Scarlet Hall
Malpas, Chester, Cheshire, UK
Set down a sweeping drive within the grounds of a 12-acre private Cheshire estate, here is a large country home created with grand family escapes in mind. Spring wisteria, roaring fires and miles of green space to frolic across when the sun shines high in the sky; this luxury self-catering country home with an indoor pool promises holidays filled with connection and rejuvenation. Oozing class and romance, it'll come as no surprise that Scarlet Hall can also be hired as an exclusive-use wedding venue.
Introduction
Heavy timber beams, deep inglenook fireplaces and an ancient soul that, if it could, would sing with stories of homesteading, princes and prisoners of war since the 1640s; Scarlet Hall is the archetype of an English country home. Characterful and authentic, the open-plan kitchen-come living area is the real heart of this impressive home, where the ever-present warmth of the Aga exudes a comfort that wraps guests with an inviting embrace. On midsummer evenings, take life outside and congregate around the firepit as stars sprinkle the sky above the seemingly never-ending front lawn.
Inside
Every detail at Scarlet Hall has been put in chosen and positioned with indulgence in mind; pad across the courtyard to the coach house for a peaceful morning swim as the family lay slumbering in bed, sink into a tub looking out over the grounds or employ an in-house chef to serve a supper to remember in the show-stopping dining hall. Come rain or shine, the sauna promises deep recharging of the body and mind while the cinema and games rooms will bring hours of unrivalled entertainment.
Outside
With a lawn so large that the annual village cricket tournament used to be held here, there is no shortage of space for family games of rounders or hide and seek, while the evergreen topiary adds a touch of whimsy to gentle parkland strolls. While there is so much to do here that one will barely even have time to turn on the TV, if guests do feel the need to roam beyond the grounds, North Wales and Snowdonia National Park are within easy driving distance, offering fine dining, mountain hikes and coastal adventures aplenty.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 22 guests
From £6,995 per week, £4,995 per short break
Day hire options are available - Alternative group optionUp to 12 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThe main house flaunts six bedrooms, five of which are on the first floor (three double en suite; two large zip-and-link en suite) and one on the ground level (with en suite shower room). There is also a separate ground floor WC. The adjacent coach house has two double bedrooms and three zip-and-link bedrooms, two of which share a Jack-and-Jill shower room. Three further shower rooms, a WC and a family bathroom with bath and shower are spread among the coach house and pool house.
View bedrooms - FeaturesIndoor heated pool (water and air temperature heated to 32 degrees), sauna, games room, snooker table, cinema room, badminton hall, boules, golf, table tennis, croquet, rounders
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £120 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4.30pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome. One cot and one highchair are available.
- PracticalitiesThere is parking for 10 cars at the rear of the house, and electric oak security gates at the entrance. The kitchen includes a large Aga with electric hob, double Miele fridge-freezer with built-in ice maker, Miele dishwasher and Virtuoso coffee machine. A washing machine and tumble dryer are available. Please be advised that the owners live next door and are happy to be contacted if needed. A wheelchair ramp is available. Please note, when booking the smaller group option the bedrooms in the coach house will not be available to guests. Dogs are to stay in the boot room (with underfloor heating) overnight. Should you wish to use the barn for a celebration, please contact a member of the team to arrange this, as this may incur an additional charge (available between 9am-9pm). You are welcome to book the property for a yoga retreat or similar, an additional charge may apply. If arriving by air, helicopters are welcome to land on the grounds by prior arrangement.
- Homestay includesLuxury welcome hamper, Sky TV, Netflix, five large LCD TVs and DVD players, Sonos multi-room sound system, Virtuoso coffee machine, underfloor heating, iPad, WiFi internet, Original Jerk charcoal barbecue, board games, croquet, linen and towels, logs and kindling to get you started...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
- Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay. Details are shared through our house book on confirming your booking.
- Eco-friendlyTwo electric car charging points
- RestrictionsParties considered on prior permission from the owner, fireworks and lanterns are not permitted due to the close proximity of livestock
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsView floor plan
Weddings
Covered in vines and flanked by sweeping lawns, Scarlet Hall offers a magical setting for an English country wedding. The house was once home to a visiting Prince and exudes regal romance. Exclusive use of the venue includes the main house as well as the wedding barn within the grounds - all yours for the taking.
Prices & Availability
Chester
History runs through the ancient city of Chester and its Roman remains. Tudor charms and signs of Victoriana are all still evident within the sandstone walls, making for a history-rich destination.
Getting there
- On the Map The manor is located in the village of Shocklach, just 12 miles from Chester, 38 miles from Liverpool, 51 from Manchester and 65 from Birmingham.
- By Car Scarlet Hall is 30 minutes from Chester, an hour and 20 minute drive to central Manchester or Liverpool and an hour and a half from central Birmingham.
- By Train The best and most direct station is Chester and Crewe, with regular train services to London and the rest of the country.
- By Air The nearest airports are Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon, an easy one hour drive away. Helicopters are welcome to land on the grounds of Scarlet Hall by prior arrangement.
From the owner
“The house has a lovely homely feel, it´s amazingly bright and sunny for a 17th century timber-framed building. Cleverly redesigned mixing an open-plan layout with traditional features, it creates a feeling of space and flow. You get views from all sides, from sunrises to the magnificent sunsets.”
Scarlet Hall was originally built circa 1640. It is a timber framed building with close boarded timber panels which were used in this period as a sign of affluence. Over the generations the house has been encased with brickwork.
We were fortunate enough to purchase this gem in 2004. We were looking for a project to create a family home in the country to bring up our two children. So, when this came up for auction we jumped at the chance, probably not thinking too much about the enormity of the project! Fortunately, we have enjoyed renovating properties before and so we relished this opportunity and it has taken 14 years of careful restoration to create this haven for our family.
The manor house has been decorated with calming, warm neutrals which complement the many timbers and beams. Although this house has origins from the 17th century, it has many modern-day touches which provide a light, bright and very comfortable environment.
Scarlet Hall has been a place for our family to gather and celebrate birthdays, Christmas, New Year and special weekends! As the inscription found in an old chimney says, "Ye Friends Meeting House" and that is what this house represents to us.
The Coulter Family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Chester with an insider’s perspective.
To See
The city of Chester
Chester was built as a Roman fortress and is renowned for its Roman walls. It houses the largest Roman amphitheatre in the UK as well as The Rows, a two-tier Tudor shopping arcade. After a morning shopping, take a soothing boat trip along the River Dee.
To Do
Mountain Bike, Coed Llandegla Forest
One of the UK´s leading forest visitor centres, Coed Llandegla offers mountain biking for all abilities on some of the best trails in the country. Bikes can be hired and lessons booked, and there are well-marked walking paths too.
To Eat
Carden Arms
The Carden Arms is a traditional 18th century coaching Inn, full of interesting antiques and paintings! The smoked haddock rarebit and crushed herb potatoes are a firm favourite of ours.
To Do
Sandstone Trail, Duckington
The Sandstone Trail is a 55km long walkers path running North to South, from the ancient town of Frodsham to Whitchurch. There are many beautiful walks from any area along the ridge, all with fabulous views and it has been featured by Julia Bradbury on ´Britain´s Favourite Walks´.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
What an incredible place for our wonderful weekend! Thank you so much. Best weekend ever and a great place to stay! We knew this home would be incredible but it exceeded expectations - absolutely phenomenal, beautiful grounds and house. Thank you for making our wedding weekend so special.
Our third year here and this property never ceases to amaze. It really does feed the soul. Every year there is something new, and this year the barbeque area and aga have been much enjoyed. Our dog has enjoyed his freedom and will undoubtedly sulk on our return home (as he has on previous years). Chris and Gail are the most fantastic hosts and their love and hard work is palpable and is evident throughout. So many lovely touches.
Thank you for another wonderful stay here with perfect weather. Enjoyed by all, such a beautiful home. Thank you.
What a stunning home to use to celebrate our mums 80th birthday. Everything was just perfect, attention to detail is second to none. Thank you so much.
A beautiful magical place, just wonderful, calming energy, we have loved having our birthdays here!
Thank you for yet another incredible stay at your beautiful home. It took us 5 years to return but worth the wait. The boys especially loved the new barbeque it made them feel at home.
There are no words to describe how exceptional Scarlet Hall is. You have created such a magical place for family and friends to congregate, celebrate and make memories that will last a lifetime. You are the most perfect hosts and we will remember you and this beautiful weekend as the most perfect bubble in time. You have created something so special and we will forever be grateful. Thank you
What an incredible house, we all want to live here! The attention to detail and beautiful furniture, lighting and paintings – just so stunning and feels like a beautiful home not a home let to guests. Thank you for all of the delicious snacks and food, the brownies were incredible and lasted about five minutes. We would all so love to come back, so much fun was had. Thanks so much.
What an absolutely wonderful stay! Every year we go away over the Christmas period to reconnect and bond as a family and we can honestly say this stay has surpassed them all. The thought and care that has gone into this beautiful home is such as we have not experienced before. Thank you so much.
We booked Scarlet Hall for a large family gathering over the Christmas break. It’s safe to say we had a wonderful time in this magnificent property. We’ve captured some amazing memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for allowing us to spend quality family time in your wonderful home. PS, the scones and mince pies went down a treat!
Congratulations to the owners on their magnificent transformation of this superb house. Three generations joined for a week´s holiday and it has been brilliant. We loved the house, its facilities, and the thought that has gone into making this amazing home feel like our own for the week. Our grandchildren want to live here - they’ve absolutely loved the pool! Thank you so much, we hope to be back.
What a stylish place, everything was just perfect. A wonderful backdrop to an important family occasion. Thank you for allowing us to create such special memories at Scarlet Hall.
We have had the most amazing weekend celebrating my belated 80th birthday. Thank you so much for letting us have this amazing property for all the family. A truly special place and will always be in our hearts and thoughts.
What a perfect spot for our extended family get-together. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home. We loved all the games, badminton, pool, swimming, and table tennis. Stunning gardens, a magical week in the sunshine. Thank you!
Thank you for an incredible and unforgettable weekend! Your generosity has not gone unnoticed. The vegan scones and tiffins were delicious. It was the most perfect weekend to bring my friends and family together to celebrate the completion of my PhD. Thank you to the owners for making our stay at Scarlet Hall ´a one to remember. An absolutely amazing experience! Thank you.
Following a very long wait, we finally arrived returned for a second visit to the fabulous Scarlet Hall. Everything is absolutely perfect, just as we remembered it. We have all had the best of times making more wonderful family memories here.
We have had the most amazing time here, and whilst there are some fantastic places to visit right on the doorstep; we have been quite content to stay at the house! The pool and badminton have been most enjoyed, but this property literally caters for all eventualities and weather conditions! It has been just magical! Thank you for such a warm welcome - the foodie hamper and homemade brownies were delicious! You really have thought of everything, this place feeds the soul. Thank you!
What a phenomenal way to celebrate the lifting of restrictions. We will return in the summer all being well, as we have found a piece of paradise here at Scarlet Hall. The house and grounds are truly exquisite in all aspects. The standard is of the highest order and other luxury places pale into insignificance. The best family short break we have ever had. Thank you.
What an amazing and fantastic weekend spent with the family. Scarlet Hall is such a gorgeous venue, you have considered everything and thought of every detail. Thank you so much, we will be back!
Thank you so much. The house was the perfect location for our wellbeing retreat. Everyone had a fantastic time and couldn´t stop admiring the interior and exceptional attention to detail. We are already excited to come back!
We all had a wonderful time in this beautiful house. We very much appreciated all the little touches, the fresh flowers and welcoming cakes and scones. The swimming pool area is absolutely superb and your facilities are outstanding. We would simply love to return again one day.
We have had a wonderful week in your beautiful house. It has made the start of 2020 absolutely amazing. Thank you!
We have had a fantastic Christmas in your beautiful house. What an amazing venue! It´s beautifully decorated and catered for all ages of the family. The swimming pool was popular with all! We can´t wait to return in the summer months.
This property completely satisfies every aspect of what you can expect from its inclusion on the Unique Homestays portfolio. The house is a perfect combination of old farm buildings, retaining superb historic feel combined with completely up-to-date facilities with the highest level of decoration and furnishings. The owners have created a fantastic environment to relax in.
Another amazing couple of days in a wonderful location. The house, facilities and attention to detail is wonderful. We will definitely be coming back and making others aware of this hidden gem.
Thank you so much for letting us stay at Scarlet Hall. The house is just perfect and everything has been thought of! We have ha such a brilliant weekend!
Having grown up here and married close by; Scarlet Hall seemed the ideal venue to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary with some of our closest friends and family. The house is stunning, with fabulous decor and so well stocked. We love what you have done to this wonderful house. A big thank you to the owners, we will be back to see you again!
What an incredible house with so much entertainment for the children - the list is endless! Our whole family have had such a wonderful week, and with so much room to roam we often lost each other! The chocolate cake and cheese board was very thoughtful and happily devoured by all. Thank you to the owners for opening up your house - we will be back next year!
Return trip and it was even better! Thank you so much for making my 70th birthday party such a wonderful occasion.
Wow, what an amazing house. We´ve made some absolutely brilliant and funny memories here. Andrew, the pianist was a real treat. We also enjoyed some unexpected warm and dry weather to top it off! See you again, and a very big thank you.
Thank you for an amazing week in your beautiful house. We all had so much fun in the house and grounds, we didn´t need to leave the property! Lots of wonderful memories have been made to treasure.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Scarlet Hall and Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
UK Holiday Homes with Pools
The Times
May 2021Snow white
Country Homes & Interiors
December 2024The UK´s cosiest boltholes for Christmas
The Times
December 2024Natural beauty
25 Beautiful Homes
December 202425 of the best autumn getaways
The Times
November 2024Good manors
Condé Nast Traveller
November 2024Ways to improve your life—from our experts
The Times
October 2024The UK´s most relaxing riverside stays
The Times
October 2024
All Properties > UK > Cheshire > Chester > Scarlet Hall
Related Collections
Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
