Similar to a multi-purpose tool, this delightful rural property has a considerable number of potential uses. Currently a family home, with a studio to one side and the grounds predominantly being utilised more casually. However, there are stables on site so a portion of the land could readily be used for equestrian purposes or with a little more imagination and perhaps planning there is potential for other holiday related businesses. Conversion of the studio is an option too, into just about anything you desire or back to a garage if preferred. The property has a real country air feeling together with many stunning features. Particularly of worthy mention, the sitting room with its vaulted ceilings and the traditional farmhouse kitchen. Sympathetic uPVC windows have recently been installed too, much in keeping with the character of the property. A property that genuinely could accommodate most imaginations.
Entrance to the property is via an open porch which is presented with a traditional style wooden door leading into a spacious entrance hall. The welcoming entrance hall provides the first nod to some of the traditional features of the property, affording a quarry tile floor leading onto a wooden floor. Additionally providing access to the ground floor beyond and stairs leading you to the first floor.
To one side of the entrance hall is the first of the family bathrooms. A modern and newly renovated room whilst maintaining a traditional style, featuring a pedestal wash basin, co-ordinated with a white and chrome low level W.C. and a step-in shower cubicle with electric shower and contrasting tiles. Tiles to floor and elevations and traditional style towel radiator.
Moving into the property, the first reception room you will come across is the dining room boasting a half Bay window. The predominant feature here, is a traditional style cast iron fireplace with stylish surround. Additionally affording wooden flooring, radiators and an open arch leading you into the main sitting room.
The sitting room is on two levels with a tiled area immediately beyond the opening and stepping up on to a wooden floor. Open ceilings create a sizeable and airy room and additional features include exposed beams, ceiling window and patio doors to either side of the room. At one end of this delightful space is an inglenook brick fireplace with a multi fuel log burner, creating a warm and welcome centrepiece.
Beyond the sitting room, you enter the room currently used as a study, benefitting from an ensuite cloakroom, comprising of a low-level W.C. and washbasin. The study is presented with windows to two aspects, providing views out into the gardens and fields beyond. Additionally affording an external wooden door and wooden flooring.
Opposite the sitting room from the entrance hall, you will find the ground floor bedroom, of sufficient size for a double bed. Currently dressed as a bedroom, this space could provide you with a lovely snug, study, or library instead, if so desired.
The traditional farmhouse kitchen is situated at the end of the entrance hall. Affording a quarry tile floor, exposed beams and fitted with a cottage style shaker range of base wall and drawer units. Additionally presented with granite work surfaces, integrated appliances including a combination microwave and coffee machine, space for a range, plumbing for either an automatic washing machine or dishwasher and space for a free-standing US style fridge freezer. The range is situated perfectly into a brick lined recess with overhead beam and windows provide light from both sides.
Beyond the kitchen is the utility / boot room. Boasting quarry tile flooring and ample storage space. A Belfast sink is featured, built into the range of base units and of course there is plumbing from an automatic washing machine. A stable style door allows access to the rear of the property.
Moving to the first floor, the landing is in two parts and provides access via a separate staircase directly to the outside if required.
To the front of the property, you will find two double bedrooms, both have well fitted and modern ensuite facilities which include low-level W. C’s, wash basins, bathtubs and shower cubicles. One of the bedrooms on the first floor is currently equipped as a kitchen, featuring a range of modern base, wall and drawer units with a stainless-steel sink, in addition to space for a dishwasher and a cooker and a modest dining area to one side. Conversion back to a bedroom or to any other room that would suit would be relatively easy. The final bedroom to the rear affords a double aspect and like the others is double in size.
Externally, the property benefits from several outbuildings. Principally, you will find a stable block with two stables facing out to the main paddock area, in addition to a tack room. To the front and side of the property you will find a spacious studio which could be used for a variety of purposes and is ideal for anyone that wishes to work from home. It features four other rooms currently used as two shower rooms/ W.C. and two washrooms.
Our sellers’ thoughts ….
Two years ago, and after a long search, my mother and I purchased Ashdale House. It had been a beautiful family home several years ago and had since then been converted by a college for commercial use as an education centre. It had a great layout (with some imagination), inspiring vistas and great amenities to the main house. Exactly what we desired for multi-generation living and the ability to comfortably work from home. Despite the college being closed for several months and the house and land suffering from a lack of maintenance, we knew that with some hard work and creativity we could turn it back into a wonderful home with a thriving ‘good life’ feel.
The house is spacious yet cosy and has a peaceful feeling to it. We have only been here a brief time, but we have had great times, even during mid-renovation. It is sizeable enough to entertain family and friends, but you do not feel like you are rattling around in it once alone. We love the house, but it is the grounds and facilities that make it wonderful for us. The detached office/studio is such a brilliant building. Loaded with power and light and fully glazed to the front which makes it a naturally bright environment to work and create in. Then there are all the things that make this property a dream for a keen gardener. A fantastic greenhouse, spacious vegetable garden and orchard. All positioned south facing, simply perfect. We have had two successful seasons growing enough fruit and vegetables, not only for ourselves but to sell on too.
We also love the west facing front garden. With a distant view of the Welsh hills, the established trees, beds and a pleasant lawn look gorgeous drenched in a glowing sunset. It is the most obvious spot for an early evening brew… or something stronger!
Favourite room:
If we had to pick a favourite room it would have to be the living room due to its vaulted ceiling, toasty wood burner, dual aspect French doors, oak flooring and all over warmth.
Favourite aspect / surrounding area:
The land! This could be used for so many things. We let the field grow and cut it for haylage, however it looks so beautiful when growing that we cut pathways through it to enjoy it. Taking a stroll with the dog each day to submerse ourselves in the meadow like grasses, big skies, the little woodland around the bottom of the field and stopping at the pond bench to soak up the peace and nature for a while longer. There is so much wildlife in our back garden including a regular barn owl that hunts at dusk in the summer, bees and butterflies, returning swallows and plump little birds eating us out of pocket! We are situated so that you can view both sunrises and sunsets from your own property. Just magical. We have a sizeable oak tree on the west side of the boundary. She is a big old photogenic beast. Feel free to view her Instagram account to see her in all seasons and against wonderful skies: @ashdaleoakandsky
The surrounding area comes with an abundance of convenience. A short distance from the two villages of Penley and Overton (3 minutes’ drive) with Ellesmere being the closest town (10 minutes’ drive). Whitchurch, Wrexham, Oswestry, Llangollen and Shrewsbury are all under 30 minutes away. Spoilt for choice really. And let us not forget how close we are to Wales’s magnificent Snowdonia National Park and all her surrounding beauty.
Memorable Event:
We hosted a mass family summer camping holiday. Made so easy with plenty of space for camping and the detached toilet and shower block came in handy too. The kids played in the field and built dens in the wood. We barbequed every day and sat around the fire pit every night… apart from when it rained, then we all piled into the house to watch movies and play games. It was a week spending quality time with loved ones that we will never forget.
What we will miss most
My Mum says she will miss the trees, the ever-changing views, the greenhouse and the gorgeous living room. I will miss my office/studio, the daily walks at sunrise and sunset, my plump birds and the peace that I manage to obtain here.
Ground Floor
Entrance Hall 7.6m x 1.8m
Family Bathroom 4m x 2.5m
Dining Room 4.6m x 3.5m
Sitting Room 8.7m x 4.7m
Study 4.7m x 3.4m
Kitchen 4.7m x 4.5m
Utility / Boot Room 4.6m x 3.4m
First Floor
Landing 5.1m x 2m
Bedroom 4.6m x 3.5m
En-Suite Shower Room
Bedroom 3.9m x 3.7m
En-Suite Shower Room
Kitchen 4m x 2.5m
Bedroom 4.6m x 3.4m
Exterior
Stables x2 3.7m x 3.6m
Tack Room 4.1m x 3.7m
Office Studio 6.6m x 6.0m
Shower Rooms x2
Washrooms x2
Main Glass House 6.3m x 4.5m
Little Glass House 2.6m x 2m
Store 2.2m x 1.4m
Grounds
The land stretches to approximately 3.279 acres (1.327 ha)
Notes
Freehold
Council Tax Band H
The property is conveniently situated between Overton and Penley, an area with superb views over the surrounding countryside whilst being close the excellent facilities offered by nearby Overton and Bangor-on-Dee.
Further afield Wrexham and Chester centres offer a wider range of both major and independent retailers and retail parks, comprehensive leisure, recreational and shopping amenities. Whilst enjoying a picturesque setting surrounded by beautiful countryside and scenic walks, the property has excellent links to main regional centres in both Wales and England: Wrexham & Chester stations offers regular services to major centres and central London, and the A55 North Wales Expressway links to the M53 and the national motorway network.
The area offers a good range of state primary and secondary schooling together with a wide selection of noted independent schools including Abbey Gate College, The Kings and Queens Schools Chester, Ellesm