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All too infrequently, the market is graced with something which is quite unique; a property that is without compare in terms of its individuality and character. This opportunity is one such occasion, and as soon as one sets their eyes on this impossibly pretty home, its almost spellbinding beauty enchants your heart. The quintessential English country cottage, and as sublime a property as you are ever likely to find, this idyllic double fronted sandstone dwelling is the epitome of the chocolate box home, which couldn’t look any more delightful if it had roses around the door and a white picket fence.

Few homes can boast a true sense of historical importance, but this property which is thought to date back to the 1700’s was originally a wedding gift from Lord Derby to his much loved niece and in its time has also been the local post office and was once an all girls school. The property stands proudly at the heart of Parbold village as a much loved local landmark, fully immersed in the day to day bustle of village life. Parbold is widely acknowledged as one of the region’s finest and most desirable village locations, a delightful rural outpost renowned for some of the most stunning scenery West Lancashire has to offer. The area offers a pleasing blend of prestige, country and character homes, and has become synonymous with offering a quality way of life and a real sense of community. At its heart, local shops and amenities are plentiful, including a bank, post office, pharmacy and library, as well as a host of quaint cafes and public houses to sample, and, after a relaxing cream tea, what better place to take a a picturesque stroll than by the Leeds Liverpool canal, with its landmark windmill, or perhaps another of the area’s abundant beauty spots, such as the popular Parbold Hill, from where one can enjoy breath-taking panoramic views which stretch as far as the Welsh mountains. Despite its impressive credentials as a rural retreat, the village is far from remote, with excellent schools within easy reach, as well as superb transport links via rail and road, with easy access to the M6 motorway, as well as having its own railway station, ensuring that one can quite easily commute to the region’s major commercial centres, including Manchester and Liverpool.

As one would expect of a property of this era, this stunning stone-built cottage is a real gem, simply brimming with charm and character features, such as exposed stone walls, oak beamed ceilings (some from galleons), exposed stone, stone flooring and traditional latched doors. With a lovely warm and inviting ambiance, and a real homely feel; this is a true family home, something which cannot be replicated through decor, fixtures or fittings, instead being an enviable quality which is ingrained within its make-up. The substantial accommodation measures in excess of 2,570 square feet and has been fastidiously maintained and cared for throughout our client’s substantial 25 year tenure.

From one step across the threshold into the sumptuous 25’ lounge, the property warms the soul with its quaint features, just as the beautiful open fireplace with its grand decorative surround. The 13’ formal dining room, with its wooden flooring and original spindled staircase to the first floor, provides a perfect spot for entertaining during those intimate soirees, being conveniently located next to the adjoining kitchen, whilst there is also a useful off-lying side porch, which could be utilised as a study, should one require some space to work from home, as well as a separate 17’ sitting room, which is a wonderfully bright retreat in which to relax and unwind with a glass of wine or two after a tough day in the office, with another beautiful fireplace aiding the creation of an amiable ambiance, and glazed French windows opening directly onto the garden, which will be marvellous in the summer months. It is the fabulous breakfast kitchen, however, which is the centrepiece of this beautiful property and the archetypal hub of the home, being wonderfully spacious at 20’ in length and large enough to accommodate a dining suite, as well as a sofa, should one wish to create that sought-after open plan family room vibe which is frequently replicated in modern day living; fitted with a comprehensive range of two tone traditional wall and base units in cream and beech with complimentary solid wood work surfaces, and equipped with an integrated electric oven, five ring gas hob and extractor canopy, whilst there is also a handy separate utility room in which to keep the laundry out of sight of unexpected guests, and a convenient three piece ground floor shower room in which to hose the kids down after a muddy trail through the fields.

If one ventures up to the first floor, the feeling of heritage and tradition only intensifies, with the characterful landing creating a real sense of theatre which continues within the four gorgeous bedrooms, all of which are doubles, with the superb 21’ master suite boasting an extensive range of built-in furniture, and bathed in natural light via the plethora of windows to three elevations, whilst bedroom four enjoys a delightful rear-facing balcony with countryside views. The accommodation is completed by the main family bathroom, which is fully tiled and fitted with a three piece suite in classic white, comprising of pedestal wash hand basin, WC and raised panelled bath with overhead shower.

Externally, the property has a low maintenance stone flagged frontage, whilst to the rear, the beautifully maintained south facing enclosed garden is mainly laid to lawn, with mature planted borders. Secure off-road parking facilities within the detached garage are also accessible from the rear of the property, which also provides the potential to create a teenage/granny annex, if required and subject to the usual consents, having a first floor level which is presently utilised as a useful storage facility. The rear gate of the property leads to the access road which belongs to Windmill Cottage and which also gives access to a private area of the canal which is just 100 meters away, indeed the adjoining property which originally belonged to Windmill Cottage and was a stable for three shire horses which the owner would hire out to barge captains. Homes of this type rarely come onto the open market and we have no doubt that this outstanding and truly unique home, in such a sought-after position, will be in extremely high demand. We would strongly recommend an early viewing to avoid disappointment.