6 bedroom detached for sale in Alton, ST10

AI Valuation Range

About this property

SITUATION Alton is a delightful village set amidst the beautiful rolling Staffordshire countryside, built around the site of Alton Mansion, which was owned by the Earls of Shrewsbury and designed by Augustus Pugin. Amenities include a range of local shops, excellent public houses and restaurants, and two local primary schools. Additionally, there are several highly regarded schools in reasonable proximity including Abbots Bromley Girls' School, Denstone College, Abbotsholme school, St Bede's and Yarlet Preparatory Schools as well as Stafford Grammar School. There are beautiful walks set among the woodland of Dimmingsdale and the Churnet valley; the Pugin masterpiece of Alton Castle towers over the valley. There are three historic churches - St. Peter's and St John's at the heart of the village as well as the unique little Methodist chapel with its historic connections to Hugh Bourne. There are a number of larger towns/business centers accessible from Alton including Ashbourne, Cheadle, Uttoxeter, and Stafford, with its access to the M6 and a train line to London Euston in about one hour 20 minutes. Manchester is approx. 40 mins by train from Stoke. DESCRIPTION Rakesdale House is approached from a quiet country road that runs alongside the meandering River Churnet which is stocked with trout and salmon. The private drive runs through a small valley and arrives at the gateway to Rakesdale House. The house is set into the hillside and enjoys the most spectacular views from every room over the gardens and hillside beyond, all of which is part of the property. A series of streams and ponds set the background for this most tranquil situation. Extended and greatly renovated by the current owner to an extremely high standard, Rakesdale House is a most elegant and deceptively spacious house with a series of flexible reception rooms that would adapt well to many living situations. The house incorporates both historic architectural details and contemporary features. ACCOMMODATION The house is approached from the driveway up limestone steps which open up to a large paved terrace area running the length of the front of the house. A portico leads to the front door with reception area and opens out to the sitting room which provides an informal family seating area and study. This leads through to a stunning conservatory with central heating and a log burning stove built into the wall, allowing this to become a year-round entertaining space which enjoys the most beautiful views. From the other side of the reception area, you move through into the luxurious fitted kitchen, made by Clive Christian, with large central island, oil-fired Aga with electric hob, a pantry and utility room. A door leads through to the dining room, which has been ingeniously crafted to enjoy the full height of the building with a vaulted ceiling, minstrel gallery and double height windows, still with the original stone mullions,. From here you move through to the snug (currently used as an office) stone fireplace. This room was the original hallway and still has the door in place. Beyond is an impressive drawing room with fireplace while at the other end of the room there a bay of full height windows with French doors opening onto the terrace. A rear hall gives access to a downstairs WC and the staircase. The staircase, with gilt banisters and inset glass is another contemporary twist to this historic house. The staircase leads to a landing with sitting space where an original local sandstone window reminds us of the provenance of Rakesdale House with further light coming from skylights. From this seating area are openings to the minstrels gallery which provides a great sense of drama, and leads through to the master bedroom suite, which incorporates an elegant dressing room, bathroom with a contemporary twist, and a large bedroom enjoying views to three aspects. Another passageway leading from the landing leads to the family bathroom with shower and spa bath, three bedrooms and finally to a guest bedroom suite with a dressing area and en suite bathroom, which has a shower.

Property Details