Location

Situated just over 1 mile east of Chester, Hoole has rapidly become the place to live, with plenty of green spaces and easy access to the motorway and major commuter networks, this active community appeals to families, young professionals and downsizers looking for a thriving location close to Chester city centre. St Martins Academy is popular with parents.

The property is situated close to the popular shopping centre which has some excellent independent shops including a delicatessen, fishmonger, butcher, greengrocer, florists, boutiques, gift shops, coffee shops and some superb restaurants and bars including the award winning Sticky Walnut. There is also a bank, a pharmacy, post office and a supermarket. The property is also within walking distance of Alexandra Park.

Hoole is convenient for direct access to the national motorway network via the M53, providing links to Manchester, Liverpool and North Wales.

The mainline railway station is about 0.4 miles from which there is a direct service to London Euston (about 2 hours). The Cathedral city of Chester is one of the North West's leading commercial and cultural centres and has a variety of shops and restaurants. A particular attraction of the city is the quality of both state and private schools, King's and Queen's School being particularly well regarded.

Description

Sitting in a very attractive conservation area, Spring Lodge is a handsome detached Victorian property built around 1892. It has been lovingly restored and exemplifies the magnificent scale and balance typical of the period.

The owners have carried out extensive renovation and restoration works, while sensitively maintaining the property's characterful period features. Works undertaken include converting a garage into a family room, complete restoration of a orangery into a gym which required a new roof and raising of the floor, installation of secondary glazing throughout the house, new kitchen, two new bathrooms, installation of a new water system, a laundry chute and redecoration throughout.

The project has been undertaken with real skill and finesse and the owners have been incredibly careful to maintain the integrity of the original building preserving the classic features wherever possible.

Solid wood double doors and stained-glass windows open into a tiled vestibule. Pass through the impressive front door into the grand reception hallway. The hallway has original parquet flooring, high ceiling and a handmade coat and shoe storage unit. It is a very spacious and well balanced room and the perfect area for warmly greeting guests.

To the left of the reception hallway is the drawing room. This light and airy room has a stunningly decorated original ceiling, parquet flooring, a large picture window beautifully framing the garden and a stunning mantle-piece with ornate marquetry - a quiet and calm space for relaxing.

To the right of the reception hall is a beautiful, spacious family room. High ornate ceilings, parquet flooring, original fireplace and a very attractive feature window combine to create a comfortable living space. There is access through to the gym which is a flexible space and could be used for a variety of purposes. Beyond the gym is a further room originally used as a coal store but is now part of the gym.

Beyond the reception hall is the inner hallway which the current owners have creatively designed as a library/reading room, installing a series of bespoke floor to ceiling bookshelves, a truly beautiful space which is flooded by light from the magnificent stained glass windows at the top of the stunning curved Victorian staircase.

Following through from the library is the formal dining room - a spacious and bright room with a large window that perfectly captures the sunlight. Its high ceilings and imposing carved mantle-piece are the focal point of the room making it the ideal space for entertaining. Beyond the dining room the owners have created a cosy seating area, perfect for retiring to after supper.

The stylish kitchen has a range of wall and base units, storage drawers, integrated appliances to include range cooker, extractor fan and dishwasher. An attractive feature is the original walk-in pantry which has a series of shelving and provides a fantastic accompaniment to the storage in the kitchen. There is access out to a rear courtyard from the kitchen. A shower room and wc completes the accommodation on the ground floor.

On the first floor is a significant landing around which the bedrooms are arranged. The landing is a fabulous feature of the house and a perfect location to pause and take in the beauty of the light from the stained-glass windows. The primary bedroom has a series of high spec built-in wardrobes and access through to a superb en suite bathroom. The en suite bathroom has a free standing cast iron claw-footed bath, wc and wash basin with Victorian style fittings. There are four further bedrooms on this level and the family bathroom. All the bedrooms are spacious, have original fireplaces with one room currently laid out as office space.

A further staircase leads up to the second floor where there is a landing, which can be used as a flexible space. There is also a room that is being utilised as a childrens' play room but could act as a sixth bedroom. Also on the second floor is access to an enormous attic area.

The gardens are primarily laid to lawn with a series of established shrubs, borders and trees and are well screened from the road by hedging and fencing to feel very private. There is a parking area for up to three cars.