Barrel Well Hill, Boughton, Chester, Cheshire, CH3

A superb period house overlooking the River Dee.

Description

Tucked quietly away at the end of a historic lane and occupying a privileged position on the banks of the River Dee, Barrel Well House is an elegant Grade II listed Georgian residence dating from around 1840, with earlier origins. The house displays the balance and proportions associated with the period, while the current owners have carefully preserved many of its original features. With a southerly orientation overlooking the river, the house is filled with natural light. Beautiful sash windows, high ceilings and decorative cornicing enhance the interiors, while a practical layout makes the property surprisingly manageable despite its sense of grandeur.

The property is approached beneath a covered portico supported by four columns. A solid wooden front door opens into a boot room and cloakroom with WC, bath and wash basin. Steps lead down to a striking reception hall, where a stunning tiled floor and decorative arches create an impressive arrival space. French doors at the end of the hall frame the first glimpse of the river and open onto the balcony beyond.

To the right is the formal drawing room, a magnificent space with full-length sash windows opening onto the veranda and taking full advantage of the exceptional river views. Opposite, the dining room offers equally impressive proportions and access to the veranda. Both rooms feature attractive fireplaces and original polished wooden floors. Extending across the full width of the house, the balcony provides a wonderful vantage point from which to enjoy the ever-changing river landscape. The owners describe the view as living art, with the activity on the water offering endless interest throughout the seasons.

The kitchen/breakfast room, family room, pantry and utility room occupy the lower ground floor. The kitchen forms the heart of the home, enjoying superb river views and featuring a range cooker, an excellent selection of units, and an original hearth with three recesses, the central section incorporating a contemporary log burner. There is ample space for informal seating and dining.

The utility room is fitted with wall and base units, a sink and plumbing for a washing machine, while a walk-in pantry provides additional storage. Across the hallway, the family room enjoys further river views and an impressive original hearth. From this level there is direct access to the terrace and gardens.

An elegant oak staircase with delicate corkscrew spindles rises to the first floor. The principal bedroom enjoys views across the river and meadows beyond and is served by a large en suite bathroom. Guest bedrooms benefit from outlooks either towards the river or across the rear gardens, Barrel Well Hill and St Paul's Church.

Outside
The driveway elevation is complemented by a beautifully landscaped terraced garden that cascades down the hillside, softening the architecture and enhancing its relationship with the surrounding landscape.

Viewed from the river, Barrel Well House is instantly recognisable for its symmetry, multi-pane sash windows and covered veranda canopies.

A terrace extends across the rear of the house at lower ground floor level. Sheltered by a canopy, it provides an excellent outdoor seating area in all seasons. Stone steps descend to gardens principally laid to lawn and complemented by established hedging, shrubs and planting. The owners recall memorable summer gatherings, with guests enjoying drinks on the terrace before moving down to the lawn.

The property benefits from private mooring rights, allowing river trips upstream with friends or leisurely journeys into Chester for coffee or an evening at the theatre. The river also offers opportunities for paddleboarding, canoeing and rowing.

The property provides driveway parking for up to four vehicles.

Location

Barrel Well Hill is in a unique position being very much part of the city (city centre approx. 0.5 miles) but sitting in an incredibly private and peaceful position, it really does capture the best of both worlds, access to vibrant city life alongside stunning rural views and a tranquil countryside feel. The canal foot/cycle path is approx. 0.2 miles and this is a lovely way to access the city centre.

Good quality housing and a strong local community make this area of Chester a highly desirable place to live as well as its proximity to Waitrose and other shops in Boughton.

A key attraction of Chester is the high standard of education. There are notable independent day schools including King’s (approx. 2.3 miles) and Queen’s School (approx. 1.5 miles), Abbey Gate College (approx. 4.5 miles).

Chester has direct access to the motorway network, linking to Manchester, Liverpool and their airports via the M56 (approx. 2 miles) and to the North Wales Expressway via the A55 (approx. 2 miles). It also offers a direct rail service to London Euston (approx. 2 hours) and the mainline railway station is approx. 0.7 miles.

Opportunities for walking, boating and picnicking are immediately to hand and the historic city of Chester offers premium retail, restaurant and cultural destinations. Storyhouse Theatre offers a vibrant and eclectic programme of events throughout the year, showcasing everything from theatre and live music to comedy, literature and family entertainment.

Square Footage: 3,596 sq ft