Ralph reviews a period family home in Hough Green
Well Autumn seems to have made its presence known this week – my daily walks have been interspersed with blustery showers, heavy downpours and gusty winds, as well as a smattering of defiant sunshine. All this has caused me to encounter quite a few wardrobe dilemmas this week, such changeable weather causes considerable consternation to a style-conscious pug such as myself.
Suitably kitted out with a range of weather- appropriate options – umbrella, raincoat, kite (ok not exactly an item of clothing but such FUN to fly and chase, fly and chase…!) I set off earlier this week to Hough Green, close to Chester’s city centre to cast my eye over a five bedroom period property which we have for sale. Now I had high hopes for this particular house, being a bit of a fan of both period properties and ones within walking distance of the city.
Having meandered through the city en route to Hough Green, pausing every now and again to enjoy the delicious variety of scents and smells which assailed me, I soon found myself standing on a gravel driveway looking up at the beguiling façade of a beautiful Arts and Crafts style house. “Oh yes” I thought to myself “this is just the type of home in which to make perfect family memories”.
Eager to explore, I crunched my way across the gravel and stepped up to the front door – and what a front door it is! Stunningly in keeping with the style of the house, it is a period style door with beautiful decorative glazed detailing – yes I know I am starting to sound like an interior designer – but honestly all these Ralph’s Reviews have given me a very good eye for style…. Perhaps my next project could be a coffee-table book – Home Styling with Ralph – A Pug with an eye for Design. Anyway back to the task in hand, stepping over the threshold I was delighted to find myself standing on an exquisite Minton tiled floor in an entrance hall that artfully combined period features with contemporary styling (there I go again!). I found it to be an incredibly welcoming space and one which made me want to delve further into this charming house.
Through a door to the right I found an elegant drawing room, with an open fire and majestic period-style windows that stretched almost from floor to ceiling. Trotting over I realised that the ledges could have been made for me – they were the perfect height for me to rest my front paws on whilst watching the coming and goings of the wildlife in the garden. Having whiled away a few happy minutes doing just that, I moved on to explore the rest of the house. On the opposite side of the hallway I found the sitting room – another attractive room dominated by a huge bay window (once again offering a perfect vantage point for a curious pug) and a log burner to add that cosy touch for those long winter nights which, dare I say, are just around the corner.
Having spotted a conveniently located downstairs cloakroom, my next stop was the kitchen/dining room and what a treat to behold this was. A cleverly designed open plan space, it had everything I could possibly wish for – contemporary shaker style units, granite worksurfaces, an Aga (oh the joy of snuggling up in front of a warm Aga!), a kitchen island (a very convenient place to loiter in anticipation of fallen morsels of food!), bifolding doors opening out to the garden, and a stunning bay window with French doors also opening into the garden (providing ample opportunity for seamless indoor/outdoor circuit training). Beyond the kitchen I found yet more delights in the form of a handy utility room, a study, another cloakroom and a greenhouse room – Wow!
There was no doubt in my mind that the downstairs of 129 Hough Green delivers the perfect experience for modern family living but what about the upper floor? With purpose in my stride I trotted back to the hallway and bounded up the stairs where I found myself on a light and appealing landing complete with the period features I had come to expect from downstairs – beautiful coving around the ceiling and a simply stunning stained glass window to the side. Taking the door to my right I found myself in a large bedroom once again filled with charming features- a bay window which allowed light to flood in to the room and a lovely wrought iron fireplace that reminded me of a bygone age. Beyond the bedroom I found an en suite shower room and a dressing room. Making my way through the rest of the second floor of this fabulous family house I found a further four bedrooms (I was thrilled to see that three of them proudly showed off their very own fireplaces) and a family bathroom.
Satisfied that internally one would be hard-pressed to improve upon 129 Hough Green, I donned my hat and scarf to discover the delights the garden had in store. At the back of the house I found myself in a perfectly proportioned garden which is mainly laid to lawn. It didn’t take me long to spy a couple of goalposts set up on the lawn and I nodded in approval – any garden worth its salt really should be able to accommodate a good game of pug V. human football. Trotting around the perimeter I also noted a raised, paved terrace where I could imagine my Mum sitting supervising the football match, glass of wine in hand, aiming for an air of impartiality whilst secretly rooting for me to win! Before drawing my review to a close I also found a car port with a handy storage area above it.
Ultimately it was very difficult to leave 129 Hough Green because it really is the perfect example of a welcoming, appealing family home. It ticks every box you could possibly think of for the best in contemporary family living. If you would like to view this superb property please do not hesitate to contact myself or one of my team on 01244 322322 to arrange a viewing.
Until next time
Ralph X
