Field House, 70 Hodge Lane, Hartford, CW8

An elegant 1930s family home set within country park-style grounds, complete with swimming pool and pony paddock, discover an unrivalled rural retreat at Field House, just a short walk from Hartford station and a host of highly sought-after schools.

Dating back to 1935, Field House retains many of the hallmarks of its era, from its high ceilings, pretty picture rails and original parquet flooring to its large, light and airy proportions. Extended during the 1980s and carefully maintained by the current owners over the past 16 years, the home has been respectfully enhanced rather than reinvented, with Field House retaining plenty of scope for sympathetic reinterpretation by its next owners.

Nestled behind a screen of greenery, beyond a five-bar gate off Hodge Lane, pull along the block paved driveway, offering plenty of parking and leading to a double garage.

A warm welcome

From the driveway, step through the front door into the entrance hall, laid in original parquet flooring restored by the current owners. Light and bright, neutral shades adorn the walls and carpet, continuing through into the lounge on the left. Awash with natural light, large sash windows to three sides frame romantic, Virginia creeper-fringed views over the courtyard and garden to the front, while the 1930s craftsmanship is showcased in the picture rails and cornicing of the high ceiling. Private and peaceful, the lounge is wonderful on winter mornings with ample space for a Christmas tree and a roaring log-burning stove.

Across the entrance hall freshen up in the cloakroom, where there is plenty of space to hang coats, in addition to a wash basin and WC.

Through a large sash window overlooking the gardens light streams into the formal dining room, where high ceilings and elegant period detailing create a refined setting for entertaining.

Feast your eyes

Throughout the home, traditional panelled doors and deep architraves reflect the solid craftsmanship synonymous with the 1930s. Turning left from the dining room, the red quarry tiled floor signals a friendly informality in the kitchen, currently housing a range of appliances including an electric hob, oven, microwave, built-in fridge and dishwasher and opening naturally into the adjoining breakfast room. Classic cabinetry provides plenty of storage in this sociable family space.

Beyond, the light-filled family room serves as the hub of the home, with large picture windows offering leafy views out over the garden and doors sliding open to the patio for perfect party flow indoors and out.

Stepping away from the home's traditional 1930s character, a door opens to reveal an altogether unexpected surprise. Clad in warm timber, the heated indoor swimming pool evokes the relaxed ambience of a Nordic spa, with a wall of glazed sliding doors opening onto the garden to create an almost open-air feel on sunny summer days.

OWNER QUOTE: “The pool is a pleasant surprise. It was great for the children growing up, they all had their birthday parties here.”

A handy changing room, also currently used as an office also features a WC, with plumbing and wiring already in place for a shower. Equally suited as a gym, wellness area or poolside leisure suite, or, subject to the necessary permissions, additional independent accommodation.

Returning to the breakfast room, a spacious utility room opens up, furnished with bespoke cream cabinetry including cupboards and drawers, and also featuring a sink and plumbing for a washing machine. Offering glimpses through to the pool, a separate door provides instant access out to the garden.

Bedtime beckons

From the entrance hall, cream-coloured carpeted stairs ascend to the large and light-filled first-floor landing, where turning to the right, directly ahead lies the family bathroom. Tiled in smooth latte tones, step up to the deep bath, with separate shower.

Turning left, the first of the double bedrooms awaits, light and bright with leafy views out over the garden to two sides. With every bedroom overlooking the garden, each enjoys the same peaceful, private feel.

Coming back along the landing, to the left of the stairs, storage can be found in the built-in wardrobes of the second bedroom, where glorious garden views entreat once more.

Accessible opposite is a handy WC, with another characterful bedroom close by, dressed in soft shades of grey, with feature picture rail and high ceiling, and plenty of space for a double bed.

Storage is a highlight of Field House, with traditional shelving in the airing cupboard across the landing, ideal for warming towels, with the family shower room next door

Currently serving as both a study and a bedroom, light streams into the fourth of the bedrooms, where garden views can be seen once more.

Seek sanctuary in the master bedroom, served by its own spacious en suite with bath containing shower over. Tucked away at the end of the landing, large windows provide picture perfect views out over the farmland to the Frodsham hills, drawing in an abundance of light for a soothing, serene feel.

OWNER QUOTE: “You wouldn’t think you were in a town or village, it’s so peaceful here.”

Built-in wardrobes provide plenty of storage – a feature throughout the majority of the bedrooms at Field House, along with the enchanting vistas over garden and countryside.

Garden escapes

With its English country garden feel, trailing vines ramble over the walls to the front approach of Field House, while to the rear, the lawn stretches far back, reaching out beneath the shelter and shade of mature trees, where picnic benches lend a parklike ambience. Beyond, a gate within the hedge opens to a paddock, offering ample space to host a marquee for events such as charity lunches or even a wedding.

Hidden garden rooms offer endless scope for children's adventures, while more than 30 mature trees, including oak and sycamore, create a remarkable sense of privacy and seclusion. Alive with wildlife throughout the seasons, dusk visitors include the occasional fox, while baby owls have been known to nest amongst the trees.

Enjoy relaxation and barbecues outside on the broad patio which extends from the pool room, ideal for entertaining. From late spring into early summer, the rhododendrons burst into bloom and the garden reaches its colourful peak, before autumn’s arrival in a spectacle of rich reds and burnished golds as the mature trees put on a show of their own.

Development potential

Beyond the main lawn, the adjoining paddock provides exciting potential for pony grazing, with vehicular access available from the side of Field House, while previous planning permission was granted for a dwelling within the grounds (now lapsed and subject to renewal), presenting further possibilities for future owners to explore.

Out and about

Balancing the best of both worlds, countryside walks extend from the doorstep at Field House, while all the amenities of the local area remain close by. Wander into Hartford along leafy lanes or head out in the opposite direction towards the former sand quarries, where circular walks of around an hour weave through the rural surrounds. For a longer stroll, Northwich can be reached on foot in around 45 minutes, while countless footpaths criss-cross the surrounding countryside.

Everyday life remains remarkably convenient, with Hartford village around a 15 to 20-minute walk away, home to an array of independent eateries including The Hart of Hartford and Whillows Bar & Distillery, serving its own small-batch gin, cocktails and craft beer, together with a Sainsbury's Local and a thriving tennis club with padel courts.

Families are perfectly placed, served by an excellent choice of schools, including The Grange School, St Nicholas Catholic High School and Hartford High School, while Hartford railway station, also within walking distance, provides direct services to London as well as easy connections via Crewe. Manchester Airport can be reached in around 30 minutes by car.

A true family home, ready to nurture life at all its stages, Field House offers a country houselifestyle with its heated indoor swimming pool, spacious gardens and pony paddock alongside outstanding connectivity and excellent schools. With scope to further personalise and evolve, Field House is a home to cherish and enjoy for many years to come.

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.

EPC Rating: F