6 Bedroom Detached House, Clitheroe Road, Knowle Green, PR3

As you drive up the 280m of private tree-lined driveway and pass through the wooden electric gates, a stunning cedar-clad architectural gem awaits. Nestled in the heart of the area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), Forest of Bowland in the esteemed Ribble Valley, this exceptional family residence perfectly blends refined luxury with the natural beauty of its surroundings. Boasting not only a meticulously crafted façade and an interior designed for real living but also awe-inspiring gardens that surround the residence.

Welcome to Squire House, an elegant eco home where modern comforts and serene landscapes intertwine to create a truly exceptional living experience.

Squire House, constructed in 2010 by its current owners as a luxury family residence, was carefully designed with eco-friendliness as a core principle. Collaborating with Harrison Pitt Architects, the family meticulously crafted an ideal living space that seamlessly blends functionality and exquisite design.

Built using traditional oak frame construction made by the renowned timber frame specialist company Carpenter and Oak, who helped restore the roof of Windsor Castle in 1992 following the fire at the Queen’s residence and have since won numerous awards for their work. They even restored Shackleton’s Hut in Antarctica in 2005.

The centre piece of Squire House is the breath-taking dining hall with its soaring 10-metre-high ceiling. Encased by oak beams and with floors of travertine, the room exudes ecclesiastical character, while the monumental stone fireplace serves as a captivating focal point.

To the rear of the dining hall, through the internal bi-fold doors, the living kitchen opens up into an inviting entertaining space. The open-plan living kitchen boasts impressive handmade solid oak units and a moveable island all handbuilt by bespoke joiner, Joe Fletcher who has gone on to make the finest unique pieces of bespoke joinery with clients spanning the globe.

The beautifully crafted kitchen is anchored by a 3+2-oven Aga range, sure to be the heart of any culinary venture. On colder days, the kitchen provides the perfect retreat to warm up with a cup of tea while basking in the beauty of the gardens visible through the window.

The attention to detail and impeccable craftsmanship of the living kitchen, coupled with the stunning views and warm atmosphere, make it a perfect space for hosting guests or spending relaxing afternoons with family.

Tucked away behind the kitchen, you'll find another example of the thoughtful design that permeates throughout the property. A well-appointed back kitchen awaits, complete with ample storage units and work surface, while the adjoining laundry room, boot room and large store are an absolute must for any busy household.

But perhaps the standout feature of the space is the impressive pantry, sure to excite both the culinary enthusiast and the organisational aficionado in equal measure. Whether you're stowing away your favourite ingredients or arranging your kitchenware with precision, the pantry is the ideal space to keep everything in its place.

Beyond the kitchen, a peaceful retreat awaits in the family lounge. The focal point is a grand stone fireplace, providing a cosy atmosphere on those colder days and nights. During the spring and summer months you’ll enjoy the soothing sounds of nature, simply open the doors to the decked area and enjoy the view of the bubbling water in the Koi pond. With a dedicated plant room, the Koi pond offers the potential to be transformed into a freshwater swimming pool.

Connected to the family lounge is the hand-crafted library, designed by bespoke joiner Joe Fletcher. This inviting room provides the ideal sanctuary to escape with a good book or enjoy family game nights. It would also suit as a music room or snug.

On the opposite side of the dining hall, you'll discover a versatile space currently utilised as a gym, complete with a fantastic Swedish sauna and adjoining changing area with WC and shower room.

Returning to the dining hall, you'll be greeted by a striking oak staircase that's elegantly illuminated with LED lights. Follow the staircase up to a beautiful galleried landing, offering a bird's-eye view of the impressive dining hall below. From this elevated position, take a moment to appreciate the intricacy and charm of the oak beams that surround the dining hall.

Heading towards the rear of the property, you'll find two comfortable double bedrooms, connected by a Jack and Jill study. Step out onto the balcony, a perfect spot to take a breath and appreciate the vista.

Along the west side and to the front of the house you will find three more spacious en-suite bedrooms each with huge triple glazed windows framing fantastic views. Evidence again of the thoughtfulness of the design, ensuring every room takes advantage of the astonishing views.

Indulge within the sumptuous family bathroom, conveniently located between bedrooms. This opulent space features a freestanding extra-deep cast iron bathtub, offering the perfect retreat for relaxation. Twin sinks, a double shower and a hidden WC add a touch of practicality. One of the highlights of this magnificent bathroom is the expansive window situated above the bathtub, allowing you to soak as you watch the gentle rustling of trees. It's the ultimate spot to unwind and connect with nature while enjoying a soothing bath.

The master suite at Squire House is a sanctuary of calm. Its expansive layout, vaulted ceilings, and exposed beams are brought together by the engineered oak flooring, achieving warmth and luxury on a truly impressive scale.
Wake up to spectacular views, step out onto one of the two balconies and indulge in a morning ritual of sipping fresh coffee while gazing at the Koi pond below or the beauty of the surrounding countryside. The perfectly appointed en-suite bathroom with twin sinks and double shower, adds to the indulgence, while the generously sized dressing room provides ample storage space.

Thoughtfully positioned within the property to ensure a quiet and distraction-free environment, a fantastic home office can be found next door to the master suite. This spacious home office boasts ample work space, allowing you to stay productive and organised. For those seeking additional workspace or a creative studio, a mezzanine level offers the perfect spot. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with natural light and once again showcases the impressive views. Accessible via a concealed second staircase, this hidden space guarantees a perfect work-from-home solution.

External

Step outside via one of the many doors leading to the garden and be greeted by manicured gardens that embrace the property on three sides. The immaculate lawn, constructed to sports standards, boasts free-draining sand loam soil and a comprehensive drainage system that ensures its pristine condition.
As you make your way along the sweeping steps leading to the paddock, you'll be surrounded by rockeries adorned with heathers and lavender. These lush plantings create a seamless transition between the garden and paddocks.

On the right side of the property sits a magnificent 11m x 4m Koi pond (Koi not included in the sale). With a capacity of 80,000 litres and a dedicated pump room, the pond could be converted into a swimming pool if desired. Above the pond, you’ll find a perfect sunbathing spot and to the right, a cosy bistro area is ideal for enjoying breakfast in the warm morning sun. At the rear, an alfresco dining area, offering you the perfect setting for outdoor meals.

The property also benefits from a 5 bay garage with automated doors, a substantial workshop, store and a 339 SQM barn.

The barn, built with reinforced concrete panels surrounding a galvanised steel frame and timber board cladding with LED interior lighting, power and water was an addition to the property in 2012. Currently the barn houses a 4m climbing wall but would be perfect for equestrian or agricultural use with a paddock directly to the rear.

Available by separate negotiation, an additional 44 acres (approximately) of neighbouring land.

Eco Credentials and Finer Details: -
• Set in 7.3 Acres (thereabouts) of lush grounds.
• Additional 31 acres or thereabouts available to purchase by separate negotiation.
• 339 sqm (3648 SQFT) agricultural barn perfect for equestrian facilities or farming with a paddock directly to the rear.
• The house is triple glazed with highly efficient NorDan Scandinavian windows and glass doors.
• Highly energy and sound efficient timber walls, clad in cedar which requires no paint or treatment.
• Air ventilation system throughout, with heat recovery system to recycle heat from outgoing air.
• Underfloor heating throughout.
• Building regulations require a domestic building to lose no more than 10 cubic metres (M3) of internal air per hour from the structure. Squire House lost just 0.74 M3/hr on its shell test and just 2.96 M3/hr on its finished construction. An excellent air test result by 2023 standards.
• LED lighting through majority of the house.
• Heating and hot water provided by solar panels and wood chip biomass boiler system.
• Private borehole water supply.
• Waste bio digester treatment plant.

Further information

On the Road

Clitheroe - 8.3 miles
Whalley - 7.3 miles
Hurst Green - 2.6 miles
Ribchester - 2.1 miles
Preston Railway Station - 11 miles
Manchester Airport - 47 miles
Manchester – 38 miles
Liverpool – 47 miles
Leeds – 52 miles
Windermere - 57 miles

The above distances are for approximate guidance only and have been sourced via Google maps from the property postcode.


By Rail

Manchester Victoria from Ramsgreave and Wilpshire - 59 mins
Manchester Piccadilly from Preston - 36 mins
London Euston from Preston - 2hr 11mins

The above times are for approximate guidance only and have been sourced via the Trainline website.

Local Leisure Activities

- Golf clubs located in Stonyhurst (9), Whalley (9), Clitheroe (18) and Longridge (18).
- Some of the finest road cycling in the UK is available straight out of the door from Squire House or head to Gisburn forest for dedicated MTB trails for all abilities (https://www.forestryengland.uk/gisburn-forest-and-stocks/cycling-and-mountain-biking-trails-gisburn).
- Running – the location is spoilt with an abundance of trail and quiet road running routes all around the Ribble Valley.
- Ribchester boasts a rich Roman heritage, with its notable archaeological finds displayed in the must-visit museum. Take a stroll around the ruins then head for lunch at Potters Barn or Stydd Gardens.
- Stanley House Hotel and Spa and The Woodland Spa at Crow Wood both have fantastic facilities with a range of treatments on offer for a relaxing day out.

Local Walks

- Head out of the house, over the fields and up towards Longridge Fell, which offers panoramic views from the trig point, making the climb totally worth it.
- Hurst Green is thought to be the inspiration behind The Shire in is the birthplace of J.R.R. Tolkien's iconic literary masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings. Start at the Shireburn Arms, head out to along the trail and immerse yourself in the inspiration that surrounded Tolkien and explore the landscapes that fuelled his imagination.
- Starting at Cromwell’s bridge, amble along the banks of the River Hodder. The perfect spot for a paddle and a picnic.
- Pendle Hill, from the Village of Barley, head to the steps, steep but absolutely worth the effort for the 360 views from the trig point. En-route home be sure to stop in the idyllic village of Downham for an ice cream in the tiny café or for lunch at The Assheton Arms.

Local Eateries

The Ribble Valley was described as “England’s Answer to Tuscany” by The Telegraph, in reference to the beautiful landscapes and the fantastic food on offer. You’ll be spoilt for choice but here are a few local favourites:

Northcote – Michelin starred restaurant – Langho
The Inn at Whitewell – Whitewell
The Three Fishes – Mitton
Mitton Hall – Mitton
Rum Fox – Grindleton
Fell Bistro – Longridge
The Freemasons – Wiswell
Toms Table – Clitheroe
King Street Kitchen – Whalley
Parkers Arms – Newton-in-Bowland
Coach and Horses – Bolton-by-Bowland
Higher Buck – Waddington