Location

Sandicroft has a secure gated driveway, approached via Budworth Lane adjoining open countryside and is equidistant of the neighboring villages of Comberbach and Great Budworth.

The villages offer a primary school, post office, churches and pubs with more comprehensive facilities available in the nearby towns of Northwich, Warrington and Knutsford. In addition to the state primary schools in the village, there is also private schooling at nearby Cransley, The Grange in Hartford and the Kings & Queens Schools in Chester.

On the recreational front there is a sailing club at Great Budworth and several golf courses locally including High Legh ,Knutsford, Sandiway and The Mere Golf & Country Club. For the equestrian enthusiasts there is horseracing at the historic Chester Racecourse, Haydock and Aintree. There is also polo at Little Budworth, near Tarporley and hunting with the Cheshire Forest whilst the surrounding lanes adjoining the picturesque Arley Hall Estate are ideal for hacking.

Description

Sandicroft is a truly magnificent period home nestled in approximately three acres of beautifully landscaped grounds on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Great Budworth. Blending timeless elegance with modern luxury and impressive leisure facilities, the property offers the very best of Cheshire countryside living.

Built in 1851 by Henry P. Stedman, Sandicroft was originally established as an exclusive boys' boarding school. Over the years, it has evolved into the grand country house it is today, undergoing thoughtful restoration while preserving its historical grandeur. The property has hosted a range of high-profile figures over the years. One of its previous owners, Major Sneider, a prominent figure in United States Industries, owners of MGM Studios, brought a touch of Hollywood glamour to Sandicroft, with claims that distinguished guests included Lord Profumo, the actress Margaret Rutherford and Winston Churchill. Sandicroft's grounds also have a place in local football history, being the venue of the very first fixture for Northwich Victoria FC's in 1874, against the Sandicroft College team.

The attractive covered stone porch opens up into the grand marble tiled reception hall with oak staircase, showcasing the wonderful views up to the galleried landing. To the westerly elevation the dual aspect drawing room overlooks the pretty side gardens and pool area and concertina doors open to the library area beyond finished with polished oak flooring throughout. The sitting room is extremely generous in size with dual aspect windows and views on to open fields. There is a connecting door linking to the opulent formal dining room. The dining kitchen is to the rear of the property with a spacious orangery/family room. This versatile space offers true open plan living yet retains its cosy homely charm. The bespoke hand painted kitchen has a range of cabinets arranged around a large central island, high quality integrated appliances and Aga range cooker. Completing the ground floor accommodation is a shower room, fully fitted utility room, small home office, a larder pantry and additional range of storerooms.

A spiral staircase leads down to a cavernous wine cellar, there is a range of bespoke display and storage units. The original cellars have been renovated to offer a fabulous entertainment and leisure suite. The bespoke bar is oak panelled and there is a lounge area with feature cast iron wood burning stove. Completing the lower ground floor accommodation is a superb cinema room, gymnasium and shower room.

The first-floor offers exceptionally spacious and well planned accommodation with five en-suite bedrooms. The principal suite has a feeling of real period opulence with high ceilings, charming fireplace and dual aspect mullioned windows overlooking the grounds. The large en-suite bathroom is furnished with a free standing slipper bath, double walk-in shower, twin countertop washbasins and benefits from an additional dressing and vanity area. There are four further great sized bedrooms, all en suite.

Externally the surroundings are magical. There are two secure gated entrances to the property. A large sweeping gravel driveway from Budworth Lane leads to a large triple garage and space to park several more vehicles. The private tree lined grounds extend to approximately three acres, comprising of landscaped lawned gardens and abundance of mature plants, shrubs, trees and hedgerows. To the west of the property there is a paddock area, asphalt tennis court and large outdoor heated swimming pool. The beautifully maintained gardens and outdoor leisure area is finished with a thatched summer house, home to a bar and kitchen, log burner, changing rooms, shower and sauna making it the perfect place for alfresco dining and entertaining.

Sandicroft has been lovingly renovated and updated and offers an elegant blend of period accommodation with modern day living, this is a truly special home.