An annual poll has named the Manchester suburb of Didsbury spot among 70 locations said to be the ‘happiest’ places to live in the UK.
Greater Manchester has got lots to say for itself, especially with its diverse and unique cultural landscapes, as well as various vibrant communities, so it comes as no surprise that one of our beautiful suburbs has been voted in a list of the UK’s happiest places to live for this year.
The survey included submissions from 5,000 people and there’s a lot of love being shown to the neighbouring areas of Yorkshire like Doncaster, Bingley, and Harrogate – the lattermost placed in second in the entire country.
But, ranking 62nd out of a possible 70 places, the distinct and vibrant area of Didsbury has been noticed by Furniturebox as one of the ‘happiest’ places to live in the UK.
Credit: The Manc Group
The results took into consideration good state schools, affordable housing, as well as accessibility to pubs, bars, restaurants, independent shops, retailers and more.
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With multiple parks, walking destinations, and top-notch travel links with Bee Network trams and buses easily taking you back into the city centre and out to other boroughs, East, West and Didsbury Village all remain some of the most sought-after areas in the region.
There’s a whole host of indie retailers to enjoy, especially on the likes of the main high street and Burton Road, which effectively serves as its own cultural district, home to vintage clothing shops like Steranko, tailored styling opticians Fox Brothers and much more.
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Burton Rd also boasts countless fantastic food and drink spots like The Great Kathmandu, SANTÉ, Volta and Proove Pizza, just to name a few; we’ve spent plenty of time just on this stretch of Didsbury alone.
If you’ve spent even a little time in Dids, you’ll know there’s plenty going on and it’s certainly one our happiest places in all of Greater Manchester and therefore the UK.
You can also enjoy the famous ‘Didsbury Dozen’ right on your doorstep.
Elsewhere, and somewhat unsurprisingly, Shakespeare’s ever-romanticised hometown of Stratford-Upon-Avon once again reigned supreme at the top of this list.
That being said, it’s refreshing to see that these locations weren’t entirely related to wealth and similar factors, the survey took affordability into careful consideration.
Cheshire was destined for success with its cracking views and grand properties, as the North West county made waves for the region managing to place in fifth position, holding up against Falmouth in Cornwall which placed in sixth.
Although not nabbing that all-important top spot, Didsbury is carrying the flag for 0161 and showing what all know to be true: Northerners do it best.
Every month, we show you some of the hottest properties currently on the market in Greater Manchester.
It’s safe to say that Mancunians love a good nosey around other peoples’ houses, and after all, Greater Manchester is a brilliant place to live.
But what can your money currently get you in the area?
In our monthly Hot Property series, we scour the internet to find 10 more of the most diverse, jaw-dropping, accessible, and beautifully-presented homes currently on the market in Greater Manchester for you to take a look at.
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Ferndale Road
Sale, Trafford, Greater Manchester, M33
Hibbert Homes
Ferndale Road / Credit: Hibbert Homes
Detached | x5 Bedrooms | x3 Bathrooms
Conveniently being offered to the market with no onward chain, this immaculately-presented five-bedroom detached family home in the popular Trafford town of Sale, only a short distance from a wide range of amenities, excellent local schools, and transport links across the region, is described by estate agents as being ‘impressive’ – and honestly, it’d be very hard to disagree.
Finished to a meticulously-high standard, making it an ideal choice for growing families, this property not only boats stunning interiors, but the exterior is just as stunning, with its large paved driveway and well-maintained rear lawned garden.
Viewing is ‘essential’ to fully appreciate the charm and quality of this remarkable home.
Ferndale Road / Credit: Hibbert Homes
The property is currently on the market with Sale-based independent estate agents, Hibbert Homes, for £975,000.
Estate agents describe this stunning six-bedroom Edwardian semi as being the ‘real deal’… and we think that says it all.
Positioned on a prestigious road within the Heaton Moor Conservation area, meaning you’ll be living in one of Stockport’s most thriving and most sought-after communities, some of the property’s highlights have to include the large hand-crafted kitchen diner, and the fully-converted lower ground floor, which is currently used as a beautiful self-contained apartment and boasts double French doors to a private courtyard.
Externally, the property has plenty of off-road driveway parking to the front and stunning rear landscaped gardens.
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Broomfield Road / Credit: Julian Wadden
The property is currently on the market with the Heaton Moor branch of local estate agents, Julian Wadden, for a Guide Price of £1.2 million.
Absolutely brimming with character and charm everywhere you look, and situated on the edge of a semi-rural country lane just to add even more to its charm, this four-bedroom stone detached family home was originally built all the way back in 1885, but has been beautifully-maintained to preserve its period features over the decades.
Now providing flexible accommodation across three floors, some of the home’s undeniable stand-out features have to be the dining kitchen with its Aga, original terracotta tiled floors, and the regal family bathroom with a free-standing bath.
When you take a look outside the property, you’ll find off-road parking, an integral garage providing great storage, and several garden areas surrounding – including a large lawn.
Smallshaw Road / Credit: Reside Estate Agency
The property is currently on the market with Rochdale-based estate agency, Reside, for £550,000 (Offers in Excess of).
Looking for an immaculately-presented property that’s ready to move straight into? This could be just what you’re after.
Situated on a pretty residential street in the heart of the popular Wigan area of Swinley, which is known and loved for its close proximity to all the amenities on offer in Wigan town centre, as well as its good local schooling options and convenient transport links across Greater Manchester, is this four-bedroom mews terraced property offered to the highest of standards throughout.
Not only have the current owners completely refurbished and modernised the home from top to bottom in impeccable style, but many of the property’s original character features have been retained.
Stepping outside the home you’ll find a well-maintained rear yard area.
Ashland Avenue / Credit: Yopa
The property is currently on the market with the North West branch of popular online estate agents, Yopa, for £300,000 (Offers in Excess Of).
Occupying an enviable plot and situated on a beautiful tree-lined street in of Manchester’s most desirable neighbourhoods, this five-bedroom double-fronted Edwardian detached family home is described by estate agents as ‘truly exquisite’, especially thanks to its black and white wooden gables and attractive elevatins.
This generously-proportioned property is part of one of Didsbury’s most exclusive addresses, and is conveniently located nearby to a wide range of amenities, good local schools, and transport links.
Internally, the property has been renovated throughout by the current owners and is presented to a very high standard, while externally, there is a paved driveway providing off-road parking for several vehicles to the front and a large easy-to-maintain garden to the rear.
Clothorn Road / Credit: Philip James Kennedy
The property is currently on the market with the Didsbury branch of independent estate agents, Philip James Kennedy, for £1.5 million.
If you’re looking for a property with bags of potential and somewhere you can move in and begin to put your own stamp on, then this attractive four-bedroom detached property in one of Oldham’s most sought-after villages could be just the one for you – especially as it combines the best of semi-rural living, while still being close to everything needed for modern life.
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The property – which has accommodations set over four floors – has been maintained to a high standard by the current owners, both inside and out, and estate agents describe it as being a ‘superb home’ for a growing family.
To top it off, the property is offered to the market with no onward chain, meaning it’s ready to move straight into.
Church Road / Credit: Ryder & Dutton
The property is currently on the market with the Uppermill branch of local estate agents, Ryder & Dutton, for £450,000 (Offers Over).
Godmond Hall Drive / Credit: Millbrook Estate Agents
Detached | x4 Bedrooms | x3 Bathrooms
Situated in the highly-sought-after Boothstown area of Worsley on a popular residential estate, that’s just a stone’s throw away from Salford and Manchester city centres, as well as good local schools, and transport links across Greater Manchester, is this four-bedroom detached family home modernised throughout and ready to move straight into.
Occupying a prime corner plot, the property has been meticulously-designed and styled with incredible attention to detail, and some of its key features have to be the large kitchen-diner, three reception rooms, and four spacious double bedrooms.
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Stepping outside the property, you’ll find lawned gardens both the front and rear, and a large driveway leading to an integrated double garage.
Godmond Hall Drive / Credit: Millbrook Estate Agents
The property is currently on the market with Worsley-based independent estate agents, Millbrook Estate Agents, for £700,000.
Hollingworth Hall Farm House / Credit: Jardine Estates
Detached | x4 Bedrooms | x5 Bathrooms
Like something off a picture-perfect postcard, this is Hollingworth Hall Farm House.
Sat in an elevated position above Hollingworth village, with panoramic views overlooking the beautiful surrounding Tameside countryside, this four-bedroom detached family home may be set in a quiet and tranquil location, but it is also only a short distance from a wide range of amenities, schooling options, and transport links into Manchester, making it the the perfect blend of rural serenity and convenience.
The property’s spacious living areas are flooded with natural light, creating a warm and inviting ambience throughout, and each room has managed to retain much of its original character and charm.
Externally, the property benefits from off-road parking, sprawling gardens to the rear, and even a luxurious hot tub area.
Hollingworth Hall Farm House / Credit: Jardine Estates
The property is currently on the market with Hyde-based independent estate agents, Jardine Estates, for £900,000 (Offers in Excess of).
High Bank Lane, Lostock, Bolton, Greater Manchester, BL6
Lancasters
Springbank / Credit: Lancasters
Detached | x5 Bedrooms | x4 Bathrooms
Tucked behind grand wooden gates, nestled amongst trees and set in expansive grounds is Springbank – a stunning five-bedroom detached family home in the affluent Bolton suburb of Lostock, which benefits from being close to amenities in the town’s centre, as well as excellent schools and convenient transport links.
This late-Victorian residence boasts large spacious rooms enhanced by high ceilings and large windows letting in lots of natural light, as well as being finished with attractive, thoughtful detailing.
As well as the property having been renovated to a stunning standard throughout, externally, there as also beautifully-maintained grounds spanning around 0.7 of an acre, as well as a driveway providing lots of off-road parking.
Springbank / Credit: Lancasters
The property is currently on the market with Bolton-based independent estate agents, Lancasters, for £1.25 million.
One of the most historic – and truly breathtaking – properties currently for sale in the whole of Greater Manchester.
This is Baldingstone House – an exceptional Grade II-listed detached six-bedroom period residence that’s thought to date back to around 1604 and currently occupies an enviable tucked-away position in the affluent Walmersley area of Bury, just a short drive from all the amenities on offer in Bury town centre, as well as good local schools, and convenient transport links across the region.
Throughout the property’s history, there have been several extensions and alterations, but the current owners have been very careful to retain the original character in any improvements they’ve made – with numerous original period features still intact, including fireplaces and beamed ceilings.
The properties main house, separate two-bedroom cottage, outbuildings, tennis court, and formal gardens all amount to around three acres in total.
Baldingstone House / Credit: Pearson Ferrier
The property is currently on the market with Bury-based independent estate agents, Pearson Ferrier, for £1.5 million.
The Angel Inn pub in Stockport has officially become the thriving Greater Manchester borough’s latest listed building.
Being granted Grade II-listed status following an extensive visit and survey by Historic England (HE), Stockport Market Place’s Angel Inn may have had a lick of paint amidst the ‘Old Town Revival’ over the last decade or so, but the pub itself was erected back in the 16th century.
Reopened as one of the area’s most beloved boozers back in 2018, whilst still maintaining key fixtures and that feeling of authenticity, it harks back to the town’s Cheshire roots and taps into a deep vein of local culture.
The assessment, which was completed earlier this month, means that Angel Inn has been recognised as having special architectural or historic significance – i.e. the definition of a listed building.
Writing in a post on social media, the government-backed English heritage organisation detailed that while the inn predates the Early Modern/post-medieval period, the Angel‘s frame is comprised of wood from the 15th century.
But it gets even more interesting than that…
As well as being one of a select few surviving, traditional wattle-and-daub structures in the UK – nearby Bramall Hall being another (and a technique that had died out by the 18th century) – a close inspection of the internal floorboards unearthed something truly fascinating.
It just so happens that tests by HE proved that one particular plank of flooring “was cut from a tree alive in 1086, the year the Domesday Book was completed: the oldest government record held in The National Archives, commissioned by William the Conqueror.
How bloody cool is that?
It’s also worth noting that it’s genuinely a brilliant boozer and one of the most popular watering holes you’ll find in the town centre, promising a cosy interior, an intimate little outdoor area out back and serving plenty of regional ales.
You only have to glance at the exterior to clue into its age, let alone what there is to be found inside.Way back when.Credit: Historic England (handout)/Stockport Archives
Although they say it’s likely that the floorboard in question was originally cut for an earlier building situated in the same location, it still goes to show how old this particular North West settlement is.
“The name ‘Angel Inn’ dates from as early as 1769, though the site’s hospitality roots extend further, with references to “Cotterell’s inn” used for sequestrators’ meetings in the 1640s, who met to organise the confiscation of property of supporters of King Charles I during The English Civil War”, HE went on to add.
Angel Inn is one of only a handful of venues like this in Greater Manchester and Cheshire; safe to say a lot of time, effort and money are being put into preserving these links to the past.
Thomas Melia -
21st November 2024 
