ABANDONED. Children's/YA about alchemy, group of kids, multiple parts? dog called patch.

[Sarah]

This is a book I read years ago, I was maybe ten years old, so 1990/2000, but I think it was probably published even earlier. I really don't remember much but it had a kind of other-worldly feel to it, though it wasn't written like a fairytale.
From what I remember there was definitely an alchemist as a character, though not as the protaganist. All i can really remember is a group of children, maybe three or more, were (i think) the protags. I think some were related to each other, or maybe they were friends. It's unlikely they were a sibling group (like the famous five or something). What I remember best is there was a dog called Patch, which is ridiculous cos' I'm pretty sure the dog was not in any way integral to the plot (though i guess he could have been.
I sort of remember a house that was kind of the main setting, i don't know if the kids lived there, or the alchemist, or both, the alchemist may have been related to them.
Unfortunately, I really can't remember the plot :( I know I was quite young when I read it, but from what i remember it was fairly heavy reading, so not a light book for younger kids.
I'm also fairly sure that it was either a trilogy or possibly came in four parts. I don't think the timeline was linear either, but jumped around.

I realise this is a long shot and I really appreciate any suggestions. I know I have next to no details but I'll post more if I remember them.

Thank you!!!

[Sarah]

I wasn't sure if I should add this or not, but I have a vague feeling there may be some time travelling. I know I mentioned the timeline being non-linear, so I'm not certain if there was time travel or maybe a parallel plot line or something.

Anyway, I really appreciate any suggestions! :)

[Ashley]

Doesn't really seem familiar to me, but I found this through google... "The Magician's House" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Magi... magician maybe an alchemist?

[Cheryl]

The Steps Up the Chimney
The Door in the Tree
The Tunnel Behind the Waterfall
The Bridge in the Clouds

This series does look like it might fit many requests - thank you, Ash! I hope Sarah sees this and lets us know.

[Shells]

Agree with Cheryl there was a dog named Patch in that series as well as an Alchemist in a secret room. The author is William Corlett.

[Cheryl]

It's Ash who gets credit; I just posted the links.

I sent Sarah a PM - hope she sees that at least. Otherwise we'll have to move this to 'abandoned by poster' I guess.

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Do we want to move this to Query Abandoned then?