Ralph reviews a detached character house in Tilston
Well, as yet another glorious week bathed us in sunshine last week, I was making the most of the sunny walks as I am sure Autumn weather is set to take over soon. Possibly sooner than I think with Storm Amy on the way – make sure you wear your waterproofs over the next few days folks! Indeed there is no denying Autumn is here, as my Saturday nights are now devoted to Strictly Come Dancing – always a sign that the nights are drawing in and cosy evenings with the family are the order of the day.
I was very keen to mark the start of the series a few weeks ago and so I spent much of the week busy in the kitchen baking cupcakes which were decorated with a flourish of glitter and a dash of sparkles! OK, so I may have licked the bowl a few times, but that is simply one of the perks of being a baker extraordinaire! Once my cupcakes were safely stored away in airtight tupperware, I turned my attention to the subject of the week’s Ralph’s Review, Lowcross Mill in Tilston. Splendid I thought to myself – a little roadtrip with my dad to one of the most attractive parts of the Cheshire countryside. And so it was, after a very enjoyable car ride with the window down, ears flapping in the wind and tongue lolling joyously out the side of my mouth, we turned onto a sweeping tarmac drive which led us down to a rather wonderful-looking character property.
As I stepped down from the car I could tell that this house was going to be full of surprises and, I suspected, one or two quirky features. I glanced back at dad, and he explained that the house is a former cornmill which dates back to the mid-late eighteenth century. Ohhh I barked in excitement and, without further ado I trotted up some attractive stone steps to the front door.
Stepping over the threshold I found myself in a spacious and incredibly light dining hall. The room is awash with period features from the beamed ceiling to what appears to be remnants of the workings of the old mill. Centre stage is a beautiful staircase which leads both up to the first floor and down to the lower ground floor. To the right of the dining area, I found a room which could be used as a study as well as a very handy cloakroom. The door to the left opened into a simply idyllic sitting room. With its beamed ceiling, generous windows and wood-burning stove set into an exposed brick fireplace, it almost seemed like the word “cosy” was created to describe this room! I couldn’t resist the urge to take five minutes to wander around and imagine snug winter’s nights curled up by the wood burner with all my loved ones around me – delicious!
Whilst I could easily have whiled aways several hours relaxing in such a fabulous space I shimmied myself along and took the stairs down to the lower ground floor and boy was I glad I did. Straight ahead of me was another door to outside flanked by windows on both sides which allowed light to flood in, bathing the space in soft sunlight. However, it was when I turned around that I caught my breath in sheer wonder as it was like stepping back in time. An exposed sandstone wall was the perfect complement to the preserved cogs and workings which formed part of the original mill. I trotted over with a look of profound curiosity on my face and proceeded to sniff and snuffle my way all around them. “ Well,” I said to dad, after a period of intense concentration,” I think I have it all figured out so don’t worry, if we need to, I’m pretty sure I have mastered the way to mill our own corn.” “Very useful” was the reply I received, although, being quite used to the nuances of human communication, I do think I detected a hint of sarcasm.
I simply grinned and headed over to one of two doors at the side of the wheelhouse. I stepped through one of them into the most perfect country kitchen complete with a charming, tiled floor, Belfast-style sink, centre island and range cooker. As I gazed around, taking in my surroundings I realised that both internal doors from the wheelhouse led into this fine room. I also noticed another door leading to outside – very handy indeed, I noted -one could park the car right outside and drop the shopping off directly into the kitchen.
With a sigh of pure contentment, I headed back into the wheelhouse and up two flights of stairs to the first floor. There I found three beautiful bedrooms, full of character and appeal and a family bathroom. Would you believe it, but I had spied another set of stairs leading up to a second storey. Phew, I thought to myself, what a good job I have been getting my steps in recently otherwise I imagine I would have been slightly out of breath by now. At the very top of the house, I found a fabulous attic room which would lend itself perfectly to being a pups’ playroom or even an office or TV room.
With my head swimming with possibilities, I flew down the multiple flights of stairs and set off to explore the outside space at Lowcross Mill. I had made sure that I left plenty of time for this bit of the visit as dad had informed me that the house sits in around 19 acres. My first stop was the garden which was mainly laid to lawn, beautifully kept and attractively undulating – I can confirm this as every time I dropped my ball it gently rolled away in the wrong direction – rather like when dad plays golf! I was also enchanted by the gently babbling stream that makes its way through the side of the garden. I love a bit of fishing – I could quite happily have sat there for hours with my paw at the ready, waiting to swipe at a fish or two (to be honest they are always too quick for me and the best I ever catch is a soggy leaf or two!)
My dreams of proudly presenting mum with tonight’s dish of the day faded away as dad pulled me to my feet and urged me onwards. My next stop was the brick built double garage and storerooms which dad informed me has planning permission to convert into a two-bedroom bungalow – wow what an opportunity for multi-generational living in this idyllic spot! Next my travels took me to the stable yard where I counted no less than six looseboxes, a tack room, a store and a hay barn – everything a budding equestrian could need. Now I do like to come prepared (it comes from being in the pup-scouts when I was younger) so before I set off to circumnavigate the fields and woodland which make up the rest of the 19 acres, I sat down and donned my most comfortable nike air pug-trainers. And boy I was glad I did, even after all that racing up and down stairs, I thoroughly enjoyed that walk – it was like walking on air (just like the marketing says!).
As I reluctantly headed back to the car, I turned and cast a last wistful look at this amazing property. Lowcross Mill is a home that offers everything a modern family could need, whilst still being full of charm and character. This would be the perfect home for a family who love to express their individuality through their home. If you feel that Lowcross Mill would be the perfect fit with your family, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01244 322322 or [email protected] to arrange a viewing.
Until next time
Love Ralph X
