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Arnold & Phillips are delighted to bring to market this three-bedroom semi-detached cottage, perfectly positioned along the ever-popular Skull House Lane in Appley Bridge, West Lancashire.
This is a home that immediately strikes the right balance between character and potential, with its handsome stone frontage and traditional proportions creating a strong first impression before you even step inside.
The property is approached via a private driveway, set well back from the road and providing comfortable parking for multiple vehicles, which is always a valuable advantage in this location. The stone façade gives the home a sense of permanence and charm, setting it apart from more modern constructions nearby. On approach, you get the feeling that this is a home that has been well-loved, with strong foundations in both build and setting, ready for its next chapter.
Stepping through the front door, the ground floor unfolds with a layout that feels both practical and adaptable. The main living room sits to the front, and its bay window not only enhances the sense of space but also frames the view out towards the front aspect. The proportions of this room are generous, allowing for a variety of furniture arrangements, and the ornate feature fireplace provides a natural focal point, adding a touch of character that could be retained within any modernisation plans. This is the sort of room that can easily adapt to different lifestyles, whether used as a cosy family hub or a more formal entertaining space.
Adjoining the lounge is a separate dining room, which feels open and accommodating, helped by the modern patio doors that lead directly out to the rear garden. It’s a naturally sociable space, ideal for everyday family use but equally suited to hosting gatherings, with the doors offering the option of extending mealtimes outdoors in the warmer months. Next to the dining area sits the kitchen, fitted with a range of units and integrated appliances. While the décor would benefit from some updating to meet today’s tastes, the footprint is a good one, and the contrasting work surfaces already provide a functional base to work from. With a little imagination, this part of the home could be reconfigured or modernised to create a bright, stylish kitchen that perfectly complements the adjoining dining space.
The first floor provides three bedrooms, two of which are comfortable doubles, each with enough space for wardrobes and furnishings without feeling at all cramped. The third, a slightly smaller room, is still practical and would suit a child’s bedroom, nursery, or even a home office, depending on requirements. Serving these bedrooms is a modern family bathroom, fitted with a bath and overhead shower, WC, and wash hand basin, finished in a contemporary style that requires no immediate work. The upstairs feels straightforward and functional, with rooms that are easy to picture working for different household setups.
Externally, the property enjoys a good-sized private plot. To the rear, the garden is currently laid largely with paving for low maintenance, though it could easily be reimagined with landscaping to introduce greenery, lawn, or raised beds for those who enjoy gardening. Of particular note are the two large detached brick outbuildings located within the plot. These are a significant feature, offering excellent scope for redevelopment, subject to planning permission. Whether repurposed as a home office, studio, workshop, or additional living accommodation, they add a rare element of flexibility that many buyers would value highly.
The appeal of this property is further strengthened by its setting. Skull House Lane is a well-regarded road within Appley Bridge, known for its attractive mix of character properties and its convenient positioning. The area benefits from a strong sense of community, with a good range of amenities nearby including local shops, well-regarded schools, and traditional pubs. For those needing to commute, transport links are excellent, with the local train station providing direct services into Manchester and Liverpool, and the nearby motorway network offering further connectivity across the region. The surrounding countryside also opens up a wealth of leisure opportunities, from canal-side walks to more expansive trails across the West Lancashire countryside.
Altogether, this is a home that offers not only character and charm but also a wealth of potential. While it would benefit from some cosmetic modernisation, the fundamentals are already in place, with spacious rooms, a strong layout, and valuable external features. For buyers seeking a property that can be tailored to their own tastes and lifestyle while enjoying a desirable setting in Appley Bridge, this cottage represents an excellent opportunity.