
Guest testimonials
Honestly wouldn´t change a thing, everything was perfect, the owners were fantastic, location was perfect, all the activities, the pool and inflatables on offer, the firepit with marshmallows and skewers available in the pantry, they truly thought of everything, even a special room for our dog to stay in and dry off with treats for her and a bed and bowls etc. We will definitely be returning!
The property had everything needed for a large family gathering. The pool, gardens, accessibility to Chester and the N Wales Coast, everything we were looking for. Everything brought a smile to our faces from the moment we arrived. All the games for the children and adults, kitchen facilities, the pool joys, the comfort, the welcome hamper, the welcome from the hosts and the lovely cleaning team who came in as we left. It was a truly superb experience that we would recommend for a special family celebration as we had.
Wow! What a wonderful stay! Where do I start? The most beautiful house, we didn´t want for anything. Attention to detail is incredible, so comfortable and handy while also being so luxurious. Everybody had the most amazing stay! Thank you so much.
Had another fabulous week here. The youngsters loved having the pool and the more mature folk enjoyed walking the grounds. We´d love another visit in the future. Great way to mark year 42 of our annual October half-term family get-together.
Wonderful week here with our family and friends. Weather perfect too. Our third time here we love it so much. Hope to be back to enjoy the peace and quiet. Thank you for your kindness.
A truly beautiful setting for our very special family gathering. Including a 90th birthday and Father´s Day! There is nothing to fault. Everything has been thought of. We have made many happy memories in your lovely home and hope very much to return.
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.
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!
Read more reviews on TrustPilot and Google or hear from the owner
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. Read more...
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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.
Scarlet Hall has eleven bedrooms across two houses, sleeping up to 22 guests. The Main House has six bedrooms, and the adjacent Coach House has five bedrooms.


Bedroom One
Master Suite
The master bedroom in the main house flaunts a super king-size bed and en suite complete with freestanding bath, dual sinks and a walk-in shower.


Bedroom Two
First Floor Super-King Zip-and-Link Bedroom
This zip-and-link bedroom in the main house can be arranged as a double or a twin and has an en suite bathroom with overhead shower.

Bedroom Three
First Floor Double Bedroom with En Suite Shower Room
This bedroom sits in the main house and has a super king-size bed and an en suite shower room.


Bedroom Four
First Floor Double Bedroom with En Suite Shower Room
Bedroom four in the main house has a king-size bed and an en suite shower room.


Bedroom Five
First Floor Super-King Zip-and-Link Bedroom
The fifth bedroom in the main house is a zip-and-link bedroom and can be arranged as a double or a twin. This room flaunts an en suite bathroom with overhead shower.


Bedroom Six
Ground Floor Double Bedroom with En Suite Shower Room
Bedroom six in the main house resides on the ground floor and boasts a king-size bed with an en suite shower room.


Bedroom Seven
Coach House Zip-and-link Bedroom
The first of the zip-and-link bedrooms in the coach house has access to the family bathroom and the family shower room.

Bedroom Eight
Coach House Double Bedroom
This bedroom in the coach house has a vibrant blue double bed and access to the family bathroom with shower and the family shower room.

Bedroom Nine
Coach House Double Bedroom
This double bedroom in the coach house has a super king-size bed and has access to the family bathroom and the family shower room.


Bedroom Ten
Coach House Zip-and-link Bedroom
This zip-and-link bedroom within the coach house has a Jack-and-Jill shower room, shared with bedroom eleven.


Bedroom Eleven
Coach House Zip-and-link Bedroom
The final coach house zip-and-link bedroom shares a Jack and Jill shower room with bedroom ten.
- PricingFrom £7,695 per week, £4,950 per short break for up to 22 guests
An alternative group size of up to 12 guests is available during selected periods at a reflective rate
Day hire options are available - FeaturesIndoor heated pool, sauna, games room, pool table, cinema room, outdoor kitchen, 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 - FamilyChildren and babies are welcome
- 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 Delonghi bean to cup 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. Please ensure that children and pets are supervised at all times due to the water hazards at the property.
- Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay
- 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
Arrivals & departures
Arrival time: 4.30pm
Departure time: 10am
Other information
Fresh produce
- Loaf of fresh, crusty bread
- Milk
- Dairy butter
- Free-range local eggs
- Local artisan cheese
- Crackers
- Local chutneys
- Olives
- Chocolates
- Luxury biscuits
- Grapes
- Marshmallows for the fire pit
Please note - the owners strive to source the best produce for your welcome hamper, however, the contents may vary slightly depending on the season and amount of people comprising your party.
Those all-important little luxuries
- Freshly cut flowers
- Luxury handmade soaps
- Scented candles
- Luxury bed linen and towels
- Pool towels
- Fluffy bathrobes
- Firewood, coal and kindling to get you started
- A selection of breakfast and herbal teas
- Ground coffee
- Instant coffee
- Olive oil
- Magazines
- Board games
- Jaques croquet and rounders set
- Hairdryer
- Marshmallows and toasting fork
- Condiments, dried herbs and spices
- Dog biscuits
- Recipe books
- Children´s story and nursery rhyme books
- Crockery and cutlery for infants
- Highchair and travel cot
House book - your property and destination guide
Together with the owners, we've collated everything you'll need to make the most of your experience, from insider tips on local gems to practical property information, all in one digital house book, shared the moment you book.
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.

“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
Discover the best destinations, experiences and restaurants to visit during your stay in Chester. A larger selection of recommendations will be available in the property's digital house book.
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´.
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.
Whether you're curious about pet policies, the nearest walkable pubs, or wild swimming spots, we have the answers to common property-specific queries here. For everything else, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Is the barn/badminton court included for a standard, self-catering stay?
Yes, use of the barn is included with all self-catering stays. Racquets and shuttlecocks are provided.
How far away is the pool house from the main house?
The pool is located on the ground floor of the coach house which is a stone’s throw from the main house, just a few steps away.
How close is the owner’s home?
The owner’s live in a property adjacent to Scarlet Hall. They are respectful of guest privacy and will be sure not to disturb guests.
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.
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UK Holiday Homes with Pools
The Times
May 2021
Wild at heart
25 Beautiful Homes
August 2026
The entrepreneurs cashing in on the Ł1.3tn wellness holiday boom
The Telegraph
August 2026
5 waterside stays to book
Country Living
August 2026
Time to cool off
The Times
July 2026
Broad horizons
Harper´s Bazaar
July 2026
The Times art critic’s favourite holiday homes with artful interiors
The Times
July 2026
5 beach houses to book
Country Living
July 2026
Related collections
Collections > Cottages with fireplaces > UK > Cheshire > Chester > Scarlet Hall





