Dating back to the early 1800s, discover Craigland House, a former blacksmith’s reforged for flexible family living, nestled on the leafy fringes of the village and within almost ten acres of garden, orchard and paddock. Seclusion, space and serenity await those seeking a life lived in harmony with the countryside.

Country meets convenience

Rural, but not remote, Craigland House sits comfortably on the periphery of village life, accessible yet privately positioned, with no public rights of way or footpaths on its borders. Enveloped in fields, sense the peace and tranquillity upon arrival, with birdsong prevalent above the soft crunch of tyres on the grave driveway where abundant parking awaits. Barns offer sheltered garaging for several vehicles.

OWNER QUOTE: “We love the freedom here, no public footpaths and the fields give a real sense of space all around, yet neighbours are close enough to feel safe, it’s a lovely balance.”

Reforged for modern living

Originally a blacksmith’s forge and a cottage, the two were later combined and converted into a single residence, where reminders of its past can be seen in the antiquity of the beams within the snug and upstairs office. The essence of its equestrian history is never far from view; horsehair was discovered within the walls during extensive renovation work, while former stabling remains in situ with plenty of hacking routes on the doorstep, ready to be rediscovered.

OWNER QUOTE: “It was important in our renovations not to overly modernise. The aim was to retain the character of the house while bringing it into the 21st century in a way that still feels in keeping with its history.”

A large stone portico entrance offers shelter upon arrival, where beyond, the front door opens into the entrance hallway, lined in cream-coloured limestone flags. Throughout, decorated in a neutral, calming clay-toned Farrow & Ball palette, the effect is at once soothing.

Warmth and welcome

Relax by the open fire in the lounge to the left, a lavishly sized room opening up to the rear, making it perfect for larger families, and homely on Christmas mornings.

Practical places lie off the entrance hall, with a WC with wash basin to hand, alongside a study, laid in wooden flooring and furnished with built-in farmhouse-feel cabinetry, balancing the country aesthetic with modern functionality.

Light flows through Craigland House, amplified by the neutral décor and illuminating the heritage features, including a sturdy treacle-toned beam in the snug next door to the office, where a log-burning stove emanates a warm welcome from within its arched brick surround.

OWNER QUOTE: “This is a lovely room to relax in and play board games with the children.”

Feast your eyes

The hub of the home, the ‘broken plan’ kitchen-dining room opens straight off the entrance hallway placing it at the heart of everyday life. Exposed beams dress the ceiling adding to the cottage character that comes from the farmhouse style solid wood cabinetry and worktops. A timeless design, there is plenty of space for freestanding appliances with the kitchen currently housing a Range cooker. Flowing off from the kitchen, yet distinctly zoned, the dining area owns its own separate feel, warmed by an open fire within an arched surround and featuring panelled storage to the opposite side.

A versatile space, also ideal as a family room or play area, this section leads on to a light-filled sun room framing far reaching views out over the garden and countryside, with direct access out, and currently used for dining.

OWNER QUOTE: “It’s so light with all the windows. It’s a beautiful space to sit and eat meals looking out over land and garden with the sun shining in.”

Practical places

A stable door leads through from the kitchen into the boot room with hanging space for coats and access out to the rear. Step out through the back door to discover a large laundry room to the left, with its own separate entrance. A huge loft space above offers plenty of additional storage.

Rest, refresh and revive

Take the stairs up to the first floor, where sunlight streams down through Velux windows on the landing. Spacious and bright, to the right of the landing, past a linen cupboard, discover the master bedroom.

Rising up into the roofline, the vaulted ceiling fills the master bedroom with an airy openness, while light pours in through the two floor level windows, and a striking circular feature window.

Seasonal views

From the bed, wake up to views stretching right out across the fields beyond, a serene scene to wake up to throughout the shifting seasons.

Freshen up in the en suite, spacious, bright and furnished with both a bath and a separate shower, ideal for everything from a quick start to the day to a long, relaxing soak in the evening.

Back on the landing to the left of the stairs, step down to an inner landing, where to the right, a double bedroom currently housing bunk beds looks out over the front garden, furbished with fitted wardrobes in the alcove.

Next door, the family bathroom features a bath with overhead shower, again light and spacious.

Opened up by the current owners, step through to an open plan office area off the landing, a flexible area which could also serve as a play room.

OWNER QUOTE: “When we pulled the wall down for the renovations, we had the intention of putting it back up, but it made the space feel so open and flexible we chose to leave it.”

At the end of the inner landing, two further bedrooms await, comfortable doubles one served by built-in wardrobes and overlooking the front garden, whilst the other overlooks the garden and fields to the rear.

Outdoor lifestyle

A home in harmony with the outdoors, step outside and explore the 9.75 acres of garden and land that surrounds creating a setting ripe for freedom and adventure.

Flowing off from the kitchen-dining area, the gravelled seating area is perfect for summer dining, morning coffee and weekend barbecues. From here, a patio leads onto the lawn, bordered by planting beds and gently sloping down towards the stream at the foot of the garden – ideal for paddling and dam building. Crossing the stream, a bridge links the garden to the fields beyond, opening up the wider landscape.

Practicality sits comfortably alongside the lifestyle on offer. Three stables, a barn and a workshop provide excellent facilities for those with equestrian interests, hobbies or storage needs.

Behind the stables, the orchard offers fruitful abundance in autumn, planted with apple, plum and medlar trees - an ancient fruit, unusual in appearance and deliciously sweet.

Beyond the lawn lies a fenced paddock area, perfect for dog walking and could be used for ponies.

Out and about

Balancing countryside calm with everyday convenience, step outside and stroll into the village, with Craigland House situated less than a mile from Tilston.

A welcoming village, get to know the locals over a drink or a bite to eat at the nearby Carden Arms.

Families are well served by a well-regarded primary school, while there is also a handy shop for daily essentials and a small park perfect for children.

Just five minutes away, Malpas provides a wider choice of cafés, pubs and local shops,alongside the popular Bishop Heber High School, while Whitchurch offers larger supermarkets and broader shopping options. Rural, but not remote, connections are excellent with the A41 only a few minutes away, linking easily to the wider road network, while rail services can be accessed from Whitchurch or Wrexham, with Chester reachable in around 25 minutes.

Surrounded by fields, Craigland House is a peaceful home whose location lends itself naturally to an outdoor way of life, with dog walks from the door and nature on the doorstep; yet neighbours are comfortably within reach, as are connections to nearby towns and amenities.

Relaxed and welcoming, Craigland House is a home designed to be lived in and enjoyed. Spacious, comfortable and versatile, experience life at a more leisurely pace at Craigland House.

OWNER QUOTE: “We wanted to create a comfortable space that you want to return home to at the end of the day. There’s no standing on ceremony; it is a home.”

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.