtyard terrace overlooking the fields. Whether used to welcome extended family over holidays or as accommodation for dependent relatives, as guest accommodation or even providing older children with a little more independence The Cottage offers exceptional flexibility.

Step inside onto the wooden flooring of the dining room, light and bright with a traditional feel emulating its origins in the latched wooden doors. 

To the left, large barn-style windows flood the lounge with light, while the red brick fireplace serves as a cosy focal point on winter evenings. 

Accessible both via the dining room, integral garage and through the enclosed courtyard into a spacious dining kitchen, The Cottage has been considerately designed for independence whilst remaining effortlessly connected to the main home if desired. The ground floor also features a tiled cloakroom with wash basin and WC.

Upstairs from the dining room, from the landing a large, light-filled room featuring floor to ceiling windows on two sides currently serves as an office, replete with an open fire. Also flexible enough to serve as a spacious double bedroom, two further double bedrooms await at The Cottage, alongside a large store room and spacious bathroom.

The Barn

Beyond The Cottage, a detached barn enhances the entertaining potential of Elm Bank once more. With planning permission already in place for conversion into a bungalow, the barnprovides scope to create further accommodation for extended family or guests, whilst also presenting a valuable development opportunity, with the resulting build capable of being sold separately from Elm Bank.

Garden delights

Extending to approximately 5.4 acres in total, the gardens envelop Elm Bank like a buffer of greenery with so much lawn for children to play on, trees to swing from and shrubs to make dens in. 

To the rear, broad lawns provide ample space for children to play, for adults to barbecue and entertain in summer or simply relax and unwind whilst enjoying uninterrupted views across the neighbouring fields.

Out and about

From village cricket and rambling countryside walks to award-winning restaurants amidst Chester’s iconic cobbled rows, Elm Bank embraces the very best of Cheshire living.

Perfectly placed to enjoy the best of both town and country, neighbouring villages of Christleton and Waverton offer a taste of village life, with halls hosting regular activities alongside play areas and local sports clubs. Explore the country lanes and footpaths weavingthrough the surrounding Cheshire countryside, offering peaceful walks from the doorstep, while the nearby banks of the Shropshire Union Canal provide miles of scenic walking, cycling and running routes.

Just ten to fifteen minutes away, Chester’s broad choice of independent boutiques, cafés, award-winning restaurants and historic pubs await, overlooking the historic Walls and the placid flow of the River Dee. 

Families are well catered for, with highly regarded primary schools in both Christleton and Waverton, alongside an excellent choice of independent and state education across Chester. 

Handy for commuters, just a short drive from Chester city centre, Elm Bank is also well connected to the wider region with Chester railway station providing direct services to Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and London, whilst nearby road links place the M53, M56 and North Wales Expressway within easy reach. For those preferring to leave the car at home, a bus stop just a three-minute walk away offers regular services into Chester.

Offering character in abundance Elm Bank is a distinguished home offering such versatility, designed to evolve with its owners. With space for a young family to grow, multigenerational living, keeping a pony or two or simply enjoying the space to entertain, Elm Bank is a handsome, warm and welcoming period home, ready to enter its next chapter.

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.