Many people fantasise about retreating to the countryside and embracing a peaceful, laid-back life. And if this appeals to you, what could be more ideal than a riverside Victorian countryside cottage with a pub on your doorstep?
The White House in Consall Forge, Staffordshire, is situated along the banks of the River Churnet, mere yards from the charming Black Lion pub, and is available for £450,000. And it boasts one particularly unusual feature which could be an absolute delight for railway enthusiasts.
The Churnet Valley Railway passes directly by the cottage, with the garden adjoining the train tracks, allowing owners to watch historic steam locomotives running just yards from their property. The heritage railway operates both steam and diesel engines along a scenic 10.5-mile route through the Staffordshire countryside.
The property advert was posted on Instagram by account housinghorrors, which has 165,000 followers and frequently showcases unusual and remarkable homes for sale throughout the UK. Speaking in the clip, the man running the account said: "If I've got any trainiacs that follow me, this property is for you."
He added: "I wanna show you a few photos from the inside. Looks a bit outdated, but to be honest, I don't think you care about that, because you are here for the bloody trains. Lovely little river right there as well, bedrooms all a pretty decent size."
He continued: "I actually think they've missed a bit of a trick here. I think they should have included more photos of the actual railway, because if there are any trainiacs and trainspotters, and people that love trains, they are gonna bloody lap this up.
"All in all, a very interesting property in Stoke-on-Trent. On the right hand side is the steam train. You've got your river right here with a few canal boats. On the left hand side is your property.
"450 grand. Is it worth the money? I would say yes."
The two-bedroom cottage is being sold by Ashbourne-based estate agents Bagshaws. The Rightmove advert describes it as a "wonderful and unusual property" and highlights its "tranquil setting" with "original features embraced throughout", reports Stoke on Trent Live.
It states: "The cottage stands on approximately an acre of garden and paddocks and dates from the mid 1800s. Both the interior and exterior have original features from that period.
"This is an ideal property for those seeking a rural retreat tucked away from the busy world yet accessible to local amenities. Access is granted to the cottage via a footbridge over the river, the cottage sits on a one acre plot of land and there is a further area of land amounting to 0.81 acres providing a useful meadow and parking area."
It adds: "The property is bordered by the river Churnet and the Churnet Railway, which is a preserved standard-gauge heritage railway that was opened in 1849. The property also benefits from three parcels of land with the whole plot extending to circa 1.81 acres.
"Sitting at the front of the property is a well-maintained paddock, at the rear of the property is a delightful area of woodland pasture, home to mature trees and further down the river is another plot of pastureland suitable for grazing purposes. The rear garden is predominantly enclosed by fencing, laid to lawn with a patio area, perfect to enjoy the views of the river and the railway."
The listing left many viewers impressed in the comments section. One remarked: "This is about 15 minutes from me and the pub across the road (Black Lion) is worth a visit, especially in summer when you can sit outside and watch the trains go by."
