That being said, instead of tucking you into a lovely motor vehicle, this time we’re letting you nestle down in a converted and cosy shipping container just outside of Greater Manchester.
Titled Hous Viridis, which is simply Latin for ‘green house‘, this unique staycation is covered from floor to ceiling with sage green paint.
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The living area and bathroom at ‘Hous Viridis’, where you can stay in a converted shipping container (Credit: Hous Viridis)
The green doesn’t stop there either, as there’s an array of potted plants and shrubbery throughout this 960 square foot property.
There are four distinct sections inside this quirky staycation property, including a kitchen, living and dining area, three bedrooms and a bathroom.
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Whether you’re after a romantic getaway, a trip with friends or even a mini family gathering, you can have it all at Hous Viridis as it sleeps up to eight people.
This shipping container turned glamping pod has plenty of amenities to stop you from getting cabin fever, including a 50-inch TV, American-style fridge freezer, Nespresso coffee machine and, of course, the secret to turning almost anyone into a good cook: an air fryer.
The outdoor space at Hous Viridis, which is a converted shipping container less than an hour from Manchester (Credit: Hous Viridis)
It also has its own vintage cocktail cabinet with a selection of glasses and a handful of recipes; the only thing you need to bring is the alcohol.
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If inside this shipping container ever gets a little bit too stuffy, there’s an outdoor area which boasts everything from a hot tub to a fire pit and a hot stone pizza oven.
‘The Hous’ even has a herd of adorable pygmy goats which they keep as pets, and if given enough notice, you can get access to the paddock if provided permission from your hosts.
You might also unintentionally bump into an animal or two, as this staycation spot is a wildlife haven home to rabbits, hares, birds of prey and more.
You may be wondering after hearing all this good news if there’s a catch, and the Hous Viridis website gives you one warning: the weather…
“Being in Yorkshire, we can experience all four seasons in one day, so pack for all weather eventualities”. To be honest, since we’re from Greater Manchester, if this is the only downside, you can count us in.
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Whether you’re after winding down in the Yorkshire or want to experience sleeping over in a converted shipping container, you’re sure to have a memorable stay.
You can find out more information about Hous Viridis and enquire about bookings right HERE.
New proposals to transform one of Manchester’s busiest roads revealed
Emily Sergeant
New proposals which could transform one of Manchester’s busiest roads have been unveiled.
Oldham Road is one the key routes into the city centre, and sees upwards of 26,000 journeys a day via a combination of car, bike, and public transport, according to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), but these new plans are set to improve journey times, safer crossings, protected cycleways, better connections, and boost sustainability.
“We know that things can be better,” TfGM said in a statement unveiling the proposals this week, adding that change is needed.
In the last five years alone, there have been 36 collisions on Oldham Road between Great Ancoats Street and Queens Road, with seven serious injuries caused as a result, which is why Council believes, with a number of targeted improvements, the road can be made better for everyone.
New proposals to transform one of Manchester’s busiest roads have been revealed / Credit: TfGM
When asked during the last consultation, hundreds of locals said what they wanted buses to come more often and be more reliable, safer places to cross the road, wider pavements for walking, and better-protected cycle lanes.
As part of the unveiled plans – which are currently out for consultation too – TfGM and the Council is proposing adding more bus lanes so buses don’t get stuck in traffic, as well making bus stops nicer with better places to wait, and building more cycle lanes that are separate from cars.
Proposals also include changing traffic lights to help people cross the road, and fixing busy junctions so they’re easier and safer to cross.
Proposals are aiming to make the road safer, better-connected, and more sustainable / Credit: TfGM
“Improving everyday journeys is a priority, and the proposals for Oldham Road are central to this,” commented Alison Chew, who is TfGM’s Interim Director of Bus.
“Through the Bee Network, we’re creating a joined-up, safer and more affordable transport system for Greater Manchester, reducing congestion for everyone and connecting people with places and opportunities.
“These plans aim to make bus stops safer and easier to use, improve the speed and reliability of bus services, and provide better walking and cycling routes with upgraded crossings and footpaths.
“As Manchester city centre continues to grow, improving the way people can move easily around the city is a major driver for change. We know that things can be better.”
You can have your say on the proposals on the Council website here.
Featured Image – TfGM
Travel & Tourism
Gary Neville’s five-star hotel is expanding, with 95 new suites
Daisy Jackson
Gary Neville‘s luxury Stock Exchange Hotel is expanding in a big way, announcing today the Stock Exchange Suites.
The expansion will see 95 new suites added to the five-star hotel, taking over the building just opposite the existing hotel.
As well as the new suites, the Stock Exchange Suites will add a new food and drink offering to the city centre, plus a boutique gym and spa.
Expected to open in early 2027, it will dramatically boost the capacity of the hotel, which currently has just 40 individually designed rooms and suites.
The Stock Exchange Hotel has become the go-to accommodation for the rich and famous visiting Manchester, with Hugh Grant, Madonna, Noel Gallagher, Ed Sheeran, and Rosalia all choosing to stay here for their respective events in recent years.
The 95 room addition aims to be a ‘seamless extension of the hotel’s outstanding guest experience’ and will triple its current capacity.
Gary Neville’s five-star hotel is expanding, into Stock Exchange Suites
Stock Exchange Suites – just like the main hotel – will be designed by interior design studio Autoban, with modern luxury touches from materials to furniture.
The luxury suites will span from the first to the fourth floor of the building, with a mix of the brand’s Arthur Hope Suites, Bradshaw Suites and Norfolk Suites.
There’ll also be flexible cluster rooms to accommodate larger groups, with the option to configure different bedroom arrangements and private lounges.
Every room will include super king-sized beds and stunning en suite bathrooms.
On the ground level, there’ll be an expanded Traders Lounge, a 1000 sq ft relaxed lobby space, cafe and bar, to grab everything from morning coffee to evening cocktails.
Plans also include a boutique gym and spa, with steam and sauna rooms plus treatment rooms.
There’ll be 48 car parking spaces and new meeting rooms included in the expansion.
Winston Zahra, Co-Owner of the Stock Exchange and founder of Troo Hospitality said: “We’re delighted to share more details of what’s to come at Stock Exchange Suites at such an exciting time for the city.
“An exceptional start to the year has only strengthened our belief in the opportunity to grow. Stock Exchange Suites is a natural next step — allowing us to enhance our offer and to meet demand for hosting groups and guests from across the globe.
“This expansion reflects both our confidence in the market and our continued commitment to investing in Manchester’s world-class hospitality offering.”
Thomas Melia -
5th September 2025 
