<b>Perfect privacy</b>

Dressed in mock Tudor monochrome, with turrets, and deep-set sandstone sills, wrapped up in woodland, Windcliffe is a home of prestige and presence, set upon Helsby Hill overlooking the Mersey estuary and with views out to the Welsh border hills.

Feel the relaxation set in on the approach through the sleepy hamlet of Alvanley Road dotted with sandstone cottages whose gardens brim with flowers and colour.

<b>OWNER QUOTE:</b> “We feel very secluded, no one knows the house is here.”

Sweep along the driveway, carpeted to either side in sunny daffodils and a colour burst of rhododendrons, spying inviting glimpses of the home through tall conifers. Upon arrival, Windcliffe strikes a dramatic pose.

<b>Imposing home</b>

With ample parking, make your way to the heavy, original oak front door, replete with original six-inch key! Windcliffe, built in 1894, is brimming with characterful authentic features. Surprisingly unlisted, this imposing mock-Tudor style home was constructed with sandstone quarried nearby in Helsby, built reputedly for the engineering director during the construction of the Manchester ship canal.

Originally, in addition to the main house, the estate also encapsulated two gardener’s cottages, stables and servants’ quarters. Refurbished by the current owners two years ago, subtle modern updates alongside the respectful retention of heritage architectural features have brought Windcliffe respectfully into the 21st century.

<b>Light-filled living</b>

Emerge from the front door into the spacious entrance hall, where oak parquet flooring extends impressively underfoot. Taking centre stage, the original wooden staircase, with its authentic handrails on both sides, is an impressive heritage highlight, particularly when bathed in light from the stained-glass window on the landing above.

High ceilings are a prominent feature throughout, adding an airy lightness to the home. Freshen up in the downstairs WC, styled in the traditional pull-flush manner, and featuring an attractive stained-glass window. Beneath the stairs a cupboard provides storage, also containing a stunning stained-glass window.

Ahead is the large living room, where windows, including a large bay, provide incredible views out over the garden, where feeders attract all manner of birdlife. Polished oak flooring amplifies the light flow through the windows, ensuring a bright space throughout the day. Spacious and comfortable, settle down for the evening, in front of the warmth of the gas fire as the light fades outside.

<b>Soak up the views</b>

Continue through into the orangery, an extension to the original home, showcasing the exposed sandstone of the original outer wall. Grey tiles extend underfoot, with walls of glass providing pristine views out over the garden. Sit down and relax with the children, this room with its easy access to the garden is ideal for use as a lounge, playroom, dining room or even a gym, where workouts can be followed up by a refreshing smoothie on the terrace listening to birdsong.

<b>OWNER QUOTE:</b> “Visitors often gravitate towards the orangery.”

Continue into the dining room, where you can pause awhile, enjoying views of the garden and woodland from the characterful turret. An impressive room when entertaining family and friends, a gas fire is housed within a handsome tiled replica fireplace and polished oak flooring stretches underfoot.

<b>Wine and dine</b>

Emerging back in the entrance hall, follow the flow of the home ahead into the kitchen, floored underfoot in grey, wood-effect high-quality vinyl. Tiled to the walls, with solid wood-framed cabinetry above and beneath the black granite worktops, traditional elements including the Belfast sink and Range-style cooker lend this kitchen a true farmhouse feel. Integrated appliances include a dishwasher, with space for a large, freestanding American-style fridge-freezer.

Admire the plaster corbels to the walls, emerging into the open plan dining-family area, the perfect place for entertaining. Snuggle up on the sofa in front of the warmth of the wood-burning stove. Two large cupboards are ideal for storing board games and toys.

<b>OWNER QUOTE:</b> “This home retains heat well; it’s surprisingly warm in winter and cool in summer because of the thick sandstone.”

<b>Versatile spaces</b>

Returning to the entrance hall, take the impressive staircase up, pausing to admire the large stained-glass window on the turn, before emerging on the large, light-filled landing. A sizeable area, the landing is a peaceful space, ideal for use as a study, reading area or even a gym; there is ample space for a futon or sofa.

Head straight across the landing and into the master suite, a bountiful bedroom, abundant in light and serving up stunning views over the garden from a large window and Rapunzel-esque turret.

<b>OWNER QUOTE:</b> “It’s a pleasure to lie in bed in the morning looking out at the bird activity in the trees.”

<b>A room with a view</b>

Gaze out over the Mersey estuary towards Liverpool. Serving the bedroom is a recently renovated ensuite, where refreshment and relaxation are provided by a large, triple size walk-in shower and double corner bath. A bright and airy room, deep, large windows draw in natural light, fitted with plantation shutters for privacy. Also within this ensuite bathroom discover a wash basin, storage cupboard and WC. A walk-in wardrobe is found off the ensuite, providing plenty of storage for all your clothes.

<b>Bedroom bliss</b>

Turning right out of the master bedroom, another spacious bedroom overlooks the lush green rear garden. Traditional tones complement the heritage of the home to the walls, with comfortable carpet underfoot. High ceilings amplify the light with plenty of space for a king-size bed and wardrobes.

From the top of the stairs, turn left into a pretty room, adorned in feature butterfly wallpaper to one wall and with views out to the bird-filled trees and dovecote beyond. Light and bright, there is plenty of space for a double bed and wardrobes alongside recessed shelving.

Back across the landing, a fourth bedroom is also decorated in light cream colours, carpeted underfoot and with views out to the countryside.

Next to this bedroom on the left, sneak a peek at the laundry room, where a hot water tank provides ambient warmth, also featuring shelving and rail to dry clothes.

Refreshment awaits in the guest bathroom, sublimely spacious and bathed in light through a handsome stained-glass window. Sink into relaxation in the large clawfoot bath with overhead shower. A wash basin and WC feature alongside a heated towel rail. A room of understated elegance, admire the humble grandeur of its original features.

<b>Tune in to nature</b>

Outside, three quarters of an acre of garden is self-contained. The rear section securely fenced for animals and pets. Surrounded by mature trees, including a Persian Ironwood Tree, privacy and seclusion are assured. Climbing roses, laburnum, maples, hydrangeas and an amazing display of azaleas in spring are a joy to behold.

A haven for nature, a variety of birds pay regular visits to the feeders, including longtail tits, robins, magpies, jays, woodpigeons and nuthatches. Owls nest in the trees to the front, hooting even throughout the day. To the side, a dovecote is a beautiful feature. Standing below the beautiful Dovecote is a comfortable garden room, with large wall heater and windows framing views out over the surrounding woodlands where birdlife is prolific. There is also ample scope to keep your own, tame bird; in the rear garden a large and rather attractive chicken coop is home to a flock of Pekin bantams.

A gardener’s paradise, the garden is filled with colourful perennials and freely growing fuchsia, while you can grow your own in the top of the range Rhino greenhouse. Apple trees and blueberry bushes are perfect for picking fruit for jams and pies. Admire the old potting shed at the front, built at the same time as the house, and the mock-Tudor outbuilding, clad to mirror the main home.

<b>OWNER QUOTE:</b> “The home has so much character and original features. We have been very careful to maintain original character.”

A gate at the rear of the garden opens to a secret woodland, flowing down the hillside. Originally unforested, discover the remnants of old Victorian stone pathways. For children, adventures await in this natural wonderland.

<b>On your doorstep</b>

Set within a supportive community of homes, once part of the Windcliffe estate, your neighbours are close by yet unseen mostly due to the canopy of trees which provides a natural privacy screen.

Catch up on the latest news on the active village Facebook page, where you will find out what is happening nearby and details of local events.

A thriving community for families, Helsby offers both a pre-school and primary school, whilst Helsby High School is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

A home intrinsically connected with its surroundings, enjoy walks from the doorstep. Walk to the source of its stone, the neighbouring Helsby Quarry, now maintained as a nature reserve and including a hand-carved tunnel once used for the horse-drawn railway to transport sandstone to nearby Liverpool.

<b>OWNER QUOTE:</b> “The dog thinks the quarry is an extension to the garden!”

Pick up the Sandstone Trail, which passes through this area. Helsby Hill itself, owned by the National Trust, is the site of a historic bronze age hill fort and is brimming with miles of wooded trails with spectacular views across the Mersey estuary.

Pay a visit to the historic market town of Frodsham, less than three miles away, which still holds its traditional market day every Thursday. Within your own village of Helsby, call in for cake at the local tearoom. A little over a mile away, enjoy a stroll to nearby country pub the White Lion and stop for dinner.

Helsby also benefits from a new sports centre, where you can take classes including Pilates. With supermarkets, shops, takeaways, a pharmacy and doctors’ surgery, all you need and more is on offer on your doorstep.

Commuting is simple, with direct rail links from Helsby Station (only half a mile away) connecting you to Manchester (including Manchester International Airport – only 28 miles away), Liverpool, Chester and all the stations along the North Wales coast. Motorway access is also excellent, with the nearby M56 connecting you to Manchester, Chester, North Wales and Liverpool. Liverpool John Lennon International Airport is only 16 miles away, whilst the Liverpool Ferry Terminal is not far, with services to Belfast and Dublin.

When you’re not working, explore the many attractions on your doorstep. Enjoy days out with the children at the nearby Chester Zoo and Blue Planet Aquarium, walks in Delamere Forest and shopping trips to the walled city of Chester and Cheshire Oaks.

For a well-proportioned home with the wow factor, striking character, dramatic features and warmth, in a private and secluded setting, enter your own little world at Windcliffe.