When you think of new build homes, a lot of us might immediately picture a plain, square, neat little house, with magnolia walls, beige carpet and a completely unremarkable patch of grass out the back.
Despite these preconceptions, hordes of Mancs are heading out of the city centre in order to put down roots somewhere where you have your own front door, flights of stairs, and no scary rent increases looming overhead.
For those of us who want all the perks of a new build, but don’t want to compromise on style and character, there’s a new development in town that is bucking the trend.
Northstone’s Silkash neighbourhood has created 150 genuinely beautiful homes, full of design-led details like huge windows, natural textures in walls and floors, and landscaped gardens.
This new generation of new builds is situated in Westhoughton in Bolton, surrounded by green space but with super-easy transport links back into the city centre for those still clinging on to the hustle and bustle of Manchester.
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Inside Northstone’s new build Silkash homes in Westhoughton, Greater Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Northstone has designed the neighbourhood to suit style-conscious home-owners, whether it’s your first step on to the property ladder or you’re just to get some extra space for your family.
Each home comes with high ceilings to complement those massive windows, and buyers can take advantage of the flexible spaces inside. They promise it’s the ‘antithesis of the pokey new build’.
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For anyone worrying about the cost of living too (which is, well, all of us), the houses are some of the most energy-efficient on the market, packed with technology that will help households to reduce their energy usage.
The Silkash neighbourhood was built with community in mind – these are the sort of streets with trees, and wide spaces where kids can play out and neighbours can gather for street parties.
Anita Jolley, sales director at Northstone, said: “Most people come with a pre-loaded opinion about new build homes – some good, a lot bad.
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“Time and again we smash those preconceptions as soon as people step through the door. Whether the wide tree-lined streets when people arrive, or the high ceilings, big windows and flexible layout of the homes, it’s a form of suburban living for those that really appreciate good design.
Inside Northstone’s new build Silkash homes in Westhoughton, Greater Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
“Quite often, people really want their own front door and outdoor space, but they’re reluctant to leave their city centre apartment as they don’t want to compromise style.
“Northstone homes are fantastic for first time buyers and families who want more space and design-led living spaces at locations with excellent transport links.
“A big motivator for buyers is also the energy crisis and the effect on bills. Every inch of our homes has been designed with this in mind, meaning they’re some of the most energy efficient currently on the market in Greater Manchester.”
There are a range of house types available in Northstone’s Silkash neighbourhood, from two-bedroom to four-bedroom homes.
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.
The Disney Store returns to Manchester with magical Selfridges collaboration
Daisy Jackson
The iconic The Disney Store has finally returned to Manchester, thanks to an exclusive new collaboration with Selfridges.
The luxury department store has today unveiled a new collection of limited-edition Disney favourites, pin badges, plush toys, and, of course, the famous headbands.
‘A Most Magical Christmas’ has opened its doors today, bringing back all the magic of The Disney Store to both Manchester city centre and the Trafford Centre.
In the collection, you’ll even find Selfridges x Disney toys, like a Winnie the Pooh range in that iconic Selfridges yellow.
The windows of the stores have been taken over by beloved characters, recreating scenes from classics like Lady & The Tramp and Fantasia.
There’s even a gigantic Mickey Mouse-shaped glitter ball overhead as you enter the Exchange Square store.
There are more than 60 brand collaborations involved in ‘A Most Magical Christmas’, including limited-edition items, specially commissioned fashion pieces, and unique gift ideas.
From today, you can take your shopping home in a limited-edition bespoke Disney iterations of the Selfridges yellow bag.
Branded fashion piecesThe iconic Disney earsDisney x Selfridges piecesGiant Disney ears now welcome youSoft toysWinnie the Pooh range in the iconic Selfridges yellowDisney x SelfridgesExclusive Disney Coach pursesA Disney window display at SelfridgesLimited-edition yellow bags
The two brands have a long history dating back to the 1950s, when Alice and Wonderland and the Mad Hatter featured above the main entrance in London – now there’s a brand-new partnership that’s been two years in the making.
André Maeder, Selfridges Group Chief Executive Officer, says: “We’re full of excitement for this collaboration, bringing Selfridges and Disney together for a Christmas like no other.
“With a shared history of imagination and creativity it’s been a joy to dream up something this unique and special, working with some of the world’s best storytellers.
“We can’t wait to reveal more and share the magic with our customers.”
Tasia Filippatos, Global President Disney Consumer Products, says, “At Disney, we believe in the enduring power of storytelling to inspire joy, wonder, and connection – especially during the holiday season.
“Our collaboration with Selfridges allows us to share the magic of Disney through imaginative window displays, festive experiences, and unique products – all inspired by the stories that have captured hearts for generations.”
There are Disney pieces in the Selfridges Christmas Shop too, like iridescent Mickey Mouse baubles, and tiny Tinker Bells you can hang on your tree.
The Disney x Selfridges ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ collaboration is in store now in both Exchange Square and at the Trafford Centre, and online.