Ralph reviews a grade II listed Georgian townhouse within Chester city walls

Well the weather may have experienced a bit of a downturn but my enthusiasm has not! I am thoroughly enjoying being back at work, not least because we are seeing an encouraging amount of activity in the newly-emerging property market. When I am speaking to prospective vendors and viewers/purchasers it is great to be able to confidently reassure them that now is as good a time as any to start moving life forwards again.

Always a dog with a nose for quality I have to admit that we are seeing some stunning properties coming on to the market at the moment and none more so than the subject of this week’s Ralph’s review – a simply stunning three storey Grade II listed Georgian townhouse situated within Chester’s city walls.

As you may imagine, I see myself as a somewhat debonair “pug about town”, sashaying around with my mum in tow, window-shopping at chic boutiques and pausing for coffees in fashionable little bistros (once they are open again of course) whilst lapping up the admiration of passers-by with grace and dignity; so a Georgian townhouse is right up my street. Therefore, it was with a heightened sense of anticipation that I donned my raincoat and set off on the five minute walk from our city centre office to the much sought after destination that is King Street.

It was a brisk walk as there were very few people on the streets and, of course, in this socially distanced world I was not able to run over to greet the ones I did see. This was a great shame as there was a very pretty poodle out walking who I would very much have liked to get to know, but one must be philosophical at these times….

Once on King Street, I have to confess that thoughts of Miss Poodle completely slipped from my mind as I gazed in admiration at the painted façade of an elegant townhouse – No 19 King Street.

Without further delay I donned my PPE, headed up the steps and made my way into the entrance hall. At the far end of the hall I spied a glazed door which hinted at a wonderfully light room beyond. I needed no further encouragement to begin my explorations. However, en route to the mysterious glazed door my attention was caught by a doorway to my left and, stepping over the threshold, I found myself in what can only be described as a magnificent dining room.

This room boasts everything that an elegant period dining room should have – an exquisite inglenook fireplace and two beautiful period windows complete with shutters. Already completely enamoured with 19 King Street, I allowed myself to daydream about elegant soirees with the great and the good of Chester’s canine society. In a home such as this I would be the envy of all my friends and colleagues….

There was no time to dilly-dally though as there was so much more to discover in this wonderful home. I noticed that the dining room houses the stairs to the upper floors but, first thing’s first, the rest of the ground floor beckoned. Off the far side of the dining room I found a cosy study with an electric log burner (working from home would certainly be no hardship here) as well as a handy cloakroom and a door which led into a beautiful garden room – I noticed another door out of this room and realised that this was the light space which had so enticed me when I first entered the house. It certainly did not disappoint. The glazed ceiling, large windows and glazed double doors which open onto the terrace make for a perfect inside outside dining or living space and it did not take much imagination to visualise how wonderful it must have been in last week’s tropical temperatures with the doors flung open. I pictured myself lying on the cool floor keeping one eye on my human family whilst they languish in the late afternoon sun – perfect!

Next stop was the kitchen which is light, bright and contemporary – the kind of space which lends itself to family gatherings – I could happily get under my mum’s feet in here!

Beyond the kitchen I discovered yet more accommodation in the form of a charming snug. As with the rest of the house, the décor is simple and understated and, with sunlight flooding in through the south facing period windows, this room definitely had Ralph’s name written all over it, a more perfect pug-shaped bolthole I have yet to see!

Before exploring the upper floors my curiosity was piqued by a set of stairs which led down into the bowels of the house. Oh what a delightful surprise, the cellar space boasts none other than a fully fitted bar. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not a drinker – a bowl of milk is as racy as I get but visions abounded of a fabulous entertainment space – maybe a cinema room where I could lounge around with my buddies or even a dance floor where we could cut some shapes to Snoop-dog….

The possibilities raced through my mind as I bounded back up to the ground floor and onwards to the upper storeys. On the first floor landing I took a door to my right and found myself in a tasteful and elegant drawing room. Every element from the two period windows, to the fireplace with wood burner to the period style coving make for an exquisite, atmospheric and social space, one where I would be equally at home snuggling with my family or entertaining my guests.

On this floor I also found two bedrooms, one with an en suite bathroom and a separate, and rather handy, cloakroom. As with the rest of the house the bedrooms are full of period features, beautifully styled and oh so inviting – oh to be able to curl up on one of those beds and fall asleep in the rays of the late afternoon sun….

I trundled somewhat reluctantly up the stairs to the second floor knowing that my time at 19 King Street was coming to an end. On this floor I found the master suite, once again decorated simply and beautifully. This encompassed a bedroom, dressing room and very large en suite bathroom. Before returning to the ground floor I also found another bedroom and a separate shower-room.

The only place left to investigate was the outside space and, as I had come to expect at 19 King Street, I was not to be disappointed. The south-facing garden is impeccably maintained and fully enclosed making it perfectly safe for children and audacious little pugs with a penchant for adventure! On close inspection the paved terrace area outside the garden room appeared even more inviting than I anticipated and would definitely be a firm favourite with me, whilst two handy storage sheds would be great for housing my many toys and pug paraphernalia.

Last but by no means least, this amazing house also boasts a parking space of its own on a street about one hundred yards away and residents are also eligible to apply for a further resident’s parking permit.

As far as I am concerned, 19 King Street is a pretty much perfect example of a period townhouse. I cannot imagine that this house will be on the market for long so if it has tempted you please give us a call on 01244 322322 to arrange a viewing and see if 19 King Street can become part of your family’s story.

Until next time
Love Ralph X