Ralph reviews a barn conversion near Malpas
One thing I love the most about summertime is the al fresco dining. There is something about eating dinner outside that makes it feel like you are on holiday, not to mention the fact that humans seem to be much more liberal about me hoovering up morsels of dropped food in the great outdoors. Dad’s BBQs are always a delight, a discarded sausage here and a slice of steak there makes for a very content pug!
So, with the outdoor life firmly top of mind at the moment, I have been delighted to visit a number of properties recently with magnificent outdoor spaces and the subject of this week’s Ralph’s Review, Overton Edge, was no exception. In the Monday morning meeting I was handed details of this impressive, detached barn conversion located in Kidnal near Malpas. Scanning the particulars, I expressed my approval with a sharp yap and as soon as the meeting had drawn to a close, I looked expectantly at dad. He nodded indulgently and we headed out the door and into the car. I always love a road trip – gazing out the window, ears flapping in the wind and tongue lolling is my idea of heaven. And I have to say, this particular road trip was very picturesque with the rolling Cheshire countryside, piercingly green after the recent showers, a true sight to behold.
Eventually the car slowed and we turned onto a long gravel driveway which meandered towards a very impressive and immaculately renovated barn conversion.
Hopping down from the car I could tell that this was a property which would deliver the Wow factor. Trotting up to the front door and stepping over the threshold I found myself in a light, spacious and contemporary entrance hall. With its wooden flooring and modern staircase, it set the tone for what to expect from this amazing home – one that has clearly been designed with modern day living in mind.
I took a door to the left and found myself in a rather magnificent drawing room. The space this room offered was only rivalled by the light that flooded in from no less than seven windows (three of which were floor to ceiling windows) and a glazed door opening on to the garden. Ensuring the room was perfect for winter entertaining too, it boasted a beautiful fireplace with an inset log burner.
Now, this house could have been made for my dad and I as my next stop was a fabulous cinema room – there is nothing dad and I like more than to settle down together on a comfy sofa and watch a good film – our latest was “Arthur the King” – a true story about a remarkable dog who chose his human. Thinking how amazing it would have been to watch the film in this purpose-built room, I turned about tail and continued my voyage of discovery. On my way to the kitchen, I found a useful cloakroom and coats room. Once in the kitchen, I stopped in my tracks. With bifolding doors opening on to the garden and sleek, contemporary units together with no less than two kitchen islands, it was a real show stopper of a room.
Off the rear of the kitchen, I found a study with perfectly designed fitted base cupboards and units – just the place for a home office. With all that storage, there would be no excuse for my chaotic filing system (namely heap everything I need in a pile and chew the recycling to a soggy mulch!)
Adjacent to the kitchen I found the dining room. As I had come to expect from Overton Edge, the room was spacious and filled with light and, with glazed doors to the front and rear, it was easy to imagine a summer’s evening dinner party with a gentle breeze blowing through, keeping the guests cool and the dogs fully abreast of the scents of the culinary delights on offer.
Beyond the dining room I discovered a charming sitting room – a slightly less formal space, maybe where after dinner drinks could take place.
My journey around the ground floor finally came to an end in the utility room and adjacent wet room. There were a set of stairs in the utility room which beckoned me upwards. And what an Aladdin’s Cave I entered – at the top of the stairs was the principal bedroom, complete with pitched roof , character windows and a bath in the bedroom – Oh what a treat – imagine a bubble bath in the comfort of your own bedroom, shaking yourself dry, popping on your pugjamas and snuggling straight into bed without even having to step onto a cold landing – bliss! Off the bedroom I also found a dressing room and and en suite shower room.
Making my way back through the house to the entrance hall, I then took the main staircase up to the rest of the first floor. I found a bedroom with en suite bathroom and walk in wardrobe, four further bedrooms – two of which benefitted from en suite shower rooms and a family bathroom. As I had come to expect from this exceptional property, all the renovations had been done with rigorous attention to detail and with stylish, contemporary living in mind.
As I made my way slowly back to the hallway, I suddenly realised that there was part of the building I had not yet explored. Yes, dad affirmed, there is yet more accommodation in the annexe. My ears pricked, my tail wagged and, with no further ado, I set off in search of said annexe. Once inside, I was delighted to see the contemporary theme was replicated here, in sleek, modern kitchen units, as well as a sitting room and study flooded with light from multiple windows. On the ground floor I also spied a handy shower room. The first floor boasted two large bedrooms, one with an ensuite shower room and walk in dressing room and the other with an en suite bathroom – just perfect for the couple who differ in washing habits! Personally, I prefer a douse in a good, muddy puddle!
And that reminded me, I still had the outside space to explore. The length of the drive had given me the heads up that the grounds may be somewhat large so before I headed outside, I donned my pug pumps and set off with a spring in my step. I discovered gardens to the front, side and rear of the house, with several terraced areas ideal for entertaining, as well as a field. I marched the perimeter of the grounds with my pug smart watch tracking my steps and I can confirm that the property sits in approximately five acres of land.
Oh, and before I finish, the property that has it all, really does have it all as I spied an attached triple garage behind the annexe – ensuring the perfect home for not only you and your family but also all your family vehicles!
As dad and I left the property I was astute enough to notice that we did not leave the way we came – arh yes, said dad, there is another driveway to the rear of the house – how clever, if you want to avoid the in-laws!!
With a little chuckle to myself, I turned back for one last look at Overton Edge and thought what an impressive and spacious home it is – one that is crafted with modern living in mind and would suit multiple generations living together but in their own private space. If you have marvelled at the space Overton Edge can offer and would like to arrange a viewing, please do not hesitate to contact myself or one of my team on 01244 322322 or [email protected].
Until next time
Love Ralph X
