Property description
Oulton is a small hamlet, close to the village of Norbury, It is situated approximately 4 miles north-east of Newport, south of the Newport to Newcastle under Lyme Road road. The village gave its name to Norbury junction, about one mile to the south-east. At one time (1835), this was a junction between the main Birmingham and Liverpool Canal (later the Shropshire Union Canal) and a branch stretching through Newport to the now-abandoned Shrewsbury Canal.
The property is surrounded by open countryside and a large network of bridleways and footpaths to explore.
The county town of Stafford is a short distance away with the mainline railway station providing regular intercity services to London, Birmingham and Manchester as do the M6 and M54 motorways, both within easy reach of the property.
The charming cottage has been significantly improved by the current owners, adding a stunning single story extension to the rear which provides the open space, so favoured for modern living where the kitchen serves as the social heart of the home.
A canopied porch leads into a central hallway with stairs to the first floor and the formal sitting room to the right. A large and spacious room with windows over the front driveway to the front and larger windows and bi-fold hardwood doors opening out to a decked entertaining area to the rear. An inglenook fireplace houses an attractive wood burning stove, providing a warm focal point to the room.
To the left of the hallway is a smaller reception room or family snug, again with a fireplace housing a wood burning stove. To the rear of the snug is the extended part of the property with kitchen and dining space, leading through to a generous sized utility room, separate laundry and guest cloak room. The architect designed space is simply stunning with masses of light provided by two stylish glass atrium ceilings and feature double doors, overlooking the rear garden.
The contemporary kitchen is designed around a central island unit with quartz surface and four ring induction hob. The kitchen is wonderfully well appointed with a Bosch pyrolytic oven and separate oven/ microwave combination, along with two warming drawers providing all the equipment necessary for even the most accomplished of chefs. Underfloor heating runs through from the kitchen to the utility at the rear under attractive ceramic tiles, unifying the two spaces.
The first floor landing provides access to three bedrooms, two of which are en-suite with the third being served by the principal bathroom. The Master Bedroom enjoys a particularly smart bathroom suite with roll top bath and separate shower enclosure. The views from the first floor to the front of the property stretch as far as the Wrekin, over a mix of farmland and paddocks.
A cast iron spiral staircase rises to the converted attic space, currently in use as a home office. Needless to say, the views from this level are outstanding and the room could easily be used as a fourth bedroom, with additional walk in storage space provided by the remaining unconverted loft space.
There is ample parking to the front and side of the cottage with a large gate providing access to the rear garden which is a mix of well-stocked borders and shaped lawn. A large green house to the rear has power running to it.
The property was extended in 2012 and a completion certificate is in place. Drainage is by way of septic tank, located within the boundary of the property, central heating is by LPG with a tank located in the rear garden.
Presented in immaculate condition throughout, the cottage stands as a testament to the taste of the owners.