Fancy a look inside a Grade II-listed property that’s currently on the market in the stunning Stockport countryside?
The only thing is, you’ll just need the small matter of £1.25 million before you can call it yours.
Of course, it goes without saying that the vast majority of people reading this article won’t have £1.25 million just sitting in their bank accounts right now, but if like us, you’ve got no shame in admitting you love looking at houses you can’t afford in places you’ll probably never live, then allow us to introduce you to this absolute beauty.
Take a look behind the grand front door of what is, by far, one of the most unique properties the Greater Manchester housing market has to offer at the moment.
This is Bleak House.
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This is Bleak House / Credit: eXp UK
Although the name doesn’t do it much justice, it has to be said, this magnificent five-bedroom detached stone residence overlooks stunning views as far as the eye can see.
And can you believe it’s only in Stockport too? Well, Marple shall we say, which is very much one of the borough’s most sought-after and affluent residential areas, combining the best of semi-rural living with easy access to all the amenities in the town’s centre, as well as Manchester being not far off either, so it’s ideally placed for peace and quiet yet modern life is within reaching distance.
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Bleak House is actually a former mill manager’s house, and dates all the way back to the early 19th century, with associations to Samuel Oldknow and Peter Arkwright, making it a property of both archaeological and historical significance.
It’s a stunning five-bedroom Grade II-listed residence in the Stockport countryside / Credit: eXp UK
Gaining its Grade II-listed status in 1967, the house itself offers some 3,000 square feet of living accommodation set over three floors.
Due to is listed status, this means the current owners have been required to carry out all recent development works as ‘sympathetically’ as possible, with strict requirements adhered to along the way, and you’ll see once you step through the grand front doors that the property has managed to perfectly blend period charm with contemporary touches.
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Some of the stand-out features the property boasts is a living room with a wood burner set in stone fire surround and dual-aspect sash windows offering far-reaching views, and a recently-fitted bespoke kitchen diner at the heart of the home, along with a separate boot room and utility room.
The property has its own separate annex and even its own private canal mooring / Credit: eXp UK
There are also four generous-sized double bedrooms, each with their own en-suite, and not only has the property been recently extended, but there is also planning permission granted for further reception rooms, plus a car shelter and storage space.
As well as the main house, there’s also a self-contained annex that comes with property, and this has also been recently refurbished, and now presents as a way to generate some extra income from short stays and holiday lets.
Once you step outside the property, it’s just as impressive as it is on the inside.
Bleak House faces south with the Peak Forest Canal to the west and Strines Road to the east.
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To the front of the property, there’s a long driveway providing plenty of off-road parking, and EV car charging point, and a large lawn surrounded by woodland, while to the rear, there’s also another large lawn area with various steps, pathways, and tiers leading up to the canal.
At the top is a decked patio area that offers some of the best views of the pictursque Goyt Valley adjacent to the canal, with the property’s own private mooring.
Bleak House is currently on the market with the North West branch of property company eXp UK for a whopping £1.25 million, and if you fancy taking a closer look, then you can contact the agents to arrange a viewing.
Or you could just take the cheaper route instead and have a nosey at the Rightmove link here.
Featured Image – eXp UK
Property
Free Manchester home-buying event returns after attracting more than 750 aspiring buyers last year
Daisy Jackson
The Manchester Home Show will return this year, offering free advice and support for people looking to buy their first home.
The event brings together everything from housing providers to mortgage experts, and last year attracted more than 750 aspiring buyers.
You’ll be able to chat to experts, receive free financial and legal advice, and learn all about schemes like Shared Ownership, helping you to take that step closer to the property ladder in the North West.
There will also be the chance to learn more about some of the region’s most exciting new affordable homes developments, including L&Q at Victoria Riverside near the city centre.
This year, the Manchester Home Show will take place at Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, between 10.30am and 4pm on Saturday 19 September.
It will bring together advice, affordable homeownership guidance, and access to housing providers under one roof, and builds on the success of the long-running London Home Show (which has welcomed more than 87,000 prospective buyers since 2013).
This year’s industry sponsors are housing associations L&Q and Plumlife Homes, alongside 18 other expert exhibitors including Gecko Homes, Latimer by Clarion Housing Group, Snugg Homes, Your Housing Group, Together Homes and Onward Living.
Attendees will also benefit from access to legal and financial advice with the opportunity to meet mortgage brokers from Metro Finance, Smiths Financial, Just Mortgages and TMP The Mortgage People, along with solicitors from Shared Direction Conveyancing, Owen Paulo Legal Ltd, Alexander JLO Solicitors, and Talbots Law.
The Manchester Home Show is back. Credit: Supplied
Guests can sign up for jargon-free talks throughout the day, covering everything from top tips for first time buyers to the legal steps involved with buying a Shared Ownership property.
Nick Lieb, Chief Operations Officer at Share to Buy, comments: “We’re thrilled to bring the Manchester Home Show back to the North West and continue supporting aspiring homeowners on their journey.
“With many buyers unsure about where to start or what options are available, our aim is to make the home-buying process more accessible by bringing trusted experts, leading housing providers, and practical advice together in one place.
“Whether visitors are first time buyers, renters looking to save, or simply just exploring their options, the Manchester Home Show will provide the guidance they need to move forward with confidence.”
Attendees of the Manchester Home Show can even register their interest in some major affordable property schemes, from the Shared Ownership apartments near Manchester Victoria from L&Q Victoria Riverside, to apartments and townhouses in Salford from Plumlife Homes, and apartments in a restored pub (The Stamford Arms) in Little Bollington from Gecko Homes.
Tickets for the Manchester Home Show are free, but visitors must register in advance to attend, which you can do HERE.
You can also follow @sharetobuy_live on Instagram for further updates, top tips, videos and more.
‘Own a landmark, create a legacy’ – Historic chimney goes on sale for £300k in Bolton
Emily Sergeant
How would you like to live in a big chimney?
I know that might sound like an odd question, and in some respects, it is… but we’re being 100% genuine, as over in Bolton there is currently a historic local landmark on the market with planning permission to make it into your new home, and it’ll only set you back £300,000.
‘Only’ is a bit of a stretch, but when you consider the magnitude of this property, it’s surprising that you’re able to get your hands on it for such a reasonable price.
This is Barrow Bridge Chimney.
Rising above the tranquil stone cottages and wooded valley of the stunning model village that is Barrow Bridge, this striking Victorian chimney stands as a lone sentinel of Bolton’s proud industrial past – and now, with full planning permission secured, estate agents say it offers an ‘extraordinary opportunity’ to reimagine history as a truly one-of-a-kind home.
A historic chimney has gone on sale for £300k in Bolton / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
Originally built in the early 19th century as part of the ‘ambitious’ Dean Mills complex, the chimney once crowned a thriving cotton-spinning hub founded by Thomas Bazley, who was one of the Industrial Revolution’s great innovators.
Long after the mills fell silent though, the chimney endured and remained a local landmark in Smithills visible for miles, and today this relic of the steam age is ready for its next chapter.
Approved plans for the chimney are described as being a ‘bold’ residential conversion that will honour its industrial heritage, while still creating a dramatic modern dwelling like no other in the town.
The planning permission is in place for a two-storey residence of approximately 3,939 sq ft, with a striking contemporary design blended seamlessly with practical living.
The planning permission is in place for a ‘striking’ two-storey residence / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
The approved plans include three spacious bedrooms (two with en-suites), a family bathroom, a downstairs cloakroom, and a study that can easily adapted to a four-bedroom, four-bathroom layout to suit modern family life.
What makes this an even more attractive prospect for future buyers is that the chimney is well-connected to both amenities and nature – with both independent businesses, good local schools, and convenient transport links on the doorstep, as well as parks and tree-lined walks.
“This is your chance to own more than bricks and mortar,” estate agents Miller Metcalfe said.
“It’s a chance to live inside a landmark, to shape its story for future generations, and to call a piece of Bolton’s proud industrial heritage your own. Enquire now to discover how you can transform this iconic chimney into a legacy home that will stand for generations to come.”
Fancy it then? Take a look at the property on Rightmove here.
Emily Sergeant -
17th April 2025 
