Ralph reviews a semi-detached barn conversion in Church Minshull
After the euphoria of England’s lionesses reaching the World Cup Final last weekend, the start of the working week felt like a bit of an anticlimax. However, things soon picked up – the Monday morning meeting was full of energy and dynamism with lots of exciting things in the pipeline and, once dad had downed his metaphorical first cuppa of the day (aka energy drink), we set off for the charming village of Church Minshull – the scene of this week’s Ralph’s Review.
We arrived in the village which is, let’s face it, quintessentially English in its charm. As we journeyed slowly past them, I admired the array of Tudor properties which are dotted throughout the village before the car turned down a treelined driveway and my gaze focused upon an altogether different property – a super stylish semi-detached converted barn. Even from my vantage point in the car I could see that the renovation had been undertaken to the highest standards and I could not wait to explore the delights it was sure to offer.
Almost before the car came to a halt I had opened the door and launched myself out with effervescent enthusiasm. My paws hit the ground running and the momentum carried me all the way to the front door of Swallows Barn. Once inside I found myself in a contemporary entrance hall which, with its marble tiled floor and chic wood and glass staircase, had more than a hint of a Mediterranean feel to it.
After casting a discerning eye around, I took a door to my left and found myself in an equally stylish contemporary drawing room which, in turn, led through to a dining room.
To say that the space was suffused with light is an understatement, making it feel open and welcoming. Pottering around I found a clever two way log burning stove – how wonderful, I could be “snug as a pug in a rug” no matter whether I was reclining in the drawing room or expectantly waiting for titbits in the dining room. As I navigated the room I also spied a large projection screen and built in speakers – wowzers! What a way to watch a Sunday afternoon movie – forget 101 Dalmatians, on a screen like that it would seem more like 1001 Dalmatians!!
Making my way back to the entrance hall I found a useful study, a shower room, and a lovely little snug on my way through to the kitchen. Now I have been known to use the word “showstopping” when it comes to describing some of the kitchens I have seen on my travels but I can assure you that this one truly is one of the best.
I simply fell in love with the contemporary units and the huge kitchen island, with enough space for the whole family to get together. Wandering around I was delighted to see all the latest mod cons – a Quooker tap, Siemens oven and warming drawers and of course, a very essential wine cooler – all the things that mum would say make life just a little more civilised! Wandering into the breakfast room area I admired the bifolding glazed doors which open straight out into the garden. I could just imagine sitting at the table (sometimes I do sneak up onto a chair when mum isn’t watching) on a summer’s morning and munching my kibble to the sound of the birds waking up.
Whilst I could happily have found a spot in Swallows Barn’s perfect ground floor accommodation to settle in for the morning, I retained my sense of discipline and turned my attention to the upper storey of this exquisitely renovated home. And boy was I glad I did! As I arrived on a spacious landing I glanced around and took a door which led me into the main bedroom.
Wow, what a characterful space, with a pitched ceiling, part exposed beams and a staircase leading up to an open plan dressing area as well as an en suite bathroom, it really was a space to indulge yourself in. But the piece de resistance was, without doubt, the French doors which open onto a beautiful roof terrace with, quite simply, breathtaking views over the Cheshire countryside. Oh yes, I thought to myself, this would be mine and my mum’s special place to unwind – mum relaxing with a book and me curled up on her lap – absolute heaven!
Just at that moment a cloud eclipsed the sun which was probably a good thing because my resolve was failing and I was eying up a particularly delightful spot on the terrace to curl up in. But as the sun disappeared I breathed a wry sigh and turned my attention back to the rest of the first floor of Swallows Barn. I have to admit that it was definitely worth the effort, as I found another three delightful bedrooms, one with an en suite shower room and the other two sharing a Jack and Jill shower room – just imagine, the entire family could shower with ease – no queue for the bathroom in this fabulous family home!
Having fully explored the upper storey and confirming to myself that there are absolutely no flaws to be found, I pattered back down the stairs and set off to explore the outside space. The gardens are to the front and rear of the house. My first stop was the front garden which was beautifully kept (I would have expected nothing less). Whilst I was circumnavigating the perimeter, I spied another building in the far corner and trotted over to investigate. Well, what a pleasant surprise that was, here I discovered a stunning two bedroom annexe.
Once over the threshold I found myself in an open plan kitchen living room with exposed beams and part-exposed brick work. The space was very much in keeping with the look and feel of the main house and it was clear that no expense had been spared on the renovation.
I spied a door off from the kitchen area and beyond it I found a lovely bedroom together with an en suite shower room and an en suite WC. But there was even more to this delightful little annexe. A spiral staircase leading upwards from the living area beckoned me onwards and upwards. Now I absolutely love a spiral staircase but I do find they can be rather tricky to climb and they can make me rather dizzy. So it was that I set off cautiously but with a delicious sense of excitement. At the top of the staircase I found myself in another bedroom, complete with a pitched roof and exposed beams.
Wow, what a perfect place for house guests or to use as a teenage pug pad (what better way to give them a taste of independence), not to mention a delightful home from home for Aunty Peggy the pug to stay in when she comes to visit.
Feeling somewhat dazed by the amount and standard of the accommodation at Swallows Barn I made my way out of the annexe and continued my journey around the grounds. I found a further garden at the back of the house which was also mainly lawned and impeccably kept. It was the perfect size for a good game of catch – I glanced up at dad expectantly but he shook his head and carried on walking – sometimes humans are no fun! On my travels I also found a double garage and a separate single garage or workshop. Wow I thought to myself as I trundled back to the car, Swallows Barn is one of those properties that has everything that a modern family could possibly want. Even more than that, it is so beautifully renovated – artfully melding contemporary style with period features that one could simply move straight in and get on with the business of life!
If you have been equally charmed by Swallows Barn, please do not hesitate to contact myself or one of my team to arrange a viewing on info@rickittpartnership.co.uk or 01244 322322.
Until next time
Love Ralph X
