Strawberry Cross, Whitby Lane, Backford

A unique 4-bed former farmhouse with an excellent range of outbuildings, suitable for a wide range of uses, stables and equestrian facilities, all within 9.27 acres.

Situation - Strawberry Farm is situated in the village of Backford, only a short distance from Cheshire Oaks Outlet Village and approximately 5 miles from the centre of Chester. The property is located on Whitby Lane, which provides excellent access to Chester, Ellesmere Port, North Wales and both the M56 and M53.

The nearby roman City of Chester offers a huge range of facilities including a diverse selection of shops, post office, cafés, restaurants, pubs and endless sporting facilities. The City has notable schools including Kings School, Queens School, Abbeygate College, an expanding university and sporting facilities. Ellesmere Port can cater for most day-to-day needs and Cheshire Oaks has a huge range of retail and food outlets, as well as cinema, bowling and the Blue Plant Aquarium with Chester Zoo nearby.

Local Equestrian attractions include horse racing at Chester, Haydock and Bangor on Dee; polo at Cheshire Polo Club in Little Budworth; Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre, show-jumping at Southview, Broxton Hall Gallops; excellent outriding via the local country lanes and the nearby Peckforton and Bickerton Hills. There are countless golf courses locally at Chester and Helsby and some of the best clubs in the UK on the Wirral, including Hoylake.

Description - Strawberry farm is a substantial property with outbuildings which offer a range of alternative uses subject to planning permission.

The front door leads into a welcoming entrance hall with high ceilings and exposed beams, a trait which runs throughout the property. The hallway provides access to the downstairs study and WC, along with the principle living room with feature fireplace and wood-burner, double doors to courtyard, exposed beams and staircase leading to the first floor. From the living room is the dining room and kitchen. The kitchen is well equipped with integrated appliances and including ovens, gas hobs and central island. It also features a stable door leading to the courtyard. Off the kitchen is a feature conservatory with roof lights, plumbing for washing machine and double doors leading onto the stoned and enclosed read courtyard.

The first-floor features a spacious landing with views across the paddocks. The master bedroom includes exposed beams, a walk-in wardrobe, fitted wardrobes and a shower en-suite. Additionally there are three further double bedrooms and all served by a family bathroom with a roll top bath, walk-in shower and separate WC.

Externally - The property is approached through a timber gated entrance via Whitby Lane. There is a mature garden to the front of the property and the access continues past the house and onto a large parking area with plenty of space for parking and turning of trailers.

There are two extensive brick-built outbuildings. The first containing five stables and a tack-room. The second is a large 2 storey brick-built building under a slate roof. This building is currently used as a garage with electronically operated door, utility room, hallway with WC and office on the ground floor with a staircase leading to and a large space on the second floor. This building is ideal for a range of uses, including offices and potential secondary residential etc, subject to pp.

Beyond these buildings is a modern timber range with two stables and wash down bay, standing on a large pad of concrete.

All buildings have the benefit of mains water and power connected.

Land - The grazing land, of approximately 9 acres, is all located to the rear of the property. Split into two paddocks and enclosed by a mixture of mature hedging and post and rail fencing, also includes a chicken run. The land has an overage provision for any development outside of Agriculture or Equestrian uses. The uplift is 25% of the enhanced value and the provision expires in October 2038.

Services - Mains electricity, water and drainage
Mains gas fired central heating and hot water
EPC rating D

Local Authority - Cheshire West

Tax band G