Manor Cottage, Aldersey Lane, nr. Tattenhall, CH3 9EH

Like a scene from a storybook, Manor Cottage, standing proudly since the 1700s behind its bridge and beautifully landscaped gardens, encapsulates the essence of Cheshire village living.

Enchanting arrival

Beyond the gated, sweeping driveway, beneath the mature trees and over an enchanting stream, cross the bridge to tranquillity at Manor Cottage, where the driveway opens out to provide parking for three or four cars alongside a double garage.

Originally the cottage to the neighbouring lodge, Manor Cottage has evolved sympathetically over the last 27 years, with its current owners carefully balancing modern comfort with respect for the Grade II listing and characterful features that lend this home its uniqueness, warmth and distinction.

Sympathetically updated

Upgrades over this time include the installation of a handcrafted kitchen, new doors and windows, rewiring works and upgrades to the electrics. Alongside the newly laid driveway, reclaimed sandstone from Hampton has been used to redefine the terrace walls, while the beech hedge planted to the rear has matured into an elegant eight-foot screen, enhancing the privacy and structure of the garden. Throughout, every improvement has been undertaken with careful respect for the home's Grade II listed character, preserving features including the historic kneelers and original structural beams.

A warm welcome

From beneath the shelter of the pretty portico, step into the warmth and welcome of the entrance hall, where oak flooring flows underfoot, continuing through into the sitting room on the right.

Bright and inviting, a large window to the front offers verdant views out over the garden, with a second window to the side of the stone fireplace adding even more light.

In winter, snuggle up beneath the beams, in front of the log burning-effect electric stove, with a book selected from the built-in shelving and settle in for the night. Warm in winter, refreshingly cool in summer, the robust walls retain an ambient temperature through the seasons.

Continue through the latched door to the rear hallway, where practicalities take centre stage. Tiled in Travertine stone underfoot, this space is home to a handy WC and utility room, housing the recently installed boiler, fitted within the last three years and serviced annually.

Country kitchen

The country ambience continues in the farmhouse-feel kitchen, where treacle-toned beams line the ceiling above, and fern green cabinetry invites the outdoors in.

Once home to the original bread oven, the chimney breast where the Aga now stands evokes Manor Cottage's heritage, the oven, long since removed, once provided the heat used by the resident farrier to fit horseshoes just outside the cottage, offering a fascinating glimpse into everyday village life centuries ago.

From its history to present day living, integrated appliances include a dishwasher, with additional refrigeration, together with space for the washing machine and tumble dryer, neatly housed in the adjoining utility room.

Returning to the entrance hall, to the left of the front door, wine and dine around the warmth of the log-burning stove in the atmospheric surrounds of the dining room – also accessible from the kitchen. Brimming with character, from its antiquated beams above to the original spice cupboard, an original door descends to the cellar below, now providing useful storage.

Also tucked off the dining room, discover a large garden room, ideal as a home office, with glorious views out over the landscaped garden and direct access outside via a glazed door; perfect for those working from home. Double glazed for comfort and warmth, removable secondary glazing features elsewhere, sympathetically installed to complement the property's Grade II listed character.

Peace and privacy

Stairs rise directly from the kitchen to a large double bedroom, rich in character with exposed beams overhead and a low cottage window overlooking the garden. An inviting hideaway for visiting grandchildren and secluded from the remaining bedrooms, it is an ideal space for guests, who can wander downstairs for an early morning cup of tea without disturbing the rest of the household.

For families, this bedroom remains firmly accessible, also opening up to the main landing,where the master bedroom can be found opposite, or, heading up the main staircase, on the right, overlooking the stream and garden to the front.

A serene, spacious retreat with built-in wardrobe storage and its own shower room en suite, wake up to idyllic vistas over the Cheshire countryside at the rear from the en suite window, and to the mature trees, bridge and gardens to the front from the bedroom.

Freshen up in the main family bathroom, also off the landing, where sage green panelling to the lower walls honours the country feel of Manor Cottage. Above white washed beams help create a sense of space, while the bathroom itself is furnished with a bath, wash basin and WC.

Soft lemon shades amplify the sunny nature of the third double bedroom, currently housing twin beds and furnished with built in storage, overlooking the trees and stream to the front.

Versatility continues on the second floor, where a large loft room, formerly used as a bedroom, is joined by a further double bedroom and a substantial storage room. Together, the layout offers the opportunity to create a luxurious principal suite with dressing room and en suite, or alternatively re-establish the home as a five-bedroom residence, subject to the necessary approvals. A recently installed hot and cold water tank system is also housed within the loft, providing practical support for the accommodation at this level.

Gold-medal winner designed garden

Step outside and into the heady fragrance of lavender and wisteria in summertime, before soaking up the sunshine and serenity of the setting from the large patio, beyond which, the gardens have been arranged.

Created by the current owner, a two-time RHS Tatton Park Gold Medal winner, every area has been planned to combine beauty with ease of maintenance. Evergreen box spheres provide year-round structure, while raised stone-edged beds keep weeding to a minimum, ensuring the garden remains as easy and enjoyable to tend as it is to admire.

To one side, a formal parterre brings symmetry and elegance, its clipped box hedging punctuated by graceful Salix trees, whose delicate, flamingo-pink fronds lend movement and lightness to the structured design. Elsewhere, quintessential English cottage garden vibes emanate from the rose, lavender and daisy dappled borders.

Along the banks of the stream, moisture-loving Ligularia brings a verdant lush feel, creating a magical waterside setting adorned by striking spires and rounded foliage. Wrapping around the cottage, deep herbaceous borders frame the home beautifully, while the remainder of the acre is devoted largely to large, sweeping lawns and mature trees offering shelter and shade, while a summer house offers pretty views back over the wisteria-festooned cottage.

OWNER QUOTE: “I think it's important to plant a garden that's easy to manage, with plenty to admire throughout the winter.”

Annexe living

Spiral stairs lead up above the garage to an independent studio, drenched in light from Velux windows and floor-to-ceiling double-glazed bifold doors opening to a Juliet balcony. With its own shower room and serene views out over the fields, this inspirational setting could easily serve as independent accommodation for a relative or visiting guests.

Out and about

Surrounded by open farmland, Manor Cottage is perfectly placed for those looking to embrace the great outdoors. Step through the gate beyond the bridge to discover peaceful countryside walks from the doorstep, while the nearby Sandstone Trail offers miles of scenic walking through some of Cheshire's most celebrated landscapes. Golfers are equally well served, with Aldersey Green Golf Club around 100 yards away and Carden Park Golf Resort less just five minutes away, where championship golf, spa facilities and fine dining can be enjoyed, whether as a member or day visitor.

Rural, but not remote, Manor Cottage forms part of a small hamlet of just eight homes, creating a close-knit rural setting without compromising privacy. The nearby village of Tattenhall, just a few minutes' drive away, caters well for everyday needs with a pharmacy, Post Office, country store, hairdressers and dog groomers. Chester lies around six miles away, providing an extensive choice of shopping, leisure, dining and cultural attractions.

From Sunday lunch to a thirst quencher, there is no shortage of excellent country pubs close by. Enjoy riverside dining at The Grosvenor Arms in Aldford, discover the acclaimed White Horse Inn at Churton, or head to The Cock O’Barton, all within a short drive. Carden Park also offers a selection of restaurants and bars.

Families are well served by a choice of highly regarded schools. Bishop Heber High School is easily reached by car, while independent education is available nearby at Abbey Gate College, with further state and private schools available in and around Chester.

Commute with confidence from Manor Cottage, conveniently positioned for local and regional travel. Chester is approximately six miles away, providing rail services to Liverpool, Manchester and London, while the wider road network offers straightforward access across Cheshire, North Wales and beyond.

A home to be cherished, experience the privilege of taking your place in local history at Manor Cottage, where quintessential Cheshire country living blends effortlessly with the comforts of modern life.

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.