The Great Getaway: a restored vicarage in Cheshire

The Old Vicarage sits among the Bickerton countryside, an area that is a draw for walkers and nature lovers alike. It features the 35-mile Sandstone Trail, with Bickerton Hill offering panoramic views across the Cheshire Plain.

The property, which dates back to 1840, was bought by Sally and Davin Harris in May 2022, having previously been in the same family for around 50 years. They set about renovating the house and 14 months later transformed it to its former glory – and then some.

It is now a luxury holiday home for guests to gather and enjoy the beauty of the Cheshire countryside.

The elegant hallway is an introduction to the grandeur beyond. (Image: Daniel Casson) Sally says: ‘When we bought the Old Vicarage we didn’t know whether it would be our family home or a property to rent to guests – we just knew the location was very special indeed.'

The eight-bedroom house can accommodate up to 18 guests and, despite its size, Sally’s painstaking attention to detail and expert interior design makes for a cosy, welcoming retreat

She is delighted to have welcomed a host of visitors to The Old Vicarage since it opened to guests in May, and says: 'We attract groups, especially multi-generational families gathering for celebrations and special occasions, and that is really lovely.

The luxuriously comfortable drawing room. (Image: Daniel Casson) 'We spent quite a long time getting to know the house when we first took it – where the light comes through and how the rooms could best work, for example. I wanted areas that work for all ages and also to have spaces guests could retreat to for quiet time.'

The home does indeed feel like a luxury retreat: rich, warm colours and soft textures adorn the rooms, and high beams, cornices and period features embrace the building’s heritage. Modern additions such as underfloor heating, a leisure suite, cinema room and outdoor kitchen make it a getaway holiday destination for all ages.

'We want families to come together for wonderful, lasting memories. That is something Davin and I are passionate about. Life is so busy we wanted somewhere families could escape to and it was important to make sure it’s a good holiday for everyone.'

A kitchen for cooking, meeting, eating, talking... and big enough for dancing in. (Image: Daniel Casson) The large kitchen-diner is the hub of the ground floor. The table, which can seat 18, was created by Sally and Davin from old oak timbers. The open-plan room has sofas to sprawl on, so guests can gather and chat while cooking and eating. The kitchen, designed by Sally, was hand-made in Ireland and the Victorian stove sourced to be at the heart of the room.

The drawing room, with its sink-into sofas and open fire, invites you to sit back and unwind at the end of the day. The rich colours of the GP and J Baker wallpaper over the fireplace complement the furnishings.

This feeling of luxury is carried through into the formal dining room, which while dominated by the large dining table, still feels spacious. William Morris wallpaper and fine crockery set on the table are a visual treat. Sally says: 'As a lot of people are coming to stay with us for a celebration, I really wanted a room that was special. I went to many auctions to find such a large table.'

The cinema room for family fun. (Image: Daniel Casson) Eclectic artworks grace the walls throughout The Old Vicarage. 'I am passionate about using local suppliers and it is wonderful to have some of Meghan Valentine's works on the walls,' Sally explains.

While the drawing and dining rooms have a traditional feel, the ground floor takes a more modern twist with the leisure suite. Visitors can dive in and do a lap in the heated pool, hit the running machine or lift a weight or two in the gym. If that leaves you needing a sit down, the cinema room is waiting to welcome guests for movie night.

The light and airy hallway with a large mirror and grandfather clock, welcomes guests. Eyes are immediately drawn to the light coming through the window at the top of the stairs. Calm and muted tones make the Mulberry wallpaper stand out as you ascend to the gallery landing.

The courtyard is a place to gather for meals cooked up in the outdoor kitchen. (Image: Daniel Casson) Sally says: 'With the décor in general, we tried to stay respectful of the area and we drew on the woodland setting.'

Five of the bedrooms are in the main part of the house with the other three in the Old Stables wing. Six are en suite, and all are designed for comfort.

'The beds in particular were really important to me,’ Sally adds. ‘I want people to sleep well and feel fully rested when they stay.'

Bedrooms are designed for beauty and comfort. (Image: Daniel Casson) The master bedroom is in the Old Stables wing, along with two bedrooms sharing a large family bathroom. The main bedroom, with relaxing armchairs, has its own balcony. It also includes a large free-standing mirror, one of a number in the house. All the mirrors were bought from France on Sally’s trips to the Continent to source unique furnishings for the property.

The bedrooms feature more classic décor. 'William Morris really suits the property with its earthy and natural tones,' says Sally. 'I have tried to make it not fashionable but rather timeless, where people can feel comfortable. We have a large and close family and we wanted to create a space that we would want to stay in ourselves.’

The Old Vicarage is a great base for the Sandstone Trail, chosen by presenters Julia Bradbury and Ore Oduba’s for ITV’s Britain’s Favourite Walks: Top 100. Dogs are welcome at the property, which is located halfway along the trail, and there is even a bespoke House of Hounds bed in the boot room.

Plenty of space to swim and gym. (Image: Daniel Casson) 'The walks around the property are quite magnificent,’ Sally says, ‘but we also wanted to make sure there was enough for families to do on the wet days when they don’t fancy heading out.'

Set in three quarters of an acre, the gardens have been designed by Sally to offer privacy and tranquillity. There is a croquet lawn, yoga deck, hot tub, a retreat garden and orchard spacious enough for ball games. 'I really value what a garden can offer as a space of solace,' she says.

'I wanted to connect the house with the gardens and the setting, because that is what makes it so special. Bringing the elements together has worked well and we’re pleased at how the house sits in its environment.'

The formal dining rooms with its grand setting and lovely china has space for 18 diners. (Image: Daniel Casson) The outside space includes a courtyard with a kitchen, pizza oven and barbecue. All the rooms downstairs have French windows leading into the grounds and the courtyard provides a communal area.

Creating beautiful homes is what Sally and Davin have been doing for more than 20 years. Together they run Harris Homes, a development and construction company. This partnership plays to their strengths – Sally has the artistic eye for interior design while Davin is on the top of his game with the project management side of the business.

'We have different skill sets,’ she says. ‘Davin has learned not to get involved with the design or décor but he does all the building side and makes it all possible. He has a great team behind him who have been with us from the start.

The Old Vicarage has formal gardens as well as places to sit and enjoy the magnificent views. (Image: Daniel Casson) 'We had a vision and I am really pleased with the result. We have respected the building but also really feel as though we have brought it back to life. We are so happy families are making memories here.'