Crowley — Crowley

Set within the heart of the Cheshire countryside, Garland Hall is an exceptional Grade II listed country house, occupying a commanding and elevated position at the centre of approximately seven acres of gardens and grounds. The property is approached via a long cobbled driveway, creating a strong sense of arrival and privacy. Garland Hall forms part of the historic Arley Estate, widely regarded as one of the county’s most desirable rural environments. The estate extends to over 2,000 acres and includes a notable collection of period cottages, farmland and parkland. Nearby Great Budworth, the original estate village, is recognised for its distinctive character and architecture, while Knutsford and Stockton Heath are both readily accessible. Dating from the early eighteenth century, the house is a substantial three storey residence offering approximately 4,500 square feet of accommodation. Over time, the house has been sensitively improved, combining the elegance and proportions of a period country house with the practical requirements of modern living, while carefully preserving its historic character. An important enhancement has been the creation of a generous open plan kitchen, dining and living space which now forms the heart of the home. Designed for everyday family life and entertaining, this light filled space opens directly onto the terrace and gardens beyond. The kitchen is by Smallbone of Devizes and is finished in a hand painted style with extensive bespoke cabinetry, a substantial central island with breakfast seating, a traditional four oven Aga with companion and a freestanding pantry cupboard. Honed limestone flooring runs throughout and underfloor heating provides comfort and efficiency, allowing this contemporary addition to sit comfortably within the original house. Elsewhere, the house retains many features typical of its Georgian origins and Grade II status, including exposed timber framing, solid oak doors, Georgian aesthetic windows some with original shutters and crown glass and character fireplaces. The principal reception rooms are elegant and well proportioned. The drawing room enjoys a dual aspect, an open fireplace and access onto the raised front lawn, while further reception rooms provide more intimate spaces suited to quieter use. The bedroom accommodation is arranged over the two upper floors and is well balanced, with all rooms of generous proportions. The staircase, with its shallow treads, rises through the house and provides an attractive and characterful link between each level. The principal bedroom enjoys a front facing aspect and is positioned to take advantage of afternoon sunlight, with views extending across the formal gardens towards the tennis court. Original exposed timber framing and a ceiling beam add period detail and contribute to the character of the room. The bedroom is served by a spacious en suite bathroom, appointed with a five piece Villeroy and Boch suite and finished with limestone tiling. Also on this floor is a further large double bedroom overlooking the front of the house, together with a well proportioned single bedroom positioned to the rear. The latter offers flexibility and, if required, could be incorporated to create additional en suite facilities for the adjoining bedroom, subject to the necessary works. The upper floor provides three further well proportioned double bedrooms, each enjoying views across the surrounding gardens and grounds. These rooms are served by a spacious family bathroom, fitted with a freestanding bath and a separate walk in shower, complemented by solid oak flooring throughout. The gardens and grounds are a particular feature of Garland Hall. Formal gardens lie predominantly to the front and side of the house, with mature planting, established trees and well stocked borders creating privacy, structure and seasonal interest. A large entertaining terrace steps down across the lawn towards the tennis court, while paddocks wrap aroun