5 bed detached house for sale

Rake Lane, Eccleston, Chester CH4

There are houses at this price. And then there are opportunities.

Elmwood is the latter. A masterfully restored 1930s residence behind private electric gates on the edge of Eccleston Village. 3,033 sq ft of exceptional craftsmanship across the main house and a fully self-contained detached annexe, set on 0.35 acres of south-facing grounds. All of it overlooking the permanent green expanse of the Duke of Westminster's Eaton Estate, a view that will never be built out.

For a buyer who simply wants a magnificent family home rich in period features, Elmwood delivers without question. But for a buyer who also wants their money to work, this is rare. The detached annexe, finished to the same exacting standard as the main house, functions seamlessly as a luxury holiday let in one of England's most visited cathedral cities, a long-term rental, or a home for family that feels like a home rather than an afterthought. Reviewing Air BnB and Sykes Cottages at current Chester-area short-stay rates, a conservatively run holiday let of this calibre could potentially offer a considered return, a meaningful offset against ownership costs from day one.

The 0.35-acre plot warrants attention in its own right. Gated, private, and south-facing - land of this scale and quality, with countryside views, this close to Chester, at this price, does not come along often.

Behind the handsome red-brick façade, the restoration is the work of artisans rather than developers. Hand-rolled plaster ceilings with intricate bird's-beak detailing, crafted by an award-winning craftsman. Original herringbone parquet throughout. Restored cast-iron fireplaces in every principal room. A bespoke kitchen built around a four-oven Aga, framed by 18th-century botanical tiles sourced from Natural History Museum plates. Every room carries the quiet confidence of work done properly, by people who cared.

Chain free and ready to occupy. Elmwood does not need you to imagine what it could be, it already is.

The Main House

Entrance & Ground Floor

A wide entrance hall sets the tone immediately: Original herringbone parquet underfoot, high ceilings, and a generous cloakroom with coat and boot storage neatly integrated beneath the stairs. A dedicated utility room - plumbed for washing machine with dryer space - keeps the practical invisible.

Two reception rooms flank the hall, each with deep bay windows, hand-crafted fireplaces with log burners, and those remarkable curved plaster ceilings, period features rarely found at this level of preservation. Light pours in. The proportions feel generous without being cavernous.

The kitchen is the heart of the home, a bespoke country-house design built around a four-oven Aga, opening into a conservatory that draws the garden in and floods the space with natural light. On a clear day, the rural views across open countryside make this one of the finest spots in the house to simply sit.

First Floor

Upstairs, four bedrooms are arranged around a generous landing. The principal suite overlooks the Eaton Estate through a Juliet balcony, complete with a dressing room and a luxurious en suite bathroom, an oasis of calm with outstanding countryside views. A second generous double bedroom and two further bedrooms, one currently fitted as a handcrafted library, equally suited as a nursery or home office, served by an equally well-appointed family bathroom with en-suite quality finishes.

The Annexe - 1,308 sq ft | Detached | Fully Self-Contained

Discreetly positioned but fully independent, the detached annexe is architecturally cohesive with the main house and finished to the same exacting standard. Whether used for multi-generational living, as a holiday let, a long-term rental, or a professional home office and studio, it offers genuine flexibility without compromise.

On the ground floor: A private sitting room with log burner overlooking the rear garden, a well-equipped kitchen, a dedicated office and workspace, and a detached double garage with electric doors and ceramic-tiled floor - with adjoining side store. Above, a spacious en suite bedroom provides complete autonomy for guests, extended family, or tenants.

As a holiday let, the annexe represents a compelling income opportunity. Chester draws millions of visitors annually for its races, cathedral, Roman heritage, and the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa is on the doorstep. Rental income from a well-presented annex or annexe of this specification in this location can realistically offset a significant portion of annual ownership costs.

The Gardens & Grounds

Approached through electric gates onto a sweeping private drive with parking for eight vehicles plus a detached double garage, Elmwood's south-facing grounds have been thoughtfully landscaped to follow the sun across the day. A Gabriel Ash greenhouse, a separate workshop ideal for hobbies or additional storage, and a summerhouse - perfect for evening drinks with those uninterrupted countryside views over the Eaton Estate - complete the picture. Seclusion and substance in equal measure.

Location

Eccleston sits in a semi-rural pocket of Cheshire that is increasingly difficult to find: Genuinely peaceful, with walking access to the River Dee, the Grosvenor Garden Centre, and the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, yet with the connectivity of a city suburb.

Chester city centre is 3.5 miles. The King's School is 1.6 miles, The Queen's School 2.5 miles, and Chester Business Park under a mile. Mainline rail at Chester connects directly to Liverpool, Manchester, and London. The M53 and M56 are within moments.

Key distances include:

The King’s School, Chester approx. 1.6 miles

Queen;s School, Chester approx 2.5 miles

Chester Business Park approx. 1 mile

Chester city centre approx. 3.5 miles

Mainline National Train Links from Chester City Center

M53 & M56 is within moments, with routes to Manchester, Liverpool & North Wales

Local lifestyle highlights:

Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa

Grosvenor Garden Centre

Eccleston Village & The Ferry Stage for riverside walks, rowing and open-water swimming

The Eaton Estate and surrounding countryside

Elmwood is a home for those who value craftsmanship, privacy, and flexibility - offering two beautifully finished living spaces in one exceptional setting, moments from both city and countryside.

Services, Utilities & Property Information:

Utilities – Mains Electric and Water, Oil Central Heating, and Private Sewerage Plant

Property Type – Detached Home

Construction Type – Standard

Council Tax – Cheshire West and Chester

Mobile phone coverage - 4G and some 5G mobile signals available in the area - We advise you to check with your provider.

Internet connection – fttc available - We advise you to check with your provider.

Parking – Garage Parking (2), Off-road Parking (8)

Tenure: Freehold | Council Tax Band: F | EPC Rating: D

Disclaimer

All measurements are approximate and quoted in metric with imperial equivalents and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on.

The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given and that they are in working order.

Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property.

Whilst we carryout our due diligence on a property before it is launched to the market and we endeavour to provide accurate information, buyers are advised to conduct their own due diligence.

Our information is presented to the best of our knowledge and should not solely be relied upon when making purchasing decisions. The responsibility for verifying aspects such as flood risk, easements, covenants and other property related details rests with the buyer