Miller Metcalfe Prestige Magazine | Issue 14, March 2022

MILLER METCALFE

PRESTIGE L IFEST YLE & PROPERT Y M AG AZINE

IN THIS ISSUE...

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ISSU E 14, APRIL 2022

Spring Kitchen Trends 2022

Saving Money On Your Energy Bills

Is it time to spruce up your kitchen this Spring? Here are just a few of our favourite trends guaranteed to make a statement - Page 18/19

While there isn’t much you can do about wholesale energy rates, there are still steps you can take to save money on your bills - Page 26

SPRING, FAM ILY, HOM E, AND M ORE...

Contents Ar ticles

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INTERIOR DESIGN Pant one’s C o l o u r Of T h e Yea r

SPRING TIME P repar ing Yo u r H o m e Fo r A Sp ri n g Sa l e

SPRING TIME Selling Yo u r H o m e In T h e S p ri n g t i m e

INTERIOR DESIGN Spr ing 20 2 2 K i t ch en Tren d s

PROPERTY Saving Mo n ey On Yo u r E n erg y Bi l l s

INTERIOR DESIGN 5 S ecrets To St yl i n g Yo u r H o m e L i ke A n In te r i o r Designer

NORTH WEST Nor t h Wes t Even t s Fo r A l l T h e Fam i l y T h i s Spr ing

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Proper ties

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RIPON AVENUE B o l ton

EASEDALE ROAD He a to n, B ol ton

PLANT LANE C ro s s L ane , Hol c o mb e

WHIPNEY HOUSE Gre e n mo unt, B ur y

FAR LONG ACRES FARM W h i tw or th, R o s s e n dal e

THREE ACRES FARM Tur ton, B ol ton

CRAWSHAW HALL BARN A dl i ngton, C hor l ey

RYBURN St. M i c h a e l s , P re s ton

B R O O K LY N N C u l c h e th , Wa r r i n gton

SPRINGFIELD FARM C ro f t, Wa r r i n gton

THE WILLOWS C u l c h e th , Wa r r i n gton

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B O LT O N

RIPON AVENUE, B O LT O N PRICE £725,000

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One of a kind, show stopping detached family home with impressive views offered for sale with no onward chain. This deluxe five bedroom home proudly stands overlooking Doffcocker Lodge with unrivalled views of Rivington Pike. This impressive property offers versatile family living and beautifully landscaped gardens. The location is one of Bolton’s most premier settings and within easy reach of a host of local amenities, outstanding schools and is well placed for major transport links, making it ideal for commuting into Manchester and across the North of England. This beautiful property has it all and more, finished to the highest of specification with no stone left unturned in the pursuit of absolute luxury to include high specification CCTV, under floor heating, therma skirting heating and automatic lighting completed with a landscaped garden finished to the highest of standards with split level, featuring a bonded resin patio area and space for a hot tub, artificial grass and pockets of secluded areas for enjoying the summer months. To the rear there is also a raised modern glass balcony with epic views over Doffcocker lodge, perfect for enjoying drinks or alfresco dining, whilst enjoying the surroundings.

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B O LT O N

E A S E D A L E R O A D, H E A T O N , B O LT O N 6

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VIRTUAL TOUR CLICK HERE TO VIEW

OFFERS IN THE REGION OF £895,000

Standing within its own private grounds, this elegant, luxury detached home has been constructed by the current owners to the highest of specifications, offering privacy and seclusion and must be seen in person to be fully appreciated. Offering exceptionally spacious and versatile living accommodation set over three floors, this wonderful home would suit those with growing families and looking for something a little bit special.

With electric gates linked to a video intercom system, extensive CCTV and underfloor heating throughout the ground floor, this wonderful home has it all and more.

The location is within walking distance to both Bolton and Cleveland’s private schools as well as within the catchment areas of other renowned local schooling. It is also well placed for a host of amenities and major transport links, making it ideally suited for commuting into Manchester and across the North West. Rarely do homes of this size and calibre come to the market in such unique locations, especially with the added benefit of No Chain involved. As such, an early viewing is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.

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INTERIOR DESIGN

Pantone’s Colour of the Year HERE’S HOW TO GET THE LOOK

The Pantone Colour Institute has picked ‘Very Peri, a dynamic periwinkle blue hue with a vivifying violet red undertone’ – as Colour of the Year 2022.

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Said to be ‘blending the faithfulness and constancy of blue with the energy and excitement of red, this happiest and warmest of all the blue hues introduces an empowering mix of newness’, according to the Pantone experts, and it’s a colour that will undoubtedly liven up your space. Very Peri is bold enough to promote ‘personal inventiveness and creativity’, according to Pantone.

We are living in a period of transition. Our perceptions and norms are shifting as we emerge from a period of isolation. As such, homeowners are keen to delve into unique and daring trends and incorporating Very Peri into your home is the perfect way to do so.

Choose The Right Colour Scheme Introduce Very Peri into your homes colour palette by mixing, matching or pairing the stunning shade with other hues. Want to add a spin on the timeless appearance for a modern look? Pair the shade with crisp off-whites and watch it bring your space to life, adding a contemporary finish. When paired with greys and plum tones it can be used to create a moodier layered boudoir with a snug rich vibe.

Keep in mind that this colour appears differently in natural light and may take on a yellowish tint in warm lighting.

Make A Statement When it comes to styling Very Peri, it’s all about being bold and using it as a statement colour to build your entire scheme around. Break up the monotony of neutral-toned walls by painting them in a subtle but vibrant accent colour. Introducing Very Peri to the accent walls of the living room or bedroom will add flair and create a lively atmosphere.

Cool colours are relaxing, and a dash of this colour keeps the area from appearing dull. To enhance depth, you can use wall paint, wallpaper, or textured paint.

Accessories For those that don’t want to commit to the bold shade, the same effect can be had by infusing splashes of Pantone’s feature colour through home accessories and accents. Think everything from vases, wall art, light fixtures, to block-colour cushions, bedding and even scented candles, along with other pieces that draw on different shades of purple and blue. Rugs are also a great way to make a subtle yet bold statement, remember, styling Very Peri is all about taking risks, and while many people tend to choose neutrals when selecting a rug, this does not always have to be the case!

Statement Furniture Statement furniture pieces in Very Peri can add a stunning dash of colour and accentuate any living space. To make the most of the shade, introduce the stunning hue in upholstery fabrics such as velvet, cotton, linen, jacquard, and imitation leather as a solid colour or in strong patterns.

With Soft Furnishings Throughout The Rooms If you think Very Peri could be too bold in large doses, use it in more subdued ways across your rooms. Introduce the hue to your bedroom through your bed linen, bedsheets, cushions, curtains, carpets, or throws. For the kitchen space, tablecloths, table mats, and even paper napkins will add a splash of colour. And of course, the bathroom, Very Peri hand towels, decorative soap dispensers or accessories, and a shower curtain can all add a splash of this colour and life.

This is a more temporary method of introducing the Pantone colour of the year into your home, perfect for those that love keeping up with the latest interior trends.

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OUR

Dedicated Team

Miller Metcalfe is the largest independent agent covering Lancashire, Cheshire & Greater Manchester. People in the North West trust Miller Metcalfe to sell their property, that’s why we’re the market-leading Prestige estate agent.

We have been matching people and property for 130 years. Our experienced Prestige team is dedicated to service excellence with vast local knowledge. Our personal service is tailored to you; for the sale of your property or finding your dream home.

Miller Metcalfe has some of the North West’s most beautiful homes on the market; Period Properties, Country Homes and Equestrian, Unique Properties, Contemporary, High Specification & Luxury New Homes.

Headed up by our Prestige Director, Caroline Nicholas, our Prestige team have 90 years’ combined experience and expertise in the prestige property market and have been specially selected for their passion for service. We guarantee that our team of locally based professionals will exceed expectations.

Caroline Nicholas Prestige Director

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Emma Hudson Sales Director

Mark Lucas Associate Director

Helen Maddison Valuation Manager

Zoe Drayton

Branch Manager/Valuer

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reviews

Having moved house a few times over the last few years we have plenty of experience with Estate Agents. Without a doubt Miller Metcalfe Prestige are the best we’ve ever dealt with. Their professionalism and enthusiasm was outstanding. Overall I couldn’t recommend Miller Metcalfe highly enough.

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Neil Castle, Google

BURY

PLANT FARM, VIRTUAL TOUR CLICK HERE TO VIEW

CROSS LANE, HOLCOMBE PRICE £1,150,000

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This extended family home is a must see, situated on the highly sought after Bridgefield Development. This unique home offers ample family living space, to the ground floor there is; entrance porch, hall, four double bedrooms, a four piece family bathroom, integral garage and two additional undecorated rooms which have the potential to create a walk in wardrobe and en-suite for the master bedroom.

Leading up to the first floor there is an open plan family room, boasting living and dining space and a large extended modern dining kitchen boasting fitted appliances, kitchen island and views over the garden. Additionally there are a further two reception rooms, one currently being used as a playroom and the other as an office and a separate guest wc.

Externally the property boasts a large driveway, double garage, tiered garden with AstroTurf area and a decked patio area. This gorgeous family home offers some real potential with scope to extend above the garage (subject to planning permission).

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BURY

WHIPNEY HOUSE, G R E E N M O U N T, B U R Y 5

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VIRTUAL TOUR CLICK HERE TO VIEW

PRICE £1,100,000

A simply beautiful and unique freehold property with attached barn conversion and extensive views over Greenmount golf course and beyond. The property, including stables and paddock all within the greenbelt, is situated in the very highly regarded area of Greenmount and within the Hollymount community. The property has lovely rural views to the front, side and rear, including Holcombe Hill, but yet is perfectly situated close to Bury, Bolton and M66 motorway links, local schools and facilities whilst enjoying village and a semi-rural living.

The property is spacious with versatile accommodation. There is a driveway, large lawned gardens to front and side, enclosed orchard and vegetable plot with the sale also including over 2 acres of paddock with 4 stables and 2 tack rooms. The light and airy accommodation comprises: stunning imposing entrance hall with central feature stair case and modern leaded feature window, guest cloakroom, impressive lounge and dining area situated in the barn conversion with full vaulted ceiling, elegant second lounge, study, conservatory with lovely views across the garden, paddock and beyond, modern breakfast kitchen with adjoining pantry and utility rooms, boot room with 2nd guest WC, master bedroom with modern en-suite, four further double bedrooms and a large family bathroom.

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SPRINGTIME

P R E PA R I N G Y O U R H O M E FOR A

Spring Sale

As we move into the new season, even more buyers are set to be searching for properties and competition from other sellers is also set to continue to rise. As a result, it’s important to present your home in the best possible way to boost its saleability, making now a great time to start preparing your home for a quick spring sale.

Spring Cleaning Cleaning your property now will not only make your move easier, it will also benefit you in many other ways. It’s important to remember that clean houses sell faster. Of course, buyers are aware that when they move into a home the existing belongings will usually be removed, but allowing them to walk into your home without the added clutter can help them envision living there.

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Inspect Your Home Whilst cleaning, we would also advise you to carry out a full inspection of your home. Make a list of any projects or repairs that need to be completed as you go, and try your best to go through and complete each task.

Kerb Appeal The kerb appeal of a property is very important to potential buyers. This is the first impression they get when they first walk up to the property, much like the front cover of a book. No matter how much work, time and money you put into the interior of your home, you won’t get the right buyers through the door unless they are attracted to the exterior of the property.

Tip: If your front door is looking a little tattered, something as simple as buying a new handle, a fresh brass letterbox or a stainless steel house number can instantly improve the kerb appeal of your home!

Brighten Up Dull Areas To give potential buyers the best impression of your property you want to make it feel and appear light and airy. Cleaning your windows and opening them up to let fresh air in will help, but you also want to try to think of other ways to make the most of what little natural light is available in those gloomy rooms. A different colour scheme, more mirrors or even moving furniture around can all help to bring more light into your home.

SPRINGTIME

Selling Your Home IN THE SPRINGTIME

Putting your home on the market is a big decision, so it’s important to make sure that you’re doing it at the right time of year, but when is the best time? Historically, Spring is the season that tends to always comes out on top as the best time to sell a property.

Why sell in Spring?

The main driving force behind the surge in new buyers is that the festive season has now ended, which means less distractions and more time to do everything that has been pushed back.

Not only that, but things also tend to always look much different in Spring. We go from dark gloomy days to being met with an abundance of natural light. The natural light of Spring is bright and fresh, gardens are bursting with life as the new flowers begin to bloom, and the freshly mowed grass is a stunning shade of green – all of which allows for a great opportunity to showcase your home at its very best.

Warm weather also puts people in a better mood and gets them thinking about the future, making them more likely to get out and go property hunting. Families with children also tend to use Spring to start house hunting, allowing them to tie their move in with the school Summer holidays.

House prices are on the rise & more buyers are searching for properties Putting your property on the market early to mid-spring allows you to take advantage of the increase in potential buyers during this time of the year. Rightmove says that March & April are historically the best times to sell your property. With record-breaking numbers of buyers searching for properties, you are guaranteed to have more eyes on your property.

Buyer demand is also at record-breaking levels, with Rightmove recording its best ever spring sellers’ market as prices hit a new record. With 16% more buyers looking for a new property now than in 2021, the chance of finding a buyer in the first week of Spring is at its highest ever, and twice as likely compared to the same period in 2019. Along with the current increase in property values, you can guarantee a quick sale whilst still achieving the value your home deserves.

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ROSSENDALE

FAR LONG ACRES FARM, VIRTUAL TOUR CLICK HERE TO VIEW

WHITWORTH, ROSSENDALE OFFERS OVER £899,950

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Imposing gated stone detached farmhouse with incredible panoramic views to all sides. This property has been presented to a very high standard by current vendors and has extensive accommodation on offer. If you are looking for a character property in a semi-rural location but within easy access to motorway links this property deserves immediate inspection.

The stunning large accommodation on offer briefly comprises: Beautiful porch & hallway with floor to ceiling feature entrance window, guest wc/cloaks, spacious lounge with feature wood burning stove, dining room, sitting room, study, stunning open plan large breakfast kitchen with centre island, 5 bedrooms all being spacious with 2 en-suites, family bathroom and a large cellar room. Electric gates leads to a double block paved driveway providing ample parking and leading onto a detached double garage. The property has a substantial rear garden which has lawned areas and artificial grass areas perfect for a growing family. Freehold. Gas central heating system, double glazed.

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TURTON

THREE ACRES FARM, T U R T O N , B O LT O N 4

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VIRTUAL TOUR CLICK HERE TO VIEW

PRICE £1,350,000

Some properties have just got it and this certainly fits the bill. Sit back, relax and take in some of the finest surroundings Lancashire has to offer. Welcome to Three Acre Farm.

Sitting proudly on the rolling hills of the West Pennine Moors and boasting a commanding and most enviable plot, Three Acre Farm offers a scenic, picturesque and rural outlook with a wonderful blend of modern and traditional. To fully appreciate the love, care and attention to detail on offer here an internal viewing is simply a must. For those looking for a picture book property that ticks every box, please keep reading!

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PROFESSIONAL

Photography

Quality pictures are one of the most important tools for selling your home and generating maximum interest. Our professional photographer will make sure your property looks at its best. With amazing photos, you will have buyers lined up at your door.

PREPARATION COUNTS...

• Remove bins from both inside and outside • Make sure your car is not parked on your drive or outside your home • Keep all cleaning products out of the kitchen and bathroom • Remove shampoo bottles, toothpaste and other products from the bathroom • Keep all pots and pans out of the sink • Hide all loose wires • Keep pets, pet bowls and beds out of sight • Tidy away all shoes and clothes hung on the back of doors • Don’t keep clothes on the washing line • Remove items from the top of cupboards • Do not keep washing in the dryer or washing machine • Remove magnets and pictures from the fridge • Make the bed and fluff up pillows and cushions ...Let’s make your property shine!

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TA K E YO U R P R O P E RT Y

to the Next Level

Our Prestige clients receive a bespoke service from beginning to end, providing an experience unlike any other. We’re on hand to ensure your property receives the utmost personal attention and expertise to realise the full potential it deserves.

We have designed our marketing packages with you in mind, sourcing the very latest in digital technology to ensure our Prestige properties stand out from the crowd.

DRONE

V I RT UA L

V I RT UA L

Videos

Staging

Walkthrough

Take your property to new heights with our drone videos. An aerial view of your property will enable potential buyers to experience the grandeur of our luxury properties.

The ability to virtually dress and stage a property room by room can bring a house to life and drive more potential buyers to your property.

Our 360* camera captures every inch of your home and creates a stunning virtual experience guaranteed to blow you away.

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INTERIOR DESIGN

SPRING 2022

Kitchen Trends Is it time to spruce up your kitchen this Spring? Here are just a few of our favourite trends guaranteed to make a statement.

Brooklynn, Holcroft Lane, Culcheth, Warrington Offers Over £1,500,000 | 5 Beds | 3 Baths PA G E

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Sustainability Sustainability and a closer connection to nature will be at the heart of many of the biggest decor concepts in 2022, according to interior design trends. This further represents our desire to be closer to nature and incorporate it into our homes.

Whilst people aren’t necessarily willing to compromise on aesthetics or affordability, they are more aware of their options and will make decisions accordingly. Environmentally friendly kitchens, such as installing an efficient recycling bin or purchasing only A-rated appliances are a few of the simple steps many are taking to inject sustainability into their homes.

“As we enter 2022, this desire for a country-inspired interior has evolved slightly, with a softer colour palette and more modern approach to this timeless trend” Alex Main, Director of bespoke kitchen company The Main Company.

Modern Country

We’ve found that a lot more homeowners are experimenting with materials to create imaginative and unique kitchen designs by contrasting classic with contemporary elements. The trend ticks all the boxes from timeless design to supreme practicality, encapsulating the best of UK and British home style, which is why we can’t get enough of modern country kitchen ideas.

The Covid 19 pandemic, which saw a massive migration of people from big cities to more rural places, has fuelled a desire for a more rustic, country-inspired aesthetic in kitchens. Recreating a country-inspired kitchen with a modern vibe is expected to be a significant kitchen trend in 2022.

Touches from vertical panelling to give a true country feel, to wall lights to add some old world charm are great ways to get the look, and while exposed beams and worn brickwork are still popular, the key is to cleverly balance them with metallic accents, high-end appliances, and statement lighting to achieve the modern country look.

Hamnet Close, Sharples, Bolton Price £595,000 | 6 Beds | 2 Baths

Pattered Tiles If your kitchen floor has seen better days, it’s probably time for a makeover. Patterned tiles, which have proven a consistent favourite in recent years, are expected to be popular in 2022. Many homeowners are coming to the realisation that floors don’t have to be uninteresting and boring and instead are on the lookout for fresh ways to add personality to their homes.

Green Tones This designer-approved colour will infuse your kitchen with the advantages of nature – and inspire optimism. Green kitchens are having more than a moment, they’re having a year. It is the kitchen colour to watch this year. With everything from strong emeralds and deep forest greens to soothing sage and balancing grey green mid tones, there’s a hue to fit any style, now set to continue dominating interior design trends in the coming seasons.

According to Darren Watts, Showroom Development & Design Director at Wren Kitchens, a surge of individuals have chosen green cabinets in their kitchens at the start of this year, ranging from mild sages to stronger, deeper tones.

“Greens create a peaceful and relaxed environment for the home. If you’re feeling braver and want to have fun with colour, green tones are the perfect colour option for kitchens,” says Darren.

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CHORLEY

CRAWSHAW HALL BARN, VIRTUAL TOUR CLICK HERE TO VIEW

ADLINGTON, CHORLEY OFFERS OVER £900,000

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Situated in this glorious rural location amongst a collection of stone built houses and barns. Crawshaw Hall Barn is a unique property, overflowing with charm and period elegance. We believe the property have some sections dating back to the 17th century. The property has been lovingly restored over the years with many interesting features, providing great character in this most impressive home.

Situated in an idyllic location just off Common End which is a country lane leading out of Adlington. The property occupies a stunning position, set back from the road but as you walk towards it, opens up to the rear with extensive lawned gardens leading down to the woodlands and the River Douglas. The barn itself is approached by a private driveway with a five bar gate leading to an impressive entrance hall. As well as the superb family accommodation there is also a separate detached double garage and a separate detached granny suite/teenage annexe.

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PRESTON

RYBURN, S T. M I C H A E L S , P R E S T O N 5

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PRICE £695,000

A substantial detached family home in a semi rural location on the main road leading from the village of St Michaels towards the A6 and Garstang. Set in approx 3/4 an acre of gardens with outstanding spacious accommodation, substantial detached outbuilding and a large garage.

The accommodation offers to the ground floor; four reception rooms, an office, a large dining kitchen and a laundry room. To the first floor there are five bedrooms, master with en-suite and a family bathroom.

Beyond the property there is a private lawned garden and a wide driveway providing ample off road parking and leading to a huge garage with undercover car parking. Beyond the garage there is a separate outbuilding. This is currently used as a gym and leisure/spa facilities, but with satisfactory planning this could easily be converted into a separate residential unit. It would ideally suit as a detached granny/teenage suite or perhaps as a home office complex.

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OUR

Services

Whether selling your home to move up the ladder, a first time buyer, a landlord with a property to let, or a tenant seeking to rent a new home, apartment or commercial space, we can provide a range of professional services to help make the process more of a pleasure than a headache.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

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We have recently used Miller Metcalfe Prestige for both our sale and our purchase. The whole team have been fantastic. From the initial contact with Caroline (who has been a star throughout), to the interactions with the photographer, to the team in the office handling viewings and then the sales progression team We couldn’t have been happier.

reviews

So pleased with our decision to choose Miller Metcalfe Prestige.

Would wholeheartedly recommend them.

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Joanne K, Facebook

CULCHETH

B R O O K LY N N , VIRTUAL TOUR CLICK HERE TO VIEW

CULCHETH, WARRINGTON OFFERS OVER £1,500,000

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A rare opportunity to purchase a spectacular period property, built circa 1900, which has been renovated and lovingly restored to an exceptionally high standard throughout. The resulting property is a unique and contemporary family home, which still retains many period features including high ceilings, a panelled staircase and traditional fireplace surround.

This beautiful family home offers an abundance of space in the form of four reception rooms, a study, kitchen, utility room and ground floor WC to the ground floor. To the first floor there are five bedrooms, two en-suites and a family bathroom. The property is set on a generous plot, with a garden, driveway providing off road parking for several vehicles, double garage and views over the neighbouring countryside to the front and a well-proportioned, landscaped garden with mature shrub borders to the rear.

The property is also ideally placed for local schools, amenities and travel. Early viewings are strongly advised to avoid disappointment, as interest levels are expected to be high.

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CULCHETH

SPRINGFIELD FARM, C R O F T, W A R R I N G T O N 6

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VIRTUAL TOUR CLICK HERE TO VIEW

PRICE £1,100,000

Looking for space for a growing family, look no further than this Grade II listed Georgian detached family home, built in 1726, this accommodation is laid out over three floors.

Situated in a lovely setting in the highly sought after village of Croft, with primary school and secondary education available. For those who wish to commute, the location is ideal with access to the motorway network via the neighbouring village of Winwick or via the A580 East Lancashire Road at Lowton.

The property sits on a large plot and briefly comprises; three reception rooms, open plan kitchen diner & family area, utility room, guest wc, additional through room currently being used as a piano room. There is a grand master bedroom suite with a dressing area and en-suite bathroom. There are five further good sized bedrooms over two floors and a family bathroom. Externally to the rear there is a large garden with willow tree and pond, overlooking lovely open fields. To the front there is a large car port and driveway providing ample parking for numerous vehicles.

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PROPERTY TIPS

SAVING MONEY ON YOUR

Energy Bills

The average UK household will see their energy bill rise by £693 in 2022 once regulator Ofgem’s new price cap comes in from April. The price increases are connected to worldwide gas costs. While there isn’t much you can do about wholesale energy rates, there are still steps you can take to save money on your bills.

Understand Your Energy Bill The information on a typical energy bill can be confusing, but making sense of it can go a long way to helping you get to grips with your energy usage at home. Many home energy providers can assist you with this. Most energy bills will break down your usage into how much gas and/or electricity you are currently using, the cost per unit, and your current tariff. By knowing your current usage, and the cost per unit you are currently paying, it will be much easier to shop around for the best price.

Get Ahead Installing an efficient shower head is advised, especially if your shower draws hot water directly from your boiler or hot water tank. This will help you save money on hot water and still give the same sensation as a normal powerful shower.

Switch It Off According to the Energy Saving Trust, turning off all your electrical appliances rather than leaving them on standby can save you roughly £35 per year. Figures published by British Gas suggested that turning off your TV and set-top box would lead to savings of approximately £24 a year. Since these figures were released, prices have continued to rise, making the potential savings higher.

Almost all electrical and electronic appliances can be turned off at the plug without interrupting any programming. Look into purchasing a standby saver which lets you turn all your appliances off standby in one go. If you’re unsure about an appliance, look it up in the manual. *Some satellite and digital TV recorders may require that you leave them plugged in in order for them to maintain track of any programmes you want to record.

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Get Savvy With Smart Controls Smart heating controls are the latest innovation to help you manage your heating and energy usage as they increase your awareness of exactly how much energy is being used in your home. By allowing you to control your heating remotely using a mobile app, you can control the temperature of your home no matter wherever you are, making it practical and a great investment.

Turn Off Lights Turn your lights off when you’re not using them. It really is as simple as that. It is arguably the most obvious energy-saving technique, but can make a huge difference in your energy usage. Did you know that if you switch off a light, even if it’s for a few seconds, you will save more energy than it takes for the light to start up again, regardless of what type of light it is.

Draught-Proof Your Property Draughty spaces in your home can cause a lot of heat loss, meaning you’ll have to spend more money on heating to keep your property warm.

Areas in the home prone to losing heat include; seal cracks in floors or skirting boards, through the chimney and even your letterbox. Your windows and doors are the main areas where you lose heat, especially if your windows aren’t double-glazed. Plastic lining for windows is a great way to tackle this issue as it helps keep the heat in. Even lining your letterbox or blocking an unused chimney can also help.

INTERIOR DESIGN

5 SECRETS FOR STYLING YOUR HOME LIKE AN

Interior Designer

Create A Plan & Stick to It An empty space has a wealth of potential, but it’s all too easy to get caught up in the excitement and purchase items that aren’t right for you or your room. The aim here is to have a goal and stick to it. Think about your lifestyle and the rooms you want to decorate.

A single room can be used for a variety of purposes. For some, a living room can be a relaxing haven where they can binge-watch Netflix, while others may wish to turn it into an entertaining space for guests. Whatever your concept, one thing is certain: you want your area to be as functional as possible.

Find A Solid Statement Piece Remember, not every item in your home needs to make a statement, the key is to consider your “wow” factor, establish a focal point in your home and let everything else sit around that and then go on to add subtle accents to compliment that. According to interior designer Robin Baron to achieve that perfect look you want to...

“Combine clean-lined furniture with interesting pieces that have a unique or sculptural look. It’s all about keeping your eye moving through the room and balancing the interest points.”

Get Your Measurements Right Size matters when it comes to furniture and home furnishings. Never underestimate the importance of measuring the proportions of your room before you consider purchasing a new piece of furniture, especially larger pieces such as your sofas, coffee tables or your bed.

Always design with a budget You want to begin the process by setting a budget, note down exactly how much you want to spend and go from there. Make a list of everything you are planning on purchasing and do some online and window browsing to get a gist of the prices. Once you have a strategy in place you will then have a clearer picture of what you can afford to buy within your budget.

Emphasise Your Accessories From the frames on your night stand, and sculptural tabletop lamps, to the mirror in your hallway, these small accent pieces tend to have the most impact. Accessories contribute to make a house a home, and they deserve just as much attention as the larger, ostensibly more significant elements.

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CULCHETH

THE WILLOWS, COMMON LANE, CULCHETH PRICE £1,300,000

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A totally unique detached property located on the prestigious Common Lane in Culcheth. This beautiful looking extended family home is offered with no upward chain and is situated on a generous plot, within walking distance of Culcheth’s amenities and schools. The property has an eye-pleasing exterior and has been renovated to an exceptional standard throughout, with the accommodation briefly comprising:- Entrance hallway, main lounge, dining room, open-plan dining kitchen with sitting area, snug, study, utility room, ground floor shower room and a ground floor wc.

To the first floor there lies a spacious landing area, three bedrooms, one with a dressing area and en suite, a family bathroom and an additional walk-in wardrobe accessed from the landing. Externally, the property is set back from the road, being fronted by substantial landscaped gardens incorporating a pond, an electric gated driveway for several vehicles and a single integral garage with electric doors. To the rear of the property is a well-proportioned enclosed lawned garden, with a raised level patio area, breeze house with a bar and mature planted borders. Interest levels are expected to be high, so early viewings are strongly advised to avoid disappointment.

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PROPERTY NEWS

North West

EVENTS FOR ALL THE F A M I LY T H I S S P R I N G If you are looking for things to do with the family outside of your Easter activities, here are a few of our favourite events happing in the North West this Spring.

Chester Zoo, Cheshire Tickets - Child £22.72, Adult £29.08 Over 500 species of animals, including rare, exotic and endangered species, call Chester Zoo home. With plenty of play areas all over the place for kids to burn off some energy, as well as 6 different restaurants, a number of food booths, picnic spots, and a monorail, it makes for the perfect family day out!

Formby Point Red Squirrel Reserve, Merseyside | Free Formby’s nature sanctuary has magnificent woodlands and is home to the rare native red squirrel. Between the sea and Formby town is this lovely sandy coastline. There are miles of beautiful walking trails through the woods and dunes.

Prehistoric mud layers are frequently revealed due to changing tides and present erosion of the coastline. Keep an eye out for ancient human and animal footprints!

In the pine woods, kids will have a blast attempting to spot a rare, endangered red squirrel.

National Football Museum, Manchester Tickets - Child £5.50, Adult £10.50 With fascinating artefacts and changing displays, delve into the social history and culture of the much-loved sport, and learn how football came to be such a staple part of many of our lives. Whether you’re a football fan, visiting with your family, or on a weekend break to Manchester, the National Football Museum is a must-visit.

It offers an early year’s area for children aged 0 to 5 with soft play, dressing up, sensory play, puzzles, and arts & crafts. Interactive skills challenge activities are also available for older children.

Sea Life Manchester, Trafford, Manchester Activity Tickets £65 - £120 Calling all explorers! New for 2022, plunge into the tropical waters of Manchester’s Ocean display. Submerge yourself in Sea Life’s brand new snorkel cage and prepare to meet over one thousand creatures.

Come face to flipper with their magnificent giant green sea turtles, as you join them for a lunch date you will never forget!

Beauty & The Beast Musical, Palace Theatre, Manchester Tickets from £20 | 31st March - 4th June 2022 The most enchanted musical of all time, Beauty and the Beast, has returned to Manchester!

This beloved ‘tale as old as time’ has been brought to life on stage like never before, with all the charm and elegance audiences expect from Belle and her Beast.

25 years after its Olivier Award-winning West End debut, members of the original creative team have reunited on this new production featuring all of the spellbinding songs of Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice including Belle, Gaston, Be Our Guest and, of course, Beauty and the Beast.

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