An iconic former orangery built for a renowned industrialist nestled in the grounds of a grand Lancashire park is currently on the market for £1.65m.
Now, we know this one is a little off patch for us… but honestly, it truly is a unique masterpiece worth hyping up.
Before we all get carried away though, it goes without saying that the vast majority of us won’t have the money to buy this house just sitting in our bank accounts, but if like us, you’ve 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.
This is The Orangery – set within the distinguished grounds of Lancashire’s Woodfold Hall, the property effortlessly blends heritage charm with refined modern living.
Located in the sought-after area of Mellor near Blackburn – which is ideally placed for being close by to a wide range of amenities, good local schooling options, and transport links to surrounding towns and cites, all while still enjoying easy access to nearby countryside – The Orangery is bathed in natural light and framed by elegant architectural detail, all offering a rare sense of calm and exclusivity.
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Estate agents say this is a home that feels both ‘indulgent and inviting’, and is perfect for those who appreciate character and privacy… and a touch of grandeur, of course.
Built all the way back in 1820 as an orangery to Woodfold Hall for renowned cotton magnate and industrialist Henry Sudell, few homes currently on the market in the North West offer such architectural distinction as this.
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This is The Orangery inside the grounds of Lancashire’s grand Woodfold Park / Credit: Fine & Country
This ‘remarkable’ home occupies a private, gated plot that extends to over two acres within one of the region’s most prestigious country estates, and is defined by its elegant stone elevations, soaring ceilings, dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, and countless other period features, all while having been tastefully updated by the current owners to make it fit for modern-day living.
Some of the property’s stand-out features include the striking curved reception hall, the open plan kitchen-diner bathed in natural light from three elevations, and several reception rooms with French doors leading out into the expansive gardens.
There are also five spacious bedrooms on the first floor – with the principal suite boasting bespoke built-in furniture and a dedicated dressing room.
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But, it would be fair to say, it’s the outside where this home truly comes into its own.
While the interior is stunning, it’s the outside where this home truly comes into its own / Credit: Fine & Country
The gardens are nothing short of ‘enchanting’, according to estate agents – offering a mature landscape of manicured lawns, stone pathways and terraces, and trees, shrubs and floral boarders that wrap gracefully around the property.
The property also has a sweeping driveway that offers ample parking for multiple vehicles, and has access to a substantial garage.
As mentioned, The Orangery is on the market for £1.65 million with national estate agency label, Fine & Country, and if you’re keen to take a look around for yourself, then get in touch. Otherwise, you can just have a look around on Rightmove instead here.
Featured Image – Fine & Country
Property
Two towns around an hour away from Manchester named ‘most affordable’ places to buy your first home
Emily Sergeant
Two towns that are around an hour away from Manchester have been named among the ‘most affordable’ places to buy your first home.
It’s all according to the latest analysis by consumer watchdog Which?, and Lloyds bank.
Getting onto the property ladder remains a struggle for many first time buyers, especially following increases to mortgage rates since the start of spring – but where you buy can make a huge difference, according to Which?, and now new research from Lloyds has revealed the cheapest areas to buy your first home.
Some of the locations on the list are even averaging less than half the price of homes in London, proving the North West is where you want to be to get your foot on the property ladder.
According to research from Lloyds Bank, the most affordable place for first time buyers in the UK is East Ayrshire in Scotland.
But when it comes to the North West, Blackpool is not only the most affordable area in region – ranking at number three on the list – but it’s also the cheapest in the whole of England too, beating Kingston upon Hull by just a few hundred pounds.
Two towns around an hour away from Manchester have been named among the ‘most affordable’ places to buy your first home / Credit: Benjamin Elliott | Maria Ziegler (via Unsplash)
The average first time buyer price in Blackpool is £150,780, according to the research.
Following Blackpool, ranking at sixth place on the list, is Hyndburn in Lancashire – which is actually a local Government district with borough status, that encompasses towns like Accrington and Great Harwood – with an average first time buyer price of £155,911.
Along with the most affordable areas for first time buyers, Lloyds has also calculated the areas with the youngest first time buyers too – and the North West also takes that title,
In the UK as a whole, the average age of a first time buyer is now 32, however buyers in some parts of the country are getting onto the property ladder much earlier than others, particularly in more affordable areas outside major cities.
The area with the youngest first time buyers is the Ribble Valley, according to Lloyds.
The largest town in this Lancashire district is Clitheroe, on the edge of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, and in less than 40 minutes by car, you can get to Preston, Blackburn, and Burnley, so it’s a pretty well-connected place for also being so affordable.
Featured Image – Stuart Wilding (Geograph)
Property
Four North West towns named among Britain’s top 10 seaside ‘property hotspots’ for 2026
Emily Sergeant
Four North West towns have been named among Britain’s top 10 ‘property hotspots’ by the sea for 2026.
You may already be familiar that, every year, leading property listing website Rightmove takes a look at all the cities, towns, and residential areas across the UK where house prices saw a significant hike on average last year, and puts together a top 10 list.
The ‘hotspot’ table is made up of a variety of locations where prices rose the most, when compared to the end of the year prior.
But now, they’ve done a special seaside version too.
Of course, “Manchester‘s got everything except a beach” so it won’t come as a surprise that no Greater Manchester towns are featured on this list, but that isn’t the case for the rest of the North West though, as Merseyside and Cumbria are well represented.
In fact, it’s actually the North West that’s taken the top spot, as Bootle in Merseyside has been named Britain’s top seaside house price hotspot, with asking prices having risen 11% in the past year alone, and that’s even with an average house price still way below the national average at £141,680.
Four North West towns have been named among Britain’s top 10 seaside ‘property hotspots’ for 2026 / Credit: James Feaver | Gabe Fender (via Unsplash)
Second place can be found just 10 minutes further up the coast in the town of Crosby, where the average asking prices are up 9% compared to last year, reaching £330,900.
Wallasey comes in at sixth place on the list, with house prices rising 7% to £200,753 on average, while Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria ranks at number nine with house prices increasing 6% to an average of £185,169.
Rightmove says the data shows that coastal living remains ‘relatively accessible’ in several areas, with nine of the top 10 fastest growing seaside locations still priced below the national average, and across more than 100 coastal areas analysed, more than 80% also have an average asking price below the national average (£378,304).
“The fastest-growing seaside markets this year show that demand for coastal homes in many areas remains resilient, even as overall price growth across the UK stays more modest,” commented Colleen Babcock, who is Rightmove’s property expert.
“While some locations are seeing strong price increases, there are still many areas where living by the sea is more affordable, giving buyers a wider range of options depending on their budget.”
Emily Sergeant -
15th May 2026 
