The beautifully kept Georgian estate ripe for generating income
Historic, Grade II*-listed Oakley Hall, at Mucklestone near Market Drayton in Shropshire, stands in 95 acres of grounds.


Today, we snatch a sneak preview of one of Shropshire’s most cherished country houses, the historic, Grade II*-listed Oakley Hall at Mucklestone, near Market Drayton, which is on the market at a guide price of £3.5 million through Savills in Telford.
For sale for the first time since 1982, the elegant Queen Anne/Georgian house stands in some 95 acres of magnificent gardens, grounds and wooded parkland, its centrepiece a 3½-acre lake, which was dredged and restored by its dedicated owners to commemorate the millennium in 2000.
The manor of Oakley was held from about the 13th century by the Chetwode family, whose seat was the Chetwode Manor estate in Buckinghamshire, and a substantial manor house existed at Oakley from the 16th century.
The baronetcy of Oakley in the county of Staffordshire was created in April 1700 for Sir John Chetwode of Oakley Hall, which was then surrounded by a 300-acre park straddling the border of Staffordshire and Shropshire. The present estate continues to do so, thanks to a toehold created by the River Tern, which runs next to the lake and forms the county boundary.
Clearly a man of substance, Sir John was High Sheriff of Staffordshire in 1691 and again in 1698. In the early 1700s, he celebrated his baronetcy by replacing the old manor house with a grand, two-storey mansion built of brick on a sandstone plinth, with an imposing east entrance front of 11 bays, the central three pedimented, with two sphinx-like figures with female heads flanking the front door.
According to its Historic England listing, the north front overlooking the lake has an early-19th-century bow window, with a date stone of 1710 indicating the year of the mansion’s construction; the plain south front, which overlooks the parkland, previously had a four-bay verandah, which was rebuilt as a conservatory in the late 20th century.
Subsequent Chetwode baronets improved the estate in various ways, notably in the late 18th century, when the walled garden, the large model farm complex and the stable block were added. The 1881 census records Sir George Chetwode, the 6th Baronet, as living with his family at Oakley Hall with 15 servants.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Sir George died in 1905 and, in 1919, the Chetwodes sold the estate, by then home to Charles Dennis, who became High Sheriff of Staffordshire in 1949 and retired that year to nearby Park House, where he died in 1964.
In the 1970s, Oakley Hall was owned by the Crosthwaite shipping family, who, the listing suggests, ‘considerably altered’ the interior, an area further adapted for family living by the current owners, who, during their 36-year tenure, have sought to maximise estate income by progressive development of the land and buildings.
Although the impressive Georgian stable block has been mainly let on a commercial basis, the remaining four stables could be reconverted to equestrian use to make the most of the wonderful riding available both on the estate and in the surrounding area.
Trout fishing and boating on the lake are pleasant ways to while away the hours and the use of the hall as a spectacular venue for up to 12 weddings a year is another useful source of income.
A long tree-lined drive sweeps from the entrance lodge around to the front door, which, in turn, leads into the Great Hall, off which flow the main reception rooms, notably the formal ballroom and dining room and the more relaxed library and morning room.
The original early-Georgian staircase leads to the first floor and the charming principal bedroom suite with its elegant bow window overlooking the terrace and lake.
In all, the beautifully proportioned, 14,292sq ft main house offers eight bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, plus three further bedrooms, a bathroom and a separate two-bedroom guest/staff apartment.
A private courtyard at the side of the house leads to the early-19th-century Brew House, listed Grade II, which also overlooks the lake and has been let commercially until recently, but could be converted to residential use, subject to planning consent.
The beautifully maintained farmland and park, which are farmed in hand and include some 22 acres of woodland with magnificent trees, provide an ageless sense of peace and continuity in a wonderfully unspoilt corner of the countryside, yet are only an hour and 20 minutes by train from Stafford, 19 miles away, to London Euston.
The condition of Oakley Hall and its buildings testify to the care and attention lavished by successive owners on this lovely, but not over-large house, over more than three centuries.
An exceptional equestrian estate with mouthwatering stabling and training facilities
Recently renovated The Manor at Lillingstone Lovell is set in 120 acres and offers extensive equestrian facilities.
Credit: June Farm, Surrey - Knight Frank
13 breathtaking properties, as seen in the pages of Country Life
This week's collection of places is absolutely extraordinary – and includes a Surrey home that is nothing short of spectacular.
Credit: Duchal estate near Kilmacolm - Knight Frank
The Duchal estate: A Georgian mansion and 450 enchanting acres a few miles from Glasgow
This fantastic house in a vast stretch of land comes with a dizzying list of extras - including sporting and
-
Don't judge a plant by its smell: Why 'the little stinkers of the natural world' are just doing their job
Reminiscent of love and with an unmistakable odour of death, the little stinkers of the natural world might incite repulsion, but they are only doing their job, pleads Ian Morton
By Ian Morton Published
-
What everyone is talking about this week: Are people marrying younger?
Week in, week out, Will Hosie rounds up the hottest topics on everyone's lips, in London and beyond.
By Will Hosie Published
-
19 charming homes for sale, from picture-perfect cottages to beachside retreats, as seen in Country Life
This week's selection of some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life this week.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Tim Burton is selling the house he shared with Helena Bonham-Carter, a sublime home on the Thames that comes with three private islands
Mill House in Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire, might just be the perfect English country home.
By Rosie Paterson Last updated
-
A spectacular tower for sale that's a blend of Victorian folly, architectural marvel and 21st century family home
Hadlow Tower has space, and a back story of love, jealousy and intrigue.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A spectacular, light-filled home on the Isle of Wight where you can see the water from practically every window
Penny Churchill takes a look at the grand and impressive Fishbourne Quay House.
By Penny Churchill Last updated
-
The former stables — and recording studio for the Pet Shop Boys — transformed with a magical blend of city and country aesthetic, now seeking a new owner
In the heart of Clerkenwell, what was once a Victorian industrial unit is now a beautiful home.
By Toby Keel Last updated
-
The Good Life 2025? A development promising 'Britain's greenest homes' blends zero carbon, organic allotments and a touch of luxury in the Kent countryside
Hartdene Barns, sitting on a disused dairy farm in Kent, is a vision of what sustainable living one day mean for all of us.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
Breathtaking views and gardens that run down to the water's edge at this delightful home in Cornwall
The Garden House in Polruan sums up the appeal of waterside living. Penny Churchill steps inside.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A 500-acre estate that spent 11 centuries in the same family, for sale for only the second time in its history
In the beautiful hills of north Wales the Garthewin estate has come up for sale, including a great country house once restored by the architect who created Portmeirion. Penny Churchill takes a closer look.
By Penny Churchill Published