Before you buy, drive by and discover the magic of kerb appeal when choosing your dream property
Queen's Park, Chester
The Victorians knew how to throw a little splendour into their domestic buildings. If you like to make a bold first impression, this house could teach you a thing or two about how. This is a fabulous example of the influence of the Gothic revival in the late 1800s, with its steep triangular gables and deep windows. You can almost picture the lady of the house shuddering with delight as she reads Dracula in front of a roaring fire. There are features a-plenty, from the lead-lights in the front door to the windows and cornicing, as well as the architraves, plethora of fireplaces, panelling and shutters. This is a home with heritage that shines in every room. It's not all about the kerb appeal, of course. Once through the double front doors you step into a beautifully maintained home, filled with light from huge windows. There are four beautiful reception rooms allowing plenty of space for all the family (not to mention quite the party) and the kitchen balances traditional styling with mod-cons in abundance. Upstairs there is a master suite, a bedroom and bathroom and yet another sitting room, with four more bedrooms on the second floor. And all just a stroll from the city centre…
Price: £1,500,000
Contact: Savills Chester 01244 32 32 32 savills.com
The Downs, Altrincham
The first thing that popped to mind when this pretty property popped up was 'dolls' house.' With its elegant proportions, this Georgian villa is just the sort of thing a dolls' house maker would fix on for inspiration. Flanked with equally elegant properties, this is a view that defines the term kerb appeal. It's a deceptive frontage, too, as inside lie four double bedrooms and two large reception rooms, plus a dining room and dining kitchen. Those Georgians knew how to live - there's even a cellar for your wines.
Price: £950,000
Contact: gascoignehalman.co.uk
King Street, Knutsford
If you have ever wondered what lies inside the tiny terraced houses lining Knutsford's King Street, wonder no more. This house would have been in place when Elizabeth Gaskell strolled into town, before penning her novel Cranford. If the exterior still brings images of straw bonnets and dances at The Old George to mind, on the inside it's a whole other story, as this Grade II listed building has had a rather fabulous refurbishment, delivering 21st-century comfort in every room.
Price: £525,000
Contact: srushton.co.uk
Moorsbarrow Hall, Middlewich
This ivy-clad country house is just the thing if, for you, the concept of rural idyll also includes five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a state-of-the-art kitchen. Farmhouse chic never looked so good. There's also an orchard, a lily-pond, a wildflower area and somewhere to exercise the ponies - and it all starts with this glorious classic double-fronted Georgian house, with a white-columned wide front door offering a warm welcome to all who visit.
Price: £950,000
Contact: jackson-stops.co.uk
