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
The top 10 ‘happiest’ places to live in the North West in 2026 have been named
Emily Sergeant
The top 10 happiest places to live in the North West have been named for 2026.
It comes as Rightmove has published its annual ‘Happy at Home’ index this week, just as it has done for the last 14 years now, exploring exactly what it is that makes people feel content about where they live, and highlighting the happiest places nationwide ahead of the new year – with thousands of residents across more than 200 locations providing feedback.
The residents told the leading property listing platform what they love (or don’t love) about their community, from the friendliness of their neighbours, to job opportunities, access to green spaces, and so much more.
The survey also outlined the differences in happiness in rural, urban, and suburban environments, as well as the way our sense of ‘home happiness’ changes as we age.
So, when it comes to the North West as a whole then, where do we have in the top 10?
Well, to kick things off, you may have already seen that one Lancashire market town has earned its place in the top 10 nationwide, not just for the North West region – and that’s Chorley.
Closest to the Bolton and Wigan boroughs, Chorley – which is is about a 40-minute drive outside of Manchester, and sits on a direct train route into the city centre.
But aside from the national top 10, when it comes to the regional top 10, the next two towns following Chorley in second and third are both in Greater Manchester.
The North West’s top 10 happiest places to live 2026
Chorley
Stockport
Altrincham
Chester
Macclesfield
Southport
Kendal
Wirral
Northwich
Carlisle
Altrincham has been named one of the North West’s happiest places to live / Credit: The Manc Group
The ever-thriving Stockport comes in at number two, followed by Trafford favourite Altrincham directly behind it at number three.
Other of the region’s inclusions like Bury, Bolton, Wigan, and the Manchester borough itself all ranked towards the bottom.
Speaking on this year’s list, Colleen Babcock – a property expert at Rightmove – explained: “The balance between greenery and everyday convenience runs through the wider findings. Even among people who would ideally choose a rural setting, access to amenities, parks and public transport remains important.
“This year’s results suggest that the places people rate most highly aren’t simply urban or rural, but often bring together some of the best elements of both.”
Featured Image – Roger Kidd (via Wikimedia Commons)
Property
Inside the most EXPENSIVE house on the market in one of Greater Manchester’s poshest villages
Emily Sergeant
Fancy a look behind the doors of what is currently the most expensive house on the market in Greater Manchester?
A houses in one of the region’s poshest – if not, the poshest – villages? A house with the most regal interiors and expansive landscaped gardens? A house with an indoor swimming pool, its own cinema room, and leisure suite with a gym and sauna? Of course you do, you’d be silly not to.
The only things is, you’ll just need the small matter of £9.5 million if you want to buy it.
Of course, it goes without saying that the vast majority of people reading this article won’t have £9.5 million just sitting in their bank accounts right now… but, if like us, you love having a nosy inside houses you can’t afford in places you’ll probably never live, then allow us to introduce you to this absolute beauty called Hill Top.
Hill Top is a stunning six-bedroom detached residence in the highly sought-after Trafford village of Hale, currently sitting as the most expensive house on the market in the region.
This is Hill Top, the most expensive house in Greater Manchester / Credit: Gascoigne Halman
Although a new build that was only completed back in 2015, the property has been carefully considered and constructed in the Queen Ann architectural style – which is widely seen throughout the area – to make sure the home stands out while still sitting in harmony with its surroundings.
Sitting on an acre plot at the end of a gated driveway, Hill Top benefits from being within walking distance of all the amenities, excellent local schools, and convenient transport links that make Hale such a desirable place to live.
Estate agents describe it as being full of ‘character and architectural interest’, but with the warmth and charm of a traditional family home.
It’s full of state-of-the-art design features / Credit: Gascoigne Halman
Some of the property’s stand-out features include a Portico stone front porch leading to a grand central staircase, a bespoke designed kitchen with premium integrated appliances, several spacious reception rooms, hardwood sash windows, and Chesney’s fireplaces, as well as the aforementioned leisure suite with a gym, sauna, steam room, and treatment room in the basement space.
Oh, and how could we forget, the indoor swimming pool too?
State-of-the-art technology is seamlessly woven into the design of the house too. We’re talking intelligent underfloor heating, integrated air conditioning, fully customisable multimedia and lighting systems, and an advanced security and CCTV network.
The outside of Hill Top is just as impressive as the inside too, with stunning landscaped gardens by Barnes Walker rounding out why this is one of the most desirable places to live in the region.
The outside is just as impressive as the inside / Credit: Gascoigne Halman
Hill Top is currently on the market with Hale-based estate agents, Gascoigne Halman, for a Guide Price of £9.5 million, and if you fancy taking a closer look, then you can contact the property company to arrange a viewing.
Or you could just take the cheaper route instead and have a look on Rightmove HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
15th May 2026 
