Ralph reviews a Victorian riverside property
I don’t don my water-wings as often as I would like but today was an exception, well, it almost was. I was lucky enough to review a fabulous Victorian property set right on Chester’s River Dee and, finding myself at the water’s edge, I readied myself to take a flying leap only to feel a resounding tug on my harness as Dad hauled me back on to dry land. Alas, a swim in the river was not to be but on the plus side at least I remained dry for my explorations of 138 Richmond House.
I entered the property at ground floor level but, knowing that this unique home covers the first, second and third floors of the building I bounded up the stairs without a moment’s pause. At the top of the stairs I found myself on a landing complete with beautiful leaded stained glass windows. Having a good look around I also spied a rather intriguing looking gadget on the wall. Dad informed me that this was an intercom entry phone “what a fabulous idea” I thought, that would save my legs the effort of having to race up and down the stairs every time a visitor arrived.
Exploring the first floor I found a really good-sized dining room with views over the river, a study with fitted furniture (very handy for keeping all my very important paperwork nice and tidy!) and a spacious breakfast kitchen. I simply loved the light, open feel of the kitchen and could imagine I would spend hours curled up on the chair by the window, watching the goings on on the river – I actually think you would be very hard-pressed to prise me away from such a superb spot!
Taking myself up to the second floor I found myself on a rather grand landing which is so large it feels like a room in its own right. And with period style leaded stained glass windows I felt rather like a character from Remains of The Day – I kept looking round for the butler waiting for him to supply me with a constant source of bonios but alas, there was no one there…! On this floor I found a cloak room, a handy utility room, a really large family bathroom as well as a charming sitting room and en suite bedroom – both of which boast amazing views over the river.
Although my little legs were feeling quite tired, my interest in this fabulous property was well and truly piqued so it was with great enthusiasm that I made my way up to the third floor. What a great space with two bedrooms, one of which has an en suite shower. This would make the perfect pad for teenage pups to hang out.
My next stop was the garden and, although the great British weather was throwing its best shade of grey drizzle at me, my enthusiasm was not for waning – who could resist a landscaped garden full of little flagged seating areas and complete with a gorgeous open summer house offering simply stunning views of the river. I could just imagine snoozing at mum and dad’s feet whilst they enjoy a glass of wine in the summerhouse on a balmy summer’s evening watching the rowers. It is pretty impossible to imagine this property could get any better but my eyes nearly popped out my head when dad informed me that the property has (shared) mooring rights – immediately thoughts of sleek speedboats came to mind and a very suave pug – Bond, Ralph Bond, 008, Licence to Bark! If you need any further temptations, 138 Richmond House also has two secure covered parking spaces – I think this may just seal the deal making 138 Richmond House Chester’s most desirable property.
Until next time
Ralph X
