Marple, Stockport, Cheshire

Step inside 111

Station Road

There are many established reasons why the discerning purchaser would choose a Victorian home to invest in. They are typically well-built and spacious, with good layouts and proportions, in prime locations and with plenty of charming period features. But few examples are able to tick every box as this superior property in Marple does. The typical historical façade, in excellent condition, looms impressively from a pristinely established garden as it has for generations before and speaks to the many memories made within its walls.

The current owners have maintained the property to impeccable standards, ensuring that the classical period features have all been preserved and enhanced for efficiency and minimal maintenance.

The most striking stained-glass windows set in symmetrical bay windows are the first to attract ones’ attention. These have all been rebuilt and encapsulated for efficiency and to preserve them for future generations. The windows have all been replaced at huge expense with hardwood frames and noise attenuating double glazing. An ornate stone archway over the front door opens to a small practical porch in which is set a decorative stained glass internal door, leading to a grand and breath-taking hallway.

The immaculately restored encaustic mosaic tiles provide the backdrop to the countless period features proudly displayed: high ceilings; cornicing; ceiling roses; turned balustrades; Lincrusta wall covering; original radiators; framed doorways; and decorative arches. All the living rooms lead off from this extraordinary hallway and every door reveals its own series of delightful ornamentation beyond.

Throughout the house the original Victorian fireplaces have been restored, beautifully presenting the ornate tiled inserts and decorative surrounds. The living rooms are well proportioned, large rooms, featuring typically high moulded ceilings and cornices, with wooden floors and large windows. The first room to the left of the entrance is a large sitting room with a bay window inset with stunning stained-glass windows. To the right is a drawing room similarly appointed.

The charming dining room is one of the current owners’ favourite rooms in the house. They recall magical family Christmas dinners hosted in this cosy space. Beautifully decorated, it has retained the original Crittall windows with blown plate glass and a door leading out to the terrace. The gorgeous carved wooden mantelpiece surrounds the original cast iron fireplace now inset with a gas fire.

The former tack room has been sensitively converted to an oak panelled study with wooden parquet flooring and a guest W/C.

Two original Victorian floor to ceiling cupboards have been incorporated into the beautiful dining kitchen, seamlessly blending with the new designer cabinets. The centre island contains an integrated microwave and is framed by a hanging pot rack. The work surfaces are a classic black granite. There is a LaLacanche range cooker with stainless steel extractor hood. A Belfast sink is set in front of a sash window with views to the coach house beyond. There is space for a large family dining table in front of double French doors leading to a flagstone terrace ideal for al fresco dining within the picturesque garden.

On the stairs to the first floor are neat brass carpet rods and a spectacular stained glass picture window which has been secondary glazed outside to provide energy efficiency. Four large bedrooms lead from the voluminous landing. The main bedroom has been converted to an en-suite with a walk-in wardrobe and modern stone tiled shower room. The high-ceilinged room is very spacious and bright with dual aspect windows. It has a beautiful ornamental fireplace and lovely views of the park opposite the home.

The remaining bedrooms are similarly appointed, each with a unique characteristic giving it particular charm. The generous proportions of the rooms dominate, and the decorative detail completes the classical Victorian charm of the home. These features are well represented in the delightful family bathroom and enamelled claw bath with brass detail. A second Jack and Jill bathroom provides for easy mornings getting the family ready on time.

Seller Insight

From the front, the house is very handsome, with superb kerb appeal,” say the current owners of 111 Station Road in Marple. “The attractive doorway, with its decorative sandstone pillars and archway, draws you in, then upon entry to the house you are greeted by a large hallway with Victorian tiled floor. Even this was enough to make me fall in love with the house, before I had even seen all the other lovely, characterful rooms. The house was built in 1897, and almost all of the original features have survived, from arches, covings and floors to stunning fireplaces and even the servant bells in the reception rooms and bedrooms. As I wander through the high-ceilinged rooms and see all this history, the house still makes me smile, even now.”

Since moving in, the owners have made various enhancements to this majestic period property. “We have done everything to keep the aesthetic integrity of the building, whilst making it more energy efficient and comfortable for contemporary life,” they say. “For example, we replaced the windows with bespoke hardwood double glazed units, and had the stained glass encapsulated in double glazing. The study was our main project, in what had originally been a tack room: we remodelled the floor plan to create more useful space, using reclaimed mahogany parquet flooring and real oak panelling to provide a luxurious place in which to work. We also had the full height cellar insulated – spanning the same floorprint as the house, it provides masses of storage and now ensures that the house is energy efficient. The coach house, currently a home gym, has ample storage, too.”

This is the ideal home for everyday life and entertaining alike. “Everyone tends to gather in the kitchen diner, a sociable space with Victorian cabinetry and a bespoke island built to match” the owners say. “For special occasions, the formal dining room makes a real impression on dinner party guests with its original coving and decorative fireplace; while the lounge is a cosy place to sit with a fire roaring on winter nights. The green tiled fireplace in this room even has fossils in the granite surround – yet another hint of history in the house.”

Outside, wraparound gardens provide and extension of the indoor living accommodation during the warmer months of the year. “The terrace to one side of the house gets the sun all day so is perfect for summer barbecues,” say the owners, “while the lower garden to the rear is semi-enclosed by stone walls and fencing to create a wonderfully secluded feeling. The whole plot is very private, being surrounded by trees and hedges, and looking over the memorial park to the front of the house. Electric gates and a cobbled driveway lead to a stone area by the coach house, so we have plenty of parking for guests.”

The local area has much to recommend it, too. “All amenities are within walking distance across the park outside the house,” the owners say, “including doctors, dentist, shops, library, train station, a primary school, and soon a new leisure complex with swimming pool, so there is no need to drive. Marple is a town with a village atmosphere – we have the best of both worlds here. Access to larger cities is easy, too, with trains from Marple direct to Manchester in 20 minutes, and Stockport to London in less than 2 hours. The new A555 road leads from just beyond Marple to Manchester airport, making international travel a breeze. Plus, the Peak District is right on our doorstep for beautiful walks – we can see the hills of Derbyshire from our back windows.”*

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

Below the home, and covering the full footprint of the house, is a cavernous basement with endless potential. It currently holds a utility / laundry room with an original feature stone sink and plumbing for two appliances as well as a workshop, wine cellar and storage rooms. However, the potential for this space is endless and could easily be incorporated into the house as additional reception rooms, bedrooms or workrooms.

Outside, the property continues to deliver. Formally the coach house, a separate annex now incorporates a garage with automatic door, a kitchenette and the former hay loft which is currently used as a gym. This unit could be used as is for a home office or converted to living accommodation to rent. The cobbled driveway provides plenty of parking and turning space and leads to the electrified gates set in a stone wall surrounding the property. Ideally located close to the towns two stations, the home is effortlessly commutable to Manchester and London. But if you don’t need to travel then you will find everything you need within walking distance. There are plenty of shops and businesses as well as excellent schools in the local neighbourhood. Memorial Park lies opposite the home which features a lovely children’s playpark, skatepark and bowling green. Also nearby is the Roman Lakes Leisure Park and the Marple Locks where a myriad of wildlife, including otters and kingfishers, can be spotted. And of course, Marple lies within the scenic Peak District where walking trails and outdoor attractions are abundant. This property is an ideal family home and a wise investment ready for the next chapter of history to unfold.

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Copyright © 2023 Fine & Country