A picturesque farm mansion with “undisturbed views” surrounding it has just gone on the market over in Cheshire.
The only thing is, you’ll just need the small matter of £4.5 million before you can call it yours.
Of course, it goes without saying that the vast majority of people reading this article won’t have £4.5 million just sitting in their bank account right now, and that properties of this size and stature are not the kind we’ll ever get to call home, but if like us, you’ve got no shame in admitting you love looking at houses you can’t afford in places you’ll probably never live, then allow us to introduce you to this absolute stunner.
Take a look inside Hargrave Farm.
A picturesque farm mansion with ‘undisturbed views’ has gone on the market in Cheshire for £4.5 million / Credit: Savills
Located in Hargrave – which is one of Cheshire‘s many affluent and sought-after villages known for combining the best of rural living, while still being conveniently close to a wide range of amenities, excellent local schools, and transport links into Greater Manchester, the rest of the North West, and beyond – estate agents say this seven-bedroom home on the doorstep of Chester has so much to offer prospective buyers.
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To put it simply, this historic home is nothing short of “impressive”.
Set amongst an approximately 50-acres of land, with seriously breath-taking views in every direction you look, this exceptional property is approached from a country lane via an electric gated entrance, and opens onto a tree-lined drive that leads to both the house itself, and the accompanying outbuildings and equestrian facilities.
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Estate agents say the main house – which extends to around 8,000 sq ft – is an “imposing property” that offers outstanding space for entertaining, a spacious open plan family kitchen with an island and an Aga, and various flexible reception rooms and living quarters.
It’s located in Hargrave, which is one of Cheshire’s many affluent and sought-after villages / Credit: Savills
The property has a range of spacious bedrooms set over both the first and second floors, making it perfect for growing families of all sizes to move straight into.
Not only that, but in total, the residence boasts a whopping six bathrooms.
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Away from the main house, a detached outbuilding provides separate self-contained accommodation in the form of The Oathouse, as well as the potential for a variety of other uses – including home offices, or fitness and leisure space.
The outside of the property is just as impressive as the inside too.
The outside of Hargrave Farm is just as impressive as the inside too / Credit: Savills
The main house and outbuildings are set in what estate agents have referred to as “attractive landscaped grounds” which come complete with well-stocked borders, extensive lawns, and a range of mature and semi-mature specimen trees, but it’s the equestrian element that really sets this property apart from the rest.
The equestrian facility’s “comprehensive” set-up combines both indoor and outdoor arenas, American barn stabling, and plenty of storage, and it also links directly to the property’s expansive land.
Hargrave Farm is currently on the market with the Chester branch of national estate agency chain, Savills, for a whopping £1.6 million, and if you fancy taking a closer look, then you can contact the property company to arrange a viewing.
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Or you could just take the cheaper route instead and have a nosey at the Rightmove link here.
Featured image – Savills
Property
Greater Manchester reveals £11.7m plan to tackle empty homes across the region
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester has revealed its £11.7m plan to tackle all the homes currently empty across the region.
They’re aiming to tackle the pressures currently being put on temporary accommodation by turning long-term empty homes throughout the region into safe and secure housing for families who need it.
Temporary accommodation is described as being a ‘vital safety net’ for people who are facing or are at risk of homelessness, as it ensures they have somewhere safe to stay – but rising demand, a shortage of affordable homes, and escalating costs have left Councils, such as Greater Manchester‘s, increasingly reliant on expensive alternatives that are often deemed unsuitable and place a significant strain on local budgets.
At the same time, thousands of long-term empty homes across Greater Manchester remain unused.
This is why, with new devolved powers, GMCA is now taking what it’s calling a ‘coordinated, region-wide approach’ to bring these empty homes back into use and pioneer long-term solutions to the temporary accommodation crisis.
Greater Manchester reveals its £11.7m plan to tackle empty homes across the region / Credit: Benjamin Elliott (via Unsplash)
New research has revealed that temporary accommodation usage across the region has nearly doubled since 2019, with 5,915 households now making use of it as of March 2025.
At the same time, it’s estimated that the region has around 12,700 homes which have been empty for six months or more.
So, the new £11.7 million package – which is funded by GMCA – will be used to refurbish or lease up to 400 properties and help Councils cut bills for ‘costly and unsuitable’ temporary accommodation, such as bed and breakfasts, hostels, or hotels.
“More than 8,000 children are among the families living in temporary accommodation in Greater Manchester and that is simply unacceptable,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham.
“Homelessness tears young families from their communities and support networks, leaving them in environments that are often wholly unsuitable. This experience leaves lasting scars and that’s why we’re taking bold action.
“By investing an initial £11.7m to bring long-term empty homes back into use, we can offer better housing options, reduce the reliance on costly temporary accommodation, and ease the financial strain on local authorities.”
Alongside this package, another £10.6 million fund will enable councils to provide financial incentives, repair support, and offer temporary leasing options for at least 400 empty homes, ensuring they can be quickly brought into use as temporary or settled accommodation for families.
The programme is part of the work of Greater Manchester’s dedicated Housing First Unit, established to deliver the vision for ‘a healthy home for all’ by 2038.
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
Property
Government sets date for ‘historic’ no-fault evictions ban next year
Emily Sergeant
The Government has officially set the date for the ban of no-fault evictions next year.
Renting in England is expected to be ‘transformed’ with a raft of major changes coming into effect as part of the new Renters’ Rights Bill from 1 May 2026 for 11 million people across the country – and this, crucially, includes the end of Section 21 evictions at no-fault of the tenant.
As it stands, Section 21 notices leaving thousands of people vulnerable to homelessness every year, but in just under six months’ time, private renters will no longer face this threat.
To the vast majority of renters and landlords who play by the rules, this government has got your back.
Further measures announced as part of the new Renters’ Rights Bill – which has now been passed in law – include a ban on rental bidding wars, making landlords and letting agents legally required to publish an asking rent for their property and prevented from asking for, encouraging, or accepting any bids above this price, and also a ban on in-tenancy rent increases written in to contracts.
The latter will prevent landlords from implementing higher rents mid-tenancy, and only allow them to raise the rent once a year to the market rate.
Landlords will also no longer be able to unreasonably refuse tenants’ requests to have a pet, nor will they be able to discriminate against potential tenants, because they receive benefits or have children.
‘No-fault’ evictions are now banned in England under historic new legislation / Credit: Maria Ziegler (via Unsplash)
On the flip side, however, the new Bill means landlords will have stronger legally valid reasons to get their properties back when needed – whether that’s be to move in themselves, sell the property, or deal with rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.
The Government says this will work to deliver a fairer system for both sides.
“We’re calling time on no fault evictions and rogue landlords,” commented Housing Secretary, Steve Reed. “Everyone should have peace of mind and the security of a roof over their head, and the law we’ve just passed delivers that.
“We’re now on a countdown of just months to that law coming in, so good landlords can get ready and bad landlords should clean up their act.”
Alongside the Renters’ Rights Act, an ‘improved’ Housing Health and Safety Rating System, which will better assess health and safety risks in homes and making it more efficient and easier to understand, will also be introduced.
And there are also planned new standards to ensure privately rented properties are warmer and cheaper to run.
Emily Sergeant -
12th August 2024 
