The Lakehouse at Coddington Mill

Coddington Mill had been on the market for 8 years by the time Sally and Matt arrived, its future tied up in conservation rules and a long list of things that didn’t work. The weir was broken, the lake barely held water, and an old Japanese teahouse – once set among maples and cherry blossom – had slipped into near disrepair. Inside: damp air, debris, the sense no one had stood there properly in years. The mill itself – an 18thC building in a small hamlet just outside Chester – was clearly a long-term project, the kind measured in years. It would have been the obvious place to begin (and indeed has been a work in progress ever since). But, smitten, the owners poured most of their budget into this fairytale smaller structure, restoring the cabin, the lake and the surrounding planting to create the most beautiful cocoon for 2.

The kitchen is hand-built; the bathroom sink sits on a reclaimed Singer sewing table; black matt fittings run throughout. Outside, a copper bath promises starlight soaks and a firepit is close to the water. It still carries the quiet intent of the original teahouse – something completely hidden amongst nature – but it’s been reworked into a space that’s liveable and luxe. Above all, it’s hugely romantic. The Cheshire countryside with the Sandstone Ridge is within easy reach, as is the lovely town of Chester. Or just jump on the bikes provided and cycle to The Cock ‘O Barton for a local ale and Sunday roast.

Getting here: drive, or train to Chester then taxi (20 mins)