A new development of beautiful homes has taken shape over in Bolton – and these are some seriously good-looking properties.
Cynefin by Northstone is a collection of 177 energy-efficient homes that are so well-designed they wouldn’t look out of place in LA.
With Scandi-style interiors, roof gardens with beautiful views, and a green setting thoughtfully designed along the original fairways of the former Horwich Gold Club, they’ve got a lot going for them.
There’s a variety of home designs and sizes at Cynefin by Northstone, each with premium interiors, smart technology and a well-connected setting.
Residents here will be just a stone’s throw from Horwich Parkway Station, with direct services into Manchester, Bolton, Preston and beyond, as well as the Middlebrook Retail Park and the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
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You’ll also find yourself close to the M61 motorway, loads of bus services, and just 40 minutes’ drive from Manchester Airport too.
The dining room at Cynefin in BoltonA modern kitchenAnother view of the kitchen/dinerSouth-west-facing gardensA sizeable utility roomThe sunny Cynefin living room
But despite being so well-connected, the development has a rural air to it thanks to its proximity to Rivington Pike and Winter Hill (there are great cycle routes and footpaths to get you there).
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The neighbourhood itself is a quiet, elevated area surrounded by established trees, but has urban convenience right on the doorstep.
Back to the houses themselves, and the four-bedroom, three-storey villa we’re showing you today.
As you enter this style of home, you’ll notice several things straight away – first up, they’re beautifully presented, with a simple design executed really, really well.
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High ceilings, flexible spaces, and an open-plan Scandi design are all key features of a Cynefin by Northstone home.
There’s also masses of storage (which you don’t see every day in new builds).
Master bedroomA bedroom turned into a master suiteThird bedroomFourth bedroomCynefin has a roof garden overlooking BoltonBook a viewing at Cynefin by Northstone in Bolton
In the kitchen, all appliances included as standard include a double oven with a built-in airfryer, an induction hob, a fridge/freezer and a dishwasher.
There are sunny, south west-facing gardens, turfed and fenced when residents move in, and loads of parking space outside too.
Throughout the home you’ll find triple-glazed full-length windows, letting in lots of light and keeping the home as energy efficient as possible (helped along by extra insulation and solar panels).
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And then, the piece de resistance – the rooftop terrace. Perfect for BBQs, romantic dinners, family breakfasts, or just relaxing with a good book after a long day, these little sun traps have gorgeous views and feel a million miles away from Greater Manchester.
Interested? Book a viewing of Cynefin by Northstone in Bolton HERE.
Rochdale to be filled with fiery sculptures for return of dazzling Ignite Fire Festival
Daisy Jackson
A magical trail of fire sculptures and light installations will return to Rochdale this month, spilling across the square and gardens around the almighty Rochdale Town Hall.
Ignite Fire Festival will be back in town this winter between 21 and 23 November, for three free nights of spectacular shows, light trails and family-friendly entertainment.
That’s alongside an ice rink and Christmas market, too.
It’s all in the lead-up to the festive lights switch-on and will include a 20-strong drumming collective, blazing fire sculptures, and illuminated installations.
This year’s Ignite Fire Festival will be the biggest yet, Rochdale Borough Council has promised, with artworks created once again by multi-award-winning outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank.
The event will kick off on the Friday of the festival with a torchlight procession to officially launch the new Broadfield Slopes, which has been carefully restored to deliver new pathways and parkland in the town centre.
Thousands of people are expected to attend again, for an evening that includes flaming hot performances from some of the north’s top talent and ‘Drum Machine’ – the 20 strong drumming collective will be bringing their techno infused beats.
Rochdale Ignite Fire Festival. Credit: Walk the Plank / Alan Hamer
There‘ll also be hot food, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks.
Rochdale’s Ice Rink by Santa’s Village will also be open and running until 4 January, although advance booking is advised.
Councillor Sue Smith says: “Ignite Fire Festival and Christmas Light’s Switch On has been a huge hit with audiences across Greater Manchester.
“This year, with the addition of a new illuminated trail around our beautifully restored slopes area, the ice rink and the return of a Christmas Market it really will be the ultimate winter experience.”
Ignite Fire Festival, sponsored by car supermarket The Trade Centre UK, will open from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 November, with dazzling shows between 5pm and 8pm.
One of the installations from last yearDisplays will be open to walk through each eveningRochdale Ignite Fire Festival. Credit: Andy KruczekExpect flaming hot performances from some of the north’s top talent.Credit: Rochdale Borough CouncilBack again for 2025 is ‘Drum Machine’. Credit: Supplied
Then there’ll be the Christmas lights switch-on taking place from 5.30pm on the Sunday, with Father Christmas and his special guests, including the Mayor of Rochdale.
Ignite is organised by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency in partnership with Culture Co-op, funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The festival is also supported by The Casey Group – the contractor responsible for the restoration of the Broadfield Slopes, who will have plant equipment at the event to inspire future careers in the construction industry and highlight opportunities available.
BRSK – the full fibre broadband provider is also supporting, and will have a presence at the festival.
Find out more about Ignite Fire Festival in Rochdale HERE.
An apres-ski yurt village is returning to Greater Manchester for Christmas party season
Daisy Jackson
One of the coolest Christmas party venues in the UK will reopen its doors in Greater Manchester this winter, whisking you away for an apres-ski-inspired party.
All the vibes of a classic apres-ski experience will be brought to a pop-up Yurt Village, each one decorated with log fires, Christmas trees, ski racks, fur throws, and even cable cars.
Spending your Christmas ‘do at the YurtBar pop-up in Sale means you could have an evening packed with steins of beer, live music, and ski shots, surrounded by your loved ones (… or colleagues).
And to celebrate its triumphant return to Manchester, we’ve got a lovely 20% discount for The Manc readers – find out how to claim yours below.
Each yurt in the YurtBar’s pop-up village is a different size, so there’s the right event space for everything from a 350-strong private Christmas party to a table for six for a birthday night out.
An apres-ski yurt village is returning to Greater Manchester for Christmas party season
They’re all named after and inspired by iconic European ski resorts, like Chamonix, Val D’Isere, and Avoriaz.
On arrival at the festive Yurt Village you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink before tucking into an Alpine-themed three-course meal by The Hog and Apple.
That includes a festive arancini ‘snowball’, slow-cooked beef daube with mash, cabbage and a sticky bourguignon sauce, and an Alpine sharing board for dessert with a chocolate log, Aperol spritz cheesecake, and lemon posset pots.
And to get the party started there’s a full cocktail bar, plus live music with a DJ and saxophonist.
You’ll be able to document your festive celebration in a photobooth with an Alpine themed backdrop, as well as a 360 degree videobooth.
Billed by previous customers as ‘the best night of the year’, YurtBar bookings are now open for minimum tables of six.
The Manc readers can get an exclusive 20% off their booking by using the code yurtbar20 – book your party HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
1st October 2025 
