The hidden gem in a pretty Cheshire town that's like stepping into a fairytale

If you are in need of some R&R there is no better feeling than packing an overnight bag, jumping in the car and escaping to a retreat - and this hidden gem is the perfect spot. In the heart of the pretty market town of Nantwich, Cheshire sits a pink-rendered Georgian property, and what lies inside is magical.

Once a rundown townhouse that was 'falling down', the building was rescued by Rachael Hill and her husband, who then spent four years transforming it into what is now a boutique five-star aparthotel named The Bathhouse. It forms part of Cheshire Boutique Barns, a business launched by the couple who turn unused spaces into unique getaways.

The townhouse can be hired as a whole house that sleeps six, or as three individual areas - The Walled Garden, The Bar-th Room and The Cocktail Lounge - each which offer a completely different and enchanting experience. There are only a few places for which we can say 'pictures don't do it justice', but that truly is the case here.

READ MORE: Beautiful Peak District manor houses where Netflix’ The Gentlemen fans can stay

Stepping inside The Walled Garden apartment was like something out of a fairytale. Arriving just as the sun was setting allowed us to see it in all its glory, with the stunning space adorned in fairy lights and a striking chandelier taking centre stage.

A calming playlist and the smell of fresh flowers made us feel instantly at home, and after throwing our bags down, we couldn't wait to explore. Set on the ground floor, The Walled Garden is made up of a large open-plan farmhouse-style kitchen, living and dining space that can seat up to 20 people, and has its own luxury bedroom and bathroom.

French doors lead out into a south-facing gem of a garden, which used to be where vegetables were grown for the former Georgian manor next door. The indoor-outdoor space has a botanical feel, so I can only imagine how it is even more beautiful spending time here when the sun shines through in the summer months.

There were surprising quirks everywhere we turned - from half a ladder hanging from the dining room ceiling to a huge roll top copper bath hiding in the garden shed. The beauty of the house is that so much of the interior is upcycled, from the chandeliers and antique leather armchairs to the kitchen ceiling made from timber rescued from an old nearby bank.

Venturing upstairs, we took a look around the two boutique bedroom suites which are split over two floors. Just when we thought this house couldn't get any better, we stumbled across the Bar-th Room - which gets its name from its quirky combination of a bar and a bathroom.

The truly mesmerising space oozes glamour and makes you feel like you're in a movie. It does of course feature another lavish copper bath - with three placed throughout the house as eco-friendly alternatives to hot tubs - as well as a walk-in shower and fancy seating area where you can enjoy a tipple or two.

The stand-out bar was designed by Rachael and cleverly merges a sink and a cocktail bar. It's made from salvaged timber, large old French copper preserving pans turned into basins, and features a bar footrest from a builder who had saved it from a local pub that was being demolished.

If you are staying in the Bar-th Room suite, it has a gorgeous loft bedroom complete with a super king bed dressed in White Company linens. The star of the show is a full-size silver birch tree hanging from the ceiling, coupled with skylight windows.

On the other side of the house, The Cocktail Lounge feels like a little home in its own right with a sophisticated king-sized bedroom, a gorgeous rustic bathroom and winding staircase leading up to the loft. This cosy colourful space has a cocktail-making area, as well as comfy sofas and a large flat screen TV.

Although we had access to the whole house, we decided to stay on the ground floor due to it being the biggest space with its own kitchen facilities. We had stopped off at an Aldi just two minutes from the house on the way so that we could stay in, make our own food and relish in our little sanctuary.

Rachael has thought of everything - there wasn't one utensil or amenity that we needed that she hadn't already provided. All of the gorgeous little touches across the house didn't go unnoticed either, from bespoke, organic toiletries made in Cumbria and luxury waffle bathrobes to card games and cocktail shakers which made for the perfect night in.

The beds, fitted with 3000 spring pocket mattresses, gave us a superb nights sleep - and, after checking out - we ventured into the charming market town to grab a bite to eat. We opted for Ginger Pickles, just down the road, which is a cosy café owned by two of Nantwich’s biggest foodies offering cakes, wraps, soups, crepes and great coffee and matcha lattes too.

For those who want to enjoy an evening meal out there are a variety of eateries and bars on your doorstep including next-door neighbour 9 Mill Street, which offers small plates, sharers and Sunday roasts.

Another option during your stay is to take a visit to Three Wrens Gin - a local gin making business that is getting world-wide recognition for its multi-award winning botanical gins. Located just 10 minutes from the house, you can learn how gin is made then use your new-found skills to create your own drink to take home in a mini copper distiller.

Rachael also provides 'VIP treats' for guests, such as a champagne candlelit arrival, as well as private dining with a chef and bespoke group events such as gin tasting and spa treatments - making the townhouse a popular place for birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, hen-dos and mini-moons.

A two-night stay in The Cocktail Lounge (sleeps two) or The Bathroom Suite (sleeps two) starts from £349 each, and the Walled Garden Apartment (sleeps two) starts from £499. A two night stay in Cheshire Boutique Bathhouse (sleeps six) as a whole starts from £1099.