HISTORY OF MILLMOOR FARM AND POINTS OF INTEREST

Although the Chesters family have farmed in this area for at least five generations, they did not move to Millmoor Farm until 1971.  The farm had previously been owned by a major feed company and most of the original buildings had been demolished and replaced by modern structures.  The house had also undergone some modernisation, most of which, unfortunately, was not in keeping with its age and character.   So bad was its condition, that it was decided to build a replacement homestead and demolish the original building.  Thankfully, this did not take place and in recent years we have undergone a major refurbishment programme, including central heating, double glazing, exposing beams and replacing soft furnishings and carpets.  This, we hope, has created a warm and comfortable atmosphere to relax in.

Despite attempts to ascertain the age of the property, we are still not sure of when it was originally built, although parts of it are believed to be 17th Century.  There was a property here in the 15th Century, known as Le Mille Mor, the French spelling probably coming from the earlier Norman Invasion.  However, this was thought to be situated lower down the lane on the banks of the streams.

Today the farm is highly modernised and on it 265 acres, there are 500 Breeding Ewes, a Pedigree Herd of Hereford Cows and around 150 commercial cattle too.  Lambing takes place in February and if you would like to participate, guests can help feed any baby orphan lambs on the bottle, collect the hens eggs for breakfast and watch/help feed the baby calves each morning around 7.30 pm. Our 2 goats, Doris (Mum) and Minnie love a stroke and a cuddle too.  It is important, however, to stipulate that children must always be supervised whilst on the farm and livestock should not be handled without a member of staff present.

South Cheshire is, we believe, more than blessed with its beautiful countryside and ancient history.  The hill behind the house is known as the GOOD MOORS and is rich in plant and animal life.  Foxes and badgers flourish in the bluebell woods, orchids grown in the protected meadows and all manner of birds, including Woodpeckers and Kingfishers live in the area.  For the keen walker, there is a public footpath which crosses, this is known as the MARCHES WAY, it also meanders its way in the opposite direction to the old church of St. Chads.  This ancient chapel appears to be locked in a 17th Century time zone as there is no road, no electricity or water and even the old horse drawn hearse is still in the garage.  Services are still held here several times a year and the old oak church pews are still as hard and unrelenting to sit on as there for our ancestors.

Being on the Welsh border, this is an area that abounds with castles as it was once heavily fortified.  Beeston Castle is probably the best medieval fort ruins in the area and the view from the top is absolutely breath taking.  Cholmondeley Castle Gardens are also worth a visit and there are lots of National Trust properties within 45 minutes too including Erddig, Little Moreton Hall, Arley Hall and Gardens to name a few.

Lastly, a word about our local towns, Malpas is the closest and well worth a visit (2 miles).   It gets its name from MALUS PASSUS which is Latin for bad way, reminding us that this area was once occupied by the Romans.  It has a choice variety of shops including a fabulous deli and bakery called Huxleys and a beautiful church.  Here there are 3 main eateries, the Red Lion, The Fire Station and Table at Eatons and just outside Malpas at Hampton is a great Farm shop.  Whitchurch is situated only five miles away and you should visit the Market held every Friday or the varied High Street Shops, boutiques, and coffee houses.

However, the pearl of Cheshire and perhaps the Northwest has to be Chester with its museums, Roman walls and ruins, wealth of clothes and jewellery shops, Chester Zoo, Park, River, Storyhouse Theatre, medieval rows and black and white architecture.  No visit to this area is complete without spending at least a day here.  It is very easy to reach from here, usually taking only 20 minutes along the A41, and may we suggest not to enter the city with your car, but use the Park and Ride System.  It’s much cheaper and saves the hassle of Chester’s notorious one-way system.

All in all, whether it’s for a week’s stay or longer, you will find something for everyone to enjoy.