Barlaston Hall, a Grade I listed country home designed by renowned architect Sir Robert Taylor, is set in stunning gardens and overlooks the idyllic Trent Valley.
Built in 1756, Barlaston Hall has a rich history which transcends its immediate beauty. Designed by Sir Robert Taylor, famous for being the architect to the Bank of England preceding Sir John Soane, and carefully restored to its former glory in 1992 after a local mining subsidence caused the house to fall into disrepair.
This beautiful family home is anchored within 4.5 acres of plush landscaped gardens and dominates the Trent Valley from a wooded hilltop. Situated between the peaceful canal market town of Stone and only 5 miles from all the local amenities of Stoke-on-Trent, the property boasts a number of architectural features synonymous with Taylor and is one of the few remaining buildings to still feature his trademark octagonal glazing within the Sash windows. Built in typical Palladian style, the house became iconic as one of the most remarkable success stories in English heritage after it was purchased by conservation society SAVE for £1 after much controversial talk of it being demolished. However with help from English Heritage and the Historic Buildings Council the much awaited restoration was accomplished and features a concrete raft under the building to protect it from any future geological issues.
The magnificent high-ceilinged Doric hall which we first encounter when we enter the property leads us to a plethora of beautiful reception rooms which radiate from the heart of the house and feature log-burning fireplaces. On opposite ends of the house we happen upon a large library with solid mahogany bookshelves and a dining room fit to entertain a king. Both of these rooms feature symmetrical bay windows allowing views over the tended gardens.
The vast kitchen/breakfast room is undoubtedly the principle room on the lower ground floor. Light and airy, it includes bespoke fitted units, an Aga, a central island, a walk-in pantry as well as an open plan dining and sitting area. The rest of the floor is comprised of a spacious boot room, a store room, a self-contained flat and a wine cellar.
The beautifully restored, original, cantilevered staircase leads us up towards the 8 good-sized bedrooms of Barlaston Hall as well as the grandiose master bedroom suite featuring a view which oversees the unspoiled valley. The staircase culminates in a gallery overlooking the four levels below and is illuminated by a classical, domed sky light which warms the entire building with the light above.
The gardens, which emanate in all directions from the house have recently been redesigned by the highly acclaimed, six times Chelsea Flower Show gold medalist Arabella Lennox-Boyd and also contain meandering walkways through private, secluded woodland and an assortment of recently constructed garages to house the classic car, stables to house the family pony and even a lofty orangery for if you fancied turning your hand to a bit of exotic gardening, which are all set around a kitchen garden and a small paddock. Barlaston Hall sits beside the medieval church of St John the Baptist, which has been de-consecrated and may also be purchased seperately if you so desire.
The location would be ideal for families, with many well-respected schools in the environs. The property is also within an hour and a half of London Euston and with the multitude of cultural, sporting and recreational activities available in the surrounding area including; numerous Golf courses, Hunting organisations and the Horse-racing at nearby Uttoxeter to name but a few, the property would be perfect for anyone looking to relocate into the peaceful West Midlands countryside.
The guide price is £2,300,000. For further information please contact Knight Frank on +44 20 7861 1093
* Country houses for sale in Staffordshire
