Chester Road, Oakmere, CW8

Comment from Oliver Weston of Gascoigne Halman

Since their creation, the apartments at Oakmere Hall have established themselves as the premier example of their type in this part of Cheshire. The hall itself dates back to 1867, when it was designed by the well known architect John Douglas, and its unique and distinctive appearance has made it one of Cheshire's landmark buildings, well deserving of its Grade II listed status, and in 1990 was the subject of a remarkable conversion creating eight individual apartments, all completely unique.

The sweeping tree lined drive leading to Oakmere Hall is both inspirational and beautiful, truly setting the scene for what is a unique concept and an opportunity to purchase what could reasonably be described as a portion of old stately England.

Many pleasant walks can be enjoyed through the grounds that total circa fourteen acres and incorporate the beautifully established woodland through with an exceptional variety of trees plus other flora and fauna and frequented by much wildlife. The woodland, lake and expansive gardens offer a genuinely rare external setting with the lake side providing an idyllic setting for a picnic or place to relax through the warmer months along with the shared patio areas for external seating.

This particular apartment was created using the principal rooms of the original hall, incorporating two grand salons and the dining room with some gorgeous original coving and impactful 13 to 14 foot high ceilings. The home also boasts an ideal position within the hall being located on the ground floor, with direct access on to the surrounding patio and gardens, and running the full depth of Oakmere Hall with two of the turrets included in its living space. Further features such as the tall windows, impressive original doors to the living room, three fireplaces and intricate design throughout all combine to make a breathtaking overall impression.

The apartment can be accessed via the striking communal central hall of impressive proportion and significant architectural merit. Once in the apartment you begin with the entrance hall that has been cleverly designed to feature a seating area in front of the first of the three fireplaces, a bar area making it ideal for entertaining and an archway opening through to the dining kitchen. There is a separate utility cupboard for added practicality. Also connected to the main entrance hall and just past the fireplace seating area are the spare double bedroom and main bathroom, making it an ideal location for a guest room as it is currently used for. 

You then come to the first of the two most impactful areas of the apartment, the main living room. This was historically the original garden facing salon of the hall and as such provides an outstanding room for relaxation and entertaining. The design and finish of the space here excellently matches the grandeur of Oakmere Hall itself and the additional turret space offers a very special seating area with stunning views. The room also features a fireplace with substantial surround, double doors opening on the patio and gardens and impressive proportions with the main room coming to over 50 sq. meters without the turret space. At the far end of this room, two of the hall’s original doors remain and have been kept as eye-catching piece of history with one still functioning as an opening into the inner hall.

From the inner hall there is an additional door into the communal central hall which can be used for apartment access as well as the one currently in use, the home office of the apartment and finally the second of the most impactful areas, the principal bedroom. This room encompasses the second of the turrets in the apartment, houses the third of the fireplaces and is served by the en suite shower room.

Externally the property benefits from residents parking in front of the hall where visitor spaces are also available, as well as two double garages. The communal gym for the residents is free to use along with its adjoining sitting room kitchenette and washroom, then finally there is a communal function room with courtyard patio which can be booked out by residents for personal events/use.

For a personal description of the property or to arrange a viewing, please contact myself or a member of the team at the Tarporley office

Oakmere Hall – A brief history and overview of architecture

Oakmere Hall dates from 1867 and was designed by John Douglas. It was the most ambitious of Douglas' early works and one of the largest houses he designed, giving it an iconic status. Douglas also designed the two entrance lodges.

The Hall is built in freestone from Lancashire in French Gothic style with roofs of Westmorland slate. It is in two storeys with a nine-bay west (garden) front. The entrance is behind a two-storey porte-cochère which has been finished as a gatehouse. This is flanked by octagonal pilasters which end as turrets and on the first floor there is an oriel window. At the right of the west (entrance) front is a circular projection with a tall conical roof and at the left end is an octagonal turret with a tall pyramidal roof. The east front includes a massive three-storey tower with an embattled parapet and a truncated pyramidal roof with a wrought iron balustrade.

Location

Oakmere is a popular location that is situated just off the A556 Chester to Manchester Road. It lies within minutes drive of the magnificent Delamere Forest. For wider amenities the market towns of Northwich and Frodsham are 5 and 7.5 miles distant.  Wider commercial centres including Chester, Warrington, Liverpool and Manchester are found in 13, 13, 32 and 29 miles respectively. Within walking distance is a convenience store (soon to be become a mini Waitrose) and the villages of Cuddington and Sandiway are close by.

There are excellent railway links in the locality with Cuddington and Delamere Stations being on the Chester to Manchester line and further connections to Liverpool and London being found nearby at Hartford (3 miles) Runcorn (10 miles) the historic city of Chester (13 miles) and Crewe (14 miles)

The M56, M53, M6, A49 A55 and A41 are all within close travelling distance. Manchester and Liverpool Airports are within 35 minutes drive.  

The area as a whole is noticeable for the numerous walks, rides and climbs, interesting meres, canals and rivers, country parks and dozens of places to visit within a comfortable travelling distance.

Those who enjoy sport can take advantage of golf clubs including Delamere, Sandiway, Whitegate Tarporley, Frodsham, Helsby. There is also a renowned motor racing circuit at Oulton Park, horse racing at Chester, Haydock and Liverpool and football clubs at Manchester, Liverpool and Bolton.

Accommodation and dimensions

Please see attached floorplan.

SERVICES / TENURE / SERVICE CHARGE

Tenure: Cheshire West and Chester Council. Long Leasehold of 999 years originally, from 01/01/1991. At the time of writing this has just over 965 years remaining. The property also owns a share in the freehold. Gas central heating, private drainage, mains water and electricity.

Services: Mains electric, water and gas are connected. Gas central heating. Shared private drainage.

Service Charge: At time of writing, we understand that the service charge is £395 per calendar month, payable to management company and covering buildings insurance, maintenance of sewage treatment plant, grounds / lake, painting of communal hall, maintenance of roof and gutters, external painting, build up of emergency repair fund and use of community entertaining room. Full details will be verified by the solicitors and provided within the sale contract.

VIEWING

Viewing by appointment with the Agents Tarporley office 

DIRECTIONS

From Tarporley, leave the High Street towards Chester and upon reaching the Tarporley roundabout take the third exit on to the A49 in the direction of Warrington. Continue on this road passing the Fox and Barrell Pub and Murco Petrol Station on the right and carry straight on at the traffic lights shortly after the Tarporley Garden Centre. At the next set of traffic lights (junction with the A556 Shell petrol station visible) turn left in the direction of Chester. After a short distance take a right turn (entrance to Oakmere Hall) and continue along the sweeping tree lined driveway. Park in the area opposite the main Hall in the visitor spaces.

WANT TO MOVE BUT NEED TO SELL?

If you are interested in this property but need to sell your own home in Cheshire, South Manchester or the Peak District, Gascoigne Halman can provide a free, no obligation market appraisal and valuation of your own home. We are proud to be the leading estate agent in the area, with a network of twenty three offices - full contact details can be located on our website. Robert Reed is the manager of the Tarporley office.

The Tarporley team consists of Robert, Pamela, Oliver, Sally, Tresa, Sam, Yvonne, Lydia and Clive - we pride ourselves on being not just professional and efficient but also warm and welcoming. If you are in the village and fancy a coffee, do come in and say hello. We are located at 62 High Street, Tarporley, six premises to the left of Tarporley Parish Church. Our building is a landmark in the village, having above the shop front a beautiful illuminated fully working heritage clock.

NOTICE

Gascoigne Halman for themselves and for the vendors or lessors of this property whose agents they are give notice that: (i) the particulars are set out as a general outline only for the guidance of intending purchasers or lessees, and do not constitute, nor constitute part of, an offer or contract; (ii) all descriptions, dimensions, references to condition and necessary permissions for use and occupation, and other details are given in good faith and are believed to be correct but any intending purchasers or tenants should not rely on them as statements or representations of fact but must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to the correctness of each of them; (iii) no person in the employment of Gascoigne Halman has any authority to make or give any representation or warranty whatever in relation to this property.