THE QUAIKIN
The Quaikin is an idyllic property set on its own in the stunning Shropshire countryside. This quintessential ex-farmhouse has an abundance of character and charm with original oak beams, exposed bricks, quarry tile flooring, log burning stoves and a natural pond all backing onto open farmland. The property dates back to the 17th Century and has been a much-loved and wonderful family home for the current owners. The property sits on approximately a half-acre plot and is found at the end of a one kilometre long nothrough road.
The property comprises of a farmhouse-style kitchen and breakfast area, utility, workshop (which could lend itself to multiple uses), cloakroom, dining room, sitting room, garden room, four double bedrooms, one with ensuite and a family bathroom. There is parking for four cars plus a lovely recently added a traditional cedar framed potting shed with connecting greenhouse.
There is a popular country pub just a mile and a half away. The market town of Wem is just four miles and is well known for its numerous small speciality shops, from an old-fashioned ironmonger that sells everything to one of Shropshire’s best delicatessens. This pretty town is surrounded by a wealth of high-
achieving state and independent sector schools. It also has a train station with quick links to Crewe, and then to London, Manchester and Birmingham. It is also a short drive or train journey to Shrewsbury, Shropshire’s County town. Wem is surrounded by picturesque countryside and is great for long walks or bike rides. There are several churches, and the town also offers a variety of eateries, a local hotel and bed and breakfasts. The modern town hall acts as a cinema, theatre, venue for ballet and other dance lessons, modern art gallery and café. The town also boasts a medical centre, library, bank, post office, swimming centre, fitness suite, bowls, cricket, football and tennis clubs, as well as other professional services. Everything a local community needs. Ellesmere is 4 miles, Whitchurch 12 miles and Chester 22.
The Quaikin is approached via double wooden gates and onto a very attractive shingled driveway. The property at first glance is extremely pretty with two entrances to the front. The main entrance, used by the owners takes you into the PORCH area with wooden seating on both sides and space for hanging coats. An internal oak and glazed door then opens into the KITCHEN area with dark grey flagstone flooring, exposed beams and brickwork and double aspect windows. The kitchen was installed by the current owners and includes light marble worktops, painted wooden base units, wall-mounted plate racks and shelving. There is a freestanding American-style fridge/freezer, Belfast sink under the window, integrated dishwasher, Rangemaster double electric oven with induction hobs and the
icing on the cake is the very attractive Ironheart multi-fuel burning stove, set into eye-catching brick recess with a large wooden beam above. This is a lovely space with room for a dining table and seating, it’s the real heart of the home. Leading through from the kitchen is the UTILITY ROOM with space for a washer/dryer, Belfast sink placed under a window, storage space and access door leading out to the rear garden. The area next to the utility has a connecting door which leads through to what was the garage. The owners have converted this space into a WORKSHOP/STUDIO with electricity and heating connected. This is a fabulous area offering huge amounts of versatility.
On the other side of the kitchen is a SIDE HALLWAY with French doors leading out into the garden, exposed beams, a wooden staircase with understairs storage and a CLOAKROOM. The cloakroom comprises of a pedestal hand basin and low flush WC with window overlooking the rear garden.
The DINING ROOM is a very atmospheric room with double aspect windows, quarry tiled flooring, exposed beams and brickwork and a fantastic inglenook fireplace with log burning stove and large wooden beam above. A great entertaining space.
Seller Insight
It was the fantastic location of The Quaikin which first drew us here,” say the current owners of this characterful cottage. “Set within picturesque grounds at the end of a kilometre-long road, when we first saw the property, we thought it was so pretty, and fell in love with it right away. We loved the area, too, being surrounded by stunning countryside views yet within easy reach of everything we could need.”
Since moving in, the owners have made various improvements to the property. “We have installed central heating to make this charming period cottage into a comfortable contemporary home,” they say. “We also put in a new bathroom and kitchen, the latter now being the heart of the home for everyday family life and entertaining alike. Indeed, this is the perfect place for parties, with a huge kitchen table allowing everyone to eat together, and enough outdoor space to have a bouncy castle for children’s birthday celebrations, or to play badminton and croquet on the lawn! The gardens are spacious yet easy to maintain, being mostly laid to lawn, and having converted the garage into my jewellery workshop, I can enjoy views in both directions as I work.”
The rural setting is part of what makes this home so special. “It is wonderful to be able to step out of our door straight into the countryside and walk for miles with the dogs. The dark skies here are amazing too, there is nothing better than sitting under the stars on a summer evening and enjoying the peace and quiet. The Quaikin truly comes into its own during the winter months, with a fire lit and the garden covered in a layer of frost.”*
* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.
The SITTING ROOM is yet another delightful room, full of character and charm that reflects the rest of the property, again boasts exposed beams and log burning stove with wooden surround. The sitting room connects to the final room downstairs, the GARDEN ROOM with wooden flooring and windows running along three sides. This is the perfect place to sit and soak up the peace and tranquillity of the stunning gardens and surrounding area. French doors open out from this room onto the patio area, a lovely place to sit and soak up the sun, great for alfresco dining.
Since moving in, the owners have made various improvements to the property. “We have installed central heating to make this charming period cottage into a comfortable contemporary home,”
Upstairs, there are two separate hallways leading to THREE DOUBLE BEDROOMS, all with lovely views. A newly fitted family BATHROOM with wooden panelling, roll top bath (which is placed under the window to soak up the views), pedestal hand basin, low flush WC, walk-in shower and heated towel rail. This is a lovely room and very well-finished.
The MASTER BEDROOM is of very generous proportions, wooden flooring, vaulted ceiling with double aspect windows creating a light bright and airy feel. There is lots of space for freestanding furniture and can easily accommodate a king-size bed. The ENSUITE comprises of a low flush WC, pedestal hand basin and walk-in shower.
The gardens wrap around this property, and is mainly laid to lawn with well-established trees, hedging, shrubs and plants. Part of the front of the property is covered in lilac wisteria and a rose bush over the porch. To the front is the driveway and a lawned area and to the side, an area for storing logs. The garden then really pops at the back with a natural pond and views of the farmland in the distance. There is a delightful patio area, perfect for garden furniture and BBQs and lots of idyllic places to sit a soak up the peace. The owners have added an attractive traditional cedar framed workshop/potting shed and connecting greenhouse which is very much in keeping with the rest of the property. There are also raised vegetable beds. The whole area is extremely private, the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
In summary, The Quaikin is an idyllic family home, set on its own yet close enough to amenities. It oozes charm and character sitting in peaceful, enchanting gardens. Viewing is a must!
It is wonderful to be able to step out of our door straight into the countryside and walk for miles with the dogs.”
Tenure – Freehold Council Tax Band – E Services – We understand mains electricity is connected, Oil fired central heating, private drainage and water supply.
Viewings – Strictly via Fine and Country Shrewsbury 01743 296 116 / shrewsbury@fineandcountry.com
Agents notes: All measurements are approximate 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 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. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed 12.12.2022
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