Ralph reviews a contemporary detached house in Willaston
I’m not sure about you but I just love going for walks on these crisp late Autumn days – the fallen leaves hide a multitude of treasures which I delight in snuffling out and presenting to my mum as gifts. This week I have collected a small pile of acorns, two (highly prized) conkers, a family of earwigs attached to the underside of a stick, a snail and three beetles. As I drop each gift at mum’s feet she looks at me with a curious mixture of pride and consternation – I take this look as a good thing and wag my tail profusely. I love seeing the look on her face when she tells me she might pack me off to take part in “I’m a Celebrity”, I have no idea what she’s talking about, but I wag my tail even more and trot off enthusiastically in search of yet another prize for her.
Earlier this week, when I was not foraging about in the undergrowth, I could be found on the outskirts of the beautiful village of Willaston, which was the location of my latest Ralph’s Review. Before bundling me into the car, Mum had scrubbed the remnants of forest undergrowth from my belly and from between my toes. So, feeling clean and in the mood for a spot of snappy dressing, I selected one of my best orange tweed harnesses and a matching coat for the outing. When I arrived outside an impressive contemporary house, I felt quite relieved that I had taken such care choosing my outfit.
With an air of suave sophistication, I strolled up to the stylish and modern front door and stepped over the threshold of The Old Paddock. I caught my breath as I found myself in an elegant space, contemporary and chic yet abounding with welcoming warmth. I looked down to admire the impeccably polished floor and realised that I was standing on polished concrete – wow what an effective flooring that was. I also noticed that my paws were toasty warm – a sure sign that I was in the presence of that wonderful invention – underfloor heating!. With its beautiful oak staircase, the entrance hall really offered the wow factor and already I knew that I was likely to fall in love with this property.
That feeling was cemented when I took a door to my right and found myself in a beautiful drawing room, exquisitely styled, it boasted two large windows, a beautiful wooden block floor, more delicious underfloor heating and a large fireplace surrounding a log burner. I trotted across to the fireplace and pictured myself reclining casually against it wearing my favourite designer jacket and regaling my pals from the local dog-walking committee with tails of my favourite walks around the Wirral. Jolting myself out of my musings I gave myself a good shake and a firm telling off – back to the job in hand.
I dutifully headed back to the entrance hall and popped my head through a doorway opposite where I found an equally stunning sitting room. The room was another show-stopper, and my claws clattered cheerfully on the timber block floor as I wandered over to the window and gazed out across the driveway at the front of the house – the perfect vantage point from which to survey the comings and goings to the house.
Back in the hallway, I made my way to the back of the property where I rightly guessed the kitchen would be. En route I popped my head round a door to find a very convenient cloakroom. As I got closer to the rear of the house my ever-sensitive nostrils caught a rather delicious scent of sizzling bacon. Sniffing deeply I followed my nose and, just like that I was stood in the middle of a beautiful contemporary kitchen and family room.
As I wandered around, I gazed up adoringly at the near floor to ceiling elegant Zest units and the state-of-the-art accessories. I gave an admiring nod of my head and was rewarded with a sliver of bacon that seemed to float down from the heavens themselves and land like a delicious gift right at my feet! Suffice to say, it was devoured within a fraction of a second and, with a satisfied lick of my lips, I trotted back through to the hallway and made my way to that rather fabulous oak staircase.
I bounded up the stairs with renewed energy – it is amazing what a bit of bacon can do for a dog! When I reached the first floor landing, I paused for a breather and a quick scratch of my ear. As I sat there wallowing in the ecstasy only a good scratch can inspire, I looked around and my gaze fell upon a door in front of me. I heaved myself to my feet and pottered over. Inside I found myself in a vast, elegant space. This stunning bedroom had its own dressing area and an en suite shower room all, as I had come to expect, beautifully styled. I immediately felt enveloped in a sense of calm and, practising my best diaphragmatic breathing (perfected in my Monday night “pilates for pugs” classes) I padded serenely across the floor to gaze calmly out the window.
Feeling very “zen” I glided back to the landing and pushed open another door with my nose. Beyond it I found another bedroom also with an en suite shower room. As I continued my explorations of the first floor I found another bedroom and a family bathroom. I pottered round the rooms, soaking up the soothing ambience, before heading back to the landing where I had spotted a further set of stairs ascending to a second floor. On this upper storey I found two further bedrooms, one of which had an en suite wet room. Wowzers – what a great space, just perfect for teenage pups…
Having fully explored the interior of The Old Paddock, all that remained was to inspect the outside space so I headed back downstairs, nearly tumbling over my own paws in my haste and back out the front door. At the front of the house was a large tarmac area which would easily accommodate several vehicles. At the back of the house, I found a lovely terrace garden, complete with a covered seating/jacuzzi area and a barbeque area – now we’re talking – Sausages… in the sunshine… now life just doesn’t get any better that that! All in all the outside space at The Old Paddock appeared low maintenance (which would please dad!) yet at the same time looked like the perfect set up for al fresco entertaining.
As I made my way back to the car, I thought about what a truly versatile house this is. Exceptionally stylish yet with the layout and accommodation which makes it perfect for family life. If you have enjoyed my review of The Old Paddock and would like to arrange a viewing, please do not hesitate to contact myself or one of my team on 01244 322322 or info@rickittpartnership.co.uk.
Until next time
Love Ralph X
