The Apple Store, Forest Road, Tarporley, CW6 0HX

Take a bite out of Cheshire life at The Apple Store, a unique, upside-down cottage tucked discreetly on the edge of Tarporley, one of the UK’s most sought-after villages. 

Character and convenience

On the edge of characterfully cosmopolitan Tarporley, The Apple Store sits on the much sought after Forest Road, offering perfect privacy, just a short walk from the centre of the village. Step out to morning coffee at the bakery, lunch in a favourite bistro or a stroll past boutiques.

Built in warm Cheshire sandstone, once the working apple store for the neighbouring estate, a detached cottage has stood here since the mid-1800s, when harvests from the orchards at Portal, the grand timber-framed manor opposite, were stored in its cool, banked interior.

Now completely reimagined for modern living, The Apple Store has been reinvented as an “upside-down” home with living space flowing out to a rear garden area and bedroom cosily tucked down below, all designed for ease, comfort and a lock-up-and-leave lifestyle.

Future-ready foundations

Every detail, from the lime-pointed stonework & Welsh slate roof to the state-of-the-art ventilation system, new wiring, plumbing and insulation, has been thought through with the long term in mind. Whether retained as a permanent home, a weekend retreat, or a secure base between travels, The Apple Store is ready for its next chapter: a beautifully renovated and turnkey ready heritage home in the heart of one of Cheshire’s most coveted villages. Further, The Apple Store enjoys additional planning consent to be used as a holiday let, offering optimum versatility for this property.

Parking is effortless, with The Apple Store enjoying the use of a gravelled parking area just off a shared driveway with its neighbour, Rupt Cottage. Two spaces are allocated exclusively to The Apple Store, with a pedestrian path leading back through to Forest Road, handy when returning with shopping from Tarporley’s boutiques or luggage after a trip away.

Step through the wooden gate from Forest Road into a small private courtyard enclosed by tall, honeyed sandstone walls, where, in one corner, a well – safely covered by an iron grid – echoes the building’s 19th-century working life, illuminated at night to provide a gentle, theatrical glow.

Comfort at its core

A half glazed oak door draws light through into the ground-floor bedroom, a restful retreat where thick sandstone walls keep a constant ambient temperature. Beneath the stairs, a cleverly enclosed alcove offers space for a neat and discreet fitted wardrobe & dresser.

Freshen up in the en suite shower room, finished in smooth marble-effect panels, warm oak-framed window and heated towel rail.

Outside, to the right-hand side, a gravelled area offers scope, subject to the usual planning consents, to create an external staircase leading directly to the first-floor external area; a simple architectural tweak that would allow guests or owners to arrive immediately into the heart of the home, keeping the bedroom as a private ground-floor sanctuary.

Currently from the bedroom, a glass-balustraded staircase with oak handrail rises to the first floor, where the home’s upside-down layout reveals its easy flow. Here, beneath a vaulted 10-foot apex, the open-plan living, dining and kitchen area unfolds; a bright, airy space dressed in fresh, neutral décor where the warmth of the oak detailing creates a soothing ambience.

Cook up a feast in the kitchen, newly fitted along the gable wall and freshly furnished with brand new appliances including an electric oven, induction hob, tower fridge-freezer, microwave and washing machine. Two Velux windows draw light from above, illuminating mealtimes, while windows frame views out over the rhododendrons, which burst with vibrant colour in spring.

From the living space, doors open to a garden at the rear, the perfect place for al fresco dining, with seating areas at either end designed to catch the sun as it moves around throughout the day. Black estate fencing adds a sense of order and elegance, blurring the boundary between The Apple Store and the woodland beyond.

Behind the scenes

Peel back the layers and behind The Apple Store’s heritage stone and slate lies a home quietly equipped for years of low-maintenance living. Returned to brick over the last 12 months, The Apple Store’s full renovation has been overseen by local architects and carried out to the highest standard.

Rewired, fresh plumbing, oak external doors, efficient heating and a brand-new boiler, the essentials have all been upgraded, while discreet layers of insulation in the walls, roof and floors keep the temperature comfortable year-round. Moisture control is managed by a professionally installed Peter Cox preservation system, ensuring the cottage stays warm and dry.

For constant, draught-free fresh air, a mechanical ventilation heat recovery system works efficiently in the background, in the winter capturing warmth from outgoing air and reusing it to temper the incoming fresh air, while in summer, it keeps the atmosphere light and breezy. 

Out and about

Often hailed as one of the most beautiful in Cheshire, Tarporley’s bustling high street is a place where boutique shops and stylish bars sit alongside cosy cafés and hairdressers. 

A town where there’s always something new to discover, from jewellers with glittering window displays to pop-up fashion boutiques and artisan homeware stores, Tarporley is always evolving.

Discover the village’s tempting food, with bistros for leisurely lunches, pubs for Sunday roasts, and coffee spots perfect for people-watching including the lively yet intimate Little Tap, historical Swan Hotel or Ginger & Pickles Bakehouse. 

For a taste of Cheshire’s famous produce, The Hollies Farm Shop is just a short drive away, while there’s even a smaller branch right on the high street.

Beyond Tarporley, the surrounding countryside offers walking routes in every direction, from gentle rambles to more ambitious trails. Beeston Castle, with its dramatic hilltop views, is only a few miles away, while Alderford Lake is a short drive for wild swimming, paddleboarding and seasonal events from Christmas markets to giant water inflatables in summer.

For those who travel regularly, Tarporley is superbly placed. The A49 and A51 are moments away, linking quickly to the M6 and M56 for easy journeys to Manchester, Liverpool and beyond. Chester is less than half an hour away by car, while Crewe station, with direct trains to London in under two hours, is within a 30-minute drive. Manchester and Liverpool airports are both under an hour away, making The Apple Store as convenient for spontaneous weekend escapes as it is for returning home after long trips.

A village with the magic formula – a high street that could be lifted from a postcard, set within a thriving and well-connected community - Tarporley has more than earned its place in the ‘Notswolds’.

A haven off the high street, whether as a permanent home, a weekend retreat, holiday let or a secure lock-up-and-leave, The Apple Store combines heritage character with modern resilience: private, practical and perfectly positioned for whatever comes next.

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.