This charming Grade II-listed cottage sits in a bucolic location in Strines, Greater Manchester. Lovingly renovated in recent years, the house has an immaculate modern kitchen that, while contemporary in design, pairs beautifully with its 17th-century core. From the extension, sliding doors opens to a thoughtfully landscaped south-east-facing garden dotted with a variety of mature trees . Despite its far-reaching pastoral views, the house is within easy reach of Manchester City Centre via nearby Strines Station.

Setting the Scene

Built in the mid-17th century, the cottage is a wonderful example of local vernacular architecture. Evidence of its early life can be seen in a moulded stone lintel above the front door which reads: ‘Peers Swindels purchest this land and built this house in the yeare 1694’.

Originally constructed to house the farmhands and their families, the cottages serviced the extensive agricultural landscape of Marple. The exterior is built from coursed rubble, punctuated by chamfered mullion windows and topped with a graduated stone slate roof.

The Grand Tour

The entryway comprises a boot room apt for pulling off muddy outdoor gear and stowing coats. From here is the sitting room; warm and inviting, the space is orientated towards a large fireplace with a wood-burning stove. Original beams are visible across the ceiling, and a row of stone-recessed casement windows form a strong connection with the rolling pastureland outside. Gracefully timeworn, the material palette stands as a reminder of the house’s history. The dining room sits next door and is beautifully lit by dual-aspect windows.

The extension houses a kitchen, utility room and family bathroom. Pains have been taken to protect the historic integrity of the home: the stone wall of the original farmhouse has been left exposed, and a studded door opens to the kitchen with a thumb latch.

Gloriously light, the kitchen is characterised by glazing that captures views of the house’s bucolic setting. There are sliding doors that opens to the house’s pretty garden, as well as a picture window with a deep seat to perch on while sipping a morning coffee. Glossy white cabinetry abuts hand painted tiles from Lapicida in Harrogate, while a matching island in the centre is perfectly placed to bask in the light from a large roof light above.

On the upper floor, the primary bedroom takes on the contours of the gable roofline. A scalloped wallpaper has been applied in the space between the beams on one wall, whilst casement windows frame views across the countryside on another. The smaller double bedroom has a similarly romantic aspect and atmosphere.

Situated in the extension, the contemporary bathroom is lined with terrazzo and stone-coloured kit-kat tiles. A free-standing bath with a shower above sits beneath a conveniently placed cut-out shelf.

The Great Outdoors

A fittingly cheery approach to the house, the front garden has been lovingly tended to by its current owners. Topiary stands alongside rich plantings that include an ancient wisteria, that blooms with scented purple flowers in spring.

Behind the house, accessed via glazed doors in the kitchen, is a spacious south-west-facing garden. Abutting the interior plan is a spacious patio with ample space for seating and entertaining. A terracotta walkway leads to a flight of stone steps down to an expansive lawn bordered by a pine tree, established oak, sycamores and a vast privacy hedge. At the end of the lawn is a small pond dotted with lily-pads.

Out and About

Strines, a tranquil village nestled on the edge of the Peak District, is a green retreat despite its proximity to Manchester and Stockport. With its picturesque landscapes and close-knit community, Strines blends rural charm with easy access to urban amenities. The village is cradled by rolling hills and lush woodlands, providing a perfect backdrop for leisurely walks and outdoor pursuits.

Strines boasts a charming pub, the Strines Nightingale, with its cosy interiors and regular events, it’s a favourite spot for locals. The Fox Inn at Brookbottom is also a local favourite. The nearby village of Marple offers additional amenities, including cafés, shops, and the beautiful Marple Locks, a popular destination for a peaceful stroll along the canal.

For those looking to explore local culture, the Peak Forest Canal runs through Strines, offering stunning waterside views and opportunities for boating. The canal path leads to the Roman Lakes, a hidden oasis perfect for picnics, fishing, or simply unwinding by the water, as well as nearby Lyme Park, a tranquil National Trust property with rolling grounds and a grand Neoclassical mansion. Strines also serves as a gateway to the wider Peak District, with its rugged trails and breathtaking scenery, ideal for hiking and cycling enthusiasts.

A short drive away, the vibrant town of Stockport has a handful of historical attractions, including the Stockport Air Raid Shelters and the majestic Bramall Hall. It’s also home to a thriving arts scene, with the Plaza Theatre hosting a range of performances from cinema screenings to live shows.

Strines is well-connected by rail, with its own station offering direct services to Manchester Piccadilly in under 30 minutes, as well as direct trains to Sheffield. The village is also within easy reach of Sheffield and the wider Peak District by car.