Grade II listed part-timbered home in Smallwood with 12 acres

Set in approximately 12 acres of Cheshire countryside, this Grade II listed, part-timbered residence offers around 3,117 sq ft of characterful living space, five bedrooms and four bathrooms, with origins believed to date back as far as the 16th century. The equestrian facilities include a seven-box stable yard, an all-weather LED-lit arena, a hay barn and a wash-down area, alongside numerous paddocks with automatic water troughs. Further highlights include a stunning Aga-equipped kitchen, two large connecting reception rooms, separate sitting room and study, plus an annexe above the integral garage - as well as a second detached double garage.

Arrive by the double five-bar gates onto a wide tarmac drive, and the home reveals itself in its full character. Exposed oak beams and structural timbers run throughout, a legacy of centuries of care that has been sympathetically refurbished. The formal gardens to the front are beautifully landscaped and screened by mature shrubs and trees, giving the house privacy from the lane.

The magnificent reception hallway opens into a splendid double reception room, partly divided by the original structural timbers. The drawing room is anchored by a large exposed brick inglenook, while the dining room has French doors onto the rear courtyard. The principal reception room is bathed in natural light from its dual aspect and is warmed by a log burner, making it equally suited to quiet evenings and lively gatherings.

The kitchen is the heart of the home, fitted with bespoke hand-painted cabinetry and a charming kidney-shaped island with space for six at the dining table. A four-oven Aga with hot plates and a warming plate sits alongside a separate induction hob, a built-in microwave oven with convection and grill, and an integrated dishwasher. Double French doors open onto the south-westerly facing courtyard, laid with Staffordshire blue brick and York stone and enclosed by tall fencing and mature planting. It is a sunny, sheltered spot for morning coffee or long summer suppers.

Beyond the kitchen, a second sitting room leads to a utility room and a second staircase. A study with extensive built-in storage and open shelving completes the ground floor. Above the integral twin garage sits a generous guest annexe with its own en-suite shower room, which offers flexibility for family, visitors or future independent use.

Upstairs, the principal bedroom enjoys splendid views over the formal gardens and is fitted with an extensive range of built-in wardrobes, as is the second bedroom. Two further bedrooms are reached via the second landing. The bathrooms combine period charm with modern comfort, from a charming period-style bathroom to indulgent soaking tubs.

Outside, a brick path leads around to the stable yard which enjoys a separate gated entrance from the lane. A stone track runs past the rubber and sand manège to the bottom yard and the paddocks, whose hardcore entrances keep the ground firm through the winter months benefits from a winding stone path leading to the lower fields.

Smallwood is a desirable countryside location, offering the peace of a quiet country retreat with easy access to the rest of the region. The M6 is less than 10 minutes away by car, with Junction 17 about three miles off, and the newly opened Congleton bypass gives quick access to Macclesfield and Manchester. Manchester Airport is around 30 minutes away. Sandbach, Congleton and Holmes Chapel are all within easy reach and offer a wide choice of state and independent schools, shops and mainline rail links to London and the North West. Golf courses, footpaths and bridleways are close by, and Somerford Park, Kelsall Hill and Reaseheath are all within easy reach for riders.

Old Farm is a rare chance to own a home of real distinction, where centuries of history, thoughtful modern living and an outstanding equestrian setting come together.