Gin Clough, Macclesfield, SK10

Mill House is a handsome Georgian era Grade 2 listed Peak stone cottage situated in the sought-after Gin Clough area of Rainow and dating 1790. Attached to Gin Clough Mill, a former wool mill and later sawmill; Mill House is the original residence of Joseph Lowe, the first owner and founder of the mill.

The house was constructed a few years following the mill and was built alongside it to be the long-term residence of John Lowe himself. Generations of skilled wool throwsters followed John's tenancy, until the eventual decline of the silk industry in 1870. During the course of the following decade, neglected and unoccupied, both the mill and house fell into total disrepair, and by 1881 both sadly became ruins.

In 1891 the two ruins were auctioned and purchased by Thomas Rowbotham, a carpenter and blacksmith. Thomas established a small smithy and wheelwright business, moving into Mill House in 1893 whilst forming a joinery and sawmill business in the mill. Thomas passed away in 1933 aged 85, and the business was taken over by family who diversified fabrication to produce two-wheel carts, motor bodies, and coffins.

The two properties stayed in the same ownership until 1953, when the mill and house were separated.

Today, the mill is remarkably still in the same ownership, serving as a main residence and private workshops, whilst Mill House continues to serve as a very quaint and rather quirky family home.

The location is simply lovely, semi-rural and benefitting open views to both the front and rear. Gin Clough is located on the cusp of open Peak National Parkland. Although bordering open countryside, Rainow village and the sought-after primary school and neighbouring Robin Hood pub & eatery, are situated just a minute's drive away.

Built of solid Peak stone elevations under a traditional Peak stone flagged roof, Mill House, along with the neighbouring mill, were constructed on the banks of a stream that provided power for the mill's waterwheel -  both are of a split-level design, with the front elevations of both buildings being two-storey, whilst the rear elevations step down a level to provide a lower ground floor. This is a lovely and rather quirky feature of the house.

The current owners purchased the house in 2022, after falling in love with not only the fabulous location but also the fact there was so much potential to improve and add further living space; ultimately increasing the value whilst at the same time reaping the benefits of investing the time and money in doing so. The elderly occupiers at the time had maintained the property well over their decades of ownership, however, the interior presentation was a little sad and neglected.

With lots of exciting ideas and big plans, the current owners agreed to purchase the property. It was an exciting and idyllic countryside lifestyle decision, a total change from their former city centre backgrounds.

After completing the purchase, the first job on the list was to upgrade the dated main shower room and add a bath. The master bedroom featured an en-suite shower room, and so a second shower room with no bathing facility became the highest priority! The next focus was to consider creating an income from redeveloping the two-storey modern-built detached garage block. The plan was to convert the current garage and lower workshops into a short-stay Airbnb. Due to the fabulous Peak District location, this could potentially be a lucrative investment and one that would not directly impact their main residence. The redevelopment of this building could also act potentially as an independent dependence for a family member perhaps?

A short time into ownership, and most unexpectedly, all the plans and dreams were abruptly turned upside down following the seemingly rapid deterioration of a medical condition. After much consideration, the practicality of remaining in this property long-term, along with the ability to complete the works planned, has necessitated a total rethink of the future, and most regrettably, the only option open to them is to move to something more manageable.

So, sadly for the current owners, an unexpected opportunity arises for someone else to follow their dreams.

The property was the subject of a full homebuyers survey just over two years ago and, is completely habitable as is. However, there is no doubt that the interior would benefit from redecoration and remodelling in certain areas, and this would transform the entire property almost in an instant. The kitchen has been refitted with a contemporary range of cabinets, and the main bathroom benefits from a new corner bath and modern suite. The majority of walls and ceilings are artexed plastered, an in-vogue feature of the 1970's and 80's, but not particularly sympathetic to Georgian architecture, perhaps - some may wish to just repaint, whilst others may prefer to plaster over-skim the artex finish before redecorating. This is of course a personal and very much cosmetic preference only, and not in any way an immediate necessity. 

The accommodation is accessed from the pretty façade into a small entrance hallway, here, two independent reception rooms are positioned on either side. To the left of the entrance, a spacious and cosy living room, complete with an exposed brick inglenook fireplace and cast iron woodburner, original timber ceiling beams, and windows providing good natural light and open countryside views, offers fabulous potential. The second reception room is currently utilised as a dining kitchen, with a recently fitted kitchen providing lots of storage, as well as featuring integrated appliances. This room could continue to serve as it does, however, there is also an option to relocate the kitchen to the lower-ground floor and create a second reception room, or otherwise open to one incredible living space.

The lower ground floor is presently divided into two rooms via a timber-framed and plasterboard-covered partition wall. To one side, the space is utilised as a guest bedroom or home office, whilst to the other, there is a laundry and utility area. There is great potential to open this whole floor to create a lovely farmhouse-style kitchen; and by adding bi-folding doors to the rear elevation, would open to the huge elevated terrace which is situated directly to the rear of this area, The terrace also benefits views over the direct south-westerly facing garden and open countryside landscape.

To the second floor, a landing leads to two double bedrooms, the slightly smaller of the two bedrooms featuring the convenience of an en-suite shower room. The bathroom is fitted with a modern bathroom suite, with a corner bath & monsoon rainfall shower installed.

The accommodation is warmed by an oil-fired central heating system [oil storage tank located to the property's rear], which also serves the hot water supply.

To the outside; the main gardens are located to the rear of the property. The open countryside backdrop slopes downwards in tiers, to a lower-lying lawned garden with a lovely feature flowing stream and newly built twin feature bridges. A fabulous elevated stone terrace runs the entirety of the rear elevation and provides the perfect tranquil environment for relaxing, or entertaining family and friends. A smaller and very secluded side terrace with elevated views, offers the perfect retreat for quiet read or perhaps afternoon tea! The terrace is also the siting for a lovely greenhouse, ideal shelter for potting plants or growing vegetables and tomatoes.

A natural stone block driveway to one side of the front provides parking for two or three vehicles and leads to a modern-built, Peak stone double-width detached garage. The two-storey garage features twin workshop/storage areas below, which are accessed from the rear garden via a path to one side.

The pretty front cottage-style garden is attractively stone-flagged and bordered by a dwarf Peak stone wall, with mature hedges, plants, shrubs and trees.

This is, without doubt, an exciting opportunity to secure an amazing historic property, situated in an enviable and highly sought-after Peak National Park location, and available with a highly competitive asking price. With such great potential to create a simply amazing home, this is the ideal proposition for anyone searching for a unique period home, situated in a spectacular location, and yet offered with a budget asking price to allow investment.

Viewing appointments are made welcome by appointment with the sole selling estate agent, Simeon Rains in association with The Good Estate Agent Macclesfield. Our Macclesfield office is located directly opposite the railway station at 52 Waters Green, Macclesfield SK11 6JT.

Ground Floor -

Reception Hallway: Hardwood front door with fan-shaped array of glazed panels; exposed peak stone features.

Living Room: A triple aspect reception room, featuring an original chimney breast with feature exposed brick inglenook fireplace, solid wood mantel & incorporating a cast iron woodburner; exposed timber ceiling beams& peak stone features; central heating radiator, 4 x wall light points, 4 x hardwood double glazed windows to the front, side & rear aspects, affording garden & open countryside views.

Dining Kitchen: Fitted with a comprehensive range of kitchen base & wall cabinets, comprising of cupboards & drawers; fitted granite work surfaces with matching wall riser splashbacks; integrated appliances - electric oven, 4-ring ceramic electric hob, brushed stainless steel extractor fan canopy over the hob, dishwasher & fridge - single drainer stainless steel sink unit with mixer tap; under wall cabinet lighting; exposed timber beams to the ceiling; wood plank-effect flooring; space for a dining table and chairs; window seat; 2 x wall light points; central heating radiator; exposed ceiling beams; staircases to the first & lower ground floors; hardwood double glazed windows to the front & rear aspects.

Lower Ground Floor -

Lobby area: Opening to a laundry area with space & plumbing for a washing machine & tumble dryer; central heating radiator; rear door opening to the extended & elevated terrace; 

Utility Area: Floor-mounted oil central heating boiler; space for a fridge/freezer; fitted storage cupboards.

Bedroom 3/Home Office: Presently utilised as a third bedroom but potential to remove a stud partition wall to extend the space by combining the utility & lobby areas; central heating radiator; hardwood double glazed window to the rear aspect.

First Floor -

Landing: Exposed ceiling timber ceiling beams; exposed stonework; 2 x wall light points; airing cupboard housing the hot water cylinder.

Bedroom 1: A spacious master bedroom featuring exposed Peak stone window lintels; 2 x wall light points; central heating radiator; deep overstairs storage cupboard; hardwood double glazed window to the front aspect with open countryside views; stripped door.

Bedroom 2: A second double bedroom with exposed Peak stone lintels; central heating radiator; loft hatch; built-in wardrobe; door to en-suite shower room; hardwood double glazed window to the front aspect; stripped door.

En-Suite Shower Room: Walk-in shower cubicle with chrome shower & glazed shower screen & door; wash basin with chrome taps & tiled wall splashback; WC; heated towel rail; extractor fan.

Bathroom: Fitted with a modern white suite, comprising of a newly installed corner bath with chrome mixer tap; chrome monsoon rainfall shower & separate hand-held attachment over the bath; bi-fold shower screen; vanity storage cupboard with inset wash basin & chrome & chrome mixer tap; WC; marble-effect bathroom wall panels; 2 x central heating radiators; recessed shelved storage cupboard; hardwood double glazed window to the rear aspect; stripped door.

Outside - 

Rear Garden: Accessed via the lower ground floor & also by a gate with steps from the driveway area to the front, the rear garden is of south-westerly orientation, ideal for afternoon & evening sun worshipers. The garden area gently slopes downwards in stunning tiered rockeries. Each tier is stocked with an abundance of plants, bushes & shrubs, creating a wonderful seasonal splash of colours. To the lowest level, a lawned garden features the tranquillity of a running stream with two lovely wood-crafted walkway bridges crossing either end. The garden has a lovely open backdrop over rising fields & woodland. Mature trees & flower beds provide a leafy mature environment to tender. To the highest level & to the immediate rear of the house, a vast flagged terrace overlooks the stunning gardens & open backdrop. This is a perfect environment for simply relaxing, or perhaps entertaining family & friends.

Front: To the front of the property there is a pretty & secluded cottage-style garden, which offers total privacy and enjoys a south-easterly aspect - perfect for early morning to lunchtime sunshine & ideal for breakfasts & later brunches during those lovely summer days. The garden area is mainly flagged and features raised flower beds & the opportunity to add herb & vegetable patches.

Side: A secluded flagged terrace lies to the immediate side of the property. Here, a modern greenhouse is positioned.

Driveway & Detached Double Garage & Workshop: A stone-block driveway provides parking facilities for up to three vehicles. The driveway fronts a detached double garage with Peak stone elevations & a pitched stone flagged roof, with wooden double opening garage doors; two outside lights, power & light; 2 x PVCu double glazed windows & double glazed Velux skylight window. The garage provides a second lower storey, which is divided into two workshops or storage facilities. This detached building is of modern construction and may provide the potential (subject to planning approval & all other necessary consents) to convert into a separate holiday dwelling, or possibly a detached home office, studio, or gym.

Tenure: Freehold.  EPC: F  17-06-32.  Council Tax Band: E.

*Buyers Note: These particulars do not constitute or form part of an offer or contract nor may they be regarded as representations. All dimensions are approximate for guidance only, their accuracy cannot be confirmed. Reference to appliances and/or services does not imply that they are necessarily in working order or fit for purpose or included in the Sale. Buyers are advised to obtain verification from their solicitors as to the tenure of the property, as well as fixtures and fittings and where the property has been extended/converted as to planning approval and building regulations. All interested parties must themselves verify their accuracy.

Council Tax Band

The council tax band for this property is E.