Brassey's Contract Cottage is an adorable, beautifully restored thatched cottage in the quiet hamlet of Edge in south Cheshire. Lime plaster, sheep's wool insulation, lime-based pigments, wattle and daub panels, the former cottage flagstones, and as much of its original fabric as possible, was used in this authentic restoration. The cottage is one of the most comfortable holiday cottages you will ever find, and the enclosed garden with its lawn, orchard, pond and wild flower meadow is a haven for wildlife as well as visitors. Brassey's sleeps 2 to 6 (plus a babe in arms) in a twin and 2 double bedrooms. No children under 8 because of the pond, and sorry, no dogs. Free access to a nearby luxury spa (pool, steam, sauna and gym) is included in the booking. CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY AND TO BOOK ONLINE. Alternatively, click here to email us with your booking requirements.

This carefully restored and sensitively extended cottage dates back to the seventeenth-century , when it was probably built as a steward's cottage. It derives its current unusual name from the fact that it was here that the famous Victorian railway engineer, Thomas Brassey, shook hands on the deal to buy the land for the railway line between Chester and Shrewsbury. Since then, the cottage suffered a decline in its fortunes, so that by the time the owner rescued it from the 'at risk' register, it was in a very decrepit state.

The energetic owner of Brassey's Contract Cottage has a great flair for decoration as well as for restoration: lovely designer fabrics and Axminster carpets have been used inside, as well as carefully-selected antique country furniture and paintings, high quality beds with Ralph Lauren bedding, and top-of-the-range bathroom fittings.

Downstairs, the cottage now comprises a drawing-room with multi-fuel stove, a cosy sitting-room wth a Victorian cast-iron range fire, a dining area, a lovely cottagey kitchen, a utility room, a small study area, and a loo/shower-room. Upstairs, there is a master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, a double bedroom with ensuite loo and hand basin, and a twin bedroom with ensuite loo and hand basin.

The nitty gritty:

• Wood burner in drawing-room, and Victorian range fire in sitting-room (fuel provided)
• Free wifi
• TV with DVD and basic Sky in drawing-room; satellite TV and DVD in sitting-room
• CD-player/radio
• Good mobile reception
• Electric oven
• Fridge
• Separate freezer
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Washer/dryer
• Store cupboard essentials included (coffee, tea, sugar, s&p, olive oil etc)
• All basics included (soap, loo paper, cleaning materials etc)
• Luxury laundered bedlinen and towels
• Central heating throughout
• Plenty of parking
• Garden furniture and barbecue
• Fenced wildlife pond
• 2 acres of grounds, including an ancient orchard and wildflower meadow
• Cot and high chair available on request
• Charming, untouristy part of England
• Pub is a walkable 1 mile away
• Malpas village 3 miles away, for shopping and dining
• Chester 13 miles; Shrewsbury 25 miles; Llangollen 25 miles
• Erddig (National Trust house) 14 miles away

Things to do around this holiday cottage in Cheshire

As well as free access to the lovely spa at Carden Park, which is included in the price, there is an excellent golf course there, too. There are plenty of excellent walks around the cottage on public footpaths (including the Sandstone Trail), as well as further afield. There are plenty of things to see and do in the area - castles (Beeston and Peckforton), churches, country towns, markets, and, of course, the beautiful city of Chester with its cathedral, good restaurants and shopping. The Blue Planet Aquarium is 18 miles away and makes a great day out for families.

Pricing & Availability

Changeovers are Mondays and Fridays. Weekends are set-priced from Friday 4pm to either Sunday evening or Monday 10.30am; so you can stay 1, 2 or 3 nights for the weekend price. If there are only 2 nights available, this shorter weekend will be priced down accordingly. Move the cursor over a date and prices will appear, and click for a quote. You can book online, or contact us by email and we can do it for you: caroline@blackmountains.biz or telephone 01873 890190.

Location Map

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From the Visitors Book at Brassey's Contract Cottage

"Lovely cottage, great surroundings - made for a romantic weekend." ~ Katie and Richard, Sheffield

"Perfect setting for a relaxing weekend. Really enjoyed the tranquillity. The locals were very friendly." ~ Roisin & Sean, Ireland

"A beautifully renovated cottage. A perfect combination of old and new. Lovely garden and pond, teeming with wildlife." ~ Charlie and Dee, Weston-Super-Mare