WHY IS HYGGE, AND WHY DO WE NEED IT? THE STRETFORD AREA

Stretford is only four miles away from the city centre, making it ideal for commuters and young professionals. The A56 will take you straight into the Manchester city centre within 20 minutes by car or bus and the trip is easily achievable by bicycle for an ecofriendlier journey.

As autumn approaches, the desire to make our homes cozy, comfortable, and inviting becomes more apparent. In the northern reaches of Europe, particularly Denmark, there’s a concept called “hygge” that encapsulates this feeling. Pronounced “hoo-guh,” hygge is more than just a word; it’s a way of life that extends to interior design, cooking, and entertaining, all aimed at creating an atmosphere of warmth and contentment.

Declutter and Simplify

Hygge encourages simplicity and a clutter-free environment. Clear away items that don’t belong or serve a purpose in your home, such as unused decorations, burned-out candles, or faded photos. Keep your space serene and uncluttered.

Embrace Natural Materials

Incorporate natural materials like wood and houseplants into your decor. Wooden elements, from floors to furniture, add warmth and happiness to a room. Houseplants not only enhance the aesthetics but also contribute to cleaner air and a sense of wellbeing.

Maximize Natural Light

Make the most of available natural light during the day. Ensure that curtains are pulled back to reveal windows fully, and tilt blinds to let in light. Place mirrors strategically to reflect light and remove obstacles from window sills to allow a clear flow of daylight.

Thoughtful Lighting

Create a cozy atmosphere with controlled electric lighting. Avoid using overhead lights; instead, opt for table lamps or floor lamps to light up corners. Consider the type of light bulbs you use, choosing warm white for relaxation spaces and cooler tones for work areas.

Neutral Color Palette with Rich Accents

Choose a neutral color palette for your interior with rich accent colors. This provides a serene backdrop for other colors and elements. Consider earthy tones like terracotta, gentle reds, or muted navy to add warmth and depth.

Accessorize Mindfully

Enhance your room’s coziness with textured accessories such as throws, cushions, and rugs. Swap these out for lighter options in the summer. Candles, especially tea lights in glass holders, add warmth and ambience. Accessorize thoughtfully with classic books, vases of flowers, and tasteful decor.

Fragrance with Natural Scents

Create a pleasant aroma in your home with natural scents. Use wax melts, diffusers, or candles with natural waxes and essential oils for a healthier and more pleasant environment. Be mindful not to overwhelm your space with too many scents.

Hygge is more than just decor; it’s a mindset that fosters contentment and well-being. By implementing these tips, you can create a hygge-inspired environment in your home that brings comfort and warmth throughout the year.

Stretford also has its own dedicated Metrolink stop making it easy to get to neighbouring Stretford including Chorlton, Whalley Range, Moss Side, Hulme, Salford, Urmston, Sale and, only a little further beyond, Altrincham. Stretford is also very near to the M60 making it easy to access the motorway network.

Stretford town centre has benefitted from much local investment in the past few years – and there’s more to come. A huge multi-million-pound masterplan to completely revitalise Stretford Mall and the town is currently underway. This will include the development of a new waterfront area along the Bridgewater Canal, which runs through the town, and will soon be home to many new bars and restaurants.

You’ll find a wide range of shops in Stretford Mall including national brands as well as smaller retailers selling everything from records, comics, gifts and beauty products. The Mall is also home its own thriving food and drink scene. As well as the ubiquitous Gregg’s and Costa, you’ll find independent bars like Longford Tap, Brewchimp and The Hive, plus the new family-run Stretford Canteen.

Stretford Foodhall is a trendy family and dogfriendly community hangout incorporating a licensed convenience store with pop up street food vendors, as well as a bar, a coffee shop and an interactive hub for workshops and events.

Although new public open spaces and green areas are part of the plans for the proposed redevelopment of Stretford, the area already boasts lots of greenery and woodland. There are lots of lovely walks to be had along the Bridgewater Canal and the banks of the River Mersey. Local parks and playing fields include Moss Park, Hoop Park, Stretford Meadows and Turn Moss Fields.

Longford Park is the largest municipal park in the Trafford Borough and features community allotments, a café and toilets, a wildlife garden and even a pet’s corner. Events like an open theatre are organised by the ‘Friends of Longford Park’, a group of locals who work with Trafford Council to improve and promote the park for all age groups. Victoria Park is also popular with families and dog walkers with lots of public sporting facilities, two age-appropriate play areas, tennis and basketball courts, a community-run tea room and a rose garden.

Stretford’s Public Hall is co-owned, funded, repaired and run by the local community. The sense of community spirit here is strong, and this closeknit town has a reputation for being a friendly neighbourhood. Locals are generally welcoming and host regular public events celebrating national holidays as well as raising funds to protect local landmarks. The area is home to many new apartment blocks and developments making it an affordable option for young professionals wanting to be near to a major city. There are also lots of reasonably priced terraced houses and semi-detached properties for families hoping to get on the property ladder.

Stretford has a variety of ‘outstanding’ primary schools including Moss Park and Victoria Park. Stretford High School and Lostock High School were both rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in their latest inspections, as was Stretford Grammar School.

Stretford’s blend of green open spaces, community activities, convenient transport links and thriving hospitality scene make it an attractive area to suit all sorts of people. The promised funding and plans for its redevelopment improvements also make it likely to be a wise investment for the first-time buyer.