A mansion that’s up for sale in Bolton is hiding one of the country’s most impressive back gardens.
The home in Lostock, listed at £1,795,000, is up there with the most expensive currently on the market in the borough.
And it’s easy to see why.
Its villa-like structure has five huge bedrooms and three bathrooms, not to mention four reception rooms, a snooker room and bar, an orangery, and a double garage.
The outside spaces/ Credit: Fine & Country
But the sprawling property’s most impressive feature lies outside, in its manicured gardens.
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The Bolton mansion comes with its own stream – essentially a moat – as well as a waterfall, rockeries, and a fishpond so massive you could almost claim to have your own private lake.
Fine & Country, the estate agency marketing the home, say: “The beautiful villa-like structure stands magnificently within its own super secluded green haven, where a lush woodland canopy and private lakeside setting cannot help but create a real sense of peace and tranquillity – the sort of blissful ambience experienced on luxurious holiday escapes – undisturbed in a world of its own manicured grounds, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.”
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The incredible grounds of the mansion in Bolton / Credit: Fine & Country
There are neat lawns, fancy topiary, and even a charming stone footbridge and a wooden one crossing the water.
Its interiors are pretty lavish too, dripping in marble, polished wood, and chandeliers.
A massive sweeping staircase greets people on arrival in an entrance hall that leads on to the many, many rooms.
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The interiors of the Bolton mansion / Credit: Fine & Country
While the building was constructed in 2000, it’s since been renovated throughout.
The listing continues: “Where to begin with an extraordinary property like this? It is without a doubt one of Bolton’s most prestigious residences, boasts perhaps one of the most delightful residential settings you could ever find, and is finished to a level where ‘no expense spared’ is an understatement.”
Of the location, Fine & Country say: “This property is nestled within an exclusive hamlet of imposing homes stood proud behind private gates within the leafy green area of Lostock – arguably one of the most prestigious and desirable suburban settings in Bolton.
“Willowbank is sat in its own world of extraordinary grounds, so private that nobody would even know it exists! Despite this wonderfully secluded setting, everything you would ever want or need is on your doorstep.”
Bury FC legend Nicky Adams confirms retirement after more than two decades
Danny Jones
Bury FC is saying goodbye to a veteran of Greater Manchester football as local legend Nicky Adams has announced he will be retiring at the end of the season.
The Bolton-born midfielder has enjoyed a 22-year career, playing for 10 different clubs in that time, most notably Bury, where he began as an academy product and earned his first senior minutes back in 2005.
Having been with the club across four different stints and by far the largest chunk of his playing days, making more than 200 appearances for the North West Counties side, he’s practically part of the furniture at this point.
But the time has finally come, as Adams revealed he will be retiring from professional football at the age of 38 – his longevity being an incredible achievement in itself.
⚪🔵 Nicky Adams has announced his retirement from football.
Adams has had a 22-year football career and will hang up his boots at the end of the season to take up a full-time coaching role.
Confirmed via a club statement on Tuesday, 15 April, the Shakers informed fans that Adams, who returned to his home club back in December, will be able to toast hanging up his boots with a promotion party if they avoid defeat against Burscough.
Adams has represented several other Greater Manchester teams in the past too, playing 85 games for Rochdale and 59 for Oldham Athletic, as well as 88 for Radcliffe FC.
Having scored 14 goals during his time with Bury, as well as serving as club captain, he told the club: “I think it’s perfect timing for me, I’m learning the coaching side of it. I’ve been doing that for the last few years, and I’ve got a big opportunity to go and do that full-time now.
“I came here at 16 years old; I’ve come back a few times now, I’ve played over 200 games for the football club, I don’t need to tell anyone what it means to me.
“I’ve had some unbelievable times here, and I’ll be forever grateful to this football club, which gave me the opportunity to go and be a professional footballer and go on the journey that I’ve been on. I’m forever grateful for that.”
Speaking on his return late last year, it’s plain to see how big an impression Gigg Lane has left on him.
He may be calling time on his playing days, but he’s not going anywhere.
Manager Dave McNabb went on to say: “I’m not really sure how to put into words the impact that Nicky has had on me and this group since he walked back through the door in December.
“His legendary status at this football club is well-known and documented. I had heard a lot of good things about his character and his personality through mutual friends and people within the game, so I knew he was going to be a good lad and have a positive impact in the dressing room.
Even with this knowledge, never did I expect to meet such an honest and caring man with enormous levels of integrity and with such high standards and principles. He’s a leader amongst men. When he talks, people listen. He gets the best out of others.
He is trusted and respected by everyone. He drives positive relationships within the group. He is the glue that holds things together. I’m proud to have brought him back to HIS football club, I’m proud to have played a very small part in his illustrious career but most of all, I’m proud to be able to call him a friend.
Signing off with a sentiment, McNabb added: “Good luck Nicky, you’re a legend.”
Five of the best sunset walks in and around Greater Manchester
Thomas Melia
The clocks have finally gone forward and this signals the arrival of the longer nights for Greater Manchester and the UK at large, which can only mean one thing: some stunning after-work sunset walks are on the cards.
If you’re eager to make the most of the sun while we have it at our fingertips, these walks are on hand to get you on the go and treat your eyes to some unforgettable views.
It’s not every day we get the sun shining down on us here in gloomy Manchester, so we’ve got you covered with some sunset hotspots that are nothing short of a delight.
Take a stroll with us, won’t you?
Five of our favourite sunset walks around Greater Manchester
1. Dovestone Reservoir – Oldham
Just imagine the light bouncing off here.You can see what we mean.Hard to remember this is on our doorstep sometimes. (Credit: Clive Gliddis via Geograph)/Richard Thorpe (via Flickr)
Is there any category this walk doesn’t find itself fitting into? If it’s not already one of the prettiest or ‘Best Boxing Day walks’, now it finds itself claiming its latest title as one of the best sunset walks in Greater Manchester too.
Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham has been a walker’s wonderland for Mancs and trekkers alike thanks to its wide footpaths that offer a much nicer and less cramped experience.
Due to its valley location and neighbouring rolling hills, you can expect to see some gorgeous views of that lovely sun as it reflects onto the already impressive reservoir.
2. Chorlton Water Park – Sale
It’s hard to find a picture of Chorlton Water Park that doesn’t have a four-legged friend in it (not that we’re complaining).We managed to source one of an equally stunning creature.Credit: The Manc Group/Monica’s Photographs (via Instagram)
A relatively flat and accessible walk, Chorlton Water Park is an easy route with some beautiful views, even more glorious when the lake and greenery catch the golden and pink hues of the sunset.
This is a dog walking hot spot, so not only are you getting outside and admiring this stunning green space, you’re also getting a chance to see some of Greater Manchester’s cutest little pups.
Being an open space with shrubs and, most importantly, a large lake, come sunset you’ll be able to capture the silhouette of Canadian geese, which makes for the perfect Instagram photo dump.
Aside from being one of the highest points in Bolton, this prime sunset spot has lovely architecture and terraced gardens for you to roam through before you admire the golden hilltop views.
With summer houses, archways, waterfalls, Rivington Pike has every box ticked and maybe even a few more you didn’t even know you had.
Be warned, when people talk about getting their steps in, this place doubles down on that statement. Luckily, not only will you lose yourself in the surroundings, but there are also a lot of stone staircases you’ll encounter along the way.
4. Peel Tower – Bury
The sunset is almost as impressive as Peel Tower itself over in Bury.A stunning postcard spot and one of the best sunset walks you’ll find close to Manchester. (Credit: @fell_n_mountain via IG)
Situated in Ramsbottom, an idyllic town in Bury, Peel Tower finds itself overlooking a vast and clear landscape, perfect for anyone trying to witness a distraction-free sunset.
As you wander up to meet the mighty stone structure perfectly placed among a flurry of tall grass, you’ll encounter lots of shrubs and a few well-trodden unofficial walkways.
This route is circular and the views are one-in-a-million, encompassing everything from Manchester to North Wales and Derbyshire (weather-dependent, of course).
This next sunset walk is one that people flock to, and it’s fair to say this setting is probably one of the most famous, with people who have visited describing it as‘the best sunset spot’ in Manchester.
Werneth Low, which borders Stockport and Tameside, has seen itself become a viral star much like the popular Mam Tor; walkers and photographers alike are out in their masses waiting to capture the perfect picture.
You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world once you ramble your way up this Greater Manchester point of interest, and you might even see a plane contrail or two, as the airport is less than half an hour away.
Honourable mention: Blackstone Edge – Rochdale
A glorious sunset over Blackstone Edge, just outside of Rochdale.Credit: (@to_lay_myhead_uk via IG)
Here at The Manc, we know there are lots of fabulous walks in and around Rochdale, but when it comes to admiring the sunset, this one takes the biscuit.
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There’s a reservoir, a rocky incline, plenty of moorland and views across the whole of Rochdale, including a distant Hollingworth Lake, all covered in a honeydew sky.
After a trek upon the Pennines, you can stop off at The White House: an acclaimed pub which welcomes dog-walkers, cyclists and everyone in between, promising a hearty meal and proper good pint after a meander around the moors.