For a property to get a big thumbs-up from Kevin McCloud and Grand Designs, you know it must be special – and you can now stay overnight inside one of his favourites, the Lymm Water Tower.
This iconic 150-year-old landmark just outside Greater Manchester has been carefully converted into an Airbnb favourite.
The tower’s restoration has been an award-winning endeavour and has been in the public eye for more than two decades, The Hoot Leeds reports.
After being purchased back in 1997 by a sealed auction bid to Jannette and Russell Harris, the historic building was transformed into a contemporary home that combines that need to escape reality without compromising on any modern conveniences.
The Lymm Water Tower was a working water system up until the 1970s but has since been transformed with an extensive wrap-around extension that makes up the rooms itself.
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Described as an ode to ‘calm modernity’, there’s truly nothing quite like it in the north, even the UK – and now, you’ve got the opportunity to play Grand Designs without any of the construction, and stay here on a countryside escape of your own.
Inside, you’ll find two different staycation options.
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Set over two floors, the first is a open-plan, double-height suite with a king-size handmade Duxiana bed, a dressing area, with dressing table, extensive wardrobe space with a guest tablet (but no TV), plus and a bathroom floating over the bedroom: so regardless of whether you’re staying for a single evening, or a fortnight, you’ll have plenty of storage and freedom to make the staycation your own home, for however long you need.
The Penthouse Suite meanwhile is a single-storey, open-plan lounge with en-suite and king-sized bedroom. This suite in particular boasts the award-winning views, and is fitted with stunning sound system, mood lighting and a TV and guest tablet.
Both come with first-class service it would seem. Continental breakfast trays are served in your room and welcome refreshments are provided. You’ll also have access to a refreshment area, complete with, tea and coffee making facilities, ice, glasses and a fridge – and the hosts have even received a prestigious ‘superhost’ rating on Airbnb for their hospitality.
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Lymm Water Tower. Credit: Airbnb
So, why exactly has the water tower become such a popular name across the north over the past two decades?
The restoration and renovation project appeared on TV show Seven Year Makeover, and went on to be selected as one of Kevin McCloud’s Best of Grand Designs, despite the fact that it did not appear on the show itself, and went on to win 11 different awards.
Most notably, the former owners, the Harris’s, took home 2006 RIBA Award for the Best Contemporary House before deciding to move on from the project, and was later sold to its current owners, who have decided to share the unique home with the UK by opening it up as a short-term rental.
These days, the site itself is the perfect escape to the country, and with just an hour to drive from Leeds, or slightly further from Sheffield, Lymm has plenty to offer.
You can find more information, including how to book your staycation at Lymm Water Tower on Airbnb here.
All Greater Manchester buses are now under local control following ‘historic move’
Emily Sergeant
History has been made, as all buses in Greater Manchester are now back running under local control this week.
It’s been a long time coming, but in a move that has been described as “heralding in a new era” of public transport and set to “transform” how people get around the region, all bus services in Greater Manchester are under local control and are accountable to the people and businesses within our communities.
This makes Greater Manchester the first area in the UK to do this in 40 years.
History made! 🐝🚌
Hear from some of the people who helped make it happen, as all Greater Manchester’s buses are back under local control.#BeeNetworkpic.twitter.com/PKPGXSGYRV
According to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), our region has taken several significant steps to reverse decades-long decline and deliver improved services, better buses, and more affordable fares in recent years.
This includes making changes to around 75 different routes to provide earlier, later, more frequent, and better-connected services, improving punctuality of services to be consistently 80% of above, introducing hundreds of new, greener and more-accessible buses, and reducing the average ticket costs by around 15%.
TfGM says Greater Manchester “setting the blueprint for others to follow”.
The completion of bus franchising marks the end of the first phase of the Bee Network, while the next step will be to bring eight priority train lines under public control by 2028, as well as deliver the first new stations in more than 20 years and significant upgrades to make more stations accessible.
Despite all of the challenges – legal and meteorological – we did it!
After 40 years of damaging deregulation, Greater Manchester has this morning successfully retaken control of the whole of its bus network. 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/nlrGHZWQ6O
“This is a historic moment for Greater Manchester,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham.
“We are proud to be the first area in England to complete the re-regulation of buses and to have done it on time and on budget.
“From today, every community in Greater Manchester will be served by cheaper, cleaner and greener buses, and run in a way which puts people before profit. We are now ready to help other areas looking to follow suit and improve their bus services after decades of decline.
“Whilst this is a nationally significant moment that we can all celebrate, it’s by no means job done.
“We’ll have an unrelenting focus this year on delivering a truly integrated, London-style transport system across bus, tram and train – the next chapter of the Bee Network’s story.”
Featured Image – TfGM
Travel & Tourism
Manchester Airport temporarily closes runways again this morning due to ‘heavy snow’
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Airport has made the decision to temporarily close its runways again this morning due to ‘heavy snow’.
As much of Greater Manchester and northern England wakes up to yet another substantial covering of snow, even more so in the boroughs and suburbs than the city centre, with widespread travel disruption expected on roads and public transport, the region’s Airport has now issued a statement this morning confirming its temporary halting of services.
For the second day running, Manchester Airport has been hit by what it’s referred to as “heavy snow”, and for that reason, has had to close its runways for the time being.
Runways have been closed while teams work to clear the snow.
A statement shared by Manchester Airport to its official social media platforms at 6:30am this morning reads: “Our runways are temporarily closed due to heavy snow, as our teams work hard to clear them as quickly as possible.
“The safety of our passengers is our top priority, and we appreciate your patience during this time.”
Urging that anyone due to travel to the Airport this morning takes care on their journey, the statement continues: “Please check with your airline for the latest flight information and allow extra travel time today.”
Sophie Smith -
25th February 2024 
