This 'good looking' Cheshire market town, known for its scenic country views, stunning properties and community spirit, was recently named the most desirable rural location in the UK.
Frodsham came top of a list of ten rural towns, villages and hamlets that are attracting the greatest demand from buyers looking to make a life-changing move, the MEN reports.
All of the towns that made Rightmove 's top ten list have a population of less than 10,000 residents, while offering a good choice of period houses, as well as handy rail links to major cities - Frodsham was praised for its commuter links to both Manchester and Liverpool.
Read more of the top stories from across Cheshire here.
But being so in demand comes at a price - with average house prices in Frodsham standing at £322,242 - a three per cent increase on last year and 21 per cent more than five years ago.
Extolling its virtues, the Rightmove study said: "Frodsham is a good-looking market town just south of the River Mersey.
"Here you can find barn conversions with country views, Edwardian villas, redbrick cottages and modern flats, plus good commuter links to Liverpool and Manchester."
Also making the top ten most in demand rural locations was Carnforth in Lancashire, Alnwick in Northumberland, Cromar in Norfolk and Cupar in Fife.
Here, we take a closer look at what makes Frodsham such an in demand place to live.
The history
Frodsham is a town so proud of its history that it's signposted - literally - throughout the town centre.
For you can barely walk 100 yards through the town without being greeted by a large Frodsham Heritage board which gives fascinating insight and detail into all of the town centre's most historic buildings and landmarks, which are also adorned by blue badges from the Frodsham Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme.
The town's symbol - of the honeybee - is also on display across the plaques and boards.
Historic properties includes a picturesque row of thatched cottages on Main Street dating back to the 17th century, and the Georgian townhouse that was the former home of John Urmston, founder of salt works on the River Weaver.
The town even boasts a rare Grade II listed telephone box designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott that includes a post box dating from 1927.
The town was first established as a borough market town back in 1230, with the street pattern said to be virtually unchanged.
But the settlement itself is thought to date back to pre-historic hill forts in the area, and is noted in the Domesday Survey of 1086.
The town centre
In and among the historic buildings in the town centre are dotted a huge variety of quirky independent shops, alongside high street names like Boots, WH Smith and Costa.
There are few towns of this size that can boast quite such a diverse mix of retailers - everything from a shop dedicated entirely to paints, to a cycle shop and a splendid Bridal room.
There's also a Morrisons supermarket right in the town centre as well as a Sainsbury's Local and in neighbouring Helsby there's a large Tesco superstore.
Pubs, bars and restaurants
The independent theme extends to Frodsham's dining scene too - with a wealth of artisan bakeries and cafes, as well as acclaimed bars and restaurants.
There are also a raft of historic pubs just along the town's main streets - including the Queen's Head, The Golden Lion, Bears Paw, The Ring o Bells and further out The Netherton Hall.
Frodsham's Main Street can also boast a restaurant in the Michelin Guide, the quirky Next Door, the perfect marriage of chef Richard and sommelier Vicki's hospitality experience in a historic 17th century timber-framed cottage which, yes they live next door to.
The family-run Devonshire Bakery and Cafe is a busy hotspot in the village with its raft of fresh baked breads, cakes and famous pies.
Property
As Rightmove rightly points out, the appeal of Frodsham is in the range of property styles available here. So yes, there are the enviable mansion houses with views for miles (to either Frodsham Hill or across to the Mersey) as well as barn conversions out in the countryside.
But there are also the more affordable housing estates, and smaller, quirkier historical terraces and townhouses.
Among recently listed properties on Rightmove include a stunning Edwardian hilltop townhouse for offers over £2m, a Grade II listed thatched cottage on Back Lane for £400,000 or a 3-bedroom terraced cottage on Dig Lane for £260,000.
Attractions and parks
Frodsham is surrounded by stunning Cheshire countryside, and close to the River Mersey which can be viewed with a walk to the top of the imposing Frodsham Hill.
There are also signposted routes through the town onto the Sandstone Trail that can take you on to Beeston Castle or indeed all the way to Whitchurch.
The town boasts the historic Castle Park House and Gardens, featuring formal gardens, woodlands and recreational areas.
The River Weaver offers waterside walks leading from the edge of the town to the heart of Cheshire countryside.
Transport links
Being so close to the M56 means the town is only a short 20 minute drive along to Chester and all of the city's attractions.
It's around 40 minutes by road to Liverpool, and 45 minutes to Manchester.
There are also direct trains hourly from Frodsham to Liverpool or to Manchester that take around 45 minutes.
