There is renovated, and then there is spending what sounds like the GDP of a small principality on making a 1950s house spectacular. This detached property on Twiss Green Lane, Culcheth, is on the market for offers over £1,250,000, and it certainly makes a persuasive case for countryside views as a lifestyle choice.
The setting is the headline act. From the house and gardens, residents can look across the surrounding countryside towards the Pennine hills, while still being a short walk from Culcheth village, a good school, restaurants and local amenities. That combination of rural outlook and village convenience is exactly the sort of thing estate agents describe as 'ideally placed', and, irritatingly, they are right.
A 1950s original with a thoroughly modern rear
The original house was built in the 1950s in a traditional mid-century style. The current owners, who bought it in January 2022, have carried out a full back-to-brick refurbishment and added a substantial extension.
Importantly, they have retained the distinctive front elevation, including the charming curved upstairs window admired by passersby. At the rear, however, the property has been transformed with a contemporary extension and floor-to-ceiling glazing. In other words, it keeps its architectural personality at the front while embracing modern family living at the back, rather than becoming another anonymous glass box.
Inside, the specification is unapologetically high-end. Features include a European-style kitchen, Italian porcelain tiles throughout the ground floor, high-specification insulation and a state-of-the-art heating system with multi-zone underfloor heating. With more than 3,000 square feet of living space, plus a 230-square-foot garage, there should be room for family life, guests and the inevitable collection of things nobody has used since 2018.
Gardens, views and room to manoeuvre
The property sits on an approximately 0.4-acre plot. Lawned gardens wrap around the front and side of the house before continuing into a generously sized rear garden, with mature planted borders, a patio area and those rather impressive countryside views.
The large driveway provides parking for several vehicles and apparently doubles as a skating and cycling circuit for the children, which is a considerably more wholesome use of space than arguing over supermarket car parks. There is also an integral double garage with an electric door.
The vendors say the location was the main attraction, along with the view and easy access to Culcheth schools, restaurants and amenities. What they expect to miss most is the scenery whenever they open the curtains or walk into the house, as well as the wraparound gardens and generous driveway.
The agent's verdict
Miller Metcalfe Estate Agents describes the property as a striking contemporary family home, renovated to the highest standards with no expense spared. That is estate-agent language for 'bring your bank manager and prepare to be impressed', but the photographs and specification suggest this one has earned at least some of the superlatives.
The property is being marketed by Helen Maddison at Miller Metcalfe Estate Agents, Culcheth. Enquiries can be made on 01925 762083, option 1. The home has also featured in property coverage from Lancashire Life Homes and Gardens and Great British Life.